A community of physicians, researchers, and health care professionals will gather from Oct. 26-30 in Indian Wells, California to participate in development opportunities for scientific and medical expertise, educational, networking, and professional development during the 81st Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association.

The meeting is designed for those who wish to broaden and update their knowledge of the thyroid gland and its disorders in the larger community of endocrinologists, internists, surgeons, basic scientists, nuclear medicine scientists, pathologists, endocrine fellows, and nurses, physician assistants, and other health care professionals.” – Gregory A. Brent MD president

Attendees will convene at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, nestled at the base of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains, near Palm Springs, where they will take part in a four-day scientific program that offers a balance of clinical and basic science sessions on the latest advances in thyroidology.

The ATA Program Committee, led by Dr. Anthony Hollenberg and Dr. Martha Zeiger, have crafted an array of symposia, “meet-the-professor” workshops, interactive sessions, poster review opportunities, and oral abstract presentations that capture the latest information from leaders in basic science and clinical research and its relevance for disease management and patient care.

The ATA provides a customized educational track for Clinical, Basic, and Surgical Fellows to enhance their meeting experience.

Attendees can start their days with the Early Riser Symposia, participate in lectures and interactive discussions, attend the Paul Starr, Sidney H. Ingbar, Lewis E. Braverman, Clark T. Sawin and Van Meter Award Lectures, network with colleagues and learn about professional development opportunities, review cutting-edge research presented during the poster sessions, and visit the Exhibit Hall where industry representatives look forward to sharing information about their new services, products, and state-of-the-art technologies.

Two keynote speakers will present insightful Plenary Lectures during the conference. Margaret S. Pepe, PhD, Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington will deliver a presentation entitled “Successful Implementations of Molecular Markers into Clinical Practice: Steps One Needs to Follow.” Pat Zanzonico, PhD, Association Laboratory Member, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York City) will deliver a presentation entitled “Radiation Exposure from the Fukushima Nuclear Reactors: Likely Clinical Consequences.”

The ATA Meeting offers participants the opportunity to learn about up-to-date findings on the mechanisms, prevention, diagnosis, and management of thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer, and to attend discussions on how to translate the latest research findings and clinical management guidelines into practices enhancing patient care.

Attendees will have access to valuable information about new treatment options and gain a better understanding of the impact of evolving health policy, environmental and genetic factors, and non-thyroidal conditions on thyroid disorders and cancer.