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“We really, really want you to network,” said Cindy Bailey, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, EMT, ATC, RMSK, director of physical and occupational therapy at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) and the Orthopaedic Hemophilia Treatment Center. “Oftentimes you can have conversations here you can’t duplicate in the HTC.”
In addition to being able to meet and share experiences with others in the community, she said, there’s firsthand access to providers. (Just remember, she said, that they’re not likely to provide insight on an attendee’s specific case, as they won’t have a full picture of history.) Bailey was joined by Fel Echandi, a chapter volunteer and board member whose son has hemophilia B, and Melissa Compton, executive director, Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation, in providing expert insight. Here’s more:
Agenda
The latest information about BDC 2022 is available on the app. The download is available for both iOS and Android; search for “NHF BDC” or “National Hemophilia Foundation” in Google Play or the App Store. The attendee’s last name is the login, and the attendee’s registration number is the password. The app includes a variety of key information such as maps, session details and handouts, exhibitors, FAQs and more.
Sessions are divided by various tracks; there are consumer sessions, for example, specifically aimed at women with bleeding disorders; parents and caregivers; those with rare bleeding disorders; adult men; and more. Attendees are welcome to attend any session in these tracks, unless they’re specifically marked “closed” in the program. Healthcare professionals tracks also are available.
The presenters suggested looking over the program in advance and choosing which sessions to attend. If sessions of interest overlap, consider a “divide and conquer” approach with a family member or friend, sharing notes from different sessions later.
Logistics
Emergency care is available at St. Joseph Medical Center. This is the closest medical center to the event, but it has less experience treating bleeding disorders. The nearest HTC is UT Physicians Gulf States Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Center – Texas Medical Center. Texas Children’s Hospital is for pediatric care only. Further information is available on the app, as well as through the Lone Star Bleeding Disorders Foundation booth (#13) in the Exhibit Hall.
For those here with families, the childcare program is available from 9 a.m.-5:15 p.m. daily. Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m., and pickup is no later than 5:15 p.m.
Fun (and food)
Lunch is available on Fridays and Saturdays in the Exhibit Hall, and industry-sponsored symposia typically include meals. There are also a variety of restaurants nearby for on-your-own eating. Check the “Places” category in the app.
Watch for social and networking events including track-specific experiences and the Final Night Event. Catch up with the latest and read about past sessions in NHF Daily.
Attendees also are invited to share and follow conference experiences on social media using #NHF2022. Look for @NHF_Hemophilia on Twitter and Instagram. As for Wi-Fi at the convention center, the network name is BDC2022, and the password is #NHF2022.
Additional tips
Wear comfy shoes, Bailey said. Take notes, bring a sweater as rooms can get chilly, and pace yourself. If it takes longer to get to a session than planned, no worries; presenters won’t mind if you slip in a little late. And one last thing: Have fun! ■