Weekly Member Update - April 3, 2009

Did You Know?
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Did you know how to access JHS through the ASSH website?

Go to www.assh.org, login, click on Members, click on Journal of Hand Surgery (right column under Member/Professionals Quick Links). You will be logged into the Journal automatically.  A link to the Journal of Hand Surgery can be found under the Quick Links on every page of the Members section and the Hand Care Professionals Section. 

Please note: If you want to save searches on the JHS site, you will need to login to that website directly.

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One Question
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What browser(s) do you use to access the web?  Answer this week's One Question.

Last week, we asked you if the economic downturn will affect your attendance at the 2009 Annual Meeting in San Francisco.   View the results of last week's One Question. 

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ASSH News
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Volunteer for the 2009 Mentorship Program

The Young Members' Steering Committee is in the process of creating a new and improved mentorship program for the Hand Society, and they'd like your help.  The program will launch at the 2009 Annual Meeting in San Francisco. 

Please indicate your interest by taking this quick online survey.

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ASSH to Explore Textbook Publication
Request for Proposal Available for Interested Authors

The Educations Division is soliciting proposals from authors interested in working with the Hand Society on a hand surgery textbook.  The Society will consider a variety of different publication options outlined in the request for proposal (RFP), which is posted and available for download on the website. 

All details, specifications, and partnership options for the information needed are outlined in the RFP. 

The April 24^th deadline is approaching for the Textbook RFP- please plan to submit soon: Once completed, submit the proposal to the central office, attention: Jennifer Gremmels, electronically at jgremmels@assh.org or hard copy by April 24, 2009 for consideration.

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OMeGA Grants Management System Launched April 1^st

If your program is seeking fellowship and/or residency grants, learn about the new management system by visiting www.omegamedicalgrants.org and signing up for an instructional webinar. 

OMeGA is also looking for non-conflicted hand surgeons experienced in specialty fellowship training to volunteer for the Review Committee.  Members will work with the OMeGA board to evaluate applications in the 9 subspecialty areas of orthopaedic fellowships, and attendance is expected at a two day application review in Rosemont on May 26 and 27.

The OMeGA Review Committee application must be completed and returned to taira@omegamedicalgrants.org by today, April 3.
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BSSH/ASSH Combined Meeting - Registration Now Open
April 30 - May 1, 2009 
  
The provisional programme and registration form for the BSSH/ASSH Combined meeting are now available on the BSSH website: www.bssh.ac.uk.   There is a link to the meeting details on the home page of the BSSH website.   If you have any queries relating to this, please do not hesitate to contact Helen Roberts (helen.roberts@bssh.ac.u.k) at BSSH. 

View the programme.  

Download a registration form.
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2009 Call For Abstracts
September 3-5, 2009 * San Francisco, California
2009 Combined Annual Meeting of the ASSH and ASHT
Bridges: Connecting the Past and the Future

The abstract submission site is now open to submit your proposals for the 2009 Combined Annual Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT).  Interested in learning more?  Visit the Hand Society's Call For Abstracts online information page for important details then submit your proposal today! 

2009 Online Abstract Submission Forms:

• Instructional Course Lecture - Deadline passed 
• Symposia abstracts - Deadline passed 
• Paper Presentation - Deadline passed 
• Resident & Fellow Paper/Poster - Deadline passed 
• Scientific Poster - Deadline passed 
• International Scientific Poster - Deadline passed 
• Video Theater abstracts due by April 6, 2009

Already submitted an abstract but need to make a change?  Visit the Abstract Service Center to edit your submission.  Revisions can be made through the deadline listed above.

Questions about the abstract submission process?  Contact Diana Shkap at dshkap@assh.org.

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Application for the Bunnell Traveling Fellowship Now Available

If you have been an active member of ASSH for eight years or less, you may be eligible to apply for the 29th Sterling Bunnell Traveling Fellowship. The specific criteria for eligibility are detailed in the Bunnell Fellowship application available on our website www.assh.org. Click on the following link: 2009 Bunnell Application.   If you meet the eligibility requirements, we encourage you to apply for this outstanding opportunity.

The Sterling Bunnell Traveling Fellowship is an outstanding educational experience for the recipient. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is June 1, 2009. Final selection of the recipient of this 29^th Sterling Bunnell Traveling Fellowship will be made immediately before the 64^th Annual Meeting, September 3-5, 2009, in San Francisco, CA and will be announced during the meeting.

Please direct questions to Tara Havenga (thavenga@assh.org). 

