Mayo Clinic Classical Hematology Conference: Nonmalignant Hematology and Bleeding and Thrombotic Disorders
“This is the BEST hematology-specific conference I have ever participated in, and I will come every year!”
Stephanie Fleming APRN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, Senior Nurse Practitioner, Seidman Cancer Center Hematology/Oncology Inpatient Consult Service, University Hospitals (UH) Medical Center, Ahuja
Learning objectives
Upon completion of the conference, participants should be able to:
- Summarize clinical updates in the management of patients with bleeding disorders.
- Recognize laboratory tools available for the diagnosis and management of bleeding disorders.
- Describe the evaluation and treatment of thrombotic disorders.
- Describe the algorithmic strategy for the diagnostic workup of various red blood cell and platelet disorders.
- Interpret the recent advances in the management of various red blood cell and platelet disorders.
- Illustrate the role that multidisciplinary expertise plays in the diagnosis and management of patients with nonmalignant hematologic disorders.
Intended audience
This conference is designed for specialty providers such as residents/fellows, laboratory technicians, nurses, hematologists, oncologists, hematopathologists, and pathologists. Providers with primary care specialties, such as family medicine and internal medicine, with an interest in hematology, would also benefit from attending this conference. It is also well suited for advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Registration
Classical Hematology 2026 will be held Oct. 22–24 in Atlantic Beach, Florida. The conference will be offered in person and via livestream.
- Full fee (M.D./Ph.D.): $875
- Reduced fee (resident, fellow, advanced practice provider, nurse, other): $775
Agenda
Thursday, Oct. 22
| 7:30AM | Registration, Breakfast, and Exhibitors Junior Ballroom and Patio (Breakfast and Exhibits) Atlantica Ballroom Foyer (Registration) |
| 8:25AM | Welcome and Introduction Marwan Shaikh, M.D. Atlantica Ballroom |
| THEME 1 | Solving the Bleeding Puzzle: Testing Strategies and Treatment Updates Moderator: Marwan Shaikh, M.D. |
| 8:30AM | Laboratory Evaluation of Prolonged Clotting Time SPEAKER: Jeff Dlott, M.D. Objectives – Learn how to evaluate prolonged clotting times. A case-based discussion. – Describe the most common causes of prolonged PT and aPTT in a general and hematology-specific practice. – Understand the challenges and limitations of PT and aPTT mixing studies. |
| 8:55AM | Screening assays for von Willebrand disease: Who and how to test SPEAKER: Juliana Perez Botero, M.D. Objectives – Identify patients at risk for VWD who benefit from laboratory testing. – Understand the best time to obtain VWF plasma studies and how to interpret their results. – Describe the role of genetic testing in patients with suspects of confirmed VWD. |
| 9:20AM | Fibrinogen disorders SPEAKERS: Leslie J. Padrnos, M.D. and Jill Adamski, M.D., Ph.D. Objectives – Review the diagnostics testing and interpretation of laboratory assays available to evaluate for acquired and congenital fibrinogen disorders. – Discuss the management strategies of patients with hypo- and afibrinogenemia. – Discuss the management strategies of patients with dysfibrinogenemia. |
| 9:45AM | Updates in hemophilia management SPEAKER: Rajiv Pruthi, M.B.B.S. Objectives – Summarize recent therapeutic advances in hemophilia management, including extended half-life factor concentrates and non-factor replacement therapies. – Recognize laboratory challenges and assay interferences associated with newer hemophilia therapies. |
| 10:10AM | Q&A Panel SPEAKERS: Jeff Dlott, M.D.; Juliana Perez Botero, M.D.; Leslie J. Padrnos, M.D.; Jill Adamski, M.D., Ph.D.; Rajiv Pruthi, M.B.B.S. |
| 10:30AM | Break Junior Ballroom and patio (Breaks and Exhibits) |
| THEME 2 | Connecting the Dots: Laboratory Testing and Genetic Counseling in Inherited Bleeding Disorders Moderator: Juliana Perez Botero, M.D. |
