2022 Annual Meeting
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April 24 - 26, 2022
The Westin Pittsburgh VIRTUAL OPTION
The scientific program will be live-streamed during the conference. Link to the virtual program was sent to all attendees. If you didn't get yours, please contact Sue Lentz at 206-794-7022 or send an email to suelentz2@gmail.com. |
REGISTRATIONRegistration will open in the Fall. Check back later for details.
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Virtual Meeting Link
COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS
All registrants, exhibitors, and guests attending the in-person 2022 AVAS meeting in Pittsburgh are required to be fully vaccinated by self-attestation on the registration form.
“Fully Vaccinated” is defined as: Two weeks after completing the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or two weeks after completing the first dose of a one-dose vaccine.
Any attendees claiming vaccination exemptions for medical and/or religious reasons or those who chose not to be fully vaccinated MUST show a negative COVID test (antigen or PCR) taken within 72 hours of their arrival at the Pittsburgh meeting when picking up the registration ID badge.
“Fully Vaccinated” is defined as: Two weeks after completing the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or two weeks after completing the first dose of a one-dose vaccine.
Any attendees claiming vaccination exemptions for medical and/or religious reasons or those who chose not to be fully vaccinated MUST show a negative COVID test (antigen or PCR) taken within 72 hours of their arrival at the Pittsburgh meeting when picking up the registration ID badge.
The Westin Pittsburgh1000 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 17.9 miles to Pittsburgh airport Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) Airport Phone: +1 412-472-3525 Hotel direction: 17.9 miles W This hotel does not provide shuttle service.
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Hotel ReservationsGroup Rate: $159 per night
Last Day to Book: April 1, 2022 Check-in time: 4:00 PM
Checkout time: 12:00 PM PARKING
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CME INFORMATION
Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American College of Surgeons and Association of VA Surgeons. The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
The American College of Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 16.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of American College of Surgeons and Association of VA Surgeons. The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
The American College of Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 16.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Invited Speakers
Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, FASCRS
Dr. Clifford Ko is the Director of the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care at the American College of Surgeons (ACS), where oversees all the quality improvement programs, including the recently launched ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program. He also serves as the Director of ACS NSQIP, which was recognized with the Eisenberg Award from the National Quality Forum/Joint Commission. He is recognized by Beckers as one of the top 50 leaders in health care safety.
Dr. Ko’s work focuses on surgical quality of care, including quality measurement, process improvement, value-based care, and achieving high reliability in surgical care. He has served in advisory roles to national and international efforts for achieving higher quality and safety including the World Health Organization, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Quality Forum, PCORI, amongst others. He has received millions of dollars in grant funding to study quality of care from sources that include the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Cancer Society, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Veterans Administration. He has published over 400 peer reviewed manuscripts, more than 20 book chapters, and two books.
Clinically, Dr. Ko is a double board-certified surgeon with a practice currently focusing on patients with colorectal cancer. At UCLA, he is the Robert and Kelly Day Professor of Surgery. He is also professor of health services at the UCLA School of Public Health.
Dr. Clifford Ko is the Director of the Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care at the American College of Surgeons (ACS), where oversees all the quality improvement programs, including the recently launched ACS Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program. He also serves as the Director of ACS NSQIP, which was recognized with the Eisenberg Award from the National Quality Forum/Joint Commission. He is recognized by Beckers as one of the top 50 leaders in health care safety.
Dr. Ko’s work focuses on surgical quality of care, including quality measurement, process improvement, value-based care, and achieving high reliability in surgical care. He has served in advisory roles to national and international efforts for achieving higher quality and safety including the World Health Organization, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Quality Forum, PCORI, amongst others. He has received millions of dollars in grant funding to study quality of care from sources that include the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Cancer Society, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Veterans Administration. He has published over 400 peer reviewed manuscripts, more than 20 book chapters, and two books.
Clinically, Dr. Ko is a double board-certified surgeon with a practice currently focusing on patients with colorectal cancer. At UCLA, he is the Robert and Kelly Day Professor of Surgery. He is also professor of health services at the UCLA School of Public Health.
PANEL SPEAKERS
Henkie Tan, MD,PhD,FACS,FAST is the interim chief of transplantation, surgical director of kidney transplant at VA Pittsburgh. He is also, chair of VA transplant centers transplant surgery advisory board, chair of VISN4 Surgical ICC (western market). He published the first living donor transplantation textbook in 2007 https://www.amazon.com/Living-Donor-Transplantation-Henkie-Tan/dp/0849337666. He was previously surgical director of Univ Pittsburgh med ctr pancreas transplantation, living donor kidney transplantation, transplant surgery fellowship program. He held many national positions including chair of American society of transplantion Organ donation committee, kidney pancreas transplant committee, etc. He has done thousands of laparoscopic live donor nephrectomies, kidney pancreas liver transplantation and right lobe donor hepatectomies.
Dr. John Young is a thoracic and lung transplant surgeon at the VA Boston Healthcare System and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He is the founding Surgical Director of the VA Boston Lung Transplant program. Originally from New Jersey, he completed his general surgical residency at Brown University, his cardiothoracic fellowship at Northwell Health, and his minimally invasive thoracic surgery fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. His research interests include immunology, lung transplantation, and thoracic oncology. His clinical areas of interest include end stage lung disease, lung transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, esophageal and lung pathology, and the utilization of the robotic surgical platform. In 2021, he performed the first endobronchial valve placement for emphysema at the VA Boston. He is proud and passionate about serving his patients as a healthcare provider and is a strong education advocate in his role as a member of the faculty at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, FACS, FASCRS, CPE, was appointed Director of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System effective August 15, 2020. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Director for the VA Maryland Health Care System.
