Conference Online Q&A Chats

Medically Led Sessions
Transcript: 5/7/08

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 1:58:43 PM)
Welcome! This is Jennie Carman, PHA’s Meeting Planning Associate. I will be moderating today’s chat on the Medically-led Sessions at Conference. Today’s speakers will be Michael Krowka, M.D., chair of the Medical Sessions committee and Rebekah Macfie, PHA’s Medical Services Associate.

TW (May 7, 2008 1:59:48 PM)
hi Jennie

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 1:59:48 PM)
Hi TW, thanks for joining us

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 1:59:51 PM)
Welcome TW! Where are you from?

TW (May 7, 2008 2:00:12 PM)
I"m from Waynesboro MS ......

TW (May 7, 2008 2:00:39 PM)
and Hi Diane

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 2:00:41 PM)
welcome also bkgirl! where are you located?

bkgirl (May 7, 2008 2:01:05 PM)
Mich

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:02:13 PM)
Welcome, Dr. Krowka and Rebekah, would you like to introduce yourselves first? Then we can get to the questions!

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:03:20 PM)
hi to everyone. mjk

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:03:21 PM)
Hi all, I'm Rebekah- I work in the Medical Services Department here at PHA and have been coordinating the planning for the Medically Led Sessions at Conference. I'm very excited to meet you all in Houston soon!

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:03:49 PM)
At Conference this year we will have 40 medical sessions with over 100 speakers. Many of the topics are the same as past years, but there are some new ones as well.

TW (May 7, 2008 2:04:45 PM)
thanks for coming, both of you

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:05:17 PM)
we want to be as "up to date" as possible with info shared and discussed

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:05:30 PM)
TW, have you been to a PHA Conference before?

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:05:56 PM)
We are very excited about this year's Sessions because they will cover a range of issues from lifestyle issues, to specific medications, to clinical trials!

TW (May 7, 2008 2:05:57 PM)
no never,,,,,,,i'm looking forward to it this year

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:06:25 PM)
Great! bkgirl, will this be your first Conference as well?

bkgirl (May 7, 2008 2:06:45 PM)
yes it is I am excited

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 2:07:44 PM)
Have you taken a look at the list of medical sessions that will be offered? What are you most interested in learning?

TW (May 7, 2008 2:08:27 PM)
laffin............all of them........its hard to pick just one.....

bkgirl (May 7, 2008 2:08:36 PM)
Me too

bkgirl (May 7, 2008 2:09:03 PM)
i want to know if it is posssible time wise to attend most of the sessions

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:09:03 PM)
Generally there are about five sessions running simultaneously, so you won't be able to attend all of the sessions, but there are six time slots so you can attend as many as six different sessions!

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:09:46 PM)
One of the nicest medical buffets available!

TW (May 7, 2008 2:10:29 PM)
the subject are great........i'm really looking forware to hearing all I can soak up.........my wife is as excited about it as I am.

TW (May 7, 2008 2:10:52 PM)
yeah a smorgasboard of doctors, who could ask for anything more

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:11:14 PM)
Yes, and we make sure that each session allows ample time for Q&A at the end, so the experts are really at your disposal

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:11:24 PM)
This year the audio recordings from all of the medical sessions will be available on CD, and mailed to all attendees. So even if you can't get to all the sessions in Houston, you will be able to have the information afterwards!

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 2:11:53 PM)
Welcome Jas! where are you from? have you attended a conference before?

TW (May 7, 2008 2:12:18 PM)
PHA has really outdone themselves with everything they have to offer.......

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:12:36 PM)
Well thanks! We just want to give everyone as much information as possible while they are at Conference.

jas (May 7, 2008 2:12:40 PM)
yes i have i am from vancouver island can

bkgirl (May 7, 2008 2:12:45 PM)
Can you leave one session to attend another after you have learned what you need to

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:12:45 PM)
If you plan on doing that I would suggest sitting in the back of the room, but other than that you are welcome to meander through the Sessions!