| 11AM | Lab Behind: Testing of Platelet Function (BASIC) SPEAKER: Dong Chen, M.D., Ph.D. Objectives – Describe the principles and assay design of commonly used platelet function assays, including light transmission aggregometry. – Recognize pre-analytical and analytical factors that can affect platelet function testing and result interpretation. – Interpret patterns of abnormal platelet function and correlate with clinical presentations such as mucocutaneous bleeding or inherited platelet disorders. |
| 11:25AM | Role of genetic counselors in bleeding disorders SPEAKER: Anjana Varma, M.S., CGC Objectives – Describe the role of genetic counselors in the evaluation and management of patients with inherited bleeding disorders. – Discuss indications for genetic testing and carrier screening in individuals and families affected by bleeding disorders. – Recognize the role of genetic counselors in interpreting molecular test results and coordinating multidisciplinary care for patients with inherited bleeding disorders. |
| 11:50AM | Lab Behind: Developing and Implementing clinical laboratory assays SPEAKER: TBD Objectives – Describe the process of development of a laboratory assay from the initial idea to the implementation of the test in clinical practice. – Highlight the differences between FDA-approved and laboratory-developed tests. – Review the ongoing technical, clinical and regulatory aspects required to maintain a laboratory test after it has been implemented. |
| 12:15PM | Q&A Panel SPEAKERS: Dong Chen, M.D., Ph.D.; Anjana Varma, M.S., CGC; Julie Tange |
| 12:35PM | Lunch Junior Ballroom and patio (Lunch and exhibits) |
| THEME 3 | Bread and butter of the classical hematologist Moderator: Rajiv Pruthi, M.B.B.S. |
| 1:30PM | Diagnosis of iron deficiency and other common anemias and Iron deficiency – Choosing IV iron formulations and desensitization protocols SPEAKER: Marwan Shaikh, M.D. Objectives – Identify common pitfalls in diagnosing and managing iron deficiency. – Understand how to choose between different oral and IV iron preparations. – Described how to manage IV iron reactions, subsequent IV iron infusions, and desensitization protocols. |
| 2:10PM | Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAIHA) SPEAKER: Ronald Go, M.D. Objectives – Review the diagnostic evaluation (and pitfalls) of wAIHA. – Discuss an algorithm for management strategies of wAIHA. – Identify management strategies in treatment-resistant wAIHA. |
| 2:35PM | Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) SPEAKER: Zoey Harris, M.D. Objectives – Describe the diagnostic evaluation of immune thrombocytopenia, including the clinical and laboratory data with the highest positive predictive value. – Discuss first- and second-line treatment options for immune thrombocytopenia. – Identify management strategies for patients with ITP requiring urgent surgical intervention or presenting with life-threatening bleeding. |
| 3:25PM | Q&A Panel SPEAKER: Marwan Shaikh, M.D.; Ronald Go, M.D.; Zoey Harris, M.D. |
| 3:45PM | Adjourn |
| 3:45PM | Non-CME Product Theatre |
Friday, Oct. 23
| 7:30AM | Breakfast and Exhibitors Junior Ballroom (Breakfast and Exhibits) |
| 7:30AM | Non-CME Product Theatre |
| THEME 4 | Secondary Classical Heme Disorders in the Setting of a Malignant Disorder Moderator: Leslie Padrnos, M.D. |
| 8:30AM | Acquired bleeding disorders SPEAKER: Meera Sridharan, M.D., Ph.D. Objectives – Outline the clinical evaluation and role of laboratory studies in identifying patients with acquired bleeding disorders. – Discuss the diagnosis and management of AVWS in the setting of paraproteinemias. – Outline the impact and management strategies of acquired bleeding with target cancer drugs. |
| 8:55AM | Thrombocytopenia SPEAKER: Ewa Wysokinska, M.D. Objectives – Describe the mechanisms of thrombocytopenia associated with malignancy. – Outline the diagnostic evaluation of thrombocytopenia in cancer patients. – Discuss current management strategies for thrombocytopenia in the oncology setting. |
