International Symposium on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma

After nearly twenty years, the NCSBS had the privilege to lead a training opportunity in Australia. The International Symposium on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma was hosted jointly by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN) and was sponsored by Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Unit, a department of the NSW Ministry of Health. 

Nearly 350 professionals came together from a multitude of disciplines including: pathology, pediatrics, nursing, social work, law enforcement, rehabilitation and many more. Experts from numerous countries around the world shared their latest research and experiences.

The Symposium began with a poignant welcome from Dr. Kim Oates, a leader in the medical field in Australia. The first session of the day brought presenters from three countries together as they discussed their publish research on the financial burden an SBS/AHT case can have on society and how these figures can be used to advocate for prevention.  One of the most talked about sessions was Dr. Carole Jenny’s (Seattle, Washington) discussing how biomechanics can affect the field’s view on SBS/AHT.  Dr. Arabinda Choudhary (Little Rock, Arkansas) share his groundbreaking work in utilizing an array of imaging techniques to diagnosis Abusive Head Trauma cases. To end this successful event, Mr. Andrew Waterman, Detective Chief Inspector (Sydney, Australia), discussed his investigative experiences with suspected cases of Abusive Head Trauma. 

The Symposium was a huge success and the NCSBS and SCHN hope to have the opportunity to bring the event back to the region much sooner again!