CREF 2021 knows that COVID-19 has disrupted everyone’s lives. And although 2020 has been difficult in ways we never could have anticipated, we feel hopeful that medical advances will help curb the COVID-19 pandemic so that in 2021, we will find ourselves returning to a safer, more socially fulfilling life. That includes meeting once again, face to face, in the fall. While we recognize that conditions might worsen before they improve, everyone at CREF sends you their warmest wishes for a better New Year.
Call for Abstracts
The CREF Program Committee invites abstract submissions for the 40th Anniversary Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium. All abstracts accepted for oral presentation will compete for the 21st Annual Utley Award.
General topic areas are listed below. Any of these subjects in the context of CREF 2021 and COVID-19 would also be considered.
• Blood Management
• Cardiopulmonary Bypass
• Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS / ECMO)
• Mechanical-Assist Devices
• Safety and Quality Improvement
• Neurological or Renal Protection
• Pre- or Post-Operative Surgery Protocols
• Team-Building or Organizational Culture
For more information, view the abstract submission guidelines on our website.
Scholarships for Perfusion Students
All current perfusion students or recent graduates (2019 – 2021) are eligible to compete for the Swain Scholarship.
The award includes free conference registration, four nights in the conference hotel, a $500 travel stipend, and a speaking opportunity in the general session. Additional student scholarships include free registration.
If you or someone you know would like to apply, remember to do so by June 1, 2021. Email us a description of your research and a recommendation letter from your director.
CREF 2021 and COVID-19
The CREF 2021 Planning Committee is following COVID-19 developments and will adjust our planning accordingly. Though eager to return to business as usual, we will do so only if prudent, safe, and authorized by the State of California.
If those requirements are met, we will likely still have measures in place to ensure the safety of attendees, vendors, and staff. We may, for instance, CREF may need to follow COVID CDC Guidelines that require that all participants practice social distancing, wear face masks, check their temperature, and more. We appreciate your understanding and promise to keep you informed.