This FREE narrated cruise introduced attendees to the iconic sights, wonders, and culture of San Antonio. We discovered brilliant public art works, historical landmarks, and museums along this hub of economic and cultural growth which includes multiple water features and over 70,000 plants.
| 3:00 — 6:00 PM | Registration/Exhibits Open |
| 4:45 — 5:00 PM | Welcome |
| 5:00 — 6:00 PM | Natural History of ITP: Navigating the Journey |
| 6:00 — 6:15 PM | Break |
| 6:15 — 7:15 PM | Sobi Dinner Program: Highlighting Your Voice – The Value of Shared Decision Making in cITP |
| 7:15 — 8:30 PM | Inquire & Inspire: patients ask the experts and share personal journeys (small group sessions) • Canadian and International Patients & Caregivers • For Teens Only • General ITP Questions |
| 8:00 — 9:00 AM | Registration Continental Breakfast Exhibits Open |
| 9:00 — 10:15 AM | Evolution of ITP Treatment and Guidelines |
| 10:15 — 10:30 AM | Break |
| 10:30 — 11:30 AM | Inquire & Inspire: patients ask the experts and share personal journeys (small group sessions) • General ITP questions • Rare bleeding disorders during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause • ITP and Aging: Addressing the unique challenges • ITP in Children |
| 11:30 — 11:45 AM | Break |
| 11:45 AM — 1:00 PM | Is There More to ITP Than Just Low Platelets and Bleeding? |
| 1:00 — 2:00 PM | Lunch Break with PDSA Medical Advisors |
| 2:00 — 3:00 PM | How Do Emerging Treatment Strategies Have the Potential to Transform Patient Outcomes? |
| 3:00 — 3:15 PM | Break |
| 3:15 — 4:15 PM | Concurrent Sessions: • ITP in Adults Q&A • ITP in Teens (for teens only) • An Update on Pediatric ITP: differentiating primary ITP, IPD, and PID |
| 4:15 — 4:30 PM | Break |
| 4:30 — 5:15 PM | Concurrent Sessions: • Barriers to Care • ITP in Teens for Teens and Parents |
| 5:15 — 5:30 PM | Announcements |
| 6:30 — 7:30 PM | Amgen Dinner Program |
| 8:00 — 10:00 PM | Family Fun Event |
| 9:00 — 10:30 AM | Continental Breakfast Support Group Facilitators’ Breakfast (pre-registration requested) |
| 10:30 — 11:30 AM | Keynote Speaker: Meeting The Healer Within: Self Care With Mind Body Medicine |
| 11:30 AM — 12:30 PM | Living with ITP: Patients share their stories |
| 12:30 — 12:45 PM | Closing Remarks |
*Agenda and speakers subject to change
**A separate track for teens and young adults will run Friday and Saturday
***Breakout session assignments will be listed in the back of name badges
In 2024, PDSA hosted its 24th annual update on immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for patients, caregivers and the medical community in San Antonio, Texas July 26-28. The in-person patient conference took place at The Westin Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio.
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Each year the ITP conference provides opportunities to hear the latest information about ITP, meet others who are coping and living with ITP and receive answers to your medical questions. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions to PDSA’s Medical Advisors, who are some of the most experienced ITP doctors in the world. The conference is always a tremendous opportunity to hear and talk with these world-renowned experts.
In addition to the educational program and social events, our conference featured several small group sessions that provided attendees an opportunity to get to know other patients and caregivers in an intimate environment. We also offered programs for children at our Kids Kamp for children ages 5-12. Like conferences in the past, this year’s conference provided a separate track for teens and young adults.
A free narrated cruise introduced attendees to the iconic sights, wonders, and culture of San Antonio.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Jody Shy at the PDSA office at (440) 746-9003 or via email at jshy@pdsa.org.
Q: What can I expect by attending the ITP conference?
