2006 International Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders Symposium

The 2006 International Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders Symposium will be held in Baltimore at the Sheraton Inner Harbor from July 19th to July 23rd.  The symposium will include both a science and clinical program.  The clinical workshop will bring together patients, caregivers, physicians, primary care doctors, family practitioners, ER physicians, neurologists and other allied health professionals.  The goal of this workshop will be to provide up-to-date knowledge on the diagnosis and management of the neuroimmunologic diseases.  This will also be a platform for patients and caregivers to interact with other patients and with physicians and learn about novel therapies and clinical trials.  A reception will be held Wednesday evening, July 19th.  The first science and clinical sessions will begin on Thursday morning, July 20th.  The science program will end on Saturday, July 22nd.  The clinical program will end on Sunday morning, July 23rd.  

The program agendas for the science and clinical programs are posted on our web site and the Johns Hopkins Project RESTORE web site.  We urge you to review the agendas carefully when deciding if you would like to attend.  We are very proud of the program that is being co-sponsored by Project RESTORE and The Transverse Myelitis Association.  The leading physicians and researchers in the neuroimmunologic disorders from around the world will be attending and presenting at the symposium.  We know that the information you are provided with from the presentations will make you a more effective advocate for your medical care.

http://www.myelitis.org/rnds2006

In addition to the formal presentations, you will have the opportunity to talk to physicians and researchers during the breaks and at meals.  The Sunday morning session will provide you with the opportunity to engage in a question and answer period and dialogue with some of the members of the TMA medical advisory board and other physicians and researchers who participate.  Finally, the symposium represents a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other people with the neuroimmunologic disorders and their family members.  Lifelong friendships are created at these gatherings.  The symposia are a very emotional and empowering experience.

The discounted hotel rate for TMA members is $145 per night.  Please make your reservations at the hotel directly by identifying yourself as a member of The Transverse Myelitis Association and be sure to specify for the Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders Symposium (RNDS).    

For assistance with Sheraton reservations, please dial 1-888-625-5144, if you are calling from the U.S. or Canada.

The registration fees are as follows:
3 days        2 days         1 day
Physicians                                                        $475           $325           $175
Residents/Fellows/Allied Health                      $325           $225           $125
Patients/Families                                              $250           $175           $100
Graduate Students                                            $175           $125           $75
 
Registration materials will be mailed to all members of The Transverse Myelitis Association.  You can also register online by using the TMA or Project RESTORE links:

http://www.myelitis.org/rnds2006

The symposium will offer a number of workshops, as well as a gait, orthosis and wheelchair clinic. You will be able to review the workshop sessions in the clinical program agenda on the web site.  The goal of the workshops is to provide a more interactive session with the physicians for an opportunity to discuss management issues, to explore other therapies and to have questions answered.

The gait, orthosis and wheelchair clinic and workshop will be directed by  Drs. Chuck Levy, Barbara deLateur, and Frank Pidcock.  Orthotists, physical therapists, adaptive equipment and wheelchair companies will also participate in the clinic and workshop. This clinic will offer an opportunity for one-on-one interaction with our physical medicine and rehabilitation team.  The goal of this evaluation is to provide the participant with specific information that they would be able to take to their physicians and orthotists for discussion and guidance.  We would encourage you to attend this clinic regardless of whether you sign up for a personal evaluation.  You will be able to observe how an evaluation is done, and gain some knowledge and insight as to what you might expect from this process.

To participate in these sessions we are asking you to sign up for the specific workshops and/or the gait, orthosis and wheelchair clinic at the time you fill out and submit your registration materials.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Baltimore!