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The U.S. Immunodeficiencies Network (USIDNET)

USIDNET awarded seven travel grants to physicians from North and South America, to attend the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) Annual Meeting in Versailles, France, October 21-24, 2004. We are pleased to post edited comments of those awarded this grant on their learning experience at the ESID XI Annual Meeting.

I would like to thank the committee at USIDNET for providing travel funds that enabled me to present my work entitled "Immunodeficiency Associated with a STAT5B Mutation and Growth Hormone Insensitivity" at the ESID annual meeting in Versailles, France. The educational sessions were relevant and very helpful for young investigators. The meetings enabled me to have multiple discussions with leaders in the immunodeficiency field that would not have occurred at any other meeting.

Aileen Cleary, M.D., Ph.D.
Stanford University
Palo Alto, CA

Immunodeficiencies are best studied through emersion and participating in the ESID conference allowed me to see immunodeficiencies through the eyes of those on the front lines. This was an enormously valuable experience and I would strongly recommend anyone who is interested in this field to participate.

Syeda Rubina Inamdar, M.D.
University of Mississippi
Jackson, MS

I had a very positive experience at the ESID meeting. This opportunity provided a cutting edge update on all facets of primary immunodeficiencies.

Anita Kohli-Pamnani, M.D.
Yale University School of Medicine
New Haven, CT

My learning experience at the ESID annual meeting improved my awareness of diagnosis and treatment of PIDD. I received information about new genes that are being identified and how scientists are making rapid progress in untangling the intricate connections and pathways that rule immune responses. I also had the chance to know how clinical scientists were developing new treatments to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. I also received updated information on the defects of phagocytic cells that could lead to increased susceptibility to a vareity of infections.The updated information that I received during the meeting would be an important contribution not only to my work but to my country.

Estela Picagua, Ph.D.
Instituto de Investigaciones Ciencias
Asuncion, Paraguay