ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli Berzuk is a physiotherapist and director of IPPC— Incontinence & Pelvic Pain Clinic (division of Nova Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Clinic) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She is a member of the Women's Health Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba (CPM), the Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Guidelines Committee for the CPM, and the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (CAFCI). Ms. Berzuk is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, School of Medical Rehabilitation; Division of Physiotherapy. Her post-graduate education for women's health and the treatment of incontinence has been obtained throughout Canada, the United States, and she earned her post-graduate certification for pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and continence through the University of Melbourne in Australia. Her Master in Science research thesis focused on validating a research tool used to measure pelvic floor function on a global perspective. She is currently completing a PhD with her research focusing on the high prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction and the need for raising knowledge and awareness to pelvic floor health and proper exercise, within the general female public.

For almost 20 years she has focused her practice to women, men and children suffering with pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ proapse, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. Over the years it has become glaringly evident to her that most women with urinary incontinence suffer in silence and are unaware that help is available. Another concern is that women often do their pelvic floor muscle exercises incorrectly. It is her passion to educate on bladder health, available treatment options and what people can do to help themselves. Ms. Berzuk would like this information to be easily accessible to all women for the purpose of both prevention and correction of urinary incontinence.

AUTHOR'S CREDENTIALS

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
2010 Successful completion of PhD Candidacy Examinations, University of Manitoba
2009 Master of Science (Rehabilitation), University of Manitoba, "Validation of the English-Language Pelvic Floor Inventories Leiden (PelFIs) Administered Questionnaire"
2005 Post-Graduate Certification: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation & Continence
Faculty of Physiotherapist, University of Melbourne, Australia 1994 Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physiotherapy (Dean's List), University of Manitoba
1990 Bachelor of Arts (Dean's List), Major: Sociology, University of Winnipeg

POST GRADUATE TRAINING, CONFERENCES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2011    International Pelvic Pain Society Conference (IPPS), Las Vegas, NV
2011    Clinical Specialization Evaluator Workshop, Canadian Physiotherapy
Association, Toronto, Ontario
2011    Women’s Health Issues for the Primary Care Provider, Orlando, Florida
2010    Abstract Poster Presentation accepted at the International Continence Society & International Urogynecology Association Joint Conference. PJ Voorham-van der Zalm, K Berzuk, Lycklama a Nijeholt AAB, Putter H, Shelly B, Kamin B, Stiggelbout AM. Validation and Standardization of the Pelvic Floor Inventories (PelFIs) for Women in English. Abstract 582. Toronto, Ontario
2010    International Continence Society 40th Annual Meeting/American Urogynecology   Association ICS/AUGA Joint Conference, Toronto, Ontario
2010    The Three Amigas Winter Blahs Conference, Ultrasound & Radiology Diagnostics, Winnipeg, MB
2009    5th Annual Child Health Research Day; A Celebration of Manitoba Child Health   Research, Health Sciences Centre: Winnipeg, MB
2009    Vaginal Delivery for Breech Births, Presentation & Video Births, Midwife:            Betty-Anne Daviss, Health Sciences Centre: Winnipeg, MB
2009-2011    PhD Clinical Medical Rotations in;
Urogynecology & Urodynamics & Surgery, Urology, Gynecology, Pre & Post Labour, Labour & Delivery, Colorectal and Women’s Health Units Departments, Health Sciences Centre Hospital & St. Boniface Hospital

• Adolescent Prenatal Clinic
• Adult Prenatal Clinic
• Urogynecology Surgical Clinic
• Urogynecology Post-op/Follow-up Clinic
• Urogynecology Surgery
• Pessary Clinic
• Urodynamics
• Labor & Delivery Wards
• Radiology Clinic (Diagnostic Ultrasound re: pelvic pain)
• Obstetrical & Gynecology Rounds
• Obstetrical & Gynecology High Risk Rounds
• Medical Urology Lectures

2009    International Continence Society 39th Annual Meeting (ICS) 2009, San Francisco,  California
2009    International Continence Society Workshops 

• Pelvic floor ultrasound: theory
• Pelvic floor ultrasound: workshop/practicum
• The role of afferent inhibition in the treatment of bladder and prostate diseases
• Innovation in the treatment of male urinary incontinence

2009    Demands on the Trunk Muscles in Low Back Pain, Incontinence and
Respiratory Disease, Michelle Smith:  Faculty University of Queensland
2008    MS Today:  Dealing With Difficult Topics, Health Care Professionals and Members Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Research Updates and MS Clinic Update, Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie, M.D.       
• Mind, Matter and Myelin: The Affective, Behavioural and Cognitive Issues of       Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Abe Snaiderman, M.D.
• Parenting with MS (Kids to Teens) Sexual Health and Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Fred Foley, Ph.D.

