SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME

International School of Thyroid Ultrasonography University of Pisa, Italy

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Dear participant,

A warm welcome to all attending the live educational course“International School of Thyroid Ultrasonography”.

I would like to inform you that as of 28 April 2014 the name of ourFoundation changed to EXCEMED - Excellence in Medical Education. Thename change will not impact your registration status in this or any otherFoundation event.

This transition marks an exciting point in the evolution of the Foundation.We are proud to have provided world-class education to thousands ofhealthcare professionals over the past four decades - as a result, theFoundation has become synonymous with delivery excellence and high-impact CME.

As we further develop our scientific and geographical presence it isimportant to us that our name accurately reflects the independentnature of the education we provide; EXCEMED symbolises our enduringmission to support the best possible outcomes for patients through themedical education we offer. We take pride in our complete dedication tothe provision of CME - it is our sole focus and our passion.

I wish you an inspiring and successful learning experience here in Pisa.

Yours sincerely,

Rachel ClarkCEO, EXCEMED

Live educational course datesThe International School of Thyroid Ultrasonography “Advancedpractical thyroid ultrasound course: Focus on diagnosticelastosonography and laser treatment of thyroid nodules" will be heldon the following dates:

First course: 14-15 February 2014

Second course: 16-17 May 2014

Third course: 17-18 October 2014

Background and aimsThyroid nodules are a common clinical finding, with an estimatedprevalence from 3% to 7% at palpation. Prevalence of non-palpablenodules at thyroid ultrasound (US) in the general population is muchhigher; moreover, many patients with palpable thyroid nodule haveadditional nodules at US (15-35%). The great majority of thyroid nodulesare benign, with less than 5% being malignant (i.e. carcinomas). Whilecytological examination of fine needle aspirates is the gold standard fordiscriminating malignant nodules, thyroid conventional US patterns havehigh specificity but low sensitivity in the diagnosis of carcinomas.Elastosonography is a new technique which employs US to provide anestimation of nodular stiffness and is being developed for getting a betteraccuracy in diagnosis. Also, alternative treatment modalities for benignthyroid nodules, such as laser therapy, a novel mini-invasive treatment,are currently being tested, to overcome the limits of medical therapy andto avoid unnecessary thyroid excision.

EXCEMED is collaborating with the Division of Endocrinology andMetabolism, Endocrine Unit # 1, Department of Clinical andExperimental Medicine, of the University of Pisa, Italy, in organizing anadvanced course on thyroid ultrasonography focusing on new modalitiesfor the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules that will be exploringthe practical aspects of US-guided diagnostic elastosonography andlaser therapy in the management of thyroid nodules.

The main objectives of this live educational course are to review thelatest news in thyroid ultrasound diagnostic criteria and applications inpresence of thyroid nodules and to teach tools for use in daily clinicalpractice regarding the execution of diagnostic elastosonography andlaser treatment for benign nodules.

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Learning objectivesAfter attending this live educational course, learners will have up-to-date knowledge on thyroid ultrasonography and on its novel applicationssuch as elastosonography and laser treatment for benign nodule, thusbeing able to:

• Recognize US patterns of thyroid nodules suggestive of malignancy

• Refine the execution methods for fine needle aspiration biopsy onthyroid nodules

• Apply novel alternative interventional approaches to treat benignthyroid nodules

Target audienceEndocrinologists, radiologists, internists, and any other healthcareprofessional involved in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules.

AccreditationAn application has been made to the EACCME® for CME accreditation ofthe EXCEMED course “International School of ThyroidUltrasonography” to be held in Pisa, Italy on 14-15 February 2014, 16-17May 2014 and 17-18 October 2014.

EXCEMED adheres to the principles of the Good CME Practice Group(gCMEp).

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Scientific organisers

Paolo VittiEndocrine Unit # 1Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of PisaPisa, Italy

EXCEMED designed this programme in partnership with the University of Pisa.

