Salishan 2009 Wrap-up

The Oregon Society of Anesthesiologists held their spring meeting at the Salishan Resort in Gleneden Beach this past weekend. About 50 anesthesiologists and residents in training attended the educational sessions. Lecture handouts are available to OSA members who have registered as members at this website.

Dr. Mark Warner, the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) First Vice-President and Dean of the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, presented a lecture on “Catastrophic Positioning Events You Hope Never to Encounter.” Covering primarily upper and lower extremity position-related neuropathies, their etiology, and strategies for prevention, Dr. Warner’s presentation also included amazing animations that helped make clear the anatomic basis for these unfortunate results. In addition, Dr. Warner presented an ASA Update, evaluating the key issues and missions for the organization and his assessment of where the ASA is and where it needs to be.

Andreas Loepke, M.D., Ph.D., an Associate Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, presented two lectures. The first covered the effects of anesthetic agents on the developing brain and the second provided insights on managing adults with congenital heart disease for non-cardiac surgery, focusing on the pathophysiology associated with single ventricle hearts after surgical palliation. Dr. Loepke has published basic research and an important meta-analysis on anesthetic neurotoxicity in the developing brain. His insights and guidance, based on current knowledge, placed the situation into an appropriate perspective.

Matthew Abrahams, M.D., an Assistant Professor at OHSU and a member of the very active regional anesthesia team in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, discussed the evidence supporting the use of ultrasound in regional anesthesia and the evidence behind multi-modal anesthesia techniques. Dr. Abrahams recently published a meta-analysis pooling available data on ultrasound use in regional blocks.

OHSU residents Stacy Fairbanks, M.D., Dawn Larson, M.D. and Patricia Michels, M.D. presented Problem-Based Learning Discussions, moderated by Dawn Dillman, M.D., Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at OHSU. The discussions were wide-ranging, provocative and both educational and enjoyable.

The OSA also held a business meeting and biennial elections. Discussion of the current healthcare reform environment, the need for advocacy, and bills under consideration by the Oregon Legislature dominated the discussion.

The slate of officers for the next two years, effective after our fall meeting in early October, will be:

• President: Norm Cohen, M.D.
• President-elect: Frank Palmrose, M.D.
• Treasurer: Mark Gilbert, M.D.
• Secretary: Mark Norling, M.D.

Congratulations to the new leaders of the OSA and many thanks to Chris Swide, M.D., who has ably led the organization over the past two years.

Dr. and Mrs. John Evans once again graciously allowed the OSA meeting attendees to use their beautiful beach home for a wine reception on Saturday night. Everyone had a great time, and the OSA leadership greatly appreciates the Evans' hospitality.

If you would like to see more photos, Norm Cohen has posted some additional shots on his web gallery.