The 7th Annual MHFP Symposium:

 

 

 

NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS, FETAL SURGERY & BIOLOGY

Synopsis

The 7th Annual Margaret Hackett Family Program (MHFP) Symposium introduced a variety of central nervous system congenital anomalies and the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. Specific congenital syndromes were discussed in detail to describe various approaches to each entity. In addition, models of care as well as future approaches were discussed.

At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants had learned how to:

  • Discuss the complexities of living with a central nervous system congenital anomaly;
  • List the various tools used to diagnose and treat specific congenital anomalies of the central nervous system;
  • Identify congenital anomalies of the central nervous system that remain difficult to treat;
  • Describe current research approaches to several common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system.

Audience

This activity is designed for neurosurgeons, neurologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the treatment of central nervous system congenital anomalies.

Register Here to Attend via Zoom or In-Person

Speakers

Fetal Surgery

Fetal Surgery

William E. Whitehead, MD

William Whitehead, MD, is a pediatric neurosurgeon specializing in hydrocephalus, fetal myelomeningocele surgery, and congenital malformations of the brain and spine. Recently appointed as Chair of the Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network (HCRN), he plays a key role in advancing clinical trials, mentorship, and quality-of-life research. He has made several contributions to pediatric hydrocephalus, particularly in the area of improving shunt function, and has led pioneering efforts in fetal myelomeningocele repair. His current research focuses on ventriculomegaly and intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants. Committed to scientific integrity, Dr. Whitehead collaborates with multiple centers under FDA oversight to drive innovative neurosurgical treatments and improve patient outcomes.

The Biology of Neural Tube Defects-From Prevention to Stem Cell Therapeutics

The Biology of Neural Tube Defects-From Prevention to Stem Cell Therapeutics

Richard H. Finnell, PhD, DABMGG

Richard H. Finnell holds the William T. Butler, M.D. Distinguished Chair in the Center for Precision Environmental Health at Baylor College of Medicine.  A pediatric geneticist, Dr. Finnell has academic appointments in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, and in the Department of Medicine.  During his 45+-year career, he has authored over 400 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Science, Nature Genetics, Nature Cell Biology, PNAS and Developmental Cell.  The current focus of the laboratory is to utilize gene-editing approaches in stem cells to treat complex congenital malformations and unique genetic defects in the one carbon metabolic pathway.  His ongoing research efforts are funded by multiple grants from the US National Institutes of Health.

Program Agenda