2015 National Conference on Health Statistics

National Conference on Health Statistics Logs Another Successful Run

In August, the 2015 National Conference on Health Statistics drew approximately 900 data users and researchers from around the country to Bethesda, Md., for 3 days of the latest trends in health data collection, and hear firsthand from America's statistical experts and policy leaders.

As with past conferences, the 2015 Conference featured immersive, hands-on Learning Institute sessions, state-of-the-art Scientific Sessions, and thought-provoking Poster Sessions. Here are some highlights:

Plenary Sessions took on tough topics. On Tuesday, Health and Human Services’ Dr. Alexis Bakos and the National Center for Health Statistics’ (NCHS) Dr. Irma Arispe tackled the challenge of health disparities and health equity in an increasingly diverse United States. On Wednesday, NCHS Director Charles Rothwell addressed the forces affecting the future of the federal statistical system with panelists Katherine K. Wallman (Chief Statistician, Office of Management and Budget), John H. Thompson (Director, Bureau of the Census), and Barry Nussbaum (Chief Statistician, Environmental Protection Agency).
 

Poster Session popularity continued to rise. A record 180 Poster Session abstracts were submitted from all over the world—a 40% increase in submissions from the 2012 Conference. More than one-half came from academic institutions or medical centers, and student researchers accounted for 30% of submissions. Quality of abstracts kept pace with quantity: Submissions had an overall 69% acceptance rate.
 

Exhibit Hall continued to expand. For the first time, 2015's exhibit hall included 10 exhibits from outside of NCHS. The Center's presence in the Hall likewise expanded to include booths on employment, social media, data access tools and resources, and the NCHS History Project, "Voices of Excellence."
 

Ebola volunteers shared their stories. NCHS Director Charles Rothwell moderated a seminar that brought together NCHS staff members who had separately deployed to West Africa as part of CDC’s efforts to stop the spread of Ebola. With photos and conversation, the panel of NCHS volunteers shared their experiences with lunchtime attendees and, for the first time, with each other.

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2015 Conference by the Numbers:

• 42% of registrants were federal employees from outside of NCHS.
• 58% of registrants were from nonprofits, state or local governments, businesses, and universities.
• 23 educational sessions—15 hands-on sessions and 8 lectures—were offered at Monday's Learning Institute.

30 sessions were offered during Tuesday's and Wednesday's Scientific Sessions.

Thanks to everyone who made our conference a resounding success. We will see you in 2017!