​Largest Kidney Patient Organization Hosts National Meeting

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the nation’s largest and oldest independent kidney patient organization broke all records at its 2018 National Patient Meeting – hosted June 8-10 at the Vinoy Renaissance in St. Petersburg, FL. 
 
AAKP had a record number of attendees, comprised of kidney patients (at all stages and all modalities), family members, and healthcare professionals. Attendees enjoyed three days of educational sessions featuring a diverse line-up of speakers from all sectors of the kidney community, including top influencers from academia - including Vanderbilt University, Emory University, George Washington University; University of Florida; Baylor College of Medicine; industry representatives; allied non-profit organizations; and Federal government officials including the CDC, CMS, HHS, NIH, and VA. 
 
Attendees enjoyed a number of general sessions on the latest in innovation in kidney treatment options and current policy issues affecting their care, along with breakout sessions focused on specific issues such as diet/nutrition, exercise, transplantation, home dialysis therapies, the power of social media, understanding clinical trials, caregiver only sessions and much more!
 
AAKP was also pleased to feature fun, social events such as AAKP’s Welcome Reception, the Annual Awards Banquet and the popular AAKP Social Media Center – where attendees had the opportunity to cut-loose and take fun, Florida-themed pictures with a number of props to help mark their time with new and old friends.
 
AAKP also had a record number of sponsors and exhibitors, all on-hand to speak with attendees and share their products, services and resources. AAKP thanks these companies for their support of patients, AAKP and quality education.
 
Select sessions from the National Meeting were live-streamed during the event and the recordings of these sessions are available on demand at AAKP’s YouTube Channelfor enduring education.
 
The AAKP National Patient Meeting is truly a unique program - that allows individuals to learn, advocate and most importantly, meet others going through very similar experiences. “To be in a room, filled with individuals that know exactly what you have gone through – are going through and to be able to share those experiences, support one another and give hope is truly inspiring and powerful.” said Diana Clynes, AAKP Executive Director.
 
For more information on the recent 2018 National Patient Meeting, visit www.aakp.org/national-patient-meeting. AAKP will release the dates and location for the 2019 program in the coming months. To learn more about AAKP, become involved or join – visit www.aakp.org. Membership is FREE for patients and family members. 

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Post submitted by PREPARE NOW member Diana Clynes.