Meetings & Workshops
ASHI 2008 Regional Education Workshops

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Please click the link provided to fill out your
2008 Regional Education Workshop Meeting Evaluation
You will only receive credit for sessions that are attended and evaluated

Registration Brochure

•	2008 Corporate Supporters
•	National Faculty Member Information
•	Travel Information
•	2008 ASHI Regional Education Workshop Program

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NATIONAL FACULTY MEMBER INFORMATION

Dennis L. Confer, M.D.
National Marrow Donor Program
Dennis L. Confer has more than 23 years of experience in the medical field as an academic hematologist/oncologist and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) physician. He is chief medical officer (CMO) of NMDP and clinical professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota. As CMO, Confer oversees NMDP quality systems and membership services, donor medical services, donor advocacy, and the CIBMTR Minneapolis office. Confer’s experience as a practicing transplant physician includes 10 years at the University of Minnesota and 5 years as director of Bone Marrow Transplantation with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He is the principal investigator of the AGNIS project and co-principal investigator for the BMT CTN data coordinating center. He has been the author or co-author on several book chapters and more than 40 publications.

Rene J. Duquesnoy, Ph.D.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Rene Duquesnoy was born in the Netherlands where he obtained a M.Sc. degree in chemical engineering from the Technological University of Delft. He received a Ph.D. in pathology from the University of Tennessee in Memphis and did a post-doctoral fellowship with Robert A. Good at the University of Minnesota. After his affiliation with the Medical College of Wisconsin and The Blood Center of Wisconsin, in 1984 he became a tenured professor of pathology, with joint appointments in immunology and surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Until 2006 he was a director of UPMC tissue typing laboratory where he currently serves as a clinical consultant. Rene’s research deals with HLA and transplantation immunology. His curriculum vitae lists 350 publications and more than 450 scientific presentations at national and international meetings. Milestones include cross-reactive HLA matching in platelet transfusions, the discovery of the MB system (now called HLA-DQ), alloreactivity of graft-infiltrating T-cells, the dualistic role of HLA in liver transplantation, role of stress proteins in transplant immunity, and the antibody analysis of highly-sensitized patients. Most recently, his NIH grant-supported studies deal with a structurally-based histocompatibility algorithm called HLAMatchmaker. Downloadable programs and detailed information are available on the Web site http://tpis.upmc.edu. Rene was president of ASHI in 1986-87 and he conducted the HLA proficiency testing surveys for ASHI from 1981-2007. He serves on the editorial boards of Human Immunology, Tissue Antigens, Transplant Immunology and Transplantation.

John M. Hart, MBA, CHS
Johns Hopkins University
John Hart is currently the assistant director of the Johns Hopkins University Immunogenetics Laboratory in Baltimore, MD. A long-time member of ASHI, John has served on various committees, including Accreditation where he served as program director and currently the co-chair of the Web Committee. Other committee posts include proficiency testing, education, and co-chair for the workshop sessions at the ASHI annual meetings. He was a member of the ASHI board of directors from 2002-2005. For the past 2 years, he has served as the UNOS histocompatibility representative for Region 2. In addition to laboratory operations, his focus in the laboratory is financial reimbursement and project development. This includes the integration of new and developing technologies into routine clinical laboratory operations producing efficiency and cost savings to the transplant center.

John P. Miller, MD, PhD
National Marrow Donor Program
Dr. Miller is Vice President and Senior Medical Director of Donor Medical Services, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs at the NMDP. In addition, he is Medical Director for the Center for Cord Blood at the NMDP and an Assistant Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Miller received his medical degree from the University of Connecticut, where he also earned a Ph.D. in pharmacology. Subsequently, he completed his residency in Clinical Pathology and a fellowship in Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine at the University of Virginia. After nearly ten years with the Red Cross, Dr. Miller joined the NMDP in 2004.

Michelle Setterholm, B.S., CHS (ABHI)
National Marrow Donor Program
Michelle Setterholm is the director of scientific services at the National Marrow Donor Program in Minneapolis, MN where she develops and defines accountabilities, logistics, and cost-effectiveness for a department of 35. She provides the organization with HLA expertise, specifically in the areas of matching strategies for unrelated transplantation, algorithm design and focused clinical research projects. Her main interests are understanding immunogenetic diversity in world populations and applying that knowledge to the typing and selection of potential donors and/or cord blood units for patients in need. She is currently the chair of the World Marrow Donor Association HLA Subcommittee and co-chair of the Genetic Diversity Subcommittee and leads the NMDP Histocompatibility Committee.

