What to Expect
Patients/Families are given many opportunities to network with other families as well as with some of the top mitochondrial specialists from around the world. The two day patient/family program offers two tracks to meet a variety of needs – affected adults, parents, beginners, advanced track, and an opening session targeted for all attendees to prep them for the entire conference. (Dress during the symposium sessions is casual; you’ll be sitting a lot, so wear something comfortable! You may want to bring a light sweater or sweatshirt, as all rooms will be air conditioned. For the banquet on Friday night, suggested dress is business casual.)
The Doctor is In
An all time favorite with past symposium attendees, The Doctor is In offers patients and families the opportunity to meet with some of the top specialists in mitochondrial medicine one-on-one. Hours of operation and sign-ups are provided at registration and posted in the networking room.
Ask the Mito Doc Panels
For the past two years, the symposium has included the Ask the Mito Doc panel, and last year, organizers split into two panels – affected adult AND pediatric. The panels consist of mitochondrial specialists who have experience with adults and/or pediatric mitochondrial patients. Questions are submitted ahead of time and some are taken from the floor depending on time. A Special Mito and Autism Ask the Mito Doc Panel will be added to the Friday Program.
Networking
Each year, a networking room is open to all patient/family attendees and a message board is provided for folks to connect. Attendees are also seated by geographic region during the Friday lunch to help people connect with one another – it is not mandatory but most attendees take advantage of this opportunity!
Volunteer Award Recognition -- Friday Night Banquet
On Friday Night, the UMDF will conduct an awards ceremony for three outstanding volunteers -- Stanley A. Davis Leadership Award, the Heartstrings Award, and the LEAP Award. To read more about the Heartstrings and LEAP awards and how you can nominate a deserving volunteer, please use the following options by April 15, 2012.
Value of the UMDF Symposium – Bringing Patients/Families to the Bench Researcher
"In my opinion, this conference is very special because scientists with and without specific medical background get together and can meet with patients and their families who are, unfortunately, affected by a disease that we try to investigate. This “bench to bed” strategy creates an atmosphere that is very challenging and motivating." ~ Suzanne Arnold, PhD, Aachen, Germany
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