This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
IDC New York Symposium to feature dynamic speakers, timely issues
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Last year’s Infectious Diseases in Children New York Symposium saw record-setting attendance, and this year the program is shaping up to even better, addressing issues that consistently plague office-based pediatricians, according to course director David W. Kimberlin, MD.
“The program committee has been acutely aware and is keenly watching the developing trends with re-emerging and emerging infectious diseases,” said Kimberlin, who is the Sergio Stagno Endowed Chair in Pediatric Infectious Diseases, and co-director of the division of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “We want to make sure we highlight those issues that have the potential to impact a clinician’s daily practice.”
Attendees will hear exciting, dynamic speakers who will discuss high-profile topics, such as the pertussis outbreak in California.
“This is clearly a re-emerging infection, and one that is raising its head again, even though we have safe and effective vaccination options,” he said.
Besides infectious disease outbreaks, other highlights of the meeting will include a presentation by Michael T. Brady, MD, chair of the AAP Red Book committee, on new vaccines and indications for 2012. Brady is also chair of the department of pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
The sometimes controversial issue of group A streptococcus infection will be covered by James K. Todd, MD, professor of pediatrics and microbiology and professor of epidemiology at Colorado School of Public Health. He will review group A streptococcus in the outpatient setting, as well as management of recurrent strep throat, perianal strep and other conditions related to streptococcal infection.
“Dr. Todd may touch on issues relating to PANDAS, which some people believe is a post-strep condition, while others suggest it’s unrelated to strep. So even though it’s a very old bacteria, there are always new issues related to strep. Many issues are unfounded and some are proven, so getting an update will be very helpful with direct patient management,” Kimberlin said.
Cyrus Rangan, MD, from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, will review issues related to environmental and household mold. This has been a hot topic in the media recently because of problems with foreclosed houses that reportedly developed mold after sitting for long periods.
“Dr. Rangan gives a tremendous talk on environmental mold issues and separates out what is hype with what is legitimate concern,” Kimberlin said.
In the area of practice management, Paul Offit, MD, will speak on ways to improve vaccination rates in the office and how to use those results to maintain certification.
James H. Brien, DO, will also return for his annual display of What’s Your Diagnosis? cases that the audience has come to enjoy during the past 24 years.
Reflecting upon the upcoming meeting, Kimberlin said he and the program committee most wanted attendees to know that their participation and attendance is greatly appreciated and is the reason the meeting continues to be successful.
“Although New York is a great place to visit, you’re taking time out of a busy schedule during a busy time of the year,” he said. “We want our attendees to know we appreciate that and we hope to see everybody in New York in November.” – by Cassandra A. Richards
 |
Follow the PediatricSuperSite.com on Twitter. |