ABM Conferences and Regional Meetings—An Opportunity to Network and Learn

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's (ABM's) mission is to unite members of various medical specialties through physician education, expansion of knowledge in breastfeeding and human lactation science, facilitation of optimal breastfeeding practices, and encouragement of the exchange of information among organizations.

To this end, since 1996 ABM has held an Annual Meeting, primarily as a forum to educate and update physicians about breastfeeding and lactation-related issues. So far this meeting has been held in North America and, on all but one occasion, in the United States. This year the meeting is to be held in Cleveland, OH, from the 13^th to the 16^th of November.

However, we recognize that attending a meeting/conference in the United States is not an easy undertaking for many of our members who live outside the United States. They have the added expense of international travel and need extra time away from home, both for travel and for adjusting to quite different time zones. To overcome some of these issues regional meetings have been held in Europe every second year. This year the 5^th European Regional ABM meeting will be held in Bucharest, Romania, on the 11^th and 12^th of October.

Although similar meetings have not yet been held in other parts of the world, there have been informal educational gatherings of physicians in Australia, and there is interest in holding ABM meetings elsewhere. Ideally the Annual Meeting could also be held outside the United States to foster greater understanding among ABM members of the worldwide context of the organization.

What is so special about ABM meetings, whether in the United States or elsewhere? First, although the number of breastfeeding-related conferences has grown considerably over the past 10 or 15 years, the ABM meetings are the only ones designed by physicians for physicians. In part this is so physicians can freely discuss breastfeeding/lactation issues that are primarily the responsibility of physicians. Second, because of the multispecialty membership of ABM, the agenda is much broader than might be found in a breastfeeding-related conference run by a specialty group such as a pediatric or obstetric academy or college. The conference committees endeavor to include a diverse range of speakers from different specialties, settings, and countries. Third, it provides an opportunity to network with like-minded physicians from across the country and across the world. For those who feel quite isolated in their practice of breastfeeding medicine, this meeting is vital in making connections with other physicians who can be mentors and provide ongoing support.

The programs include plenary speakers, as well as an opportunity for short presentations of recent research and poster presentations. The Annual Meeting also incorporates workshops and a Founders Lecture. This year Ardythe L. Morrow will be speaking on “Mother's Milk is NOT a Formula!” Additionally, the course What Every Physician Needs To Know (about breastfeeding) runs the day before the Annual Meeting starts—a great introduction to breastfeeding medicine for all physicians.

Why not join us for a few days of inspiring speakers, interesting conversations, and much more at the Annual Meeting in Cleveland, OH, or the Regional Meeting in Bucharest, Romania. Information about the programs and registration can be found on the ABM Web site (www.bfmed.org). ABM also has guidelines for the approval of regional meetings as well as endorsement of courses. If you would like to know more, please contact the ABM office (ABM@bfmed.org).