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CHOC & UCI Rare Disease Symposium & Family Conference
Feb 26 & Feb 28, 2025
CHOC and UCI are excited to present the 4th Annual Rare Disease Symposium and Family Conference, uniting advocates, researchers, clinicians, students, and families. This event serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, research advancements, and personal stories related to rare diseases.
This year’s conference will focus on the latest innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases across various specialties. Attendees will experience dynamic presentations by leading experts, as well as personal stories from families affected by rare conditions, promoting a stronger sense of community and understanding.
We look forward to seeing you at the following 2025 events. All times are listed in Pacific Standard Time.
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 9:05 AM (PST): Rare Disease Grand Rounds (Virtual, Speaker: Cary O. Harding M.D.)
- Friday, February 28, 2025 | 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM (PST): Rare Diseases Scientific, Patient Presentations and Poster Session (In-Person at Beckman Center Irvine, CA 92617)
Location:
Beckman Center, UCI
100 Academy Way
Irvine, CA 92617
Free parking
Objectives:
- Raise Awareness and Foster Collaboration:
Increase awareness of rare diseases and promote collaboration among researchers, clinicians, families, and advocacy organizations. - Promote Innovation and Research:
Showcase innovative research from CHOC, UCI, and other institutions in advancing understanding and treatment of rare diseases. - Empower and Connect Families:
Empower families affected by rare diseases through meaningful connections with researchers and the broader rare disease community.
Symposium Agenda
Wednesday February 26, 2025:
Rare Disease Grand Rounds (Virtual)
8:00 AM – 9:05 AM (PST)
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:05 | Virtual Meeting, Speaker: Cary O. Harding M.D. | Virtual (Zoom) |
Friday February 28, 2025:
Rare Diseases Scientific, Patient Presentations and Poster Session (In-Person at Beckman Center)
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (PST)
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 8:45 | Check-In, Breakfast, and Poster Setup | Atrium & Dining Terrace |
| 8:45 – 8:55 | Welcome & Introduction | Auditorium |
| 8:55 – 10:25 | Session 1* (Dr. Laurence Mignon, Dr. Asuka Eguchi, and more) | Auditorium |
| 10:25 – 10:35 | Break | — |
| 10:35 – 11:05 | Session 2* | Auditorium |
| 11:05 – 12:00 | Session 2 mini talks | Auditorium |
| 12:00 – 2:00 | Lunch & Poster Session | Atrium & Dining Terrace |
| 2:00 – 2:10 | UDN Update (Dr. Changrui Xiao) | Auditorium |
| 2:10 – 3:00 | Session 3: Patient’s Voice | Auditorium |
| 3:00 – 4:00 | Keynote Speaker * (Dr. Leslie M. Thompson) | Auditorium |
| 4:00 – 4:15 | Award & Closing Remarks | Atrium |
| 4:15 – 5:00 | Networking | Auditorium |
*CME credit pending
Call for Abstracts
Abstract Submission:
Submit an abstract for the 4th Annual CHOC & UCI Rare Disease Symposium & Family Conference by January 13, 2025.
Virtual Poster Viewing:
As part of the Conference, your poster will be displayed on our virtual platform. The Program Committee requests that you submit your poster, along with the abstract, for display during the Conference.
Please upload your poster in PDF format by Monday, February 24, 2025, via the Poster Submission Portal (open after February 1, 2025).
Zoom Link & Materials:
Registered participants will receive event materials and Zoom links via email.
The CHOC Grand Rounds will be held virtually on February 26th at 8:00 AM (PT)
Accreditation Information:
Wednesday February 26, 2025: Rare Disease Grand Rounds (Virtual)
Coming Soon.
Friday February 28, 2025: Rare Diseases Scientific, Patient Presentations and Poster Session (In-Person at Beckman Center)
Coming Soon.
Evaluation:
All participants will have 30 days from the end of the activity to complete an evaluation for each day and will be able to download their own certificate of credit or completion. Instructions will be emailed to all participants who signed-in each day.
Nurses: The California Board of Registered Nursing accepts CME Category 1 in the “other” section when renewing your license. Use “CME Category 1” as the provider number.
The University of California’s and CHOC’s nondiscrimination policy includes protections for sex and gender identities. A key element of creating a safe space for people of all sexes and gender identities is the respectful use of gender pronouns. We strive to create an environment of equity and inclusion with opportunities for everyone to reach their potential.
Asking our community what their gender pronouns are and consistently using them correctly is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity. Discussing and correctly using gender pronouns sets a tone of allyship. It can truly make all the difference, especially for new rare researchers that may feel particularly vulnerable in a new environment.
