Weekly Member Update - May 8, 2009

Our Society

I have just returned from the meeting of the joint meeting of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, which was held in London. It was an outstanding scientific and educational experience. Our British counterparts were outstanding hosts, and we discussed mutually beneficial collaborations for both societies. An example of cooperative member benefits is the ability of an ASSH member to purchase The European Journal of Hand Surgery at a 50% savings. Larger savings are possible if 50% or more of our members are interested in subscribing to this outstanding journal. To determine interest, The Hand Society will send out a survey about interest in BJHS subscriptions next week.

L. Andrew Koman, MD

To comment on Dr. Koman's column, visit his blog. 

Web Corner

Earlier this week Dr. L. Andrew Koman unveiled the new and improved ASSH website.   As promised in Dr. Koman's correspondence, each week we will bring you "news you can use" for how to maximize your experience on the upgraded website. 

This week's topic:  claiming your CME.

Log on to ASSH Website to Check Your CME Record and Claim CME for 2009 Activities

Past and current participants of Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities sponsored by the ASSH may continue to access their complete CME transcript online through the ASSH website. 

Users may:
• View their CME transcript
•  Download a copy for their files and
• Claim CME online for activities which took place after January 2009 

To get started, login at www.assh.org and then visit the My CME section.  To submit CME hours for events which took place prior to January 2009, download the specific CME Claim form off the website and return it by fax to 847-384-1435.  Staff will update your account.  

Users may also contact the ASSH at meetings@assh.org to have a form sent to them.   Please note that all event attendees have been assigned a unique username and password to access their CME transcript.  Please do not create a new login.  If you have forgotten your login information or this is your first time accessing your transcript, please contact the ASSH at meetings@assh.org to have your login information sent to you. 

ASSH News

Scholarships are Now Available for Residents and Fellows
Apply today to attend the 27th Adrian E. Flatt Residents and Fellows Conference in Hand Surgery and the 2009 Combined Annual Meeting of the ASSH & ASHT.

Due to the generous support of Stryker, SBI and Wright Medical, winners will be provided with $1500 to be used to cover any registration fees and travel expenses.  To learn more about the scholarships, visit the Residents and Fellows website.

The Residents and Fellows Conference is specifically geared toward hand surgery fellows and residents in orthopedic, plastic and general surgery and allows paper participants to present their work on subjects within the specialty of hand surgery. The opportunity for dialogue and the exchange of information makes this conference a valuable resource for all attendees.  Learn more about the 2009 Residents and Fellows Program.

Deadline to submit your application for the scholarship is May 22.  There are a limited number of scholarships available, so please submit your application TODAY!  Send your documents to Julie Quinn via email to jquinn@assh.org or fax to (847) 384-1435.

Patient Education Committee Requests Royalty-Free Images

The ASSH Patient Education Committee is continually working to improve the patient education section of our website and our patient education brochures. The committee is currently in need of the following images for our Hands in Systemic Diseases web pages:

• Terry's Nails, as seen with cardiac and liver conditions
• Half & Half Nails, as seen with chronic renal failure
• Splinter Hemorrhages, as seen with some cardiac and rheumatologic diseases
• Cuticle Telangectasia, as seen with systemic lupus and other conditions
• Rheumatoid deformities of wrist/MP and PIP joints
• Osteoarthritic changes of thumb CMC and finger PIPs and DIPs
• Pitted nails, as seen in Psoriasis and other conditions
• Clubbed nails, as seen with cardiac and other conditions
• Ischemic changes distally, as seen with Buerger's Disease & Systemic Sclerosis
• Raynaud's changes, such as blanching, Cyanosis, Rubor
• Gout changes, such as Finger Tophi
• Liver Palm
• Cuticle Granulomas, as seen with Acne Rx (Isotretinoin)

Any additional photos which show, in the hands/fingers, changes indicative of any other systemic diseases are also welcomed. If you have images that you are willing to make available to ASSH, please contact Nicole Renn at nrenn@assh.org. 

Call for Council Nominations - Applications Now Available

Applications are now available for open positions on Council of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.  There are two open Member-at-Large at large positions, one for a member who joined ASSH before 2001, and one for a member who joined after 2001.  The Vice-president position is also open.
 
Applications are due July 3, 2009.  Please visit our website for details about qualifications, job descriptions, terms and how to apply.  Questions can be directed to Tara Havenga ( thavenga@assh.org).
 
Online application
 

Third Party Fellowship Funding Now Available
Two new funding sources are available through OMeGA and OREF.  Both organizations are now accepting applications for fellowship funding for the 2009-2010 academic year. 

OMeGA
Grants are available for orthopaedic fellowships (up to $75,000) in nine sub-specialty areas, including hand surgery, and residency/general education (up to $5,000).  Funds will be awarded through a consistent, clearly established process, according to objective criteria, and independent of program size, personnel, or affiliation.  Funding for 2009 is limited to programs in the Americas.

