Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Symposium Registration

The Richard King Mellon Foundation continues their legacy of fighting polio by generously supporting research on Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM). The AFM Symposium will bring together researchers, clinicians, patient families, and philanthropists from across the country to highlight research on AFM. We strongly encourage participants to attend in person, though a virtual option will be available.

The symposium will feature scientific talks, and the keynote presentation will be tailored to a general audience, followed by a Q&A panel discussion with AFM experts. The event will be followed by a reception. A detailed schedule will be released closer to the symposium date.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023
12:30pm - 6:00pm
Rangos Research Center Auditorium
UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Keynote Speaker - Peter Salk, MD

Peter L Salk, MD
President, The Jonas Salk Legacy Foundation
Professor (part-time), Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health

Peter Salk has served as president of the Jonas Salk Legacy Foundation in La Jolla since 2009 and as a visiting professor (2015-18) and part-time professor (2018-present) in Pitt's Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.

He graduated from Harvard University in 1965 and from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1969, and undertook two years of house staff training in internal medicine at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. He then worked in his father’s laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies from 1972-1984 conducting research on the biology and immunotherapy of cancer and autoimmune disease and strategies for vaccine production. He worked again with his father from 1991-1995 on a project to develop an inactivated vaccine for HIV infection, and subsequently engaged in the introduction of AIDS treatment programs in Africa and Asia.

His current activities include educating the public regarding his father’s life and work and exploring approaches to reducing the severity of various public health problems and to improving prospects for smoothing the transition to a sustainable human future.

Featured Speakers

Megan Culler Freeman, MD PhD; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh

Bernardo Mainou, PhD; Team Lead, Population Immunity Laboratory, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Kristen Mertz, MD, MPH; Medical Epidemiologist, Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD)

Kevin Messacar, MD; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado

Carlos Pardo-Villamizar, MD; Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University

Tracy Ruckwardt, PhD; Staff Scientist and Chief, Respiratory Viruses Core, National Institutes of Health

FAQ

Is there a registration fee?

No. The symposium registration is free for all attendees.

Will parking be provided?

Yes, parking will be provided for those who do not have access to the North Garage located by Rangos Reseach Center. Please indicate that you will need parking when registering so we can provide your name to our parking staff.

Will a hybrid option be offered?

We highly encourage participants to attend in person to network and form new collaborations. There will be a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person.

Will the symposium be recorded?

Yes, depending on speaker's permission to record.

Who should attend the AFM symposium?

Physicians, scientists, trainees, advanced practice providers, administrators and philanthropists interested in EVD-68 and acute flaccid myelitis research. The symposium will feature scientific talks, and the keynote presentation will be tailored to a general audience, followed by a Q&A panel discussion with AFM experts.

i4kids

Search

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Symposium Registration

Registration

Schedule

AFM Research at UPMC Children's Hospital / University of Pittsburgh

Keynote Speaker - Peter Salk, MD

Featured Speakers

FAQ

Contact us

Follow us

Our Partners