Advancing our understanding of human pancreatic diseases, especially acute pancreatitis, requires the cooperative effort of a network of clinical centers of excellence and the regular meeting of thought leaders in the field. The course objectives for PancreasFest 2017: Detection, Assessment and Management of Complex Pancreatic Disorders, will enhance progress on meeting research priorities highlighted by the National Commission of Digestive Diseases. Specifically, we will 1) Critically review genetic and environmental risk factors associated with development of pancreatic diseases; 2) Critically review pancreatic pain and pain centralization; 3) Discuss strategies for translation of new scientific discoveries into clinical trials and practice, including needs analysis. The University of Pittsburgh has organized and hosted PancreasFest and its precursors since 1994. No other conference in the US focuses exclusively on fostering translational multi-center programs for pancreatic disorders. Attendees of past meetings uniformly praise PancreasFest for fostering collaborative research and emphasize the importance of having a small conference focused on pancreatic disorders. Multiple clinical working groups have emerged over the years through PancreasFest that focus on areas of NIDDK interest. Approximately 225 diverse medical professionals register for PancreasFest each year, including physicians and scientists interested in the pancreas: pancreatologists, endoscopists, surgeons, radiologists, molecular biologists, geneticists, epidemiologists, statisticians, systems biologists, subspecialty medical professionals, and experts in biomarkers. We encourage attendance from new faculty and fellows to ensure that the next generation of pancreatic investigators works directly with and learns from senior researchers in the field. Key staff from the NIDDK are invited to provide perspective and discuss priorities. PancreasFest is also attended by representatives from industry and patient-focused foundations, such as the National Pancreas Foundation. PancreasFest 2017 will be held on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA on July 26-28, 2017. The NIDDK-sponsored sessions will be part of this larger event, which includes meetings from the International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis In Search of a Cure (INSPIRRE) and the annual meeting of the Collaborative Alliance for Pancreatic Education and Research (CAPER), a nonprofit devoted to enhancing the career development of junior physician scientists in the field of pancreatology.
Pancreas Fest 2017 will benefit patients who have and are at risk for pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and other pancreatic disorders by providing a forum for leading experts in the field to discuss results of current research and will identify the best methods for diagnosing, treating, mentoring, and preventing pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases. No other conference focuses on these disorders, and the meeting format encourages all attendees to participate in discussion on how to provide the best possible clinical care.
