VWD Connect Foundation hosted the second Provider Education Workshop on Severe Von Willebrand Disease, November 14-16, 2025, In West Palm Beach, Florida.

What a fantastic weekend! As the Foundation’s second in-person event just for providers, the workshop brought together a diverse group of healthcare professionals who expect to or are currently working with severe VWD patients. Participants came from all around the country, including Puerto Rico, mostly representing HTCs along with private hematology practice providers. Specialties represented included hematologists, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners, RN’s, social workers, and more.

Before the main workshop, we offered an optional Mental Wellness Pre-Workshop seminar during the day on Friday. Thirty participants gathered to explore how to best support their patients’ mental wellness as they live with sVWD. We also addressed the importance of providers taking care of their own mental wellness. The stress of caring for patients with a severe chronic bleeding disorder in a field that lacks sufficient research and easily managed treatment options brings its own challenges. Participants shared ideas, resources and supported each other while exploring these topics.

 The main workshop fostered enthusiasm and collaboration, sparking meaningful conversations between providers who may not have had the chance to connect otherwise.

A variety of sessions were featured including education on the diagnosis and symptoms of sVWD, management challenges - such as prophylaxis, GI bleeding, and reproductive issues – and case studies. Attendees also heard updates from industry professionals, and well as from the Foundation’s research committee members.

 Just like last year, one stand-out session was the Patient Panel, where Foundation members openly shared their individual experiences and perspectives in a large group session, in the hopes of improving patient care. This year, the session particularly highlighted the mental and emotional aspects of managing severe VWD.

The workshop also debuted a new event – the Innovation Fair! Participants had the opportunity to explore a room full of activities by visiting the fair exhibitors. Tables were set up by Fair Sponsors who introduced their company’s innovations, whether it was a creative way to explain complex issues in VWD to patients, share innovations in potential treatment options or demonstrate novel approaches to reduce bleeding. The Foundation wasn’t going to be left out, our Wellness Factor Program was well represented with various tables inviting participants to try several wellness techniques, including a presentation of our Spark Station activities from 2025’s patient conference. For those of you joining us at our 2026 National Patient Conference – get ready for an even larger Innovation Fair in June!

The success and growth of this  workshop have confirmed that the Foundation will be making it an annual event (not that there were any doubts after the first one!) Be on the lookout for details coming soon on the 2026 Provider Education Workshop that will be held October 2026 in West Palm Beach!