Saturday, May 3
  1 p.m.—2 p.m. EDT (Toronto time)

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Patient:

Tommy Sek, CPT, ANAC Member (Vancouver, BC)

Tommy is a Personal Trainer and aspiring Registered Massage Therapist based in Vancouver, BC. Before his diagnosis, he worked as an account manager for an S&P 400 firm and competed in amateur powerlifting meets. His life changed dramatically at age 25 when he was finally diagnosed with a 4.5 cm acoustic neuroma that came after years of progressive hearing loss, which began in early adolescence and was often dismissed or misunderstood. This shaped his deeper understanding of the importance of being heard and taken seriously in the healthcare system.

In 2021, Tommy underwent surgery to partially resect the tumour, leaving him with occipital neuralgia, total hearing loss in his right ear, and cognitive challenges. In 2023, a brain cyst occurred rapidly by the remaining tumour, leading to significant deterioration in his health, including hydrocephalus, vertigo, facial paralysis, loss of sensation on the left side, and dysphagia. After a second surgery, Tommy’s symptoms largely dissipated, but the risk of recurrence remains, as doctors are not certain what caused the recurrence.

This experience inspired Tommy to help others overcome physical limitations. He combines his fitness background and personal journey with his future work in Registered Massage Therapy, aiming to provide a holistic approach to wellness and improve people’s quality of life.

Tommy hopes to raise awareness about the challenges of living with acoustic neuroma, emphasizing patience, self-compassion, and empathetic care. Through his story, he aims to inspire others to take charge of their health and embrace their potential, despite obstacles.

Speaker: 

Megan Sherod, PhD, Neuropsychologist, Clinical Professor of Psychology
University of Central Florida (USA)

Dr. Megan Sherod is a Neuropsychologist and Clinical Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Trinity University and earned her Master of Science and Doctoral (PhD) degrees from the University of Florida. Dr. Sherod is a Licensed Psychologist and earned specialty certification in Neuropsychology, Neurorehabilitation, and Clinical Neuroscience. She has served on the Medical Advisory Board for the ANA USA since 2020 but has been involved with the AN/VS community throughout her 17 years of clinical practice.

Dr. Sherod has worked in a variety of clinical and educational settings that include the University of Florida/Malcolm-Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida; the University of Alabama-Birmingham/Birmingham VA Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama; Spain Rehabilitation Center and the UAB Department of Neurology in Birmingham, Alabama; the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama; and Halifax Health and Brooks Rehabilitation in Daytona Beach, Florida, prior to beginning her faculty role and clinical service at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida in 2016.

In her free time, Dr. Sherod spends time hiking with her family, stand-up paddleboarding, woodworking, rescuing senior dogs and cats, and watching hockey.