2008    SBGH Woman and Child Program Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba
2008    Urology Rounds, Health Sciences Centre
2007    Women's Health Division:  Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary  
Incontinence, Where Do We Stand: Canadian Physiotherapy Association
Teleconference, Dr. Chantale Dumoulin
2007    Firing the Core! Fitness Physiotherapy, Winnipeg, Manitoba
2007  American Urogynecology Society Annual Conference (AUGS), Hollywood,          Florida
2007    CME: Continuing Medical Education (for Family Physicians), University of           Manitoba: Health Sciences Centre
Conference Topic: Urinary Issues

• Investigation and Management of Urinary
• Incontinence in Primary Care.
• Dr. Brian Peters (urology resident):  Renal Stones.
• Dr. Ross MacMahon (urologist):  Urgent Urological Office Problems
• Dr. Robert J. Bard (urologist):  Irritable Bladder
• Dr. Darrel Drachenberg (urology/oncology):  Prostate Cancer and BPH: A Practical Approach to Patients

2007    Mentoring with Ann Frost for Breast Health/Breast Cancer & PFM Physical          Therapy Specialist: Breast Cancer, Lymphedema (Certified Lymphedema         Practitioner, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Osteoporosis, Pregnancy), Queen’s   Medical Center: Women’s Health Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
2006    HSC: Urology Grand Rounds: Botox in Urology, Dr. Robert Bard
2005    HSC: Mature Women’s Clinic Rounds: Dr. Richard Boroditsky, Guest Speakers:   Dr. K. Maslow (urogynecologist), Kelli Berzuk (physiotherapist)
2005    International Continence Society Meeting Summary & OAB Pharmacotherapy      Update, Dr. Robert Bard, Urologist, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
2005    ISSWSH: International Society of the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Annual   Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada
2005    Urogynecology Clinical & Surgical Rotations: Victoria Hospital
2005    Urogynecology Clinical & Surgical Rotations: Health Sciences & Grace Hospitals

• D&C
• Abdominal Hysterectomy
• Vaginal Hysterectomy
• Fertility Surgery: Ovarian drilling
• Laproscopic Burch Procedure
• Laproscopic Vaginal Hysterectomy
• Bilateral Sphingo-oophorectomy (BSO)
• Supracervical Hysterectomy
• Vaginal Hysterectomy with posterior repair