| 9:20AM | Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA) SPEAKER: Meera Sridharan, M.D., Ph.D. Objectives – Differentiate secondary thrombotic microangiopathies from primary TMAs in patients with underlying malignancy using clinical and laboratory features. – Describe the mechanisms by which malignant disorders and cancer therapies contribute to the development of TMA. – Outline management strategies for secondary TMA in the context of malignancy. |
| 9:45AM | Q&A Panel SPEAKERS: Meera Sridharan, M.D., Ph.D.; Ewa Wysokinska, M.D. |
| 10:05AM | Break Junior Ballroom and patio (break and exhibits) |
| THEME 5 | Red Cell Disorders Across the Lifespan: Testing, Transition, and Treatment Moderator: Ronald Go, M.D. |
| 10:35AM | Lab Behind: Congenital hemolytic anemias SPEAKER: Xi Zhang, M.D., Ph.D. Objectives – Identify patients who benefit from a laboratory evaluation of congenital hemolytic anemia. – Describe the utility and limitations of phenotypic studies in patients with suspected hemolytic anemia. – Discuss the role of genetic testing in the diagnosis of patients with suspected congenital hemolytic anemia. |
| 11AM | Transitioning to Adult Healthcare in Thalassemia SPEAKER: Allison Remiker, M.D. Objectives – Compare and evaluate therapeutic approaches across varying levels of disease severity. – Learn how to develop individualized supportive care plans for patients across the lifespan. – Illustrate the role of multidisciplinary teams in the diagnosis and management of patients with thalassemia. |
| 11:40AM | Pyruvate kinases deficiency SPEAKER: Richard Godby, M.D. Objectives – Outline the underlying biology and natural history of pyruvate kinase deficiency. – Describe the diagnostic workup of pyruvate kinase deficiency and how it differs from other congenital and acquired hemolytic anemias. – Understand the contemporary management approaches of patients with PK deficiency. |
| 12:05PM | Q&A Panel SPEAKERS: Xi Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.; Allison Remiker, M.D.; Richard Godby, M.D. |
| 12:25PM | Lunch Junior Ballroom and patio (Lunch and exhibits) |
| THEME 6 | Thrombosis and Anticoagulation: Navigating Risk, Assays, and Uncertainty Moderator: Emily Wolf, M.D. |
| 1:25PM | Lab Behind: Demystifying Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) testing – Dr. Nichols Keynote Speaker: Anand Padmanabhan, M.B.B.S., Ph.D. Objectives: – Explain the pathophysiology of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. Differentiate between immunoassays and functional assays used in HIT testing. – Recognize causes of false-positive and false-negative HIT test results, including timing of testing and assay-specific limitations. – How should a clinician interpret discordant testing (e.g., positive ELISA, negative SRA, and vice versa). |
| 1:45PM | Navigating HIT: Practical Management and What to Do When It Gets Complicated – Dr. Nichols Keynote SPEAKER: Jori May, M.D. Objectives – Understand how to interpret currently available serologic and functional assays for HIT and how to incorporate pretest probability in its diagnosis. – Review how to manage patients with suspected and confirmed HIT with and without thrombosis. – Understand how and when to re-challenge patients with heparin products. |
| 2:15PM | Anticoagulation in the Real World: Clinical Pearls and Laboratory Pitfalls SPEAKER: Damon Houghton, M.D., M.S. Objectives – Review the pharmacologic profiles and indications for commonly used anticoagulants. – Apply clinical pearls to optimize anticoagulation management in complex patient scenarios. – Discuss laboratory approaches for monitoring anticoagulation in difficult situations, including renal dysfunction, extremes of body weight, and patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. |