Scientific secretariatEXCEMED - Excellence in Medical EducationSalita di San Nicola da Tolentino, 1/b - 00187 Rome, Italy

Associate Programme Managers: Francesca Cucciolla and Sonia Rebustini Tel.: +39 06 420 413 315 - Fax: +39 06 420 413 677E-mail: info@excemed.org

Specialist Medical Advisor: Davide Mineo

EXCEMED is a Swiss Foundation with headquarters in 14, Rue du Rhône, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland

Organising secretariatMeridiano Congress InternationalVia Sapri, 6 - 00185 Rome, ItalyCongress Coordinator: Denise RizzitelliTel.: +39 06 88 595 210 - Fax: +39 06 88 595 234E-mail: d.rizzitelli@meridiano.it

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We value your opinion!We are continually trying to develop and improve our educationalinitiatives to provide you with cutting-edge learning activities.

Previous and after this course you will be asked to answer anonline survey to help us to better tailor our future educationalinitiatives.

We thank you for participating!

Teresa RagoEndocrine Unit # 1Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of PisaPisa, Italy

Scientificprogramme

09.00 Welcome and presentation of the learning objectives of09.00 this live educational course

09.30 Introduction: Thyroid ultrasonography todayNeck anatomy, basics of ultrasonography, how toperform neck and thyroid ultrasonography

11.00 Coffee break

11.30 Ultrasonography of thyroid nodules for the assessmentof risk of cancer

13.00 Lunch

14.00 Real-time elastosonography in nodular thyroid disease

15.00 Interactive discussion of clinical cases

16.00 Coffee break

16.30 Practical sessionLearners to perform ultrasonography and real-timeelastosonography on patients

End of the first day

FridayDay 1

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09.00 Live case illustrationsLaser treatment of patients with multi nodular goiter andthyroid nodules – live session

10.30 Coffee break

11.00 Indications for laser treatment in nodular goiter orthyroid nodules

13.00 Lunch

14.00 Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA):indications and execution techniques

15.30 Practical SessionLearners to perform thyroid ultrasonography on patientsand ultrasound guided FNA on substitute subject or othermodels and FNA on patients – live session

17.00 Questions, answers and conclusion of the liveeducational course

Saturday Day2

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General information

VenueThese live educational courses will take place at the:University of PisaEndocrine Unit # 1Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineVia Paradisa, 2 - 56124 Pisa, Italy

LanguageThe official language of the course will be English.

Registration feeThe registration fee is A 600,00. This fee includes:• Scientific sessions• Educational materials• Certificate of attendance

For any registration and accommodation need please contact:

Denise Rizzitelli c/o Meridiano Congress InternationalVia Sapri, 6 - 00185 Rome, ItalyTel.: +39 (0)6 88 595 210 - Fax: +39 (0)6 88595 234E-mail: d.rizzitelli@meridiano.it

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Take a look at the endocrinology andmetabolism section of EXCEMED website

EXCEMED activities cover a wide spectrum of issues in endocrinology andmetabolism, in both adult and pediatric setting, including thyroid diseases,diabetes mellitus and inborn errors of metabolism, such as PKU.In each case, through CME-compliant lives events, online courses anddedicated publications, our mission is to educate medical and healthcareprofessionals to improve patient care and outcomes.

Visit the endocrinology and metabolism section of the new EXCEMEDwebsite:

http://www.endocrinology-and-metabolism.excemed.org

and register to access free e-learning activities and receive updates onnew events and resources.

All EXCEMED programmes are organized solely to promote the exchange anddissemination of scientific and medical information. No forms of promotionalactivities are permitted. This programme is made possible thanks to an educationalgrant received from Merck Serono and Esaote.

Copyright © EXCEMED, 2014. All rights reserved.

Improving the patient's life through medical educationwww.excemed.org

EXCEMED - Excellence in Medical Education Headquarters14, Rue du Rhône - 1204 Geneva, SwitzerlandRepresentative OfficeSalita di San Nicola da Tolentino 1/b - 00187 Rome, ItalyT +39 06 420413 1 - F +39 06 420413 677