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Second National Conference on Smith-Magenis Syndrome

Bridging Past and Future Horizons: Understanding the SMS Puzzle

September 2000

An educational conference on Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) was held on Sept 21-24, 2000 at the Key Bridge Marriott, Arlington, VA. The conference was co-sponsored by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Rare Diseases (ORD), in conjunction with the parents' support group Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (PRISMS ).

The conference series brought together parents, researchers and professionals caring for persons with SMS to exchange information, ideas, scientific data and family experiences. Attendees hear from medical experts, geneticists,and parents about the latest information on the medical, social, developmental and behavioral aspects of SMS, as well as current research efforts into the cause, management and effective treatment of SMS. The format of invited speakers and a series of smaller, more hands-on workshops is designed to maximize the exchange of information between parents and professionals from a variety of specialties.

Additional information is available through PRISMS:
Parents & Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (PRISMS)
76 S. New Boston Road
Francestown, NH 03043
Phone:(603) 547-8384
E-mail: cbessette@monad.net
Prisms Web Site: www.smithmagenis.org

SMS Research Roundtable: September 21, 2000
Immediately preceding the educational conference, PRISMS Professional Advisory Board convened a small SMS Research Roundtable discussion between basic scientists and clinicians to share, review and discuss current findings and plans for needed future research on SMS. Since SMS is a multi-system disorder, the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of collaborating researchers is essential to understanding its unique physical, developmental and neurobehavioral characteristics.

Contact:
Ann C.M. Smith, M.A., D.Sc.(hon)
Chair, PRISMS Professional Advisory Board NHGRI/Office of Clinical Liaison
Phone: (301) 402-2011
E-mail: acmsmith@nhgri.nih.gov

Last Reviewed: December 3, 2008