82nd Annual Meeting of the ATA SummaryHeld at the Quebec City Convention Center and the Quebec Hilton from September 19-23, 2012, the 82nd Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association was a great success, and, in addition, attendees were treated to a unique experience. Bustling with street life and culture, Québec City entertained us with its history, vistas, shops and cuisine. A near record 1124 registrants from 46 countries demonstrated the draw of the ATA's well known collegiality and great science. The ATA Program Committee, led by Drs. Elizabeth Pearce and Douglas Forrest, crafted an array of symposia, workshops, and interactive sessions that captured the latest information from leaders in basic science and clinical research and its relevance for disease management and patient care. Our thanks to all CME sponsors and in-kind supporters which included Genzyme Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Veracyte, Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Exelixis, Inc., Christie InnoMed/Supersonic Imagine and Asuragen, Inc. Exhibitors were provided with an excellent venue to reach decision makers and generate long-lasting relationships. ATA exhibitors are able to extend their marketing presence beyond the meeting through their year-long presence on the ATA Virtual Exhibit Hall found online at www.thyroid.org. With nearly 15% more attendees than in 2011, the ATA meeting value and benefits to clinicians, scientists, surgeons, fellows and other professionals are clearly evident. Here are a few 2012 meeting statistics:
The four-day scientific summit featured best-in-class sessions on the latest advances in thyroidology. The Meeting included two plenary lectures delivered by world-renowned researchers, Nancy Carrasco, MD, of the Yale School of Medicine, and Krishna Chatterjee, MD, of the Institute of Metabolic Science at University of Cambridge (UK). Dr. Carrasco discussed her research on the Na+/I- symporter (NIS), the key plasma membrane protein that mediates active iodide transport in the thyroid and other tissues, and Dr. Chatterjee discussed the role of selenoprotein signaling in the development of thyroid hormone disorders. Attendees started their days with early riser symposia on novel therapeutics in iodide resistant thyroid cancer, management of thyroid microcarcinoma and congenital hypothyroidism. Participants then attended lectures and interactive discussions, networked with colleagues and learned about professional development opportunities. Attendees reviewed cutting-edge research presented during the poster sessions and visited the Exhibit Hall where industry representatives shared information about their new services, products, and state-of-the-art technologies. This year's Association's distinguished award lectureships were presented to some of the finest in thyroidology. Fredric Wondisford, MD, of Johns Hopkins University, presented the Sidney H. Ingbar Distinguished Lectureship on 'Evolving concepts in thyroid hormone action'. Paul W. Ladenson, MD, of Johns Hopkins University, presented the Lewis E. Braverman Award Lecture on 'Thyroid hormone analogues: promises and pitfalls'. Bryan R. Haugen, MD, of the University of Colorado, presented the Paul Starr Award Lecture on the 'Accidental clinician-scientist: molecules medicine and mentors'. Antonio Di Cristofano, PhD, was the recipient of the prestigious Van Meter Lectureship on 'Modeling thyroid transformation in the mouse: lessons and perspectives'. Dr. Di Cristofano discussed recent results from his laboratory elucidating a novel role of the PI3K pathway in subverting the thyroid metabolic landscape before neoplastic transformation occurs, and the translational opportunities offered by the first genetically engineered mouse model of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Other award honorees included Sandra McLachlan, PhD, of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who received the John B. Stanbury Pathophysiology Medal and, Richard T. Kloos, MD, of Veracyte, Inc., who received the Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Robert Smallridge presented this year's Clark T. Sawin Historical Vignette on the 'History of postpartum thyroid dysfunction'. Chaired by Clinical Fellows' Track Chairs Stephanie Fish and Andrew Gianoukakis and Basic Fellows' Track Chairs Kristen Vella and Stephen Huang, the ATA offered customized Fellows' educational tracks to enhance the clinical and basic science meeting experience. A newly developed surgical fellows' track was chaired by Drs. David Steward and Barry Inabnet. Dr. Fish noted that "this is an excellent opportunity for fellows to learn more about thyroid disease while experiencing the collegiality of the ATA." Renewing our partnership with the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the ATA/AACE endocrine neck ultrasound course was a success. Offered in a new, full-day format, attendees heard lectures on such topics as anatomy of the neck and ultrasound terminology, sonographic assessment of thyroid nodules and ultrasound guided FNA biopsies. With ultrasound machines provided by Christie Innomed/SuperSonic Imagine, attendees experienced a unique hands-on practicum along with engaging panel discussions and interactive question and answer sessions. Women in Thyroidology offered a program and lunch for over 100 attendees. Colleagues with shared interests gathered during the ATA Committee meetings. The ATA Alliance for Patient Education held a free Public Health Forum (in both English and French) in which physician experts discussed thyroid cancer and thyroid disorders. In its second year, the ATA meeting 'APP' was offered as a mobile and web-based application to those using their smart phones or personal computers to access the convenient program guide and schedule assistant. On the social side, the sold-out ATA banquet was great fun and touted as one of the best in recent years by those who danced and socialized late into the night. A few photos from the banquet feature our award winners and other guests. Through the joint sponsorship of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, physicians who attended the conference earned a possible 29 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits. Available presentations from the meeting are available for purchase online at http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-events-education-media/educational-programs-of-the-ata/recordings-of-ata-symposia. Mark your calendars for the 83rd Annual Meeting of the ATA taking place October 16-20, 2013 at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Preliminary details are available online now at www.thyroid.org. We hope to see you there! |
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