Welcome
On behalf of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative (CNOC), members of CNOC’s Steering and Program Committees, and our Diamond Hosts, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, we are thrilled to welcome you to CNOC’s 12th Annual Scientific Sessions.
Throughout this year’s meeting, we will hear from leaders in the field of cardiac neurodevelopment as we explore cutting-edge science, clinical approaches, quality improvement, and advocacy opportunities from around the globe. We are excited to present a diverse program of multidisciplinary faculty experts who are invested in the care of children and adults with congenital heart disease and their families, with a focus on improving neurodevelopmental, psychological, and social outcomes.
Conference highlights include:
- Sessions dedicated to excellence in interdisciplinary neurodevelopmental care, showcasing the latest science, innovative clinical interventions, and health policy.
- The Year in Review will review a selection of the top publications relevant to our field this year, as well as a look at some of the game-changing publications from the last decade that have shaped this work.
- We will proudly present this year’s Newburger-Bellinger Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Award winner. This is one of the highest honors in the field, presented only to an individual in our cardiac neurodevelopment community who has made significant contributions to clinical care, research, knowledge, teaching or community advocacy leading to improvements in the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with heart disease.
- In 2024, CNOC is honored to introduce the inaugural Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Advocacy and Engagement Award which recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to advocacy, community engagement, or outreach within the area of cardiac neurodevelopment, mental health, and/or quality of life leading to improvements in the lives of individuals with pediatric or congenital heart disease and their families.
- Turning Ideas into Action sessions are aimed at highlighting successful interventions which optimize neurodevelopmental and psychosocial care for people living with CHD.
- We introduce an afternoon of Breakout Sessions to take a deeper dive into Research and Quality Improvement within CNOC, Inpatient Developmental Care Teams, Outpatient Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Programs, and Storytelling and Lived Experiences from patients and their families.
- As always, selected scientific work will be on display as posters and oral presentation for the Best of the Best submitted abstracts.
- A special session dedicated to Engagement and Advocacy work highlighting CNOC’s advocacy agenda, identifying opportunities to effectively engage in advocacy work and policy change, and establishing partnerships with other groups regarding advocacy efforts.
- On Wednesday, September 11, a fantastic preconference, Unraveling the Heart-Brain Connection: Insights into the Care of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease, has been organized in partnership with the Adult Congenital Heart Association for a comprehensive and informative half-day workshop focused on present and future states of neurodevelopmental and psychosocial care for adults living with CHD.
We thank you for supporting CNOC’s 12th Annual Scientific Sessions and cannot wait to see you, either in person in beautiful St. Louis, or virtually from around the world. Welcome!
Warmest wishes,
