Criteria for Membership

MAC is a global consortium of clinicians and researchers committed to advancing the understanding and management of Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease.

Membership provides opportunities to contribute to collaborative research initiatives, share expertise with international colleagues, and support the Consortium’s mission to improve patient care through scientific discovery and knowledge translation. Professionals who meet the eligibility requirements below may apply for membership.

Inclusion Criteria for Enrollment

Inclusion criteria for entry into the MAC are:

  • The individual is associated with a recognized educational institution or hospital
  • Has demonstrated exemplary contributions to the field of aortic disorders through clinical practice, research, and/or publications
  • Supports the Consortium’s mission and activities

New member appointments

New Consortium members may be nominated by a member of the Executive Committee and approved by majority vote. Alternatively, individuals may apply for membership. Applications are reviewed quarterly. New members will receive a welcome package from GADA Canada.

New member applications will be reviewed quarterly under one of the following membership categories:

  • Full Membership – The individual should be able to recruit patients, contribute high-quality data to MAC, and lead research studies using MAC data.
  • Associate Membership - Genetic counsellors and other professionals who work within an established aortopathy program and are involved in clinical assessment, patient follow-up, and liaison with clinicians caring for patients. Associate members can move into full membership if they input high-quality data and demonstrate leadership in these activities. A letter of support will be required for consideration of full membership by the Committee.

MAC provides opportunities for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to contribute to collaborative research and advance the understanding of Heritable Thoracic Aortic Disease. Find information here that will outline enrollment criteria, participation pathways, and application procedures.

Inclusion criteria for entry into the Registry are:
• Agreement to contribute subjects to a given study
• Completion of local institutional review board approval
• Agreement to the publication policy of the Consortium

Eligible patients will be solicited during clinic visits or through retrospective review of medical records followed by direct contact according to protocols approved by the local Institutional Review Board.

Signed informed consent will be obtained prior to any data or sample collection.  Patients will receive a hard copy of the consent form to keep.