We just received this note from Bob Orsetti, one of Medical Meetings columnists, and assistant vice president, CME, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He said it would be OK to share it here—he sums up much of what I’m feeling right now:

In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina ripping through the gulf states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama it is fitting to pause in discussion and debate about CME policy and procedures for those issues are truly secondary by comparison to the unfathomable destruction, disruption and displacement caused by the storm. Instead, let‘s give some thought to those of our CME colleagues and others in the ravished regions that have suffered immeasurably. It is hoped that CME professionals nationwide will find ways to bring comfort and aid to those in need be it through a prayer, a conversation, or direct assistance. Bob Orsetti, UMDNJ-CCOE

The Alliance for CME has just sent out this notice about its 2006 annual meeting, currently scheduled for January in New Orleans:

As you have no doubt seen on the news, New Orleans and the gulf coast region have been hit hard by Hurricane Katrina.



Related, the Alliance office has received a number of e-mails and/or calls asking if the Alliance for Continuing Medical Education’s (Alliance’s) 31st (2006) Annual Conference will be held as planned on Wednesday-Saturday, January 25-28, 2006 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, Louisiana.




At this time, planning efforts for this conference continue unabated and all options regarding the meeting location are being explored. The Alliance hopes that New Orleans will bounce back quickly, we’ll be together for an outstanding educational experience you won’t want to miss, and we’ll be celebrating the rebirth of a great city.




In the interim, the Alliance will provide you with additional updates (as available and as needed). Our thoughts are with CME professionals in New Orleans and with all effected by Katrina.




Harry Gallis, MD, Alliance President

Bruce Bellande, PhD, Alliance Executive Director

Karen Overstreet, EdD, Conference Chair

I spoke with Bernie Halbur, PhD, professional development director and meeting management director for the Alliance yesterday, and they are so all over this. We’re in good hands, fellow attendees.

The Alliance for CME has just sent out this notice about its 2006 annual meeting, currently scheduled for January in New Orleans:

As you have no doubt seen on the news, New Orleans and the gulf coast region have been hit hard by Hurricane Katrina.



Related, the Alliance office has received a number of e-mails and/or calls asking if the Alliance for Continuing Medical Education’s (Alliance’s) 31st (2006) Annual Conference will be held as planned on Wednesday-Saturday, January 25-28, 2006 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in New Orleans, Louisiana.




At this time, planning efforts for this conference continue unabated and all options regarding the meeting location are being explored. The Alliance hopes that New Orleans will bounce back quickly, we’ll be together for an outstanding educational experience you won’t want to miss, and we’ll be celebrating the rebirth of a great city.




In the interim, the Alliance will provide you with additional updates (as available and as needed). Our thoughts are with CME professionals in New Orleans and with all effected by Katrina.




Harry Gallis, MD, Alliance President

Bruce Bellande, PhD, Alliance Executive Director

Karen Overstreet, EdD, Conference Chair

I spoke with Bernie Halbur, PhD, professional development director and meeting management director for the Alliance yesterday, and they are so all over this. We’re in good hands, fellow attendees.