FRIDAY/SATURDAY POSTGRADUATE COURSES

May 13-18
Denver, Colorado

ATS has scheduled 30 postgraduate courses prior to the start of the Conference.  The courses will be held on two days, Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14.  Postgraduate courses require an additional registration and fee. Attendance is limited.  Plan to register early to ensure attendance at the course.

The following postgraduate courses are being offered:

FRIDAY, MAY 13

PG1 – BIOMARKERS IN ASTHMA AND COPD
"Biomarkers" is the keyword in today's management of airway diseases. It comprises cellular and molecular markers that provide useful information about the presence, control and progression of disease. This can be blood, sputum, exhaled air. Is not measuring all this far too complicated? Which biomarkers really qualify in the diagnosis and monitoring of asthma and COPD? Have promises been confirmed? Is the benefit of using biomarkers evidence-based?

PG2 – NOVEL GENETIC AND GENOMIC APPROACHES IN RESPIRATORY DISEASE
During this day of intensive training and tutoring, this course will review applications of statistics, molecular biology and genetics to respiratory genomics in both human and animal models.  Participants will understand the genetic basis of disease susceptibility and progress, linkage analysis, GWAS, quantitative trait loci, gene-gene and gene environment interactions, mapping disease genes, and genome wide sequencing.  Emphasis is also placed on how to characterize gene function using the latest biochemical and molecular genetic techniques.  Contemporary approaches to gene discovery including genome wide approaches and microarray analysis will be covered.

PG3 – HEALTH OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT IN RESEARCH AND QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Standardization and harmonization of outcomes in clinical research and quality improvement are needed to facilitate interpretation and comparison across studies.  Recent developments in measurement science have increased opportunities and challenges. This workshop will provide new and experienced researchers with an in-depth examination of the current conceptual, methodological, practical and statistical considerations in outcomes measurement by increasing knowledge and competency to select from common and emerging measures.  Strengths and challenges of measures (e.g., reliability, validity, and MCID), methods and analyses will be contrasted using relevant examples.  Breakout sessions (asthma, COPD, and CF) will focus on assessing exacerbations and use of biomarkers.

PG4 – TOBACCO DEPENDENCE: FROM GENES TO CNS PATHWAYS TO DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT -- CANCELLED

PG5 – THORACIC IMAGING
This course will review the current status of imaging in acute and chronic pulmonary disease, including pulmonary embolism, airway disease, lung cancer, pleural disease, and diffuse lung disease. The focus will be on helping clinicians understand the role of imaging in dealing with common clinical problems.

PG6 – EVOLVING CONCEPTS IN LUNG TRANSPLANTATION
This course will examine and discuss current approaches to lung transplantation.  The course will review immunologic aspects of lung transplant and immunosuppressive therapies to prevent and treat allograft rejection.  It will also cover all aspects of candidate evaluation, donor selection and management, pre- and post-transplant management, and use of database resources (e.g. United Network for Organ Sharing, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation) in lung transplantation.  Additionally, the potential for a career in transplant medicine will be discussed.

PG7 – INCORPORATING ULTRASOUND AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY INTO ICU PRACTICE
This course will provide an introduction to both the theory and practice of ICU ultrasonography and echocardiography, with lectures focused on the applications and techniques of image acquisition followed by practical experience with machines using human models and mannequins.  The course will provide basic training in ultrasound-guided procedures as well as echocardiographic assessment of ventricular function, pericardial disease, and volume assessment.

PG8 – WILL THIS STUDY HELP MY PATIENTS? CRITICALLY APPRAISING STUDIES IN CRITICAL CARE AND PULMONARY MEDICINE -- CANCELLED

PG9 – NONINVASIVE VENTILATION FROM ICU TO HOME- EVIDENCE, GUIDELINES AND BEST PRACTICE
This course is designed to give the learner the most up-to-date information on the uses of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in both the acute ICU as well as the chronic home setting.  This is an opportunity to hear from experts in this field who will deliver state-of- the-art information that will be both practical and evidence based. 

