annual meeting preview
An Outstanding Program in an Amazing City
By Nina Deutsch, MD
Annual Meeting Program Chair
Children's National Medical Center
Arlington, VA
The 29th Annual Meeting of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia will be in sunny, beautiful San Diego, CA on October 23, 2015. We have an absolutely outstanding program planned in an amazing city, and we hope that you are joining us!
We face an ever-changing world, and the practice of anesthesiology can be a risky business! This year’s program will focus on some of the more challenging patients that we care for in our clinical practice and the disease processes that they face. We are extremely fortunate to have outstanding national faculty from several specialties providing us with the latest information and research available on a wide range of topics. Plus, as an added bonus, four credits can be earned towards your American Board of Anesthesiology MOCA Part II Patient Safety requirements!
We will get the day started with Problem Based Learning Discussions (PBLDs) and breakfast. A wide array of topics from diverse and knowledgable society members promise to get you talking about challenging cases and unique scenarios. These sessions fill fast so be sure to sign up for a lively and informative discussion!
We will then begin the general session with Dr. Phillip Spinella, a renowned pediatric critical care physician-scientist, who will discuss the latest research on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic hemorrhagic shock from the war and how this translates to children. Dr. Nina Guzzetta, a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist and researcher, will then talk about the latest in diagnosis and management of coagulopathy. Our next session will address the management of trauma and traumatic brain injury in the perioperative setting, beginning with Dr. David Shellington, who will present a talk on damage-control resuscitation. Dr. Jennifer Lee-Summers will discuss the management of pediatric patients with accidental versus non-accidental head trauma, and Dr. Nina Hardcastle will finish this session with a discussion of the pediatric anesthesiologist’s role in rescuing the injured brain.
Following an appetizing lunch, the 2nd Annual SPA Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to recognize Dr. William Greeley for his immeasurable contributions to the field of pediatric anesthesiology. This is our society’s highest honor, and it acknowledges a giant in our specialty.
In the afternoon, the program will turn to the world of infectious diseases! Dr. David Weber, a renowned clinician in infectious disease and epidemiology, will discuss the emerging pathogens that we will see as our global reach expands, including the Ebola epidemic and the newer respiratory viruses affecting pediatric patients. Then, three talented SPA members will lead a session on infectious disease in our practice. Dr. Bridget Pearce will talk on surgical site infections and the latest literature on their control. Dr. Justin Lockman will review the pathogens coming to an operating room near you, and Dr. Lizabeth Martin will discuss quality assurance initiatives to decrease the incidence of iatrogenic infections.
Finally, we will close the program with the most risky business of all: zoo anesthesia! Dr. Mark Greenberg, a pediatric anesthesiologist who has done work at the San Diego Zoo, will talk about his experience anesthetizing animals. This should be a fascinating and light-hearted end to a remarkable day.
The 29th Annual Meeting promises to be an outstanding opportunity to increase your knowledge, see old friends from far and wide, and enjoy beautiful San Diego. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!! We look forward to seeing you there!
