Reflections on the Congress

“Sometimes as a clinician in bleeding disorders – and at times as expressed to me by my patients – it can feel quite isolating and like you are the only one. For me, having the opportunity to participate in such a unique conference has been simply inspiring. Finding myself immersed and part of this community where individuals are so dedicated, innovative and engaged gives me a new sense of purpose and fresh fuel to continue to work within this special area of haematology.”

James Slade, Advanced Practice Nurse, Haemophilia & Bleeding Disorders, The Canberra Hospital

 “As I write this, bleary-eyed and sleep-deprived from staying up all night watching our Australian athletes compete at the Rio Olympics, I reflect on my attendance at the World Congress and can’t help but draw so many parallels between the two events.   At the Olympics, there are 11,559 athletes, representing over 200 countries and at the Congress over 5,500 participants representing 130 countries.  Both the athletes and the people with bleeding disorders are supported by a team of family, medical personnel, researchers, scientists and administrators, all with the one goal of working together to maximise the outcome.  The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, revealed the Rio 2016 Olympic Slogan as Un Mundo Novo – A New World.  The New World speaks of new friends, creating new families, breaking down barriers, adopting new attitudes all based upon the desire to change.  How similar to the WFH vision of Treatment For All in which one day, all people with a bleeding disorder will have proper care, irrespective of where they live.”

Ali Morris, Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth  

“I am excited to see that the new treatment possibilities are turning into realities. After so many years of attending World Congresses and hearing about these treatments as hypothetical, optimism is now giving way to real world studies. I am hoping to see these treatments brought to Australia and that this will translate into a robust discussion with a focus on best practice treatment and outcomes for each person receiving treatment.”

Sharon Caris, Executive Director, Haemophilia Foundation Australia

HOST COUNTRY NETWORKING RECEPTION

To provide a relaxed but energising environment for Congress delegates to meet and talk with each other, the host country organised a reception at one of Orlando’s world-renowned attractions: Epcot, a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Australian delegates took the opportunity to catch up with some of their international colleagues – and to take a trip down memory lane with some of their favourite cartoon characters.

Photo: Sumit Parik and Minnie Mouse

Photo: Ali Morris and Pluto