Friday, May 8, 2009 is the deadline for submitting grant applications.  Please direct your questions to info@omegamedicalgrants.org.

OREF
OREF continues to seek additional industry partners in hopes of securing more funding for fellowships across the spectrum of orthopaedics, and will soon invite applications for institutional grants to enhance academic residency training programs.  Additional information, visit http://www.oref.org/.

Apply for the 2009 Bunnell Traveling Fellowship  

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. If you are interested and eligible, please complete the 2009 Bunnell Application 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 29th Sterling Bunnell Traveling Fellowship will be made immediately before the 64th 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). 

Hospital Physician Employment Survey  

You may have received an email earlier this week asking you to complete a survey describing your experience with the growing trend of hospitals employing surgical specialists. This is an issue the Hand Society is monitoring closely, and we would like to better understand how it is affecting our members.

If you haven't completed the survey yet, please click on the link below. If you have additional questions or comments on this issue, please email Sarah Meyer Hughes.

Hospital Physician Employment Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ycRzY3NeITGH_2bDrmza5qCw_3d_3d

ASSH Courses and Meetings

2009 Combined Meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand & American Society of Hand Therapists
Bridges: Connecting the Past and the Future
September 3-5, 2009
Moscone West Convention Center San Francisco, CA  
Register to attend the 2009 Combined Meeting of the ASSH & ASHT!

David S. Ruch, MD
John D. Lubahn, MD, FACS
Donna Breger Stanton, MA, OTR/L, CHT, FAOTA
2009 ASSH & ASHT Program Chairs

The 2009 Combined Meeting is a forum for the most distinguished hand and upper extremity care professionals to gather together, exchange information and elevate the specialty to new heights. This convergence of the best and brightest minds in the field will enable hand professionals from around the globe to overcome adversity and obstacles and shape the future of the hand and upper extremity specialty.  With more than 3,400 physicians, therapists and related healthcare professionals specializing in hand, orthopaedic, plastic and reconstructive surgery expected to attend, the Societies' the Hand educational programming will focus on the newest developments in the field, improved surgical techniques and therapeutic options as well as other information that will enable hand care professionals to continuously improve the care they provide. Attendees can earn valuable hours of CME and CEUs as they share new concepts and review established principles of the specialty. Join us in San Francisco this fall to learn, share, network and rededicate your energy, spirit and commitment to the specialty!

2009 Key Offerings Include:

• 8 Keynotes / Special Presentations
• 14 Pre-Conference Courses
• 4 Pre-Conference Special Topic Workshops
• Adrian E. Flatt Residents & Fellows Conference
• Exciting Scientific Sessions offering never-before-presented Paper Presentations and 15 Symposia
• A variety of breakout sessions including 42 Instructional Courses, 16 Interactive Case Reviews and 26 Industry-Sponsored Product Demonstration Workshops
• 2 Consultation Corners covering Clinical and Practice Management topics
• A number of great social activities have been planned for play during the day and evening so you can maximize your San Francisco experience. 
• A vibrant exhibit hall with over 120 companies displaying products and offering services to help you in your practice!

CME CREDIT HOURS
The ASSH designates this educational activity for a maximum of 39.00 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.

Visit the ASSH/ASHT Combined Meeting website to learn more or jump straight to registration to sign up today!

LOGIN INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS - ALL ASSH Members already have login information for the ASSH website. DO NOT "CREATE A RECORD" to register for the 2009 Combined ASSH/ASHT Meeting.  If you do this, you will be charged NON-MEMBER pricing. 

If you do not know your login information please contact the ASSH Central Office at (847) 384-8300 or email membership@assh.org and your login information will be provided.

2009 Advanced Techniques in Reconstructive Elbow Surgery
June 26-27, 2009
Orthopaedic Learning Center
Rosemont, IL

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.

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

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.

2009 Master Skills Series: Tendon Repair and Reconstruction
October 16-17, 2009   SM Institute   Burr Ridge, IL
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2009
Online Registration Now Open!

Program Co-Chairs:
Jeffrey A. Greenberg, MD
Martin I. Boyer, MD, FRCS(C)

Tendon Repair and Reconstruction is a 2 day course designed to present current techniques and practice related to traumatic tendon repair and reconstruction. The course has been designed to allow the participant to split time equally between the lectures and lab. The course is structured to present this information in a didactic format with lectures given by recognized expert educators. Hands on practice in the state of the art cadaver lab will emphasize and reinforce the didactic information.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the course participants will be aware of current concepts of tendon healing and current research regarding tendon healing, repair and rehabilitation. The participant will have options for repair of acutely injured flexor and extensor tendons and understand the indications for appropriate post-operative rehabilitation protocols. Participants will be expected to understand general principles and indications for a variety of tendon transfers and be able to design an appropriate reconstructive plan.

CME CREDIT HOURS:
The ASSH designates this educational activity for a maximum of 14.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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.

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