The 6th Congress of the Asia-Pacific Pediatric Cardiac Society (APPCS 2016) was successfully held on 20-23 October, at Shanghai International Convention Center. The history of the Asia Pacific Pediatric Cardiac Society dates back to 2001, when APPCS literally was born from notes on a napkin during an animated airport conversation between Dr. Anthony Chang and Drs. Apichai Khongphatthanayothin and Pirapat Mokarapong at the conclusion of the Third World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Toronto, Canada. The discussion focused on the increasing need for a large-scale meeting on pediatric cardiology in Asia similar to other regional pediatric cardiology meetings, such as the Association of European Pediatric Cardiology, rather than for each Asian country to host its own pediatric cardiology meeting, usually with very limited resources. Over recent years, APPCS has provided a high-profile, international congress for research in the theory and practice of pediatric cardiology. The congress has been instrumental in the advancement of pediatric cardiology and surgery.

XinHua Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Shanghai, was selected to be the main organizing institution for the 2016 Congress. “Forward to the future of Pediatric Cardiology” was set as the vision for the event and many cardiology professionals from around the world were invited. As one of the most important parts of this international conference, Dr. Du of Xinhua Hospital presented on cardiac rehabilitation over two days. LIH Olivia’s Place Shanghai has been working with Xinhua Hospital and Dr. Du’s team for almost five years, supporting Xinhua through various clinical pathways, including physical and occupational therapy, NICU rehabilitation, and diagnosis and Intervention for autism.

Our invaluable partnership has enabled us to arrange opportunities for widely recognized clinicians to share their knowledge and experience through their research and work during APPCS 2016. Dr. FengYi Kuo from LIH Olivia’s Place was invited by Dr. Du to moderate the conference on 22 October. Dr. Kuo ensured that the 100 attendees were able to exchange questions and discussion with each presenter, providing clarification as needed to leap linguistic and cultural gaps. At the invitation of LIH Olivia’s Place, 4 exceptional clinicians from top tier institutions in the US, as well as two senior clinicians from LIH Olivia’s Place, presented at the Congress:
• Dr. Sandra L. Rogers, Professor of Occupational Therapy, Pacific University
• Chris Tapley, Physical Therapist, University of Michigan/Mott Women’s and Children’s Hospital (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
• Megan E. Rose, Registered Dietitian, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit, University of Michigan/ Mott Women’s and Children’s Hospital ( Ann Arbor, Michigan)
• Dr. Jennifer Fridgen, Physical Therapist, Seattle Children’s
• Dr. Fengui Kuo, Occupational Therapist, LIH Olivia’s Place
• Dr. Becci Dow, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Manager, LIH Olivia’s Place Shanghai

During the one and half day cardiac rehabilitation training, all six clinicians presented on different strategies, methods, and interventions for congenital health disease, high-risk infants, posture and positioning for disabled children, feeding, nutrition, swallowing, and early movement, and they also shared with the audience the test and intervention strategies for cardiopulmonary exercise. During the training, Dr. Rogers also gave a workshop on Newborn Baby Assessment and Feeding. Three additional clinicians from LIH Olivia’s Place Shanghai, Speech-language pathologists Sophia Guarracino and Chihui Yong, and Occupational therapist Elle Millward, also attended the conference.

LIH Olivia’s Place, an affiliate of LIH Healthcare, is working with national medical groups to bring international knowledge and research to China. We are working within our communities and in partnership with local hospitals to advance medical development in China and help more children access quality resources and services to reach their potential.