Imedex and CCFA's Annual AIBD Conference Reports Record Attendance in 2015
Orlando, FL (PRWEB) December 23, 2015 -- Investigators and healthcare professionals from the gastroenterology healthcare community around the world came together December 10-12, 2015 for the 2015 Advances in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Clinical & Research Conference (AIBD) in Orlando, Florida. The Conference achieved its largest attendance in its 15-year history, reports Conference organizer, Imedex.
Conference Draws 2,200 Healthcare Professionals
AIBD continues to attract the healthcare community from around the globe to participate in a dynamic continuing medical education conference featuring a multi-track agenda that covers clinical, basic science, nursing, and pediatrics. Approximately 2,200 attendees, including physicians, researchers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals from more than 50 countries gathered at the annual 3-day Conference, demonstrating AIBD’s position as a leading forum to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for the gastrointestinal community.
“The record-setting number of abstract submissions covered the latest break-throughs in clinical and basic research for an audience of over 2,200 IBD caregivers and IBD investigators. Coupled with superb panels, in-depth keynotes, Meet-the-Experts sessions, a new crop of abstract award winners, and a record-setting exhibition and attendance, AIBD drew everyone from all corners of the gastro medical community,” said Dr. Richard P. MacDermott, co-chair of the Conference.
As the Conference continued its growth, it featured four clinical and basic science tracks with almost 100 didactic presentations and case-based clinical breakout sessions. It also included over 250 original clinical and basic science abstract and poster presentations presented during the Conference.
Current clinical challenges and considerations for the treatment and management of patients with IBD were prominently discussed including clinical breakout sessions on recognizing and managing side effects and complications due to IBD therapeutics, understanding surgical challenges associated with the management of IBD, and treatments for patients with concurrent viral hepatitis or autoimmune liver disease. The IBD 101 Workshop updated the attendees on the causes of IBD along with strategies for confirming the diagnosis, extent and severity of disease. As a follow-up to these discussions, expert guidance was given on the appropriate use of conventional and biological therapies, including a debate on whether biosimilar therapies should be used as indicated, or if more clinical studies are needed prior to incorporation into the IBD clinical armamentarium. Highlights from the nurses session focused on quality care & quality improvement in the IBD patient.
Record Number of Abstracts Submitted
Over 250 abstracts were accepted for presentation this year. Of special note, Drs. Kenneth Obi, Tolulope Falaiye, Wendy Goodman, Lauren Feld, Usha Chauhan received the awards for Best Overall Poster, Best Clinical/Pediatric Poster, Best Basic Science Poster, Young Investigator, Best Nursing Poster, respectively.
Leading Pharmaceutical Companies Show Strong Support
This year’s Conference had strong industry support from leading pharmaceutical companies via independent educational grants and a robust exhibit hall. “The AIBD Conference’s presence in the gastroenterology community speaks highly to both attendees and supporters”, said Andrew Schutt, CEO of Imedex, LLC, the organizer and accredited provider for the Conference. “We are very proud of our partnership with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America and the Conference Chairmen (Drs. Richard MacDermott and Stephen Hanauer) in bringing this truly international Conference to the gastrointestinal community.”
Once again, the 2016 Conference will be organized and certified for continuing education credit by Imedex in partnership with The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), and abstracts will be accepted. AIBD 2016 takes place December 8-10, 2016 at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Visit http://www.advancesinibd.com for more information.
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About the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is the largest voluntary non-profit health organization dedicated to finding cures for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). CCFA’s mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who suffer from these diseases. The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research, providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public, and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD. For more information, visit http://www.ccfa.org, call 888-694-8872, and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Imedex
Imedex is an industry leader in providing accredited, independent continuing medical education to health care professionals. We develop high quality scientific programming that translates the latest research into clinically relevant information. The activities have exceptional organization and outstanding educational value, with a proven sustained impact on disease management. Our programs focus on improving patient care around the world. With over 50,000 e-learning experiences annually and more than 100,000 live meeting attendees, since 2001, Imedex truly educates the global healthcare community. At Imedex, education is the best medicine®. For more information on Imedex visit http://www.imedex.com.
Carlton Sanderson, Imedex, +1 4047841276, [email protected]
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