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Meet the Speakers of the Lipedema Summit
The Lipedema Summit brings together a remarkable group of clinicians, surgeons, researchers, therapists, nutrition specialists, and patient advocates dedicated to advancing awareness, research, and care for Lipedema.
These speakers represent some of the most experienced voices working across Lipedema diagnosis, treatment, surgery, lymphatic health, nutrition, and patient support.
Together, they offer a comprehensive perspective on the condition.
Leading Physicians and Researchers
Several internationally recognized physicians and researchers are contributing their expertise to the summit, helping attendees better understand the medical and scientific foundations of Lipedema.
Dr. Karen Herbst, MD, PhD
A board-certified endocrinologist and one of the leading researchers studying Lipedema and adipose disorders. Dr. Herbst has played a major role in advancing awareness and clinical standards of care.
Dr. Sara Al-Ghadban, PhD
A senior research scientist at the University of Virginia studying inflammation, stem cells, and the biological mechanisms behind Lipedema.
Dr. Emily Iker, MD
A physician specializing in Lipedema diagnosis and conservative treatment through the Lymphedema Center.
These experts provide insight into the science, diagnosis, and evolving understanding of the condition.
Pioneering Lipedema Surgeons
The summit also features several surgeons who have helped advance modern surgical treatment approaches for Lipedema.
Dr. David Amron, MD
Founder of The Roxbury Institute and a board-certified dermatologic surgeon specializing in advanced Lipedema surgery and revision procedures.
Dr. Aria Vazirnia, MD, FAAD
Harvard fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon specializing in lymph-sparing Lipedema surgical techniques.
Dr. David Smart, MD, FAAD
Dermatologic surgeon at The Roxbury Institute focusing on lymphatic-preserving surgical approaches.
Dr. Max Sirota, MD
Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in Lipedema surgical care.
Dr. Jose Carlos Martinez, MD
Plastic surgeon specializing in Lipedema treatment and reconstructive body contouring.
Dr. Fabio Kamamoto, MD, PhD
Plastic surgeon and researcher from the University of São Paulo known for his work in advanced Lipedema surgery and wound healing.
Dr. Thomas Su, MD
Cosmetic surgeon known for his work with awake liposuction and advanced body contouring techniques.
Together, these physicians provide insight into the surgical landscape, patient candidacy, and evolving treatment approaches.
Specialists in Lymphatic Health and Recovery
Managing Lipedema often involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes lymphatic therapy, rehabilitation, and post-operative care.
Several speakers specialize in these areas.
Kelly Schroeder, DPT, MBA
Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Lymphatic Therapist focusing on pelvic health and Lipedema care.
Linda Anne Kahn, CLT-LANA
Lymphatic therapist and clinical aromatherapist specializing in Lipedema, lymphedema, and Dercum’s disease support.
Tina Tsan, DAOM, CLT
Lymphatic therapist and acupuncturist specializing in manual lymphatic drainage and surgical recovery support.
Angelica Vanessa
Post-operative recovery specialist helping patients navigate healing after Lipedema surgery.
These practitioners help patients understand the important role of lymphatic support in long-term care.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Experts
Nutrition and lifestyle strategies can play an important role in supporting metabolic health, inflammation management, and overall wellness.
Several experts at the summit specialize in Lipedema-focused nutrition and functional health.
Bonnie Newlin, RD, CLT
Registered dietitian specializing in Lipedema nutrition and metabolic health.
Virginia Ziulu, NTP
Women’s health nutrition specialist focusing on inflammation and functional nutrition.
Aimee Buchanan
Clinical nutritionist dedicated to helping women with Lipedema implement practical, sustainable lifestyle strategies.
Lindsay Huelse, RN
Health coach focusing on metabolism, inflammation, and fat loss strategies for women living with Lipedema.
Regenerative and Integrative Medicine
The summit also explores emerging approaches in regenerative and integrative health.
Jason Sonners, DC, PhD
A hyperbaric medicine specialist researching oxygen-based therapies and regenerative healing.
Dr. Juliana Bicca, MD
Endocrinologist studying estrogen metabolism, menopause, and hormonal influences related to Lipedema.
These perspectives help expand the discussion around the many systems involved in the condition.
Voices From the Lipedema Community
In addition to clinicians and researchers, the summit also features patient advocates and lived-experience voices who help bring real-world perspective to the conversation.
