Deborah A. Agler, ACS, RDCS, FASE

Spring is on the way, and it will not be long until we are attending the 27 ^th Annual Scientific Sessions in Seattle, Washington.

In preparation for this communication, I have had the opportunity to reflect back on my own experience. It began over 20 years ago in San Francisco with an oral abstract slide presentation. I have been fortunate to regularly attend the Scientific Sessions since that time. I am amazed at how much the Scientific Sessions have advanced providing us with educational opportunities to make us leaders in cardiovascular technology. It is with gratitude that I have had the privilege to serve as this year’s sonographer Co-chair along with program chair Dr. Richard Grimm and an outstanding planning committee. We have created a program that is sure to spark interest to all cardiovascular health professionals and physicians from around the globe.

We have listened to what our attendees have put on their wish lists and have geared additional events to those topics. Kicking off on Friday, June 10 ^th is a first time, hands-on computer-based pediatric session. The I Heart Echo session for the focused exam and interactive vascular lab is back. On Sunday, June 12 ^th there will be three different hands-on sessions from basics to more advanced, each one covering a different topic to include 2D/3D volumes, 3D cropping, 2D strain. These sessions will be very popular to both sonographers and physicians, and limited seating is available for an additional fee.

Saturday, June 11 ^th through Tuesday, June 14 ^th there will be simultaneous tracks.

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  Case-Based Learning

  
  
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  Imaging Essentials

  
  
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  Perioperative

  
  
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  Pediatric/Congenital

  
  
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  Research

  
  
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  Vascular

All tracks will offer topics from the basics to the advanced in cardiovascular imaging. Our presenters are made up of experts in the field of cardiovascular ultrasound. For the first time, we will be introducing first-time sonographer presenters with seasoned mentors to show them the way with ease.

On Saturday morning, attend “It’s All about ASE” and the Council on Cardiovascular Sonography Business Meeting. For all, and especially the new attendees, this will be a great introduction to what to expect from this year’s scientific sessions. The afternoon will end with an opportunity for educators to participate in the “Educators Summit.” On Sunday afternoon sonographers and physicians are participating in “Advanced Imaging: It Takes a Team.” Early Monday morning come and learn about the new “Advanced Cardiac Sonographer Role,” and later that day we will have a joint Sonographer /Vascular council session that will highlight ergonomics. Our dynamic global sonographers in the afternoon will discuss “ How They Do It “ in their part of the world. Tuesday takes us from case presentations in “Stressing the Heart for All Ages” to “Cardiomyopathy Comes in All Varieties.”

Make sure to visit the opening of the Exhibit & Poster Hall on Saturday afternoon for the Presidents Reception honoring Dr. Susan Wiegers. Investigators from around the world will be presenting their cutting-edge research in the hall Saturday, Sunday, and Monday on the latest advances in cardiovascular ultrasound.

One of my favorite parts of the Scientific Sessions is the networking. Every year I enjoy gathering with my ASE friends and getting the opportunity to meet new acquaintances.

The ASE Foundation’s 7 ^th Annual Research Awards Gala will be held Saturday night with a Roaring Twenties theme. The inaugural Echovation Challenge competition will take place Sunday afternoon followed by the ASE Foundation’s Annual Scavenger Hunt through the Capitol Hill Area of Seattle. Monday evening will bring all together at the ASE members’ reception.

It is time to finalize your travel arrangements, and join us for some “Sleepless in Seattle” moments. ASE chooses cities and accommodations that offers you opportunities to extend your stay and be a tourist after experiencing a world-class meeting. Go to www.seattle.gov/visiting-seattle for more information.

The advanced program is available online. Stay updated by visiting www.asescientificsessions.org , where you can register for the conference, book hotels, explore Seattle sights, and much more. You can also download the 2016 Meeting App by searching for “ASE Live Educational Courses” at your app store.

I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

This could be the beginning of your Scientific Sessions’ journey.

Deborah A. Agler, ACS, RDCS, FASE is the Coordinator of Education and Training in the Echo Lab in the Department of Cardiovascular Imaging at Cleveland Clinic.