Eighth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome September 13-16, 2006

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome held the Eighth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome, at the Canyons Resort September 13-16, 2006 in historic Park City, Utah.

In our 10th year of producing the world's most in depth conferences on shaken baby syndrome, we hosted our Sixth North American Conference in Park City, Utah at the beautiful Canyons Resort. Once again, the most respected professionals from North America and Europe joined us to present on new research, case philosophy, prevention programs and diagnosis. Family members from the United States and Canada joined us to share their stories and to network with each other and the professionals that have dealt with SBS cases. One of the more remarkable presentations was the introduction of our Father's panel. Darryl Gibbs, Christopher Castens and Stephen Rath shared their heartfelt stories and perspectives on dealing with shaken baby syndrome as a father.

Our program opened on Wednesday, September 13, 2006, with an all day adjunct symposium on Challenges of Medical Testimony in the United Kingdom and the United States. This all day event was split into two sessions dealing with both the most recent court events in the United Kingdom, and how these events have changed how experts deal with cases in the United States.

Dr. Desmond Runyan opened the general conference with A World View of Cultural Practices Related to Shaken Baby Syndrome. Dr. Runyan's research has found remarkable trends in shaken baby syndrome throughout the developing world. He reviewed the data from surveys of parents in more than 15 countries and discussed the implications of these data for the well-being of children.

Our welcome reception with Red Rock Country, a local talent, set outside in the heart of our majestic Wasatch Mountains, provided the perfect atmosphere for our attendees to visit with their colleagues and meet new contacts.

We had over 75 breakout sessions during the 3-day event and evaluations came back with great results.