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:12:55 PM)
As Rebekah mentioned , we really want this to be mostly Q & A for everyone

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:14:00 PM)
Dr. Krowka, what sessions are you most excited about for this Conference?

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:14:19 PM)
Thanks for joining us!

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 2:15:03 PM)
ah, an international attendee! be sure to check out the info we have for you on our international attendee web page here: http://www.phassociation.org/Conference/2008/InternationalAttendees.asp.

jas (May 7, 2008 2:17:42 PM)
oops i'm back

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:17:45 PM)
We have new sessions on PH that complicates blood disorders, a session on new types of pulmonary hypertesion, updates on the new medications coming out, several sessions in spanish to name a few, several pediatric sessions and a session on the REVEAL registry that decribes over 3000 pateints with PH

jas (May 7, 2008 2:18:42 PM)
i'm very interested in the platetls , spleens low o2 and connective tissue sessions

TW (May 7, 2008 2:18:58 PM)
sorry i'm back too

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:19:07 PM)
TW...that is a good idea..nothing wrong with some additional opinions

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:19:12 PM)
Some of the lifestyle sessions that I think will be really exciting are a session on exercise, a session on nutrition, and a session called "Ups and Downs in Living with PAH"

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:19:39 PM)
Jas- there is a session called "How is PH in Scleroderma and Connective Tissue Disease Different."

jas (May 7, 2008 2:20:42 PM)
i'm very interested in that i have lupus with some cross over to ctd

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:21:34 PM)
Blood disorders are extremely interesting a a new focus this year..topics such as PH after spleens are removed, big spleens and PH, sickle cell disorders ,lots of stuff we never thought much about before.

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:21:49 PM)
there is a session on Sunday entitled "Blood Disorders and PAH: Sickle Cells, Spleens and Platelets"

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:22:45 PM)
The connective tissue sessions have been very popular in the past..

TW (May 7, 2008 2:22:48 PM)
I really don't know as much about this disease as I should, I'm sure this conference will bring a whole new understanding and knowledge of it.

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:22:48 PM)
I think you're right, TW, Conference offers sessions such as "Understanding PH: The Basics." as well as the lifestyle sessions I mentioned earlier. There are also more in-depth topics as you feel more comfortable with the information.

jas (May 7, 2008 2:23:48 PM)
i like that i can come back and there are new things to attend

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:24:11 PM)
Yes, there are several new Sessions this year, and for topics that are repeated there is often new information or new speakers.

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:24:20 PM)
Excatly, another reason the take home audio cds are a great addition to Conference

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:24:34 PM)
Jas, are there Sessions you have particularly enjoyed in the past?

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 2:25:13 PM)
and even the same sessions from Conference to Conference are different with new, updated info

jas (May 7, 2008 2:26:42 PM)
yes i enjoyed the long time surviors stories and i liked how at dinner we sat with a ph doc and were able to ask questions .

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:27:14 PM)
Those are both offerings that will be repeated this year, they are very popular!

jas (May 7, 2008 2:27:38 PM)
a few of us that came together all attended different ones and brought back the information for each other the ones that ran at the same time

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:28:20 PM)
The "Dine with a Doctor" program you're talking about will be happening at the Saturday evening "Progress of the Past, Promise of the Future" dinner, with more doctors particpating

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:28:46 PM)
Thats a great strategy! This year, each session will have a handout that you can take. You could even copy it and give it to support group members back home

jas (May 7, 2008 2:28:51 PM)
thats great

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:32:17 PM)
The thrombocytpoenia and phospholipid issues are perfect for the blood disorder session for sure. The session Chairs were especally chosen for these very specific matters

jas (May 7, 2008 2:33:19 PM)
i want to go to that too

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:33:26 PM)
and we will have a session (mine!) on anticoagulation..the "good the bad and the ugly" and talk about various drug=drug interactions

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 2:34:11 PM)
welcome to jrjoyce33! thanks for joining us.

