Throughout my career as an echocardiographer, striving to stay on the cutting edge of both clinical practice and research, I have been incredibly fortunate to have ASE in my corner. The Society not only addresses my immediate educational needs but also helps me discern what the future holds. One of the best methods I have found to stay up-to-date on research and patient care has been to attend the ASE’s annual conference each year.
The Annual Scientific Sessions have played a major role in the education of all ASE physician and sonographer members for over two decades. On Friday, June 20, 2014, ASE opens its 25 th Annual Scientific Sessions in Portland, Oregon—celebrating its Silver Anniversary. Hopefully you have already received your advance program in the mail and have lined up the sessions you want to attend. If not, there are a number of highlights that await you, including past ASE President Patricia Pellikka, MD, FASE giving the 25 th Annual Edler Lecture on Sunday, June 22; the Cardiovascular Sonographer Educator’s Summit on Saturday, June 21; Sunday’s Practice Management focus: “What’s Happening in Healthcare and How to Prepare,” and the much anticipated 5 th Annual Research Awards Gala on Saturday, June 21, with a masquerade theme. For a more personal look at what awaits you, I have invited Jonathan Lindner, MD, FASE, who is the Scientific Sessions Program Chair, to be a part of this President’s Message.
Education and Science in Portland for You!
As the Program Chair for the ASE’s 25 th Annual Scientific Sessions, I want to extend a warm invitation for you to attend what promises to be a very special Silver Anniversary of the Sessions. On behalf of the Planning Committee, we are proud to have arranged an exciting educational program with a gifted international faculty. The meeting has plenty to offer for attendees with varied interests and levels of expertise.
For those interested in clinical updates and state-of –the-art clinical echocardiography, we are pleased to offer many different types of learning experiences including didactic symposia , case-based presentations (7:00-8:00 a.m. daily), hot-topic debates, and multi-modality imaging sessions. These sessions will keep you current with new developments in cardiovascular imaging. Sonographers in particular should find value in our “Imaging Essentials” track with practical content on echo imaging and physiology. In the Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) track, case-based education is provided on how imaging data are integrated into patient care. Because ACHD is increasingly becoming part of the lexicon for the general adult echocardiographer, there are sessions where education is targeted to those who may be intimidated by more advanced sessions. A special symposium on Innovation in Healthcare will feature, among others, Albert Starr, who is recognized for his pioneering work in valvular disease and ACHD, and for performing the first successful mitral valve replacement. A one-day Intraoperative Echocardiography session will focus on state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment of mitral valve disease.
For attendees who are interested in cutting edge technology and imaging science, the program has many opportunities to learn about the latest imaging research and to attend sessions on 4D imaging, advanced myocardial mechanics, innovative technology, therapeutic ultrasound, and advanced clinical applications (echo-oncology, perfusion imaging, diabetes and the heart, interventional echo, and mechanical support devices). It should also be stressed that the meeting provides many opportunities for attendees to interact with our faculty at social venues. After all, we are a Society!
Based on your requests, the meeting will start earlier (on Friday afternoon) to allow early-arrivers a chance to increase the number of continuing education credits at an interactive audience response session and a vascular imaging symposium. Also on Friday afternoon will be a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) session where proctors will review content from the ABIM-approved Echo MOC module (10 units) organized by the ASE. MOC credits are a critical component of maintaining Cardiology Board certification and our physician members should be aware that ABIM requirements for MOC have recently been revised to include: (a) more frequent activity, and (b) reporting of MOC activity even for those who are “grandfathered” and are not subject to ABIM subspecialty board testing every 10 years ( www.abim.org ).
An added draw for this year’s meeting is the location. The host city, Portland, Oregon, is known for its natural beauty, friendliness, rich culture, and many offerings for outdoor pursuits. Portland is in close proximity to the Northwest Pacific coast which is dotted with quaint coastal communities, tide pools, and stunning views. The nearby Cascade mountain range is home to Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge with its dramatic vistas, towering waterfalls, and hiking trails. Whether you enjoy biking, kayaking, hiking, or auto-touring the area is rich with some of the most striking natural beauty in the U.S. Within the city proper, the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and hiking trails of Washington Park are lovely spots that will be in their prime in June.
Portland is fast becoming an international destination for food and drink lovers. Last year it was ranked fifth in the nation for food/drink/restaurants by Travel + Leisure Magazine for good reason. The unique Northwest cuisine is superb and the downtown Portland farmer’s market offers wonderful fresh produce, berries, and artisanal products (breads, cheese, charcuterie). Portland is home to a famous food truck scene, which must be experienced, and is a top destination for its micro-roast coffee shops and microbreweries, depending on what time of day you are seeking a beverage. The pinot noirs of the nearby Willamette valley wine district are world-renowned. There are over 100 high quality wineries within an hour or so drive from Portland.
Come for the education and science, but enjoy everything that the Portland area has to offer. I look forward to welcoming you to our 25 th Anniversary of the Scientific Session.
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