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ASSH Courses & Meetings
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2009 Self-Assessment Examination
Registration Deadline: TODAY April 3, 2009
Online Registration CLOSES TODAY!

To see if you are registered, click here.

PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER TODAY, APRIL 3^rd

SAE Educational Objectives

• Detect and differentiate injury mechanisms, pathologies and applied anatomy associated with upper extremity conditions treated by hand surgeons 
• Differentiate and apply the range of conservative and surgical treatment options to deal with upper extremity problems that present to a hand surgeon's practice 
• Develop informed evidenced-based guided clinical decision practice options in the treatment of upper extremity disorders 
• Evaluate by self assessment basic cognitive, reasoning skills, and clinical aptitudes required of all hand surgeons in practice to complete maintenance of certification

This examination is offered as a convenient self-education exercise by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and is geared towards hand and upper extremity health care professionals.   Designed to assist the physician in reviewing basic principles of hand care, the exam also helps to keep the physician abreast of new developments and concepts within the specialty.  The examination covers diagnostic and therapeutic problems, both surgical and non-operative, basic science knowledge, and fundamental principles of hand surgery. The interpretation of the illustrative material (clinical photographs and radiographs) is an integral part of this examination. The 2009 examination consists of the Question Book (Book 1) containing 150 questions, an answer sheet, evaluation, and the Discussion Book (Book 2) with preferred responses, discussion and literature references.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Registration Deadline - April 3, 2009 - TODAY
Deadline to return answer sheet - Postmarked by June 12, 2009
Discussion book mailed  - July 31, 2009

ACCREDITATION
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education to physicians.

CME CREDIT HOURS
The ASSH designates this educational activity for a maximum of 20.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.   

NOTE: Only those who return a completed answer sheet for computer scoring by June 12, 2009 will be eligible for CME.  Answer sheets cannot be folded or creased.

Learn more about the Self-Assessment Exam by downloading the program brochure or visit the exam webpage to register online!

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2009 ASHT/ASSH Advances in Hand Therapy: Surgeons and Therapists Working Together
Hilton Nashville Downtown Hotel
May 15-16, 2009
Registration Deadline: April 20, 2009

Online Registration Now Open!

Jointly Sponsored by:
American Society of Hand Therapists
American Society for Surgery of the Hand

Program Co-Chairs:
Randip R. Bindra, MD
Kathleen E. Brou, OTR, CHT
Marta H. Brinkley, OTR/L, CHT

The ASSH and ASHT are proud to present this two-day course designed for intermediate to advanced hand therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and managers.  This course will include the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment of upper quadrant conditions as well as cutting edge practice management techniques.  Attendees will gain exposure to critical knowledge from presentations provided by recognized expert physicians, clinicians and managers all of whom are affiliated with ASSH and ASHT.  The targeted sessions on outpatient therapy practice management will provide crucial business decision making skills a therapist can utilize within his or her own clinic.  Participation in lectures, panel discussions, and case studies will allow attendees to advance their clinical decision making skills.  Visit the online event page for program details. 

OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Compare and contrast current operative and non-operative treatment for a wide spectrum of upper quadrant orthopedic conditions. 
• Develop and execute treatment plans for complex upper quadrant conditions. 
• Utilize "the pearls" of treatment for core stabilization and wound care. 
• Sharpen clinical management decision making skills utilizing objective data for staffing plans, documentation, and billing. 
• Compare and contrast a variety of outcome tools/scores and determine the benefits of routine clinical use. 
• Obtain expert clinical medical knowledge on surgical and therapeutic strategies that can be utilized in the clinical setting in practical settings.

AOTA CE UNITS: The ASHT is an approved provider of Continuing Education for the American Occupational Therapy Association.  The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by the AOTA.  The ASHT is an approved CEU provider for the Board of Certification, Inc. for Athletic Trainers.

ASSH CME CREDIT: The ASSH designates this educational activity for a maximum of 8.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  The ASSH is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Learn more by downloading the course brochure or visit www.asht.org to register online. 

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2009 Advanced Techniques in Reconstructive Elbow Surgery
Registration Deadline: May 22, 2009
Online Registration Now Open!

Program Chairs:
David C. Ring, MD
Scott P. Steinmann, MD

This course will provide a state of the art update on open and arthroscopic techniques of elbow surgery. A renowned faculty of leading elbow surgeons will present lectures, panel discussions and hands-on training in the cadaver laboratory. Specific techniques covered in detail will be elbow arthroscopy, elbow instability, all elbow fractures, and arthroplasty. Course attendees will have the opportunity to perform all surgical procedures in the laboratory and are encouraged to bring problem cases for discussion with the faculty.