These include advocates such as:
• Carmen Rene
• Kristin Richards
• Ashley Fisher
• Sarah Whitlow
• Kee
Their experiences help highlight the emotional journey, challenges, and resilience within the Lipedema community.
Hosted by Erika Schlick
The Lipedema Summit is hosted by Erika Schlick, founder of The Trail To Health, health coach, author, and advocate for chronic illness education.
After years of interviewing experts and navigating her own health journey—including a Lipedema diagnosis—Erika created the summit to bring together trusted voices and make Lipedema education more accessible.
Go deeper
Watch the full sessions in the replay library
Keep reading
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5 Signs Your ‘Stubborn Weight’ Might Be Lipedema
If you've spent years being told to simply eat less and move more while your lower body stays stubbornly disproportionate […] Read more
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· Aug 26, 2026
News
Connection, Education, and Progress at the 2026 Lipedema Summit Live Event
Physicians continued discussing evolving standards of care. Patients shared personal stories and treatment experiences. Sponsors, clinicians, and wellness partners answered questions while new connections formed between people who, only hours earlier, had been strangers. It was perhaps the clearest sign that the 2026 Lipedema Summit Live Event had achieved its purpose. Held on June 11, 2026, in Downtown Los Angeles, the event brought together patients, clinicians, surgeons, researchers, therapists, advocates, caregivers, and industry partners for an evening centered on education, awareness, and connection. While the virtual Lipedema Summit was designed to reach thousands of people around the world, the live event created something equally valuable: the opportunity for meaningful conversations to happen face-to-face. Throughout the evening, attendees engaged directly with leading experts, explored emerging research, discussed treatment approaches, and exchanged experiences with others navigating similar challenges. Conversations ranged from evolving standards of care and surgical outcomes to conservative therapies, patient advocacy, and the future of Lipedema research. For many attendees, the event offered something difficult to find elsewhere: direct access to experts, honest conversations, and the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand the realities of living with Lipedema. Long after the final panel concluded, those conversations continued, reflecting both the growing momentum within the Lipedema community and the shared commitment to advancing awareness, education, and patient care.
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· Jun 21, 2026
Sponsor Feature
Why Tactile Medical Is Bringing Pneumatic Compression Therapy Into the Lipedema Conversation
When most people think about Lipedema, they think about abnormal fat accumulation. They think about disproportionately larger legs, pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and the frustration of trying countless diets and exercise programs without seeing meaningful changes.
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· Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor Feature
Inside Lipemedical’s Specialized Approach to Lipedema Surgery
For many women living with Lipedema, finding a surgeon is only part of the challenge. Finding a team that truly understands the disease is often much harder.
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· Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor Feature
Inside Lipedema Team’s Multidisciplinary Approach to Lipedema Care
For many women diagnosed with Lipedema, the healthcare journey can feel fragmented.
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· Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor Feature
How Mochi Health Is Personalizing Access to GLP 1 Treatment
GLP 1 medications have changed the conversation around obesity, metabolic health, inflammation, and chronic disease. For many patients, they have opened doors that previously felt out of reach. Yet as these medications become more widely available, a new challenge has emerged: access does not always equal quality care.
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· Jun 1, 2026
Sponsor Feature
How Compression Care Is Helping Patients Navigate Compression Therapy, Coverage, and Care
Most Lipedema patients eventually learn that compression is one of the most important parts of conservative care.
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· Jun 1, 2026
Summit Info
Lipedema Summit 2026: 3 Days, 60+ Sessions, and Over 30 Hours of Education
The 2026 Lipedema Summit brings together an extraordinary lineup of surgeons, physicians, researchers, therapists, advocates, and patients for three days of conversations focused on diagnosis, treatment, recovery, long-term management, and the future of lipedema care.
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· May 25, 2026
Education
The Emotional Side of Lipedema: Understanding the Mental and Psychological Impact
Lipedema is often discussed as a physical condition, one that affects fat distribution, lymphatic health, and metabolic function. But for the millions of women living with Lipedema, the emotional wounds can run just as deep as the physical ones. The reflection in the mirror that no longer feels like you. The constant comparisons. The judgment from strangers, doctors, and sometimes even the people closest to you. These experiences leave marks that go far beyond the body.
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· Mar 15, 2026
Education
What Is Lipedema? Understanding a Commonly Misdiagnosed Condition
Lipedema is a chronic medical condition that affects the way fat is distributed in the body. It most commonly appears in the legs, hips, and sometimes the arms, while the hands and feet are typically unaffected.
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· Mar 13, 2026