2005    Urogynecology Clinical & Surgical Rotations: Health Sciences Centre: Mature       Women’s Clinic
2005    International Continence Society 35th Annual Meeting, Palais des congres de         Montreal, Canada
2005    Down Under Conference, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists of Australia: 2nd Biannual Conference, Melbourne, Australia
2005    Post-Graduate Certification: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation & Continence
Faculty of Physiotherapist, University of Melbourne, Australia
2003    Visceral & Urogenital Manipulation as Applied to Women’s Health-Level II, Dee Hartmann, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2003    Clinical Advances in the Treatment of Pelvic Impairment, University of Manitoba, Diane Lee
2003    Urologic and Pelvic Pain Clinic. Observed assessment, treatment and pudendal   
nerve block procedure by Dr. Stanley Antolak. Woodbury, Minnesota
2003    IPPS-International Pelvic Pain Society10th Annual Scientific Meeting on Chronic Pelvic Pain, Dr. Fred M. Howard, Banff, Alberta
2002    Pelvic Pain: Advanced Level, Maggie Coffman, Cynthia Markel Feldt, Las            Vegas, Nevada
2001    Gastrointestinal/Bowel Dysfunction, Cindy Feldt, Orlando, Florida
2001    Pediatric Enuresis & Encopresis, Cindy Feldt, Orlando, Florida
2000    Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction, Chicago, Illinois
2000    Prostate Cancer Presentation, Dr. Glezerson, Winnipeg, Manitoba
2000    Male Incontinence, Chicago, Illinois
2000    Intermediate Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions, Hollis Herman, Beth Shelly, Grand           Rapids, Michigan
2000    Kegels and Beyond Level II: Advanced Topics in Continence, Janet Hulme, San   Diego, California
2000    Kegels and Beyond Level I: Janet Hulme, San Diego, California
2000    MPI: Sprains, Strains and Automobile Tips for the Primary Care Practitioner
University of Manitoba:  Medical College
1998    Incontinence Seminar, Winnipeg, Manitoba
1998    Craniosacral Therapy, Winnipeg, Manitoba
1997    Vertebral Level III, University of Manitoba
1997    Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Pregnant Client, Indianapolis Indiana
1996    Extremity Level III, University of Manitoba
1995    Vertebra Level II, University of Manitoba
1995    Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Incontinence, Atlanta, Georgia
1995    Muscle Energy Techniques Level II, University of Manitoba
1995    Functional Abilities Evaluation Certification, Active Physiotherapy, Toronto,         Ontario
1995    Muscular Trigger Point Acupuncture, Dr. Chan Gunn, Toronto, Ontario
1995    Canadian Acupuncture Foundation Certification (C.A.F.C.I.), Oral Exam,             Toronto, Ontario
1995    Canadian Acupuncture Foundation Certification (C.A.F.C.I.),Written Exam,         Winnipeg, Manitoba
1994    Acupuncture Level III A: C.A.F.C.I, Toronto, Ontario
1994    Acupuncture Level II A: C.A.F.C.I., Winnipeg, Manitoba
1994    Manitoba Acupuncture Course & Exam
1994    Extremity Level II, University of Manitoba
1994    Acupuncture Level I: C.A.F.C.I., St. John, New Brunswick
1994    Muscle Energy Techniques Level I, University of Manitoba
1994    The Foot & Ankle: Biomechanics & Treatment, University of Manitoba
1994    RO Burell Sports Injury Symposium, University of Manitoba

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2011    Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, Canadian Physiotherapy Association. This award is given to a member of the Women’s Health Division who has contributed to the advancement of women’s health practice in physiotherapy through education, research, or clinical practice.

2011    Recipient of the Women’s Health Research Foundation Scholarship of Canada Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding University of Manitoba student for excellence in graduate studies and undertaking research in the area of women’s health.

2009    Recipient of the Robert A. Macbeth Traveling Fellowship Award. This award
recognizes a medical practitioner advancing their knowledge and education in the field of medicine. The award is given by the Canadian Cancer Society.

2009    Recipient of the Leonore Saunders Mentorship Award. This award given 
by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, recognizes physiotherapists in their
mid-career who provide inspiration to colleagues by acting as a role model for
their profession.

2008   Excellence in Writing Honorable Mention  (authorship award)
AWHONN:  Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.
Journal Article:  A Strong Pelvic Floor:  How Nurses Can Spread the Word.

2008    Recipient of a Research Development Award, School of Medical Rehabilitation,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba.

2006    Nominated for 30th Anniversary YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Awards:
Health and Wellness. Nominated by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

2006    Nomimated for Susan A. MacDonald Award: Canadian Physiotherapy                   Association.

2005     Selected by the Indigo Health Advisory Committee as a Trusted Health Advisor
Approved Resource (I Laughed So Hard I Peed My Pants! was selected by a medical review board of Canadian physicians---family medicine, obstetrician/gynecologists).

1993    Dr. A. W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship
(Highest Standing in the Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation)

1993    Manitoba Blue Cross Students Accident Plan Scholarship
(Highest Standing in First and Second year - Physical Therapy)

PRESENTATIONS/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Invited to present at over one hundred volunteer and professional events varying from church mom's programs and women's clubs, to key note speaker at women's health education conferences, and presenting at urology and gynecology hospital grand rounds and family physician scientific symposiums and assemblies. Presentations range from informal sessions to formalized conference forums and professional workshops. Some examples include the ‘Strength to Strength’ conference for post-prostatectomy men, ‘The Running Room’ for breast cancer survivors, keynote address at the ‘Grandview & District Community Health Conference’ and ‘Tulip Tee-off & Fundraiser’ for the Manitoba Downs Syndrome Society, practical pelvic floor exercise classes for the ‘Canadian Nurse Continence Association National Conference’, and practical professional workshops and courses such as the ‘Women’s Health Weekend’ at McMaster University.

