hEDS Diagnostic Consortium

Thursday, October 29, 2026, 8:00 AM - Saturday, October 31, 2026, 1:00 AM, Middleton Inn, Charleston, SC


AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (11.75 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (11.75 hours)

This activity convenes physicians and other healthcare providers including rheumatology, genetics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, primary care, pediatrics, and related specialties who evaluate, diagnose, or manage patients with hEDS for a structured, evidence-based consortium aimed at drafting revised diagnostic criteria for hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). The current 2017 International Classification criteria have well-documented limitations, including low sensitivity, reliance on subjective clinical judgment, and inconsistent application across specialties, contributing to a historically underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed patient population. Participants will review current evidence and literature, examine emerging genetic, clinical, and biomarker research, and engage in a rigorous consensus-building process to identify gaps in the existing criteria and propose revisions, gaining direct exposure to diagnostic reasoning and classification methodology they can apply in their own practice. Upon completion, participants will be able to articulate the limitations of the current hEDS diagnostic criteria, critically evaluate proposed revisions against clinical and research evidence, and apply a draft updated diagnostic framework to patient evaluation, with the goal of improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing time to diagnosis. Thought process Thought process This consortium convenes providers who diagnose and manage hEDS patients to review evidence and draft revised diagnostic criteria, addressing the 2017 criteria's low sensitivity and inconsistent application. Participants gain expertise in emerging research and consensus methodology, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing time to diagnosis.

1. Identify the key limitations of the current 2017 hEDS diagnostic criteria, including issues of sensitivity, specificity, and crossspecialty consistency.
2. Summarize emerging genetic, clinical, and biomarker evidence relevant to hEDS classification.
3. Critically evaluate proposed revisions to the hEDS diagnostic criteria against current research and clinical evidence.
4. Apply a consensusbased, structured methodology (e.g., modified Delphi process) to resolve diagnostic disagreement across specialties.
5. Apply a draft, updated hEDS diagnostic framework to patient evaluation in order to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce time to diagnosis.

The Norris Lab

Advancing Genetic, Molecular, and Clinical Research
for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases

Based in Charleston, SC, at the Medical University of South Carolina, the Norris Lab is a multidisciplinary team passionate about advancing research in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), cardiovascular disease, and cardiac development. By combining basic science with clinical insights, we work to improve diagnosis, develop better treatments, and deepen the understanding of these conditions. Our goal is to bridge the gap between patients, scientists, and physicians—fostering collaboration that leads to real, meaningful medical breakthroughs and direct patient impacts.

Registration Link:

https://www.thenorrislab.com/

Cancellation Policy

A refund will be made upon written request prior to one month prior to the start of the conference less a $100 cancellation fee. After this date, no refunds will be made. we reserve the right to cancel the program if necessary. Full registration fees will be refunded for cancelled programs. By registering for this conference, you acknowledge and agree to this cancellation policy.

Accessibility Statement
 
Medical University of South Carolina is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  If you have needs that require special accommodations, including dietary concerns, please contact the CME Conference Coordinator.

The Medical University of South Carolina adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education. Disclosure of faculty and their commercial relationships will be made prior to the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education anyone involved in planning or presenting this educational activity will be required to disclose any financial relationships with any ineligible companies. An ineligible company is any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, reselling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Any financial relationships with these ineligible companies have been mitigated by the MUSC Office of CME. Speakers who incorporate information about off-label or investigational use of drugs or devices will be asked to disclose that information at the beginning of their presentation.