Course Objectives:

• Become familiar with advanced techniques of elbow surgery 
• Learn arthroscopic techniques for the elbow 
• Become familiar with all surgical approaches to the elbow for the most common procedures 
• Recognize pitfalls of surgical techniques and how to avoid complications 
• Understand the biomechanics of the elbow and learn how to perform surgical reconstruction for instability 
• Learn state-of-the-art techniques for treatment of fractures of the distal humerus, radial head, coronoid and olecranon 
• Become familiar with elbow arthroplasty techniques and how to avoid complications

CME Credit Hours
The ASSH designates this educational activity for a maximum of 16.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Accreditation
The ASSH is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Learn more by downloading the course brochure or visit www.assh.org to register online.

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2009 AAOS/ASSH General Orthopaedic Review
Hyatt Regency Chicago
July 9, 2009
Registration Deadline: June 29, 2009
Online Registration Now Open!

Co-Sponsored by:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Society for Surgery of the Hand

Course Directors:
John J. Grayhack, MD
Michael S. Bednar, MD

This one-day review course, brought to you by the AAOS and ASSH, prepares you for the general orthopaedic questions on the combined CAQ exam in Hand Surgery. Held just one day prior to the ASSH Comprehensive Review in Hand Surgery course, this is a convenient opportunity to review generally accepted principles of orthopaedics across the specialties.  Note: the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery does not provide content or material for this program.

OBJECTIVES

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental knowledge base required for Maintenance of Certification 
• Sharpen clinical decision-making using contemporary clinical, laboratory and diagnostic imaging methods to manage pediatric and adult musculoskeletal disorders 
• Compare and contrast current non-operative and operative treatment of a wide spectrum of orthopaedic conditions including shoulder, lower extremity, spine and pediatrics
• Recognize the spectrum of surgical management of reconstructive and traumatic musculoskeletal conditions and the indications and contraindications for each 
• Discuss current orthopaedic literature concerning a wide array of common musculoskeletal conditions in children and adults

CME CREDIT HOURS
The ASSH designates this educational activity for a maximum of 8.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ACCREDITATION
The ASSH is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Learn more by downloading the course brochure or visit www.assh.org to register online.

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2009 Comprehensive Review in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
Hyatt Regency Chicago
July 10-12, 2009
Registration Deadline: June 29, 2009

Online Registration Now Open!

Program Chairs:
Mark S. Cohen, MD
Thomas R. Kiefhaber, MD

The ASSH Comprehensive Review Course is designed as an advanced review course and update for practicing hand surgeons.  The course will review the topical concepts of anatomy, biomechanics and pathology as well as diagnostic and treatment methods relating to hand surgery.  The faculty are recognized experts in hand surgery and have been selected for their knowledge, expertise and contributions relating to the subject matter they present.

OBJECTIVES

• Discuss the topic concepts of anatomy, biomechanics and pathology relating to surgery of the hand, wrist and elbow. 
• Prescribe and use generally accepted diagnostic techniques required to evaluate various disease preventions. 
• Describe treatment alternatives for acquired, traumatic, inflammatory, congenital and neoplastic disorders of the hand, wrist and elbow. 

CME CREDIT HOURS
The ASSH designates this educational activity for a maximum of 22.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ACCREDITATION
The ASSH is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Learn more by downloading the course brochure or visit www.assh.org to register online.

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Medical News
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For more on ASSH advocacy news and efforts, visit the health policy page of our website.
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New AMA resource a one-stop shop for ePrescribing information From AMA

An online learning center launched this week by the AMA can help physicians and practice managers make informed decisions about electronic prescribing, also known as ePrescribing.  With vast educational content and interactive tools, this convenient resource allows users to assess ePre scribing technology at their own pace in an impartial environment.

Aspects of the learning center include complete and unbiased coverage of ePrescribing system vendor pricing and features, calculators to estimate potential time savings and determine Medicare ePrescribing incentive payments, the latest information on federal and state programs offering ePrescribing incentives, and readiness and planning tools to help physicians map out an implementation plan.

"The AMA's new ePrescribing learning center takes the guesswork out of the decision-making process by giving physicians all the tools they need to decide what system is best for their practice," AMA Board Chair Joseph M. Heyman, MD, said.

 Visit www.ama-assn.org/go/eprescribing to access the learning center.

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