COPD8 Conference logo.The COPD Foundation will host COPD8USA, a multi-disciplinary, continuing medical education (CME) conference from June 14-15, 2013 in Chicago. 

The event provides important clinical and scientific knowledge for primary care physicians, respiratory therapists, and other care professionals involved with the management of individuals with COPD, according to the organization, which develops and supports programs to improve the quality of life for COPD patients.

“COPD8USA is a unique opportunity to interact face-to-face with delegates and speakers in order to share practical information for care management, as well as the latest in clinical and basic research,” says John Walsh, president and co-founder of the COPD Foundation.

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the discovery of the Alpha-1 gene, a genetic factor that can play a role in the development of the disease. The conference will celebrate this anniversary and highlight clinical, scientific and care delivery issues and how changes in the current healthcare and COPD landscape can be implemented to positively impact patient care.

The event will include plenary sessions and three topical breakout tracks, including:

  • A Research Track, which will include novel therapies in development, the latest science behind the complex role that COPD exacerbations play in the pathology of COPD, and the role of genetics in COPD diagnosis and management.
  • A Clinical Track, which will feature expert inter-professional healthcare providers to interpret the current guidelines, and provide case studies and panel discussions.
  • A Care Delivery Track, which is designed to improve patient outcomes and to reduce hospital readmissions by addressing how health care should be delivered in the current environment.

The COPD Foundation has partnered with the University of Nebraska Medical Center to provide continuing education credits to several different categories of healthcare providers.

More information on the conference is available on the COPD Foundation’s website.

Registration information is available here.