Newswise — Renowned experts in thyroid function and biology, diagnosis and management of thyroid disease, and novel therapies for treating thyroid cancer will gather at the 15th International Thyroid Congress (ITC) to present, discuss, and debate the latest advances in thyroidology. The ITC, held every five years, will take place October 18-23, 2015 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The ITC is a collaborative meeting of the four world thyroid associations: American Thyroid Association (ATA), Asia & Oceania Thyroid Association (AOTA), European Thyroid Association (ETA), and Latin American Thyroid Society (LATS).

Prior to the ITC Opening Session and Welcome Ceremony on the evening of Day One of the ITC meeting, Sunday, October 18, The ATA sponsored the E. Chester Ridgway Trainee Conference. A day-long Endocrine Neck Advanced Ultrasound Course with Practicum was Chaired by Susan Mandel and Kevin Brumund. Elizabeth Pearce Chaired the Iodine Global Network Satellite Program.

On Sunday evening, the Opening Session, entitled "Progress in Thyroid Research -- Highlights from the Last Decade," and Chaired by Rebecca Bahn, will include presentations by Sandra M. McLachlan on Autoimmunity; Martin Schlumberger on Thyroid Cancer; Douglas Forrest on Thyroid Hormone Action; and David S. Cooper on Clinical Thyroidology.

Following three full days of Plenary and Award Lecture, timely and relevant discussions and debates on basic/translational and clinical topics; symposia on a broad range of areas related to thyroid disease, thyroid function, and new treatment strategies for thyroid cancer, for example and oral abstract and poster sessions, the final conference day, Friday, October 23, begins with a Plenary Lecture called "Progress in Surgical Management of Neoplasia and Hyperthyroidism" presented by Sally E. Carty, with an introduction by Electron Kebebew. Following the lecture will be a session of the Thyroid Cancer Tumor Board led by Moderator Bryan R. Haugen, with participants Jen Der Lin, Endocrinology; Kate Newbold, Medical Oncology, and Thomas Giordano, Molecular Biology. The ITC Program Organizing Committee (POC) has invited renowned international thyroid experts for every symposium and discussion/debate. The POC has designed this ITC to highlight and involve young investigators from around the world. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) will continue to promote the E. Chester Ridgway Trainee Conference with a unique and focused track for trainees; participation includes accommodations and complimentary registration for a limited number of applicants who are first authors on accepted abstracts. The four international thyroid associations combine their efforts to contribute to this one of a kind, state-of-the-science experience! Don’t miss this “top of the mark” collegial event.

Hosted by the ATA, the ITC will bring together the international community of thyroid researchers and clinicians to present and discuss the latest advances and controversies in thyroidology. The ATA and its annual meetings are well known and well regarded by all those devoted to thyroid biology and to the prevention and treatment of thyroid disease through excellence in research, clinical care, education, and public health.