A: ITP Conference offers many opportunities to connect with ITP patients and their loved ones, medical experts, and others in the ITP community. You will have time to learn from the experts, ask questions, share individual journeys, and have fun!
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: You are welcome to dress casually and comfortably throughout the weekend. Purple is the color of ITP warriors, and you can expect to see many people wearing this color. All sessions are casual attire and will be held in the hotel meeting rooms, which are air-conditioned. It is often difficult to control temperatures in a hotel setting and we recommended bringing along a light jacket or sweater to wear in the session spaces.
Q: Will meals be provided?
A: As part of your conference registration, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, lunch on Saturday, and a Friday mixer are provided. A sponsored dinner program will take place Saturday evening and requires a separate registration.
Q: Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
A: While we do our best to offer a variety of food options at each meal, we cannot specifically cater to each dietary need. Please feel free to ask the hotel staff serving the meals for assistance in identifying available options for your special needs.
Q: This is my first time attending the conference. How can I connect with others?
A: First-time attendees will be assigned a Conference Ambassador – a previous attendee who will be available to help welcome you and serve as a friendly face and resource throughout the weekend. Details will be sent to first-time attendees in June.
Q: Are scholarships available to help offset the cost of registration and hotel?
A: Yes, PDSA offers partial conference scholarships. Learn more and apply here.
Q: Will there be an opportunity to hear about current ITP treatments and new treatments on the horizon?
A: Yes. We have scheduled time with our exhibitors so you can meet directly with the companies who are providing treatments and sponsoring clinical trials. You will also have the opportunity to hear from and ask your questions to PDSA’s Medical Advisors, who are some of the world’s foremost experts on ITP. We guarantee what you will learn about the nature of ITP, its diagnosis, treatment, and management will make a positive difference in your own or your loved one’s ITP journey.
Q: Do I need a ticket for admission into sessions and meals?
A: At the conference registration table, all attendees will receive a personalized name badge. These name badges must be worn at all times during the conference sessions and conference meals. Admission to these activities is restricted to badge holders only.
Q: What do I need to know about the Saturday Dinner Program?
A: A complimentary one-hour dinner program will take place on Saturday evening at 6:30pm, sponsored by one of our industry partners. While this dinner is free for all attendees and their families, a separate registration is required to attend the dinner. You will receive an email with information on how to register for the dinner prior to the start of the conference. On-site registration for the dinner may be available on a limited basis.
Q: Will I be able to ask questions of the speakers during conference sessions?
A: YES! There will be time at the end of each session to ask questions as well as during several small group sessions facilitated by our speakers.
Q: What is your COVID-19 policy?
A: COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged for participants, but not required. For the protection of those attending the conference who may be at risk of infection, we recommend that masks be worn at the meeting.
Q: Will there be any events off-site during the weekend?
A: YES! Please join us for a private narrated cruise of the San Antonio Riverwalk. Experience an enchanting journey through San Antonio’s rich history, culture, architecture, and timeless charm.
Q: I have registered children for the conference. Will there be planned activities for them?
A: YES! PDSA offers Kids Kamp for all registered conference attendees, ages 5-12. Kamp will take place during all sessions of the conference on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Children will go to meals and breaks with families. Light snacks and water will be provided during Kamp as well. If you have a child interested in attending Kids Kamp, please contact Jody Shy at jshy@pdsa.org to register.
Q: I have a teen attending the conference. Will there be sessions just for them?
A: YES! We have a special teen track on Friday and Saturday, which is facilitated by PDSA Medical Advisor and Pediatric Hematologist Michael Tarantino, MD, and his staff from the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute. Any teen or young adult registered for the conference is welcome and encouraged to participate in these sessions.
