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Conference Overview

Who Should Attend

This conference provides in-depth education for hematology/oncology pharmacists, pharmacy researchers, hematology/oncology administrators, technicians, residents, and interns. The annual conference is designed to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery while maintaining or exceeding the quality of patient care for pharmacists and pharmacy researchers, technicians, residents, interns, and administrators specializing in hematology/oncology practice, as well as associated oncology/hematology professionals.

Why You Should Attend

Attend the HOPA Annual Conference to become informed about the latest developments in clinical trials, therapeutic regimens, treatment guidelines, and emerging technologies, and be well positioned to participate in healthcare initiatives and clinical decision making that will have a direct and positive impact on cancer patient management. The HOPA Annual Conference strives to educate attendees about promising research and new treatment regimens, provide clinical updates on treatment of tumor types and new supportive care therapies, and present an overview of common clinical and technical issues in the hematology/oncology clinical setting.

Travel Grants Information

HOPA understands funding to attend professional meetings has become more and more scarce, and sacrifices are frequently made in order to travel to educational meetings. HOPA would like to invite members to apply for a travel grant to attend the HOPA 2012 Annual Conference. Forty $500 travel grants are available this year. Eligibility and application requirements are as follows:

Eligibility

1. Applicant must be a HOPA member in good standing. Practitioners, technicians, or trainees (residents, fellows, students) may apply.

2. Applicants applying for a grant as a trainee must currently be enrolled in pharmacy school or completing either residency training (PGY-1 or PGY-2) or fellowship training.

3. Recipients must not have received a HOPA travel grant in 2011.

Application Requirements

1. Complete online application by 1/5/12.

2. Submit current curriculum vitae or resume.

3. Submit a letter from a Preceptor/Residency Director, Pharmacy Director, Department Chair, Dean of School of Pharmacy, or employer that confirms current employment or student status and discusses description of need and the impact of attendance at the HOPA Annual Conference on the applicant and practice site or institution.

Awardees will be selected through a scoring process that includes assessment of need and incorporates merit through abstract submission, involvement in HOPA, and an applicant statement. Each grant will be for $500 to offset the costs of travel, lodging and/or registration-related expenses.

Application Forms

The Travel Grant application can be completed and submitted online. The deadline for submitting the completed application is January 5, 2012, at 12 midnight PT. Applicants will be notified by January 27, 2012, whether or not they have received a grant. All applicants, regardless of award status, will be invited to participate in a Travel Grant post-program survey following the HOPA Annual Conference.

HOPA is dedicated to facilitating your professional development and encourages anyone who meets these criteria to apply!

Getting Approval to Attend

• Review the conference materials with an eye toward addressing your hospital or facility's current needs or plans for the near future.
• Prepare an estimate of costs in advance, including registration fee, membership fee, airfare, hotel, and miscellaneous expenses (remember that the early-bird registration saves money).
• Promote the opportunity to gain 31.25 contact hours at conference.
• Identify a back-up person or procedure to ensure work coverage during your absence. Perhaps you can ask an assistant or department head to help.
•  Seek approval immediately. An early request shows that you are a careful planner, and you may be able to take advantage of savings on both the registration fee and airfares. In addition, should there be any questions you can address them in plenty of time.
• Put your request in writing; include expenses, a time-off request, the specific benefits attending the conference will have for the hospital or facility, and the information you will gain from the conference.
•  Sometimes, asking in person is better. Choose a session that demonstrates a skill that can be enhanced through attending the conference as an example. Be sure to have all of the information about the conference with you for your supervisor to review.
• Ask your supervisor which classes he or she believes would be ideal for you to attend. Get them involved in your educational development.
• If you have attended the conference in the past, explain to your supervisor how the education offered particular value to your patients or institution.
• After asking for permission, follow up in a timely manner. A gentle reminder or an offer to discuss the conference may lead to approval.