But then the virus struck — and the Ogden Surgical-Medical Society conference, typically held in May, had to be postponed.

Next week, with the conference back on, the theme will be none other than infectious diseases, as well as other medical issues.

The conference will be held Oct. 6-8 at the Eccles Conference Center in Ogden.

“The conference is providing up to date, current information in medicine and healthcare and in the era of global pandemic, there are interesting topics pertaining to the current pandemic,” said Dr. Petronella Adomako, an infectious disease physician at McKay-Dee Hospital and president of the Ogden Surgical-Medical Society.

“Though one may think it is only for healthcare providers, there are talks geared towards the general public. We know it is being held in a time of pandemic but all the necessary precautions are being taken; social distancing, provision of adequate supplies and masking.”

Talks given in the main ballroom of the conference center will also be live streamed for anyone wanting to attend virtually.

“This is the first year we will be streaming the conference and that’s pretty exciting because anyone can go to the website and click on the link and watch for free,” said Ogden Surgical-Medical Society executive director, Teresa Puskedra. “But the public is also welcome to attend the conference in person. It’s free unless they would like to join us for lunch or dinner.”

The cost of lunch is $20 and dinner will be $40, according to Puskedra.

“On Wednesday, October 6, the Society is hosting a ‘Girls’ Night Out Dinner’ with lectures by Dr. Sarah Berga Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, New York,” said Dr. Douglas Anderson, an ear, nose, throat specialist at Ogden Clinic. “The first lecture is entitled ‘Are Hormones Neuroprotective? Saving Grandma’s Brain’ at 6:30 p.m. and the second lecture at 7:30 p.m. entitled ‘Stress, Emotional Eating and Reproductive Functions.'”

Dr. Leisha Nolen, epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health will speak both on the health department’s COVID-19 response and vaccine hesitancy. National historian and Pulitzer prize winning author, David Oshinsky will speak on the history of medicine with infectious disease.

“The current perspective on AIDS and HIV infection: How far have we advanced,” will be presented by Dr. Kristen Ries and “Polio: An American story,” by Oshinsky are both on the docket.

Dr. RJ Bunnell, a hospitalist at McKay-Dee Hospital will talk about COVID-19 on the frontlines. Bunnell went to New York during the peak of pandemic there and will also speak about his experience in that arena.

“This is going to be a very informative conference and we welcome anyone who would like to attend and learn more about these topics,” said Puskedra.

Masking and social distancing will be required at the conference. Parking is available on the southeast section of the Junction.

For more information, and to download the brochure and link to the conference, go to http://ogdensurgical.com or call Puskedra at 801-564-5585.