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 2:34:14 PM)
where are you joining us from?

jas (May 7, 2008 2:34:16 PM)
that interests me as well

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:34:26 PM)
Dr. Krowka, we had a patient asking about sessions about LV disorders- do any of our sessions cover that topic?

jas (May 7, 2008 2:35:45 PM)
i'm also interested in the blood thinners

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:35:45 PM)
There is a session on anticoagulation drugs

jrjoyce33 (May 7, 2008 2:35:47 PM)
I'm from Indiana, sorry I was going through the prior discussion. I just got my email of the chat.

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:36:30 PM)
Have you attened a PHA Conference before jrjoyce33?

jrjoyce33 (May 7, 2008 2:36:35 PM)
I was diagnosed in late March and am interested in lots of information! I am coming to the conference.

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:36:42 PM)
Yes!...that will be included in the session sat 10:15 chaired by Dr Mathier on "Why did I get PH"?

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:37:27 PM)
Conference is a great time to get information for newly diagnosed patients, Understanding Pulmonary Hypertension: The Basics, "Why Did I Get PH" and the lifestyle sessions on nutrition, exercise, and living with PH are all great resources for new patients

jas (May 7, 2008 2:39:22 PM)
well i have to go now see you there

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:39:31 PM)
Thanks for joining us jas!

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:39:36 PM)
see you in Houston!

jas (May 7, 2008 2:39:40 PM)
thank you

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:40:42 PM)
jrjoyce, have you had the chance to look over the session descriptions? are you particuarly intrested any one session?

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:40:45 PM)
One topic that many folks find interesting is Familial/Genetic PAH, we will have a session on this. There is also a Research Room set up at Conference to allow researchers to collect data from patietns to research the genetic component of PH and other aspects of the disease

jrjoyce33 (May 7, 2008 2:42:04 PM)
I had just written to ask which would be recommended for a newly diagnosed patient...for some reason my question didn't come through.

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:42:04 PM)
sorry joyce. since it is being moderated it will take a mintue for one of the speakers to answer your question before it appears.

jrjoyce33 (May 7, 2008 2:44:02 PM)
I need to go through the available sessions. I have not had a chance to do this yet. I am very interested in any financial-related sessions as well.

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:44:02 PM)
Definitely "Understanding PH: The Basics", also "Why Did I get PH?" which is on Sunday, there is also a great session on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and Insurance issues

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:44:48 PM)
Regarding newly diagnosed...sat at 9:00 would be perfect..understanding the bascs led by Dr Michael McGoon...he is great on this topic

jrjoyce33 (May 7, 2008 2:45:19 PM)
Thanks for the information, I'll be sure to look everything over before next Wednesday's chat. I'll join then!

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:45:24 PM)
There is also a session on Sunday morning at 9:00 that is An Overview of Medical Therapies for PAH

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:45:26 PM)
thanks for joining us!

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:45:40 PM)
Remember to join us each Wednesday in May at 2pm for a different Conference focused chat. May 14 – Travel and the Houston area, May 21 – First-time Attendees, May 28 – Pediatrics and Children’s Activities

jrjoyce33 (May 7, 2008 2:45:44 PM)
Great! Thanks for your time!

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:46:20 PM)
No problem!

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:46:24 PM)
Also, The transcript for today’s chat will be available online here, http://www.phassociation.org/Conference/2008/chats/#med.

PHAWebmasterDiane (May 7, 2008 2:46:50 PM)
And you can check out full descriptions and speaker lists for the medical sessions at: http://www.phassociation.org/Conference/2008/Agenda.asp#medled.

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:47:15 PM)
Thank you Rebekah and Dr. Krowka for your expertise, looks like we are all done for today.

RebekahMacfie (May 7, 2008 2:47:21 PM)
Thanks, all!

DrMichaelKrowka (May 7, 2008 2:47:35 PM)
thank you for such great questions and "chat"

Moderator/Jennie (May 7, 2008 2:48:15 PM)
Thanks everyone, and please join us next week as well!