Course Description:

             Our courses are meant to provide attendees with a very thorough understanding and mastering of all phases of lymphedema management.  For a more detailed description of the courses consult the brochures by right-clicking on the blue brochure links, this will give you a good idea of the topics covered, even if a specific course's dates haven't been set.

Differences between the Leduc and the Vodder methods
Addressed in Professor Leduc's following letter:

Professor Albert Leduc

I heard about Emil Vodder for the first time in 1969.

Emil Vodder had presented his technique of manual lymph drainage during a Physiotherapy Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. Then, a manual lymph drainage course was organized in Brussels, Belgium, by Emil and Astrid Vodder. I felt curious about the subject and I attended this course. At that time, I was a Doctor in Physical Education (Docteur Agrege en Education Physique = Ph D) from Brussels University (Universite Libre de Bruxelles) as well as "licencie" in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation from the same University. I was a researcher for the National Foundation for Medical Science Research. (FNRS). I was doing the analysis on bone resistance for the Budd(Paris, France) Society and some research on the metabolism of bone for Pharmitalia (Milan, Italy). After working for the FNRS, I was appointed assistant professor at the University. My function as Assistant Professor included teaching the students in Physical Therapy as well as research.

The creation of the Dutch branch of the Brussels University (University Libre de Bruxelles) offered me the opportunity of being nominated full professor and Director of the Research Laboratories attached to my function. In 1970, Dr. Sabine Godart transferred her private laboratory of research in Lymphology to the University laboratory that I directed. Our initial studies in lymphology were published in 1973 and 1974. Numerous theses were completed in our laboratory.. Several contracts were signed with private industry to test their products and evaluate their effects on the lymphatic system.

Concerning Emil Vodder, the course that he had offered in Brussels was very empirical. Emil Vodder himself had not published any scientific articles; he had not performed any fundamental or clinical research. He did not have a university degree.

Experiments on the manual technique of lymph drainage were carried out in veterinary and human clinics. In 1970, Emil Vodder participated in these experiments. His educational background did not allow him to master the scientific investigation, however he kept in close contact with the group of researchers.

The technique developed in Brussels progressed significantly based on the results of the scientific inquiry: the emergence of the technique of resorption, the use of anastomotic pathways, the introduction of compression devices, and multi-layered bandaging.

In 1978, when we considered that our technique was "au point", the members of my team and 1, began to teach.

In 1984, 1 became a teacher at the University of Brussels, French language. (Universite Libre de Bruxelles- Langue frangaise.) There we decided to do some research, in vivo, in lymphology on the healthy and pathological human population. Combining the activities of both University's research laboratories, we created multiple pools of study in order to investigate all the techniques used in physical medicine.

The efficiency of Emil Vodder's technique had reviewed and some aspects modified; new techniques were implemented. Then, we used lymphoscintigraphy, with the assistance of P. Bourgeois, MD*, to observe the variations of the flow of marked proteins in the lymphatic system, while using different techniques of manual lymph drainage, different types of bandaging and various intermittent compression devices.

The compression devices as well as the bandaging technique were thoroughly tested by a team including Medical Doctors, Physical Therapists and a specialized engineer. The appropriate equipment necessary to gauge the various specific parameters were created in our laboratories.

Our method is continually evolving and we have created a teaching network covering a large part of Europe, United States and South America. Our students are Medical Doctors, Physical Therapists and, in the United States, Occupational Therapists. The method, taught only to professionals, can be rapidly mastered. We insist on the necessity of understanding the fundamentals in order to practice the technique.

Our philosophy is that, for the benefit of the patient, a method must be submitted to continual experimentation and performed by a team of well trained specialists. Teaching must be performed by experienced staff and directed to professionals.

Professor Albert Leduc,

Translated by: Anne-Marie Vaillant-Newman.

*Nuclear Medicine Service, CHJ Bracops Brussels Belgium.

Since August 1999, three levels of education are offered.

The first level, basic course, is a five and half day-course offered by Anne-Marie Vaillant-Newman, M.A., P.T.. This totally research-based course provides the attendees with an education in physical treatment of lymphedema; 2/3 of the time is devoted to labs. At the end of this course, the attendees are certified in Lymphedema Management Leduc Method Level I, upon successful completion of post-test course. Participants are encouraged to practice as much as possible in order to acquire good skills. Anne-Marie Vaillant-Newman is always available for assistance with problem solving.

Professor Albert Leduc and Olivier Leduc offer the second level, confirmation course. During this course, the attendees review the manual lymph drainage as well as the bandaging techniques. Professor and Olivier Leduc report the most recent research and present their invaluable documents on the anatomy of the lymphatic system. They report also the new techniques implemented. . This is an opportunity to ask questions and work on problem solving. At the end of this course, the attendees are certified in Lymphedema Management Leduc Method Level II, upon successful completion of the post-test.

Mainly Olivier Leduc offers the third level, advanced course. More advanced material is presented in oncology, specific pathologies developed and requesting physical treatment, venous insufficiency management. At the end of this course, the participants are awarded a certification in Lymphedema Management Level III.

NOTE: 
Starting in 2001, the Confirmation and Advanced courses will be consolidated into 1 four day course.  The content of this advanced course will be equivalent to the sum of the contents of both the current confirmation and advanced course.