The Alamo
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio
Alamodome
100 Montana, San Antonio
Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark
10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio
https://aquatica.com/san-antonio/
Brackenridge Park
3910 N. St. Mary’s St, San Antonio
https://www.brackenridgepark.org/
Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St, San Antonio
Buckhorn Saloon & Museum & The Texas Ranger Museum
318 E. Houston St, San Antonio
https://www.buckhornmuseum.com/
Centro de Artes Gallery
101 S. Santa Rosa, San Antonio
https://www.getcreativesanantonio.com/Galleries/Centro-de-Artes
City Sightseeing Double Decker San Antonio
111 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio
https://citysightseeingsanantonio.com/en
Confluence Park
310 W. Mitchell St, San Antonio
https://sariverfound.org/confluence-park/
The DoSeum – San Antonio’s Children’s Museum
2800 Broadway, San Antonio
Garcia Art Glass
715 S. Alamo St, San Antonio
https://www.garciaartglass.com/
GO RIO River Cruises
202 E. Nueva St, San Antonio
Holocaust Memorial Museum
12500 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio
Hopscotch
711 Navarro St, San Antonio
La Villita Arts District
418 Villita St, San Antonio
https://www.lavillitasanantonio.com/
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
849 E. Commerce St #691, San Antonio
https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/san-antonio/
Liggettville Adventure Center
849 E. Commerce St, San Antonio
https://www.liggettville.com/shops-at-rivercenter-sanantonio
Majestic Theater
224 E. Houston, San Antonio
https://www.majesticempire.com/
Market Square – El Mercado
514 W. Commerce St, San Antonio
https://www.marketsquaresa.com/
Maverick Carter House
119 Taylor St, San Antonio
https://maverickcarterhouse.org/
McNay Art Museum
6000 N. New Braunfels, San Antonio
Mexican Cultural Institute
600 HemisFair Plaza Way, San Antonio
https://icm.sre.gob.mx/culturamexsa/
Natural Bridge Caverns
26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio
https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/
River Walk Public Art Garden
802 River Walk, San Antonio
https://events.getcreativesanantonio.com/public-art/
San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum
218 S. Presa St, San Antonio
San Antonio Botanical Gardens
555 Funston Place, San Antonio
San Antonio Fire Museum
801 E. Houston, San Antonio
https://www.sanantoniofiremuseum.org/
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
2202 Roosevelt Ave, San Antonio
https://www.nps.gov/saan/index.htm
San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W. Jones Ave, San Antonio
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
723 AT&T Center Pkwy, San Antonio
San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary’s St, San Antonio
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
400 N. Liberty Avenue, New Braunfels
https://www.schlitterbahn.com/
Sea Life
849 E. Commerce St. #691, San Antonio
https://www.visitsealife.com/san-antonio/
SeaWorld San Antonio
10500 SeaWorld Drive, San Antonio
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
17000 IH 10 West, San Antonio
https://www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas
Spanish Governor’s Palace
105 Plaza de Armas, San Antonio
https://www.spanishgovernorspalace.org/
Tejas Rodeo Company
401 Obst Road, Bulverde
Tower of the Americas
739 E. Cesar Chavez, San Antonio
https://www.toweroftheamericas.com/
US Army Medical Department Museum
3898 Stanley Rd, Fort Sam Houston
https://armymedicalmuseum.org/
The Witte Museum
3801 Broadway, San Antonio
Dr. James Bussel is Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Obstetrics at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. His training was initiated at Yale, continued at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, then he completed a Pediatric Residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the combined Cornell/Memorial Sloan Kettering program. The great majority of Dr. Bussel's publications are centered around diagnosis and especially management of patients with ITP, including children with ITP, adults with ITP, pregnant women with ITP, HIV infected patients with thrombocytopenia, and fetuses affected by autoimmune and alloimmune thrombocytopenia. He has worked with IVIg, IV anti-D, rituximab, and most recently the thrombopoietic agents. Dr. Bussel also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Aproteem Choudhury is dedicated to applying mind-body medicine to enhance health outcomes for individuals facing illness, chronic diseases, behavioral health challenges, and communities experiencing collective trauma. As Director of the Greater Houston Healing Collaborative (GHHC) at the Institute for Spirituality and Health, Aproteem utilizes his clinical expertise to support innovative public health initiatives targeting health ministries, veterans, caregivers, and the bereaved.