| 2:40PM | Anticoagulation in the Real World: Clinical Pearls and Laboratory Pitfalls SPEAKER: Surbhi Shah, M.B.B.S. Objectives – Review the 2023 ACR/EULAR Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Classification Criteria and how they are currently used in clinical practice and research. – Describe the clinical approach to patients with positive laboratory tests that don't meet clinical criteria for APS. – Discuss anticoagulation and non-anticoagulation management strategies in patients with APS and CAP. |
| 3:05PM | Q&A Panel SPEAKERS: Anand Padmanabhan, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.; Jori May, M.D.; Damon Houghton, M.D., M.S.; Surbhi Shah, M.B.B.S. |
| 3:20PM | Adjourn |
| 3:30PM | Non-CME Product Theatre |
Saturday, Oct. 24
| 7:30AM | Breakfast and Exhibitors Junior Ballroom(Breakfast and Exhibits) |
| 7:30AM | Non-CME Product Theatre |
| THEME 7 | Gene Therapy and Cellular Therapy for Classical Heme Disorders Moderator: Meera Sridharan, M.D., Ph.D. |
| 8:30AM | CAR T SPEAKER: Monica Klien, M.D. Objectives – Review the principles and processes underlying CAR-T therapy. – Describe the evolving role of CAR-T therapy in nonmalignant conditions. |
| 8:55AM | Gene Therapy for Thalassemia and Sickle Cell SPEAKER: Ernesto Ayala, M.D. Objectives – Review of the different FDA-approved gene therapies for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. – Learn to identify candidates for gene therapy. – Understand the challenges and limitations of implementing gene therapy. |
| 9:20AM | Role of allotransplant for heme disorders in the era of gene therapy SPEAKER: Hassan Alkhateeb, M.D. Objectives – Describe the biologic rationale and immune mechanisms of allogeneic transplantation in non-malignant hematologic disorders. – Summarize the current indications and considerations in the era of gene therapy. |
| 9:45AM | Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (CHIP) SPEAKER: Talha Badar, M.B.B.S., M.D. Objectives – Explain the biologic underpinnings and mutational landscape of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). – Review neoplastic and non-neoplastic clinical implications and associated risks. – Develop risk-informed approaches to evaluation and longitudinal management. |
| 10:10AM | Q&A Panel SPEAKERS: Monica Klien, M.D.; Ernesto Ayala, M.D.; Hassan Alkhateeb, M.D.; Talha Badar, M.B.B.S., M.D. |
| 10:35AM | Break Junior Ballroom and patio (Break and Exhibits) |
| THEME 8 | Bridging Gaps in Hematology: Diverse Clinical Topics Moderator: Ewa Wysokinska, M.D. |
| 11AM | Lab behind: Red cell antibody testing SPEAKER: Elizabeth Godbey, M.D. Objectives – Describe the immunohematologic principles underlying red cell antibody testing. – Review testing methodologies and interpretation. – Discuss implementation on clinical decision-making. |
| 11:25AM | Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (CAD) SPEAKER: Candido Rivera, M.D. Objectives – Explain the pathophysiology and presentation of cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia. – Summarize testing and highlight testing pitfalls. – Describe an algorithmic-based approach to treatment strategies. |
| 11:50AM | Porphyria SPEAKER: Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D. Objectives – Explain the heme biosynthesis pathway and enzymatic defects underlying the porphyrias. – Illustrate the diagnostic approach for patients with suspected porphyria and confirmation of the different subtypes. – Discuss management strategies for common porphyria subtypes. |
| 12:15PM | Splenomegaly workup SPEAKER: Emily Wolf, M.D. Objectives – Describe the underlying mechanisms and differential diagnosis of splenomegaly. – Outline a structured diagnostic approach. – Highlight the use of bone marrow biopsy, PET imaging and splenic biopsy vs splenectomy. |
| 12:40PM | Q&A Panel SPEAKERS: Elizabeth Godbey, M.D.; Candido Rivera, M.D.; Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D.; Emily Wolf, M.D. |
| 1PM | Lunch Junior Ballroom Patio |
| 1:30–3:30PM | Poster Presentation |
Faculty
Course directors
- Leslie Padrnos, M.D.
- Juliana Perez Botero, M.D.
- Meera Sridharan, M.D., Ph.D.
- Marwan Shaikh, M.D.
Guest faculty
- Jori May, M.D.