Paul Warner, Ph.D., D(ABHI)
Puget Sound Blood Center
Paul Warner is the co-director of the HLA/Immunogenetics laboratory at Puget Sound Blood Center in Seattle, WA. After working as an HLA technologist for many years, he returned to graduate school and received a doctorate in microbiology from Washington State University in 2003. He became an ASHI-certified HLA lab director in 2007. An ASHI member for nearly 20 years, Warner currently sits on the Publications and Director Training Review Committees, and is an ASHI laboratory inspector. His clinical research interests include the development and application of virtual crossmatch algorithms, the clinical relevance of low-titered antibodies, and post-transplant monitoring assays for solid-organ transplant recipients.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

AIRLINE
AirTran Airways is the official carrier for the 2008 Regional Education Workshops. Contact Airways EventSavers Desk at 1-866-68EVENT to make your reservation. Please refer to the assigned AirTran Airways Discount Code for each city to receive a 10 percent discount off the lowest applicable published airfare.

AirTran Airways Discount Codes

Indianapolis, IN: IND032708
Atlanta, GA: ATLA050208
Las Vegas, NV: LAS061308

RENTAL CAR
Avis is the official rental car supplier for 2008 Regional Education Workshops.
For reservations call Avis directly 1-800-331-1600 and refer to the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number J869090.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel reservations must be made directly with each hotel by calling the toll-free telephone number provided for each workshop. Please mention the ASHI Regional Education Workshop in order to receive the discounted rate. A credit card or one night’s deposit may be required to guarantee your reservation. DO NOT send you hotel request to the ASHI Office.

Indianapolis Campus
Friday, March 28 – Saturday, March 29, 2008
National Faculty Members Present
Rene J. Duquesnoy, PhD.
John Hart, MBA, CHS
John P. Miller, M.D., PhD.
Michelle Setterholm, B.S., CHS (ABHI)
Paul Warner PhD., D. (ABHI)

Early Registration Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2008

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
1 South Capitol Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
DISCOUNTED ASHI HOTEL RATE: $ 155+ tax
HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Toll Free Reservations: 800-233-1234
Hotel Telephone: 317-632-1234
Hotel Fax: 317-616-6299
ASHI Reservations Web site

Our prime location makes it easy to visit any of Indianapolis’s many attractions or simply wander through downtown. Within our welcoming hotel in Indianapolis, you’ll find tempting new restaurants, elegant function spaces, and restful guestrooms. The Indianapolis Hyatt Regency is located just 8 miles from Indianapolis International Airport. Shuttle service is available to and from the airport via CAREY Indiana Limo Airport Service. The shuttle service rate is $12 share-a-ride one-way and $24 share-a-ride round-trip. For more information call CAREY Indiana toll-free 800-888- 4639 or visit www.careyindiana.com.

Atlanta Campus
Friday, May 2 – Saturday May 3, 2008
National Faculty Members Present
Dennis L. Confer, M.D.
Rene J. Duquesnoy, PhD.
John Hart, MBA, CHS
Michelle Setterholm, B.S., CHS (ABHI)
Paul Warner PhD., D. (ABHI)

Early Registration Deadline: Friday, April 18, 2008

The Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter
7 Concourse Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30328
DISCOUNT ASHI HOTEL RATE: $ 159+tax
HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE: Friday, April 11, 2008
Toll Free Reservation: 888-733-7666
Hotel Telephone: 770-395-3900
Hotel Fax: 770-395-3918
ASHI Reservation Web Site

The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North is less than 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta and its major attractions, including the world’s largest aquarium, the new Georgia Aquarium, as well as Atlanta’s new retail and entertainment district – Atlantic Station. Situated on a private lake, guests will be sure to enjoy this tranquil retreat from the city. Refresh in our outdoor pool, or reinvigorate at the adjacent Concourse Athletic Club, the fourth largest health facility in the nation. The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North is less than 25 minutes from the Hartsfield- Jackson International Airport and taxi fare is approximately $55 one-way.

