SADS 8th Annual International Conference

Suddent Arrhythmic Death Syndromes: Recent Advances and their Role in Improving Outcomes
May 29 - 31, 2015 in New York

2015 Family & Youth Session Highlights

Click HERE to see the Family Session Syllabus.

“The presentations where a doctor was paired with a patient or parent made all the science more relatable.”

Bravo to the committee members for the 8th Annual International SADS Foundation Conference for planning and hosting the Family Sessions held on May 20-31, 2015, at the Islandia Marriott on Long Island, New York. The conference provided opportunities for education about the newest research and treatment of SADS conditions, an exchange of ideas between experts and families, and first-time entertainment by a comedy improv group for both adults and kids to jumpstart the networking night out.

The conference boasted an attendance of 52 families with a national presence of 19 states and an international presence from four countries: Chile, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. Our families made several long-term connections and are strategizing ways they can support one another regionally. Many attendees shared comments on social media to share with their support groups generating further discussion beyond the conference.

What attendees have to say…

“So informative and interesting. Wonderful responses to all questions.”

“Love being able to hear other people’s questions/concerns and subsequent answers.”

“Extremely informative and engaging.”

“Much more than I had hoped for.”

“Fantastic and helpful. All questions answered thoroughly.”

Special highlights from this year’s conference include the following:

• Participants on Friday taking part in patient-centered outcome research discussions. Session members were divided into seven small groups and tasked with identifying two suggestions for further review and potential research project generation. Ideas included:

• Effectiveness of new subcutaneous ICDs

• ICD possibilities for children

• Viability of new drugs

• Assessment of Gene Therapy

• Survey of awareness of SADS conditions by electrophysiologists

• Drs. Michael J. Ackerman and Silvia J. Priori taking their personal time to meet privately with families to discuss specific issues relating to each particular patient and family. It was wonderful occasion for attendees to have access to such world-leading experts.

Youth Sessions

A special track was created for the kids and teends where they joined in activities geared for them including decorating their own T-shirts, creating their own healing wall submissions, question and answer sessions with health care professionals featuring Board President Dr. Michael J. Ackerman, group discussions, and AED/CRP training.

Comment from parent...

"Great to have kids see other kids impacted."

Comments from kids... "Last year was good, but this year is better." "I'm excited to create a webpage where we can all keep in touch with each other." "I learned a lot from the session on playing sports." "The speakers were good and I learned a lot." "It was fun playing foosball and going to the pool together."

All of us at the SADS Foundation are privileged to work with and for our families and everyone in the circle who cares for them. We are honored to have spent time with you during our 8th Annual International SADS Foundation Conference and return to our home office further inspired to continue the mission of the SADS Foundation established by our found Dr. G. Michael Vincent.

CME Session Highlights

Click HERE to see the Health Professional Agenda.

Congratulations to program directors Glenn I. Fishman, MD, and Silvia G. Priori, MD/PhD for jointly planning, organizing, and providing the scientific symposium Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndromes: Recent Advance and their Role in Improving Outcomes with the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation on May 29, 2015, at NYU Langone Medical Center. The day included 15 leading experts in their fields covering the latest research and knowledge about Long QT Syndrome, CPVT, Brugada Syndrome, and ARVC.

The Smilow Seminar Room was packed with more than 125 attendees who were highly engaged and stayed to the very end discussing the 16 separate presentations.

“Please accept and extend my sincere gratitude to all organizers, from the leaders of the SADS Foundation to the scientific directors of this fabulous symposium. It was a tremendous learning experience for me. I am honored to be a participant.”