July 2021
While some restrictions begin to relax and we are able to start getting back into a ‘normal’ rhythm of life again, the lead up to our 2021 ESPE Annual Meeting in September is very welcome. Registration remains open and we are excited to be able to deliver an engaging virtual programme utilising an interactive platform, promotional stands and peer interaction. If you haven’t already booked your place please do register soon.
As I write this, I have recently learned the sad news that our esteemed colleague, Professor David Dunger, University of Cambridge, passed away on 20 July. David was internationally renowned for his research into the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes and its complications in children and young people. His studies of genetic and environmental interactions during childhood growth have helped in determining risk for type 2 diabetes. In addition, he was an engaged ESPE member and participant in our meetings and recipient of the Andrea Prader prize, our highest accolade, in 2012.
ESPE’s new series of Webinars continue to be free of charge for members to attend, the first ‘Rickets from a different perspective’ was a huge success and I encourage you to take a look at the next one on Noonans Syndrome, which will take place on Tuesday 12 October. Details on how to book your place will be available shortly so watch that space.
I’m pleased to announce ESPE’s new Early Career Paediatric Endocrinologists Taskforce, which will be initiated for a 12-month period with the purpose of developing a strategy for how ESPE can recognize the needs of young paediatric Endocrinologists and support their career and their collaboration within ESPE. There are five positions open for members of the taskforce, applications are open now.
The Annual Business Meeting will also be held virtually on 13 September at 15:00 CEST. The ESPE Team will shortly circulate the agenda and details for easily joining the meeting. As always, we will give you a sneak preview of our upcoming annual meetings, plans to progress the society and report back on ESPE’s activities and finances. We welcome your attendance at this meeting.
Plans to meet together again in Rome for ESPE 2022 continue and we hope to have the chance to see you all in person again. While COVID-19 has undoubtedly challenged us all, it has been heartening to see people come together and find new ways to collaborate and drive paediatric endocrinology forward.
Progress is also being made on a series of patient information booklets accessible on the ESPE website. All booklets were reviewed and updated in 2019 by the ESPE Clinical Practice Committee and are currently available in English, in two readability levels. They have proven to be a useful resource for clinicians to share with their patients, the most recent addition being on Monogenic Diabetes. The CPC is leading a project to translate these booklets to enable them to be used by as many patients, parents and carers as possible. Arabic translations are underway and we hope to see more added soon. If you would like to translate ESPE’s patient information into your language, to provide this information to patients in your country or region, I encourage you to find out how here.
As always, you can find the latest information, dates and deadlines on our website and I hope you have a pleasant summer.
My best wishes,
Anita
ESPE Secretary General
