On November 5th the Foundation hosted the 2013 “Raising C Diff Awareness” Conference in Durham, North Carolina at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotels at Research Triangle Park. For those arriving on Monday the 4th of November, a reception to meet and greet took place at the hotel.
Tuesday morning the conference commenced with a warm welcome from the Foundation’s Executive Director and Founder, Nancy Caralla, leading into opening remarks of the Foundation followed by recognition of our corporate sponsors. First guest speaker was Attorney Bradley Clark who spoke of his experience with long term disability and how it relates to C. diff infections.
Professor Simon Cutting presented on a project titled CDVAX, which aims to develop an innovative oral Clostridium difficile vaccine that will provide protection against C. diff. infections.
Additional morning presenters included Julie Grubb,MT,BS,CIC who presented data on UV disinfecting. Peter Mojica, Chief Technology Officer for Biovigil Hygiene Technologies demonstrated and presented Biovigil’s new hand hygiene compliance and monitoring system.
After lunch attendees had the opportunity to meet with Corporate and Supporting sponsors and view the environmental safety products being utilized to combat Hospital Acquired (HAI) Infections, C. diff. and the top super-bugs worldwide.
The afternoon presenters included Dr Lawrence Brandt,MD presented on Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT), and the rationale for its use in a Clostridium difficile infection.
A Teleconference presentation with Dr. Clifford McDonald,MD from the Center for Disease Control, presented, ”Our evolving understanding of the epidemiology of C. difficile.”
Dr David Weber,MD, Chief Medical Officer for the University of North Carolina presented, “Role of the contaminated environment in the transmission of Clostridium difficile: Focus on new technologies for disinfection.”
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our presenters, sponsors, and attendees who made this educational conference possible.
Photographs were framed and donated by Andrea Nagy, a C. diff. survivor. Andrea shared the nature stills to reflect how fragile life is. We give thanks to Andrea for her participation and very touching gesture.
The members of the C Diff Foundation look forward to seeing you at future events.
2014:
March 14th ”Raising C Diff Awareness” Symposium - Tampa, Florida - please visit the “Events” tab for full details.
September 15/16th ”Raising C Diff Awareness” Conference - Royal Holloway University Egham, Surrey England. Details will be updated as they become available.
