VBF, BLI hold 14th annual Port Wine Stain and Vascular Birthmarks Conference

The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF), along with the Beckman Laser Institute (BLI) and Medical Director Dr. J. Stuart Nelson, are holding the fourteenth annual Port Wine Stain and Vascular Birthmarks Conference beginning today at the University of California-Irvine.  

Vascular birthmarks are the most common birth defect of infancy affecting one in 10 children, with approximately 40,000 being so significant that they require the opinion of a specialist. This year's conference, "Research Holds the Key," focuses on the latest research findings, treatments for port wine stain and hemangiomas. The event is presented by VBF and BLI, along with BLI, Inc, Dr. Michael W. Berns, Dr. Bruce J. Tromberg and Muldoon's Restaurant of Newport Beach.

"We are the only birthmark charity group in the world that provides no cost clinic and conference participation – including free consultations – to families," explains VBF President and Founder Dr. Linda Rozell-Shannon.  

World-renowned physicians will be on hand to meet with patients in a private consultation, and to assist in the proper diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions related to vascular birthmarks. Co-Medical Director of VBF, Dr. Martin Mihm – well known for his cutting-edge research in this field – is on one of many specialists that will be seeing patients.

"This conference is an opportunity for clinicians to see various birthmark types and outline treatment and research plans. I look forward to attending every year so that I can also see the healing process in those who have attended in prior years," says Dr. Mihm.

VBF Co-Medical Director Dr. J. Stuart Nelson explains, "Throughout the year I receive hundreds of inquiries through the VBF and to meet patients in-person and provide treatment options is very rewarding."