- Allison Remiker, M.D.
Planning committee
- Christina Chin, MPAS, P.A.-C.
- Ronald Go, M.D.
- Rajiv Pruthi, M.B.B.S.
- Rachelle Rouse, APRN, C.N.P., M.S.N.
Mayo Clinic faculty
- Jill Adamski, M.D., Ph.D.
- Hassan Alkhateeb, M.D.
- Ernesto Ayala, M.D.
- Talha Badar, M.B.B.S., M.D.
- Jeff Dlott, M.D.
- Dong Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
- Elizabeth Godbey, M.D.
- Richard Godby, M.D.
- Zoey Harris, M.D.
- Damon Houghton, M.D., M.S.
- Monica Klien, M.D.
- Anand Padmanabhan, M.B.B.S., Ph.D.
- Candido Rivera, M.D.
- Surbhi Shah, M.B.B.S.
- Julie Tange
- Anjana Varma, M.S., CGC
- Alexandra Wolanskyj-Spinner, M.D.
- Emily Wolf, M.D.
- Ewa Wysokinska, M.D.
- Xi Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
Lodging accommodations
Blocks of rooms have been secured for participants and their guests with special conference rates at the hotels listed below. Reservations can be made using the links below.
Dune House Hotel & Spa
- Location: 1 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, Florida
- $314 single/double – Standard including taxes and fees
Dune House Hotel & Spa is the location of this year’s conference. Group rates will not be available after Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.
Credit
Accreditation statement
In support of improving patient care, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Credit statement(s):
AMA
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science designates this live activity for a maximum of 14.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AAPA
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 14.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
ANCC
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science designates this activity for a maximum of 14.5 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 14.5 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Through an agreement between the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical practitioners participating in the Royal College MOC Program may record completion of accredited activities registered under the ACCME’s “CME in Support of MOC” program in Section 3 of the Royal College’s MOC program.
Poster session
The Mayo Clinic Classical Hematology Conference: Nonmalignant Hematology and Bleeding and Thrombotic Disorders course is accepting abstracts detailing original research dedicated to the field of classical hematology to be presented at this meeting. A poster session will take place on Oct. 24, 2026.
Submitted abstracts must include a focus on classical hematology and may include ongoing clinical trials in classical hematology, outcome studies, quality improvement or practice innovations, and interesting or challenging case reports. Abstracts will be peer-reviewed. At least one of the authors must register to attend the conference in person.
Submission deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026
Eligibility: Fellows, residents, medical students, advanced practice providers, nurses and lab technicians, and trainees are all eligible to submit an abstract.
Submission requirements:
Review process: All abstracts will be reviewed based on their merit by a peer-reviewed process.
Additional details:
- Notification of acceptance will be sent to the primary author by Aug. 21, 2026.
- At least one of the authors of the accepted abstract is required to present the poster at the course on Oct. 24, 2026. A discount code for registration will be provided as part of acceptance letters.
- Poster dimensions and other details will be available as part of acceptance letters.
- Authors may submit abstracts that have been published or presented previously at large Hematology meetings.
If you would like to submit an abstract for this year’s conference, please complete the following:
- Review eligibility and submission requirements
- Complete the abstract registration
For questions, please contact stellmaker.allison@mayo.edu.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel your participation in this conference on or before Oct. 2, 2026, your registration fee, less a $75 administrative fee, will be refunded. Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ Education Department must receive written notification of your cancellation. No refunds will be made after Oct. 2, 2026.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories reserves the right to cancel or postpone any conference due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event Mayo Clinic Laboratories must cancel or postpone this conference, Mayo Clinic Laboratories will refund the registration fee but is not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees assessed by airline/travel/lodging agencies.
Exhibitors
If you would like to exhibit at this year’s conference, please complete the following:
- Download and review the Exhibitor Prospectus
- Download and sign the Exhibitor Agreement
- Complete the Exhibitor Registration
Attach a copy of the signed Exhibitor Agreement during registration.
For questions, please contact Gina at Anderson.Regena@mayo.edu.