Dear friends,

The Pulmonary Hypertension Professional Network Symposium opens today for the first time as an online event.

Normally, Symposium takes place every two years in the Washington, D.C., area. This Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) event typically attracts hundreds of clinicians who care for people with pulmonary hypertension (PH), from nurses and respiratory therapists, to doctors, pharmacists and trainees. In addition to hearing from world-class PH professionals about clinical topics, Symposium attendees form invaluable connections that can last throughout their careers.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, PHA hasn’t resumed in-person events. The health of the PH community remains of utmost importance as the virus continues to claim lives across the globe. As a result, Symposium attendees will connect virtually throughout this weekend for continuing education and networking events.

Although Symposium is designed for health care providers, people with PH are the ultimate beneficiaries. The PH professionals who attend Symposium gain knowledge and resources to better care for their patients and take ideas and inspiration back to their clinics and colleagues.

This year, Symposium attendees will learn new ways to work with their teams, patients and patients’ families. They will gain insight on how to improve communication with patients and families and engage them in care planning and treatment goals.

The PH professionals also will learn about the latest developments in PH treatment and management, which will help them educate patients and inform decisions about their care.

This year’s Symposium will draw attention to the multi-disciplinary nature of PH care, to ensure people with PH receive seamless care throughout the health care system.

Attendees will learn practical advice to help patients navigate insurance and treatment access challenges. They will learn to voice patient concerns and advocate on their behalf. In fact, Symposium opened today with PHPN Advocacy Day. Symposium attendees made more than 25 virtual visits to legislative offices, urging lawmakers to support legislation for accessible, affordable and appropriate care.

Tomorrow night, PH professionals will help patients and caregivers in a tangible, more immediate way. By competing in PHPN Trivia Night, Symposium attendees will raise money for scholarships to attend PHA 2022 PH International Conference and Scientific Sessions. Their generosity will make it possible for more patients and families to join us June 10-12, 2022 in Atlanta.

PHA thanks the health care professionals, presenters, volunteers and sponsors who make PHPN Symposium possible. Thanks especially to Susie McDevitt, M.S.N., ACNP-BC, PHPN Symposium Committee chair, and Tisha Kivett, R.N., B.S.N., PHPN Symposium Committee vice chair.

We hope this year’s agenda inspires, engages and motivates our attendees, so they can continue to provide the best care possible to people with PH.

Until we can meet in person, I look forward to hearing from you.

With gratitude and respect,