National Jewish Health to Host the Bucksbaum Lecture Series on Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) I

National Jewish Health is bringing together leading medical experts and patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections for the Carolyn and Matthew Bucksbaum NTM Lecture Series for Physicians, Patients and Their Families. The free event will be held May 15, 2015, in Denver, Colorado.

Experts estimate that 30,000 people now develop NTM infections every year in the United States, and the number of cases is increasing. NTM is closely related to the organism that causes tuberculosis. It is not spread person to person, however, but through environmental exposure. Nontuberculosis mycobacteria are abundant in soil and water. Doctors believe that many who become infected have an unknown defect in their lungs or immune systems.

"Through the generous support of the Bucksbaum Foundation, we are able to provide a unique setting in which providers, patients and families can engage in rich dialogue that will advance our understanding and improve the care of our patients with NTM infections," said Charles Daley, MD, conference co-chair and chief of the Division of Mycobacterial and Respiratory Infections at National Jewish Health.

“This conference is of vital importance to both care providers and patients who suffer with mycobacterial infections,” said Shannon Kasperbauer, MD, conference co-chair and director of education for the Division of Mycobacterial and Respiratory Infections at National Jewish Health. “Too often these infections become chronic, incurable illnesses for patients. International leaders in the field of NTM infections will share their experience and update attendees on the most recent research.  We hope that with collaboration and education, we will continue to make a difference in patient care and improve disease outcomes.”

“Some of the most common comments that I hear from patients and physicians regarding NTM infections are, ‘I wish my doctor knew more about this infection,’ and  ‘I am seeing so many NTM patients in my practice,’” said Gwen A. Huitt, MD, MS, professor of medicine in the Division of Mycobacterial and Respiratory Infections at National Jewish Health. “We are excited to present this conference for both patients and practitioners with a goal of providing up-to-date information regarding the management of NTM infections. We are especially thankful to Carolyn Bucksbaum and the Bucksbaum family for their tremendous support of this lecture series.”

Conference topics will include NTM infection history, treatment and infection prevention. Presenters will include leading experts from National Jewish Health; the University of Colorado; the University of Florida Health; University of Texas Health; the University of Toronto; and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions throughout the day. Physicians can earn credit for continuing medical education.

“This is the most exciting period in the evolution of NTM science, research and hope for more effective and tolerable treatments for patients,” said Philip Leitman, co-founder and president of NTM Info & Research, Inc. “While we are just on the cusp of these quantum changes, I look forward to hearing from the experts behind this progress. Science in the hands of dedicated, smart researchers and physicians will improve lives in the coming years, and we should be part of this.”

The conference is an educational collaboration of National Jewish Health and NTM Info & Research, Inc., with financial support from the Bucksbaum Foundation. It will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., Friday, May 15, at the Colorado History Museum (1200 Broadway Street, Denver). The event is free. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Physicians who treat NTM and patients with NTM and their families are encouraged to register by contacting the Office of Professional Education at National Jewish Health at 800.844.2305 or proed@njhealth.org.