It was Sunday, February 23rd when I boarded my first and last flights of 2020. It was one of those very rare trips where you’re roundtrip would be within 12 hours. Destination: Cardiovascular Research Technologies 2020 meeting in National Harbor, Maryland. Why only a one-day trip? It was all I could swing with my clinical … Read more
As we close the chapter on a successful—if different—AHA conference in this pandemic year, and usher in the much-anticipated vaccination phase of the global pandemic, it is worth taking a moment to consider what future science and scientific conferences may gain from the insights of 2020 in the years to come and beyond. As my … Read more
The types of annual society meetings are as diverse as there are professional societies worldwide. Some medical, scientific, and academic societies are made up of extremely specialized sub-subfields. While other professional societies cast a wide net, bringing in members from different specialties that share some but not a lot of similarities. And of course, there … Read more
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives have been significantly affected on every level. Different countries reacted in various ways and almost everybody was under lockdown at a certain point. With time, everyone has adapted to the new “normal”. Masks are on all the time, no handshakes or hugs, and if anyone gets … Read more
As we near the close of the American Heart Association’s 2020 Scientific Sessions, I’d like to reflect on the virtual conference experience. I must admit, despite the high quality research and programming schedule, I was skeptical going into this year’s virtual conference. It was my first (of many?), and I had reservations about the ability … Read more
COVID-19 has dramatically impacted every aspect of our lives. We have been forced to redesign both our work and professional lives to accommodate social distancing efforts to reduce virus transmission. Therefore, the 2020 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions is a virtual program this year (1). While we will miss the in-person aspects of a … Read more
In 2019, I was fortunate to be an Early Career Blogger for the AHA and attending the scientific sessions in Philadelphia (pictured below). It seems hard to believe that one year later, the same conference is being held exclusively via an online platform. COVID has caused a lot of changes, including the way we strive … Read more
As we inch closer to the end of 2020 (with still a LOT left on the horizon), I’ve tried to take time here and there, to note the type of changes one calendar year has brought on to our greater science community. From my own personal, early career scientist, point of view (keeping in mind … Read more
Thank you to the organizers for putting together a vibrant and informative fully virtual AHA Basic Cardiovascular Sciences Scientific Sessions 2020 (BCVS20) conference this year! While I have attended many meetings and classes virtually this year, BCVS20 was the first major scientific conference that I attended virtually and I did not know what to expect. … Read more
Conference attendance is a core component of the journey graduate students go on, seeking to advance their knowledge and expand their network within the field of their academic pursuit. This year, unlike any other year before it, some students and early career professionals are experiencing their very first major conference participation and attendance in a … Read more