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Nathan Connell: Bringing VWD Education Across Borders to Improve Patient Care

Nathan Connell/LinkedIn

Nov 7, 2026, 14:21

Nathan Connell: Bringing VWD Education Across Borders to Improve Patient Care

Nathan Connell, Clinical Chief of Hematology at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:

”It was a pleasure to join colleagues from across Latin America and the United States for the Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) Academy for Latin America, hosted by the University of Miami Hemophilia Treatment Center.

This exceptional educational program brought together physicians and healthcare professionals from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, and the United States, united by a shared commitment to improving the diagnosis and management of von Willebrand disease.

Over two days, we explored the evolving science and clinical care of VWD, from VWF physiology and genetics to diagnostic challenges, bleeding assessment tools, low VWF, and complex bleeding presentations.

We also discussed international evidence-based guidelines, advances in treatment, laboratory diagnosis, and the unique challenges of managing VWD in women, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Interactive case discussions and hands-on coagulation laboratory workshops provided opportunities to translate evidence into clinical practice.

I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the ASH ISTH NHF WFH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of von Willebrand Disease, and to learn from the experiences and perspectives of colleagues practicing in different healthcare systems.

My sincere thanks to Fernando Corrales-Medina for his leadership in building this outstanding educational program and for inviting us to participate.

It was a privilege to teach alongside such a terrific multidisciplinary faculty, including Jill Johnsen, Rachel Kronenfeld (Leeman), Jessica Garcia, David Andrews, Judith Simms-Cendan, and Michael Paidas.

Programs like this require sustained partnerships.

I am especially grateful to Octapharma for its longstanding commitment to supporting this important educational initiative.

Special recognition to the global team, Stefano Carta, Vincent Milleret, Belyanskaya Larisa, for their continued support, and to the Octapharma Latin America team, Angela Valencia Guzman, Gloria Fernandez, and Daniel Vargas Basurto, whose dedication and work behind the scenes help make this program a success year after year.

The greatest value of initiatives like the VWD Academy extends beyond the lectures.

By strengthening clinical expertise, building professional networks, and fostering collaboration across borders, we can help close gaps in recognition, diagnosis, and access to high-quality care for people living with bleeding disorders.

Thank you to all the participants for the thoughtful questions, engaging discussions, and commitment to bringing this knowledge back to your patients and communities.”

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