Public and Patient Education

Hospital for Special Surgery's Public and Patient Education Department (PPED) offers a multitude of programming and practical information on musculoskeletal conditions and other health related topics of interest to patient and the general public. The department strives to provide current and useful information to public and patient audiences through education programs, lectures/symposia, workshops, exercise classes, support groups, publications, and a patient education library.

Program Schedule

HSS offers a wide range of educational courses and workshops for patients as well as the public.  Many of them are either free or a low fee is charged.  See our Event Calendar for course descriptions and to register online.

Support Groups

Hospital for Special Surgery also has free education and support programs for patients with lupus, myositis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Osteoporosis Support Group
  Sponsored in part by the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP), this educational forum brings together specialized healthcare professionals to educate those diagnosed with osteoporosis about different aspects of the condition. All participants must fill out a health questionnaire with the support group coordinator, and submit a physician’s letter indicating a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Pre-registration is required. Registration is limited to 15 participants. All other registrants will be placed on a waiting list. For more information about this support group, please contact Robyn Wiesel, CHES, Program Coordinator, at 212.774.7326.
  
  
• Scleroderma Support Group
  Sponsored by the Scleroderma Foundation Tri-State Chapter and Hospital for Special Surgery Public and Patient Education Department, this support group brings together people living with scleroderma, including family members and friends, to create a network of support and encouragement. This group meets the first Wednesday of each month. For more information about this support group, contact the Scleroderma Foundation Tri-State Chapter at 1.800.867.0885.
  
  
• Patient Care & Quality Management Department Support & Education Programs
  HSS has a variety of support and education programs dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals facing the daily challenges of rheumatic illness. Call the numbers listed below for further information about these programs.

  Charla de Lupus/Lupus Chat	866.812.4494 toll free
  LANtern (Lupus Asian Network)	866.505.2253 toll free
  LupusLine	866.375.1427 toll free
  Myositis Support Group	212.774.7623
  Living with RA Support Group	212.774.2539
  SLE Workshop	212.774.7654