Recap of the 24th Annual DNA Convention
March 2-5, 2006
San Francisco, California

" Promoting Excellence in Dermatological Care"

Strong Presence at Convention by Canadian Nurses.

Congratulations to all Canadian nurses who presented at the meeting in San Francisco!
The Canadian representation was strong this year with our members participating in poster presentations, chair of core days, numerous committees, and presentations to the general audience.

San Francisco has always proven to be a very successful venue for the annual DNA convention. This year exceeded the organizer's expectations. For the first time in the history of the DNA, registration was forced to close prior to the opening of the meeting. Over 1000 nurses registered for this very successful convention.

Thanks to Biogen Idec Canada who once again sponsored many of our members to attend the convention.

48 nurses attended

Representation included Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick

Topics Discussed included Biologics, Patient Education, Healthcare Professional materials, Patient Support programs and New Data on the Use of Biologics

Excellent networking and learning opportunities took place for all who participated

Educational Activities:

This year there were 7 pre-convention core educational activities:
Dermatology Nursing Basics Course,
Dermatology Surgery,
Phototherapy Workshop,
Nurse Practitioner Forum,
Wound Care Workshop,
Cosmetic Workshop,
Dermatology Nursing Certification Review Course.
The Nursing Certification Review Course was a new addition this year and was a definite success with more nurses than ever before taking the certification exam.

With the new formation of the Nurse Practitioner Society, a 1-1/2 day forum was held. An impressive array of speakers presented on topics such as immunology from the basics through application to various dermatoese and interpretation of pharmaceutical marketing data. Two skill sessions were held on cosmetics and the use of the dermatoscope.

The Cosmetic Workshop covered a wide variety of cosmetic procedures including Botox, hair transplantation, cosmetic fillers and lasers. The faculty representing Canada consisted of Donna Balanecki (chair) and Dr. David Zloty from Vancouver, Dr. Nowell Solish and Leslie Plauntz from Toronto. The Canadian input during this session proved to be exciting and was well received by the attendees at this full to capacity session.

The luncheon symposiums on atopic dermatitis, nursing considerations for the administration of biologics, treatment of psoriatic arthritis and the joint presentation on dermatology and rheumatology were informative and interesting.

Entertainment:

Let's not forget the always popular opening reception, sponsored this year by Galderma. This fun event, always a mix of good food, beverages and music, allows not only for professional networking but a way to celebrate dermatology nursing with DNA members. A great time was had by all!

Opportunities to meet and discuss products with the many pharmaceutical industry vendors that support the DNA proved to be a great success as always. The weather was beautiful and many of the attendees took time to visit San Francisco, ride the streetcars, take a ferry to Alcatraz or simply enjoy a glass of wonderful California wine!