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Cardiology topics were followed by an acute coronary syndrome update, discussion of optimizing management of renal artery stenosis, and updates on congestive heart failure management. Pulmonary and critical care and perioperative management were the topics of the afternoon. Robert Centor of University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB) worked through various cases of sodium and acid-base problems. Mike Heisler discussed the indications and various modes of mechanical ventilation. Amir Jaffer, MD, of the Cleveland Clinic concluded the day with preoperative assessment and postoperative complications. After a long day of CME guests enjoyed a wine and cheese reception in the hotel’s central courtyard, complete with live jazz music. Then it was “laissez le bon temps rouler” on Bourbon Street.

Day two commenced with vascular medicine and use of clinical case-based teaching pertaining to stroke and critical care. Steve Deitelzweig, MD, reviewed the current advances in venous thromboembolism and urged us to improve prophylaxis in the hospital. Dan Dressler, MD, presented a systematic approach to workup of syncope. The afternoon broke into two concurrent sessions.

The first session included endoscopic approaches to the management of pancreas and biliary diseases, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, and complex endocrine and rheumatology cases. The concurrent session was highlighted by the presentation by Mark Williams, MD, editor of the Journal of Hospital Medicine, on how to optimize the discharge process and Dr. Renee Meadows’ review of strategies to improve safety in the hospital. Then it was on to the French Quarter for the night.

The last half-day began with emerging infectious diseases and hospital-acquired pneumonias. The Review of Medical Literature was followed by a discussion by Jeff Wiese, MD, (Tulane, New Orleans) concerning a hypothetical case that involved the review of the most current literature in 2006. The conference concluded with the wrap-up and review of pearls by David Lee, MD, and left participants with wonderful memories of the atmosphere, foods, and music of New Orleans.

The response from the conference participants has been so positive that the conference directors decided to host the 2007 8th Annual Southern Hospital Medicine Update in New Orleans again and then move to Atlanta in 2008. The conference will expand to include pre-session procedure training, administrative courses and abstract competition next year. TH

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