With a decade of experience in biomedical and clinical research, Aproteem emphasizes evidence-based mind-body skills to unlock our innate healing potential. Notably, he pioneered the first Mind-Body Interventionist role at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX, providing holistic care to patients, families, and clinicians. He actively participates in interdisciplinary projects promoting clinician wellness and combating burnout across the Texas Medical Center and Greater Houston community.
Aproteem's dedication extends to training and mentoring emerging practitioners of mind-body medicine, particularly those from traumatized communities such as Ukraine and Uvalde, TX. He played a key role in developing a two-year program supporting frontline healthcare providers and community leaders following the Robb Elementary School Shooting tragedy.
Aproteem also finds deep fulfillment by nurturing his regenerative micro farm, biking along Houston's Bayous, and cherishing time with his family and dogs. He holds a BS in Neuroscience from the University of Texas, Dallas, and is completing his Master’s of Social Work at the University of Houston.
Nichola Cooper is a Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Haematologist and at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK. She completed her undergraduate degrees at Cambridge University and Barts and the London Hospital Medical College, University of London, UK. During her haematology training, Dr Cooper undertook a research fellowship at Cornell Medical School, New York Presbyterian Hospital, USA with Jim Bussel, investigating the clinical and laboratory impact of treatments such as rituximab and anti-D immunoglobulin in patients with ITP. She also studied at Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital, London, where she gained further experience in both paediatric and adult immunodeficiency disorders. Dr. Cooper runs a clinical and laboratory research programme investigating the causes of haematological autoimmunity. She has authored many papers published in international, peer-reviewed journals including Nature Immunology, Blood and the British Journal of Haematology.
Dr. Annemarie Fogerty is a Hematology Specialist in Boston, MA with over 18 years of experience. She graduated from New York University School of Medicine in 2003, then went on to internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She completed her fellowship training at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She currently serves as the Clinical Director for Hematology and Director of Reproductive Hematology at both Massachusetts General Hospital and NewtonWellesley Hospital. Her particular areas of clinical expertise and research focus on thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in the pregnant patient.
Dr. Terry Gernsheimer is Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Medical Director of the Platelet Antibody Laboratory at the Puget Sound Blood Center, and Director of Transfusion Services for the University of Washington Medical Center and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Dr. Gernsheimer's research focuses on the pathophysiology and treatment of immune platelet disorders and pathologic immune responses associated with transfusion. She has clinical research interest in transfusion management of the hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient and surgical bleeding in patients undergoing solid organ transplant and cardiovascular procedures. She has made significant contributions toward understanding the pathophysiology and management of auto-immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Dr. Gernsheimer serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Rachael Grace is a Pediatric Hematologist at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the Medical Director of the Hematology Clinical Research Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and is recipient of the Blanche P. Alter Investigatorship in Hematology. Dr. Grace received her MD from Brown University and received her Masters in Medical Science from Harvard Medical School. She completed her pediatrics residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. She is the director of the pediatric ITP Consortium of North America (ICON), a collaboration of more than 50 sites in North America focused on improving ITP care for children. She is a leading investigator for multiple observational and interventional research studies for children with ITP and is involved in national ITP guideline initiatives. Dr. Grace’s clinical and research interests are focused on improving outcomes of children with immune cytopenias and rare congenital hemolytic anemias.