PG10 – PULMONARY EPIDEMIOLOGY: METHODS AND REAL LIFE EXAMPLES -- CANCELLED

PG11 – DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR THE PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGIST
The course will focus on the main diagnostic modalities used in the evaluation of pediatric patients with respiratory disorders (e.g. pulmonary function testing, bronchoscopy & bronchoalveolar lavage; radiologic and laboratory studies etc). The objective is to present up-to-date information on the advantages and limitations of each test for a variety of conditions encountered in the practice of pediatric pulmonology. Emphasis will be given on the interpretation of the tests and the clinical relevance of the various findings.

PG12 – NUTS AND BOLTS OF AEROSOL DELIVERY: THEORY, GUIDELINES AND PRACTICE -- CANCELLED

PG13 – ENGINEERED NANOPARTICLES AND AIRWAY: THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS & HEALTH RISKS
The unique physicochemical characteristics of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) enable new medical applications, but also engender unknown health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations with pre-existing disease. New research has provided pioneering insights into the relation of ENM physicochemical and biological properties. This course will provide an in-depth view on ENM-derived pulmonary adverse effects, as well as medical applications, like nano-based diagnostics, imaging and therapeutics.  The first part of the course will focus on diagnostic and therapeutic utilities of ENM in different lung diseases, while the second part will comprehensively address potential toxicities in different areas of the respiratory system.

PG14 – PHYSIOLOGY MASTER CLASS: HEMODYNAMIC ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN THE ICU
This session will provide a comprehensive review of the core physiologic principles of hemodynamics and review the current state of the art for the assessment and management of hemodynamic issues in patients with various forms of critical illness.

PG 15 – COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE ON POLYSOMNOGRAPHY – INTERACTIVE STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW AND CASE DISCUSSIONS
This is a day-long postgraduate course during which an expert faculty of researchers, academicians and clinicians at the forefront of the sleep medicine field will review a broad range of topics in polysomnography.  The 2007 AASM guidelines for polysomnography scoring will be reviewed in detail.  Presentations will be case-based with questions and will utilize an audience response system for an interactive experience.  The course topics are especially timely given the upcoming ABIM Sleep Medicine board exams to be administered in Fall 2011.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

PG16 – ASTHMA AND ALLERGIC DISEASES: STATE OF THE ART IN BIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTIC TARGETS
Allergic inflammation is central to the pathogenesis of asthma and other allergic diseases. Cells and molecules that mediate this process represent targets for therapy. This course will represent a state of the art of our knowledge of the biology of asthma and allergic diseases. The course will be provided by the 15 centers of excellence currently supported by NIAID. The course will provide comprehensive review of state of the art knowledge in asthma and allergic diseases. Based upon this knowledge, targets for therapeutic interventions could be envisioned.

PG17 – SCIENTIFIC WRITING: PUBLISHING FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Fellows, researchers, and clinicians need practical information about scientific writing and publishing.  This course is designed to provide investigators from various disciplines the tools necessary to prepare scientific manuscripts that are likely to be published. Course faculty will give an overview of the importance of reporting new science and teach participants about the elements of a manuscript, the responsibilities of authorship, journal selection, and the peer review process. The afternoon will include interactive discussions with the faculty in small group breakout sessions.

PG18 – LUNG CANCER IN 2011: THE STATE OF THE ART
This PG course will discuss in detail the state of the art of caring for patients with lung cancer in 2011.  Topics will include tobacco control policy, gender differences in epidemiology, biology and outcomes, staging, treatment and palliation.

PG19 – MANAGEMENT OF INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE
This course will provide a detailed summary of the diagnosis and management of interstitial lung disease.

PG20 – MECHANICAL VENTILATION: STATE OF THE ART
This course will provide clinicians and clinical investigators with a comprehensive, interactive day-long discussion, including working through some case scenarios, designed to help develop a cogent approach to mechanical ventilation for both clinical care and future clinical research.

PG21 – ICU MONITORING: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
Monitoring patients in the ICU is a fundamental skill for clinicians who care for the critically ill. This session will review common methods of ICU monitoring, with pecial focus on respiratory and circulatory monitoring, as well as controversies regarding whether such monitoring makes a difference in patient outcomes.

