New Developments in Understanding Chronic Illnesses: The Role of Immune Dysfunction and Infections

Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 11:30 AM - Friday, November 10, 2023, 3:00 PM, Virtual, Washington, DC

To register for this virtual conference, please visit https://chronicillnessconference.com/

There are over 20 million Americans suffering from a group of chronic disabling disorders who are diagnosed without a clear elucidation of pathophysiologic mechanisms. Fibromyalgia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Neuropsychiatric illnesses, Posttreatment Lyme Syndrome, Pediatric Acute on Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANDAS/PANS).

Adding to this massive disease burden the CDC now estimates that of the 40% of Americans who were infected with COVID-19 1 in 5 continue to suffer with what is now referred to as Post-acute sequalae of COVID (PASC). Research has demonstrated that common to all of these conditions is dysregulation of the immune system resulting from an infectious insult. Dramatic advances have occurred in our understanding of all of these conditions as a result of COVID. We are entering an incredibly exciting period in medicine where these diseases are beginning to coalesce around an understanding of shared pathophysiology. We are entering a period of true hope for those millions who are suffering where we will finally be able to provide comprehensive solutions for their illness.

This conference will bring together some of the leading researchers and clinicians from around the world to discuss the advances in our understanding of these conditions and breakthroughs in diagnostic and treatment options. 

In Partnership With: 

 

1. Summarize the role of the innate and adaptive immune system in chronic disease.
2. Explain biological mechanisms of how infections incite immune dysfunction resulting in chronic disease.
3. Describe new diagnostic testing and biomarkers for defining and identifying immune dysfunction in chronic illness.
4. Identify clinical and case study examples using new and repositioned treatment modalities that have been shown to be effective in treating immune-mediated chronic disorders secondary to infection.
5. Summarize long haul covid and it’s pathophysiology and new diagnostic and treatment modalities.
6. Describe a new understanding of fibromyalgia as an immunologic disorder and the role of the immune system in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
7. Recognize the role of infections and immune dysfunction as the cause of other neurologic, psychiatric, and behavioral disorders.
8. Explain the role of gut microbiome in health and immune dysfunction.
9. Identify the roles and responsibilities of members of the healthcare team involved in the collaborative care of patients with atypical immunological diseases.
10. Integrate a team-based approach in the care of patients with atypical immunological diseases.

To register for this virtual conference, please visit https://chronicillnessconference.com/

• Discover the latest developments on chronic illnesses.
• Join field leaders from the comfort of your home/office.
• Learn the latest in diagnostic testing and treatment options.
  
• Access to the recorded content for up to 30 days post conference date.

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by MedStar Health and the Foundation for Total Recovery. MedStar Health is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

 

Credit Designation

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 19.25 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

Physicians: MedStar Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 19.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

American Board of Internal Medicine MOC Credit:

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 19.25 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

 

American Board of Pediatrics MOC Credit:

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 19.25 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.

 

MOC Participation Threshold: Learner participates by writing a reflective statement and makes a commitment to change or maintain an element of practice.

 

Nurses: This activity is approved for 19.25 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Physician (19.25 hours), ABIM MOC Part 2 (19.25 hours), ABP MOC Part 2 (19.25 hours), IPCE (19.25 hours), Non-Physician Member of the Healthcare Team (19.25 hours), Nurse - ANCC (19.25 hours)

The registration form for this activity is currently unavailable.

This conference offers the opportunity to exhibit at the conference. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Romano at [email protected] 

WHAT TIME ZONE IS THE CONFERENCE?
The agenda times are eastern standard time (EST).

WHERE DOES THE CONFERENCE TAKE PLACE?
This virtual event takes place completely online. The event uses a virtual environment which allows attendees to view lectures, submit questions to faculty, and connect with other attendees.

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND THE ENTIRE CONFERENCE?
At the end of the conference you will receive a survey to attest to the number of credit hours you participated in. Please only claim credit that correlates with the number of hours you attended.

WHAT ABOUT CAMERA AND MIC ACCESS?
When you first sign into the virtual platform you will be asked to grant access to camera and microphone. This is to enable these features should you wish to connect with other attendees over video chat.

We will automatically mute you and have your camera off during general session lectures.

WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO I NEED?
You will need a computer or a device such as laptop, desktop, or tablet. The website is not accessible via phone. You are not required to have a camera or mic capability to listen to the lectures or submit questions to the panel.

The platform works best in browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari to participate during the conference. The virtual conference is not accessible over Internet Explorer.

Please note if your work/company typically has firewalls up to prevent streaming, video use, etc you may need to use a personal device.

HOW CAN I GET TO THE CONFERENCE?
Registered attendees will receive a link via email to the conference virtual platform OnAir by November 6, 2023. The link will be sent to the email address you registered with and is how you will access all the conference content.

You will use the same link to access the platform during the conference dates and to review recorded presentations after the air dates.

WHAT IF I DON'T RECEIVE THE LINK?
Contact [email protected] for assistance.

CAN I SHARE THIS LINK WITH OTHERS?
Just like an in-person meeting, registrations should not be shared. The registration provides a single sign-on secure experience for the user.
Please note that recordings or downloaded conference material of any kind that are accessed on the platform should not be shared.

WHEN WILL SESSION MATERIAL BE AVAILABLE?
PDF copies of the presentations will be available for download on the session page from those presenters who gave consent to share. These are accessible after the conference date for up 30 days post conference (December 10).  

CAN I CHAT WITH OTHERS DURING THE CONFERENCE?
YES! In each session there is a chat feature that allows you to send messages to others in the session. There is also the Networking Hub where you can message other attendees, faculty and industry directly with chat or video connections.

I HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE SPEAKER
In each session there is a chat box to the right of the screen you can enter in a question for the panel. Our team will collect questions for the moderator to be asked during panel discussion time.

WILL LIVE CONTENT BE AVAILABLE AFTER THE EVENT?
Live content will be recorded, subject to speaker permission, and posted on platform for on-demand viewing. You will continue to have access to session content and exhibit hall until December 10, 2023.

I NEED HELP!
Before the conference date please contact [email protected] or (833) 731-1273 with any questions.

Day of the conference while you are participating on the virtual platform our staff is ready to assist you. There is a headset icon in the top right of your screen. This will directly connect you to a member of our team.