• To provide educational materials and copies of journal articles to medical professionals attending the conferences through our exhibit booth presence.  It is a challenge for medical professionals to stay up-to-date on new medical information because of the breadth of knowledge for which they are responsible.  We make it easier by providing background information, up to date articles on effective treatments, and handouts for them to use for patient education in their clinic setting.

• To attend presentations and view the newest posters on research in fibromyalgia, chronic pain and neurological conditions.  This opportunity to view the newest ideas, and discuss results with the researcher is critical to our mission of seeking treatments and a cure for fibromyalgia.  Researchers in many different disciplines are considering fibromyalgia as they perform basic “bench science” in university settings, or complete trials of new treatments with fibromyalgia patients.  We look for options and results as we travel.

• To network with researchers, medical professionals and other activists.  NFRA takes the opportunity provided at medical conferences to learn more about specific research.  Sometimes we are able to bring researchers with different focuses together, at the conferences or later, to share theories and discuss collaborations.  Through our conversations with medical professionals who stop by our booth we learn of new ideas or research that should be considered.  We work to maintain relationships with other fibromyalgia activists, and activists in related organizations, to form alliances aimed at forwarding the missions of the organizations and patients we serve.

NFRA’s 2008 travel schedule is listed below.  If you are a planning to attend on of the conferences, please stop by our booth.

World Congress on Neck Pain
January 19-22, 2008 - Los Angeles, CA

Western Pain Society/Pain Society of Oregon
April 24-26, 2008 - Portland, OR

Pain Week 2008 - American Society of Pain Educators
September 6-9, 2008 – Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa, Las Vegas, NV
(NFRA is a co-sponsor for this conference)

Fibromyalgia and Sleep Disorders Scientific Conference
October 2-4, 2008 – Portland Downtown Waterfront Marriott, Portland, OR