PG22 – PULMONARY AND CRITICAL CARE REVIEWS: BUILT AROUND ABIM 2010 MODULES (UPDATES) IN PULMONARY AND CRITICAL CARE
Led by expert faculty, some of whom have served on the ABIM, this group learning session is designed around the ABIM Self-Evaluation Process (SEP) modules in Pulmonary & Critical Care. This session will provide a convenient opportunity to complete two (2) SEP modules and offers a valuable review for practicing physicians. Participants who are recertifying MUST purchase the ABIM SEP module from ABIM. However, you need not be recertifying to participate.

PG23 – THERAPEUTIC HYPOTHERMIA POST-CARDIAC ARREST: A REVIEW OF THE PHYSIOLOGY, EVIDENCE, AND A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION
This session is designed to improve the learner's understanding of the evidence and guidelines around therapeutic hypothermia with the majority of the day focused on practical aspects of development and implementation of a cooling protocol, as well as caring for these patients. Small group sessions with clinical experts in the field will help the participant fine tune their understanding of protocol development and bedside care of these patients.

PG24 – LUNG INNATE IMMUNITY: AT THE FRONTLINES OF HOST DEFENSE
The course will provide a state-of-the art presentations updating current knowledge and cutting-edge research in the field of lung innate immunity and host defense.

PG25 – THE PHYSIOLOGIC BASIS OF PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY FUNCTION TESTING
The objective of this course is to teach fundamental concepts of pulmonary physiology by illustrating their application to pediatric respiratory function testing.  We will engage the audience by using case examples and an interactive audience response system.  Although this course is directed towards fellows in training, the topics will be of value and interest to anyone caring for patients with respiratory disease regardless of age.  We anticipate developing enduring materials from the course (e.g. CD-ROM) that all ATS members will be able to access in the future.

PG26 – PRACTICAL APPROACH TO PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: A CASE-BASED DISCUSSION
This scientific symposium brings together international experts in pulmonary hypertension who will discuss topics that challenge both pulmonary vascular scientists, as well as practitioners treating patients with pulmonary hypertension. Current practice guidelines will be reviewed. The audience will interact with complex cases highlighting different forms of pulmonary hypertension. Treatment algorithm will be discussed and applied to different case scenarios.

PG27 – FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF STEM CELLS: GETTING READY TO TRANSLATE.
The potential for cell based therapy to prevent or treat human disease has led to unprecedented growth of the field of stem cell biology. However, use of stem cells for treatment of chronic lung disease has been encumbered by an incomplete knowledge of tissue-specific stem cell (TSC) behavior in normal and pathological conditions. This course will focus on functional analysis of TSC in vivo and in vitro and will emphasize model design and assessment.

PG28 – IMPLEMENTING MODERN MICROSCOPY FOR IMAGING LIVING CELLS AND INTACT ANIMALS -- CANCELLED

PG29 – PHYSIOLOGY OF INTERMITTENT HYPOXIA
Intermittent hypoxia is a landmark manifestation of sleep apnea, which accounts for many pathological manifestation of the disorder.  We will characterize the stimulus and describe pathophysiology of intermittent hypoxia starting from the molecular level to different organs and systems.  We will characterize effects of intermittent hypoxia on oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. We will describe effects of intermittent hypoxia on cognitive function, ventilator control, the upper airway, systemic and pulmonary blood pressure, vascular reactivity, lipid and glucose metabolism. There is the recent exciting development in the area, which will be of particular interest to trainees.

PG30 – LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP: DEVELOPING SKILLS TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER AND IMPROVE YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT
The complexity of any work environment necessitates the use of interdisciplinary approaches and teamwork, promoting richer solutions to complex challenges and accelerating progress. These competencies apply to most if not all jobs. They are often assumed to be present. However, these skills are not usually taught. Our new postgraduate course will begin to educate the future leaders in the fields of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.  Attendees will begin to acquire the skills that are necessary to transition from a "first job" to a leadership position in practice/industry/academics, improve job satisfaction, time management skills, and productivity.