PancreasFest 2023

University Of Pittsburgh At Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

SUMMARY Advancing our understanding of human pancreatic diseases, especially pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, requires the cooperative effort of a network of clinical centers of excellence and the regular meeting of thought leaders in the field. The course objectives for PancreasFest 2023 will enhance progress on meeting research priorities highlighted by the National Commission of Digestive Diseases. Specifically, we will 1) Critically review genetic and environmental risk factors associated with development of pancreatic diseases; 2) Critically review new advances in management of acute and chronic pancreatitis patients;3) Discuss potential approaches and advances aimed to improve the early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer patients 4) Discuss strategies for translation of new scientific discoveries into clinical trials and practice, including needs analysis. The University of Pittsburgh has organized and hosted PancreasFest and its precursors since 1994. We are honored to expand and enhance conference reach and breadth through the 2023 transition of conference leadership to CAPER (Collaborative Alliance of Pancreatic Education & Research), a nonprofit devoted to enhancing the career development of junior physician scientists in the field of pancreatology. No other conference in the US focuses exclusively on fostering translational multi-center programs for pancreatic disorders. Attendees of past meetings uniformly praise PancreasFest for fostering collaborative research and for its emphasis on the importance of a small conference focused on pancreatic disorders. Multiple clinical working groups have emerged over the years through PancreasFest that focus on areas of NIDDK interest. Approximately 250+ medical professionals from varied medical disciplines register for PancreasFest each year, including physicians and scientists interested in the pancreas: pancreatologists, endoscopists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, molecular biologists, pediatricians, geneticists, epidemiologists, statisticians, systems biologists, subspecialty medical professionals, and experts in biomarkers. We encourage attendance from new faculty and fellows to ensure that the next generation of pancreatic investigators works directly with and learns from senior researchers in the field. Key staff from the NIDDK are invited to provide perspective and discuss priorities. PancreasFest is also attended by representatives from industry and patient-focused foundations, such as CAPER, Mission:Cure, and the National Pancreas Foundation. PancreasFest 2023 will be held at the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Student Union in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, PA on July 27-28, 2023. NIDDK-sponsored sessions will be part of PF23, which include meetings from the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis In Search of a Cure (INSPPIRE) and the annual meeting of CAPER.