Dr. Craig Kessler is professor of Medicine and Pathology and Section Chief of Hematology. He is also Director of the Coagulation Laboratory at Georgetown. A graduate of Tulane School of Medicine, Dr. Kessler received his specialty training in hematology and oncology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. An international expert in the area of disorders of coagulation, Dr. Kessler has a particular interest in hemophilia. He also has expertise in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Dr. Kessler also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. David Kuter is Chief of Hematology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. He earned a research doctorate (DPhil) at Magdalen College of Oxford University and a medical degree at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kuter is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Chief of Hematology at the Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition, Dr. Kuter sits on numerous national and international ITP committees and is board certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology. He has dedicated years of effort to researching coagulopathies, anticoagulation, and platelet disorders. In recent years, Dr. Kuter has conducted groundbreaking research into the development of effective thrombopoietic agents. Dr. Kuter also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Howard Liebman is Professor of Medicine and Pathology at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. He serves as Medical Director of the Special Hemostasis Laboratory at the USC NorrisComprehensiveCancerCenter and is Director of the fellowship program in hematology. Dr. Liebman received his medical degree from USC and completed his postgraduate training including a residency in internal medicine and fellowships in medical oncology and hematology at Los AngelesCounty - University of Southern California Medical Center. Dr. Liebman completed a research fellowship at TuftsUniversity - New EnglandMedicalCenter, Boston, MA, and held faculty positions at TuftsUniversity and BostonUniversity, before returning to USC. Dr. Liebman's research interests include clinical management and characterization of haemostatic and thrombotic disorders, management of autoimmune blood disorders, and clinical therapy of HIV and AIDS. He has authored or co-authored 85 peer-reviewed publications and 26 reviews and chapters. Dr. Liebman also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Diane Nugent is a Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She currently serves as Chair, Hematology, CHOC Children's Hospital of North Orange County, Orange, CA; Medical Director, Hematology and Blood and Donor Services CHOC Children's; and Division Chief, Hematology, CHOC Children's Specialists. Dr. Nugent is a nationally-recognized expert in pediatric hematology who specializes in blood disorders, bone marrow failure, bleeding and clotting disorders, anemias, and immune deficiencies. She is involved in clinical trials for rare blood disorders and is a principal investigator for regional hemophilia programs. Dr. Nugent has coauthored more than 100 journal articles and book chapters. She chairs review subcommittees at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB) at NIH in hematology. Dr. Nugent also participates in the Pediatric ITP Consortium of North America (ICON), a group of pediatric hematologists dedicated to improving the understanding, treatment, and quality of life (QOL) of pediatric ITP patients.
Dr. John Semple received his PhD in Immunology from Queen's University in 1986 and trained as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Banting and Best Department of Medical Research of the C.H. Best Institute, University of Toronto from 1986-1990. He joined St. Michael’s Hospital in 1990 and was a Senior Staff Scientist and Head of the Toronto Platelet Immunobiology Group at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences. He was also a Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology, Medicine and Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto and an Adjunct Scientist with Canadian Blood Services. He joined Lund University in 2016 as a Professor of Transfusion Medicine of St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Semple has published over 120 papers on platelet immunology. His research activities include several areas including anti-platelet T cell responses in patients with acute and chronic ITP, the analysis of how platelet antigens are recognized by the immune system, and how platelets may act as immune-like cells that are responsible for initiating and perpetuating their own autoimmune demise. Dr. Semple also serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Dr. Michael Tarantino is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria and Medical Director of the Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute. He received a doctoral degree in medicine from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1987. He completed an internship and residency at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center and a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. Dr. Tarantino first became interested in ITP during his residency in 1988. Since that time he has designed and/or participated in numerous clinical investigations related to ITP and other platelet disorders. He has authored numerous publications relevant to the diagnosis and management of ITP, especially as it occurs in children. He is also active in hemophilia and other bleeding disorders research, and founded The Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute in 2010. Dr. Tarantino serves on the PDSA Board of Medical Advisors.
Platelet Disorder Support Association
8751 Brecksville Road Suite 150
Cleveland, OH 44141
440.746.9003 | pdsa@pdsa.org
The Platelet Disorder Support Association is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
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IMPORTANT!
The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.
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