  Upcoming Courses: 

• Course #112: LaJolla, CA, January 25-30, 2001
  (Registration Closed)
• Course #113: LaJolla, CA, March 8-11, 2001 Advanced Course
  (Registration Closed)
• Course #114: Princeton, NJ, May 3-8, 2001
  (Registration Closed)
• Course #115: San Diego, CA, Oct 4-9, 2001
  (Registration Closed)
• Course #116 New Orleans, LA, Oct 25-30, 2001
  (Registration Closed)
• Course #117 San Diego, CA, January 24-29, 2002
  Click here to view brochure
• Course #118 Bristol, CT, February 14-19, 2002
  Click here to view brochure
• Course #119 Princeton, NJ, June 27 - July 2nd, 2002
  Click here to view brochure
• Course #120 Bethesda, MD, June 20-23rd, 2002
  Click here to view brochure
  
  
  

COMMENTS FROM PARTICIPANTS: 

“ Excellent.  Extremely informative + comprehensive.  I appreciated the amount of time spent on lab. With time allowed for repetition and generous feedback from instructor.  Thank you for a wonderful learning experience.”  Boston ,MA -  June 2000.

 “Your dedication to your technique is impressive.” Boston, MA – June 2000.

 “…The research is a great part of this understanding and learning process.”  Boston, MA – June 2000.

 “Anne-Marie is a credit to the Leduc Method.  She is a dynamic, motivated and excellent teacher.  This course is very well organized and fulfills all the requirements to promote/develop clinical expertise ..in lymphedema management.” Princeton, NJ – June 2000.

“You are highly approachable,  incredibly  knowledgeable and intelligent.  Compassionate…Everything a teacher and clinician should be.  Thank you.  Thank you.” Princeton, NJ – June 2000.

 “I enjoyed the course very much.  It’s nice to know that we can fax you for advice/information.  Your open line of communication is appreciated.”  Princeton, NJ – June 2000.

 “I enjoyed the course very much.  Very  informative.  I feel fairly competent in initiating a lymphedema program/ Women’s health program with my company.”  Princeton, NJ- June 2000.

“All the research you have given us has created a beginning of a resource library on lymphedema for our facility.”  Princeton, NJ – June 2000.

 “Excellent instructor.(10+)Excellent teaching skills.  Would highly recommend this course.” Princeton, NJ – June 2000.

 “Anne-Marie I appreciate your dynamic teaching style and wonderful knowledge of the subject.” Little Rock, AR – November 2000.

 “Overall excellent!  Anne-Marie is well informed, delightful + motivating.  I enjoyed the course very, very much.” Little Rock, AR – November 2000.

 “ I really enjoyed the course.  You have a wonderful sense of humor and explain things in a clear way…I am anxious to get back to the hospital and get to work.”  Little Rock, AR. -  November 2000.

 “Absolutely the most interesting & best presented course I have been to in the 10 years since graduation.  I feel I had time to absorb majority of concepts presented .  I am eager to apply new knowledge in clinic this week.  I appreciate how you integrate course concepts into whole scope of therapy and patients life.  Too often , courses I have been to are too one-tracked & “ unforgiving” to the “real world” of clinical setting.  Also, I appreciate how you create optimal learning environment in not being intimidating in any way.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the course.  Thank you for everything.”  Julie G., PT Little Rock, AR – November 2000.

 “The course was very enlightening and educational.  I felt that I learned enough to go out and practice adequately.”  Little Rock, AR – November 2000.

“The course was very organized.  I appreciated the thoroughness of the presentation.  Anne-Marie clearly explained theory to practical questions. ”Bekki. R., PT  La Jolla, CA – January 2001. 

“Overall , very good course.  I feel well prepared to begin practicing lymphedema treatment.  I went from knowing nothing to entry-level skilled in 51/2 days.” Kristen F., PT La Jolla, CA – January 2001. 

“ Excellent!  Thank you for being so personable! Very vibrant speaker who is confident & knowledgeable about subject matter.  Great ability to get point across gently if people do not understand.”  Kristy W. PT La Jolla, CA – January 2001. 

“Great course!  The best I have been to so far in my career.”  L a Jolla, CA – January 2001. 

“Exceptional context & presentation.” La Jolla, CA – January 2001. 

“Enjoyed it, learned a lot.  Was energized by Anne-Marie’s enthousiasm and knowledge and will endeavour to “ do her proud”  I especially liked the daily tests rather than one at the end.”   La Jolla, CA – January 2001. 

“Overall very good course!  Very good information presented in clear, easily understood manner; your “expressions, stories and sense of humor “ added a lot to the course.” (10).  La Jolla, CA – January 2001 

“…I have never been to such a professionally run and researched course in 23 years of OT.”  Princeton,NJ - May 2001. 

“ I am EXTREMELY grateful to have had the opportunity to have learned so much through you, Anne-Marie.  I am excited and inspired to help this population.”

Princeton, NJ – May 2001.                       

“Excellent, actually the best cont.ed. course I have ever taken.  Maybe the best thing is that it is research based.”  Princeton, NJ – May 2001.

“Very good.  Anne-Marie was very energetic with her teaching.  Also she was very patient-oriented and always put the patient 1^st in all contexts.”  Princeton, NJ – May 2001. 

“ I am amazed at your energy, enthusiasm & ability to keep us so well informed, attentive & encouraged for 6 days!  You are an outstanding instructor & an inspiration as a clinician and as a professional.” Princeton, NJ – May 2001. 

“I really appreciate all your efforts to check that we understood the principles, sequence of drainage  & protocols.  And most of all spending a lot of time on lab & having enough assistants & yourself checking personally on drainage techniques and bandaging.  That is what makes you a great teacher.  I wish you more success.  Thank you very much.”  Princeton, NJ – May 2001. 

“Excellent.  I enjoyed the whole experience, Anne-Marie is an excellent teacher with attention to detail and ability to instill this in the participants.  She made this learning experience fun, yet without lack of emphasis on the seriousness of the condition and its treatment.”  Princeton, NJ – May 2001. 

“Your teaching style is delightful.  You have clarified many aspects of treatment which have come up in the past 10 months since I started with this patient population.”  Princeton, NJ – May 2001.

For further information, refer to the contact and comments page for phone numbers or to leave your comments.

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