ARTICLES/PUBLICATIONS/INTERVIEWS
Participated in dozens of radio and television interviews, national and local newspaper and magazine articles. Examples of this include CITY TV Breakfast TV Morning Show with Brian Yasui, the A-Channel News Health Segment, and several appearances on Shaw TV. Publications, journal articles and online postings documented in the American Nursing Journal, the Journal of Active Aging and the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, and the online ‘Sexual Health Corner’. Articles written in Chatelaine, Canadian Living, and FitPregnancy Magazines, The Canadian Women’s Health Network Magazine, Active Woman Canada, the Globe and Mail, Calgary Sun, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, Winnipeg Free Press, Regina Leader-Post, Edmonton Sun, Ottawa Citizen, Kingston Whig-Standard, and the Vancouver Sun newspapers’. Book reviews noted in Physiotherapy Canada, the Women’s Health Division-Canadian Physiotherapy Association, the National Association For Continence Discoveries magazine and the American Physical Therapy Association Journal.

PUBLICATIONS
PJ Voorham-van der Zalm, K Berzuk, Lycklama a Nijeholt AAB, Putter H, Shelly B,
Kamin B, Stiggelbout AM. Validation and Standardization of the Pelvic Floor 
Inventories (PelFIs) for Women in English Journal Publication. Journal of
Neurourology & Urodynamics. 2011;30:536-540.

K Berzuk. A Strong Pelvic Floor:  How Nurses Can Spread the Word. Association of
Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. 2007;1(11)Feb/March:54-61.

K Beruzk.  I Laughed So Hard I Peed My Pants! A Woman's   
Essential Guide for Improved Bladder Control. Winnipeg: Self-published;2003.

COMMITTEE MEMBER
2010-present: Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Women’s Health Division, 
Specialization Sub-Committee

2007-2008:  Women’s Health Clinic Chronic Pelvic Pain Planning Committee

2005: University of British Columbia Resource Contact for the Pelvic Floor Certification   
Program

2003: College of Physiotherapist of Manitoba Committee
Revision: Guidelines for Physiotherapy Treatment of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and
Incontinence.

2002: Canadian Physiotherapy Association Selection Committee
Early Achievers Award
Susan A. MacDonald Award

2000-2001: University of Manitoba Curriculum Committee
Women's Health curriculum-School of Medical Rehabilitation

2000: Reactor Panel
Topic: Urinary Incontinence
Riverview Health Centre

1998-1999: Association of Physiotherapists of Manitoba Guidelines Committee
Guidelines: Physiotherapy Treatment of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Incontinence

1994: School of Medical Rehabilitation Student Interviews Committee
University of Manitoba

ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP & ACCREDITATION
IASP:  member and in good standing with the International Association for the Study of Pain. Divisional member: Urogenital Pain.
2008 to present

AWHONN: member and in good standing with the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses
·  2007 to 2010

WAS: member and in good standing with the World Association for Sexual Health
·  2007 to present

WCPT:  member and in good standing with the World Confederation for Physical Therapy
·  2006 to present

AUGS: member and in good standing with The American Urogynecologic Society
·  2006 to present

WSH: member and in good standing with The Women’s Sexual Health Foundation
·  2006 to present

EU*ACME: member and in good standing with the European Urology-Accredited Continuing Medical Education
·  2006 to present

ICS: member and in good standing with the International Continence Society.
·  2004 to present

ISSWWSH:  member and in good standing with the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health.
·  2003 to present

IPPS:  member and in good standing with the International Pelvic Pain Society.
·  2003 to present

Canadian Physiotherapy Association Accreditation: received clinical accreditation for Nova Physiotherapy & Sports Fitness Clinic.
·   2001 to present

Canadian Incontinence Foundation Member
·  1999 to 2004

NAFC: member and in good standing with the North American Foundation For Continence.
·  1999 to present

Vulvodynia Foundation Member
·  1999 to 2003

MPI: Standards of Excellence
·  1997 to present

PAI: member and in good standing with the Physiotherapy Alliance of Manitoba
·  1997-present

CAFCI: member and in good standing with the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada  
Institute.
· 1995 to present

CPM: member and in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba.
·  1994 to present

CPA: member and in good standing with the Canadian Physiotherapist Association.
·  1994 to present

CPR Certification
·  1992 to present