Las Vegas Campus
Friday, June 13 – Saturday, June 14, 2008
National Faculty Members Present
Dennis L. Confer, M.D.
Rene J. Duquesnoy, PhD.
John Hart, MBA, CHS
Michelle Setterholm, B.S., CHS (ABHI)
Paul Warner PhD., D. (ABHI)

Early Registration Deadline: Friday, May 30, 2008

Westin Casuarina
160 East Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
DISCOUNTED ASHI RATE: $ 149+ tax
HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINE: Monday, May 22, 2008
Toll Free Reservations: 866-716-8132
Hotel Telephone: 702-836-5900
Hotel Fax: 702-836-9776
ASHI Reservations Web site

Stay at The Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa for a calm sanctuary amidst the bustle of Las Vegas. You’ll enjoy the action and excitement of the famous “Strip” just one block away and a quiet retreat whenever you need some peace. Our 20,000-square-foot casino will satisfy every gamer, while our gorgeous spa is the ultimate retreat for head-to-toe pampering. Keep up with your workouts thanks to our top-of-the-line fitness facilities. Or just pass a lazy afternoon at our refreshing outdoor pool. Shuttle service is available to and from the McCarran Airport via Bell Transportation. Shuttle service rates range between $6 to 7.50 one-way and $11 to $14 round-trip. For more information call Bell-Trans toll-free 800-274-7433 or visit www.bell-trans.com.

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2008 ASHI Regional Education Workshop Program

Friday
7:30 am – 6:00 pm	Vendor Room Open
Morning Program
7:00 am – 8:00 am	Registration
7:30 am – 8:00 am	Continental Breakfast
8:00 am – 9:00 am	PRELUDE: THE GENESIS OF PROFOUND DIVERSITY Paul Warner, Ph.D., D(ABHI) Moderator: Local Advisor
9:00 am – 10:00 am	FIRST MOVEMENT: PERFECTING THE MATCH! Rene J. Duquesnoy, Ph.D.
10:00 am – 10:45 am	INTERLUDE: Innovative Technology Talks (4 talks)
10:45 am – 11:00 am	INTERMISSION
11:00 am – 12:30 pm	FIRST MOVEMENT PRACTICALE: FINE-TUNING THE INSTRUMENT Rene J. Duquesnoy, Ph.D.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm	LUNCH PROVIDED BY ASHI Moderator: Local Advisor
Afternoon & Evening Program
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm	SECOND MOVEMENT: KARS 2008, FINDING THE BALANCE John M. Hart, MBA, CHS
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm	Innovative Technology Talks
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm	INTERMISSION
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm	THIRD MOVEMENT: PREDICTING NEGATIVE CROSSMATCHES Paul Warner, PH.D., D(ABHI)
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm	INTERLUDE: Innovative Technology Talks
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm	CONCERTO I: CASE STUDY PRESENTATIONS
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm	MEET AND GREET THE MAESTROS
Saturday
8:00 am – 12:30 pm	Vendor Room Open
Morning Program
8:00 am – 8:30 am	Continental Breakfast Moderator: Local Advisor
8:30 am – 9:30 am	FOURTH MOVEMENT A: The State of HSCT in 2008 Dennis L. Confer, M.D.
9:30 am – 10:15 am	FOURTH MOVEMENT B: Emerging Data – The Impact on Your Work Michelle Setterholm, B.S., CHS (ABHI)
10:15 am – 10:30 am	INTERMISSION
10:30 am – 11:30 am	FOURTH MOVEMENT C: HLA Matching for HSCT Dennis L. Confer, M.D.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm	FOURTH MOVEMENT D: Composing the Score with Haplogic Michelle Setterholm, B.S., CHS (ABHI)
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm	Lunch on Own
Afternoon Program
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm	FIFTH MOVEMENT: BUILDING THE ORCHESTRA: Retention and Recruitment in HLA, 2008 John M. Hart, MBA, CHS Moderator: Local Advisor
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm	CONCERTO II: CASE STUDY PRESENTATIONS
3:15 pm – 3:30 pm	INTERMISSION
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm	FINALE: THE STORIES OF DONATION TOLD BY THE REAL PLAYERS IN THIS SYMPHONY
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm	Evaluation and Adjournment

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