Dr. Robinson has over 30 years of experience as a senior leader in the United States Military Health care System, culminating in his selection as the 36th Surgeon General of the United States Navy. The Surgeon General is the Chief Executive Officer for Navy and Marine Corps health care systems and serves as the primary advisor on all health care issues and policies for the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
As the Surgeon General, Dr. Robinson served as the principle Tricare Health Plan representative for active duty Sailors and Marines, their families, and Navy and Marine Corps retirees and their families, numbering over 2.5 million people. Dr. Robinson led a team of 63,000 Navy Medicine personnel in over 220 health care facilities located worldwide with an annual budget of $3.5 billion. This included three tertiary care medical centers located in geographically diverse parts of the United States that provided the single largest source of residency trained health care providers for the Navy medical department. After retiring from the United States Navy as a Vice Admiral, Dr. Robinson served as the Medical Director and Staff Physician of Conmed Healthcare Management in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Dr. Robinson received his Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, and completed his Residency in General Surgery at the National Naval Medical Center and Fellowship in Colon-Rectal Surgery at the Carle Foundation Hospital and the University of Illinois School of Medicine in Urbana, Illinois. Dr. Robinson also has a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.
Dr. Robinson has over 30 years of experience as a senior leader in the United States Military Health care System, culminating in his selection as the 36th Surgeon General of the United States Navy. The Surgeon General is the Chief Executive Officer for Navy and Marine Corps health care systems and serves as the primary advisor on all health care issues and policies for the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
As the Surgeon General, Dr. Robinson served as the principle Tricare Health Plan representative for active duty Sailors and Marines, their families, and Navy and Marine Corps retirees and their families, numbering over 2.5 million people. Dr. Robinson led a team of 63,000 Navy Medicine personnel in over 220 health care facilities located worldwide with an annual budget of $3.5 billion. This included three tertiary care medical centers located in geographically diverse parts of the United States that provided the single largest source of residency trained health care providers for the Navy medical department. After retiring from the United States Navy as a Vice Admiral, Dr. Robinson served as the Medical Director and Staff Physician of Conmed Healthcare Management in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Dr. Robinson received his Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, and completed his Residency in General Surgery at the National Naval Medical Center and Fellowship in Colon-Rectal Surgery at the Carle Foundation Hospital and the University of Illinois School of Medicine in Urbana, Illinois. Dr. Robinson also has a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.
Dr. Olamide Alabi is a vascular surgeon, early career investigator, and educator with clinical practices at the Atlanta VA HealthCare System and Emory University Hospital. She serves as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Emory University School of Medicine. Dr Alabi received her medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and trained in general surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Southern California. She then completed fellowship training in vascular surgery at the Oregon Health and Science University, an internationally renowned institution with expertise in advanced lower extremity revascularization techniques and complex aortic aneurysm repair.
Dr. Alabi's academic platform is focused on health equity and functional limb preservation among vulnerable populations. She serves as both a Centers for Disease Control medical consultant for the National Health and Safety Network as well as a steering committee member for the Vascular Implant Surveillance & Interventional Outcomes Network (VISION), a Food and Drug Administration steering committee focused on understanding the performance and appropriate use of vascular devices. Late in 2020, she made a pivot along her career path towards funding independence. Soon thereafter, she was awarded two pilot grants, one from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) studying access to PAD care among Veterans and the other from Emory's Health Services Research Center (HSRC) examining 90-day outcomes following lower extremity revascularization for PAD using unique data from a robust procedural registry, Vascular Quality Initiative, that is linked to Medicare claims data. She since has received additional intramural and extramural funding and is an inaugural recipient of the Research Supplement to Increase Diversity from the VA Office of Research and Development.
Dr. Alabi's academic platform is focused on health equity and functional limb preservation among vulnerable populations. She serves as both a Centers for Disease Control medical consultant for the National Health and Safety Network as well as a steering committee member for the Vascular Implant Surveillance & Interventional Outcomes Network (VISION), a Food and Drug Administration steering committee focused on understanding the performance and appropriate use of vascular devices. Late in 2020, she made a pivot along her career path towards funding independence. Soon thereafter, she was awarded two pilot grants, one from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) studying access to PAD care among Veterans and the other from Emory's Health Services Research Center (HSRC) examining 90-day outcomes following lower extremity revascularization for PAD using unique data from a robust procedural registry, Vascular Quality Initiative, that is linked to Medicare claims data. She since has received additional intramural and extramural funding and is an inaugural recipient of the Research Supplement to Increase Diversity from the VA Office of Research and Development.
RESIDENT RESEARCH AWARD PRESENTERS
Promoting Patient Engagement through Mobile Technology
James Barrett, MD
University of Wisconsin Department of Surgery
Originally from Utah, James spent over three years living abroad in various locations including Israel, Germany, and South Korea. He graduated from medical school at the University of Utah. His research interests include behavioral modification and improving surgical patient outcomes through mobile technology. He is also studying the impact of trainees on surgical outcomes in an effort to optimize the autonomy of residents while preserving patient safety and quality of care. He is also involved in creating a tool to promote financial wellness in medical trainees. When not at work, James enjoys spending time with his wife, Genny, and their five children. He also enjoys basketball, video games, and Korean food.
James Barrett, MD
University of Wisconsin Department of Surgery
Originally from Utah, James spent over three years living abroad in various locations including Israel, Germany, and South Korea. He graduated from medical school at the University of Utah. His research interests include behavioral modification and improving surgical patient outcomes through mobile technology. He is also studying the impact of trainees on surgical outcomes in an effort to optimize the autonomy of residents while preserving patient safety and quality of care. He is also involved in creating a tool to promote financial wellness in medical trainees. When not at work, James enjoys spending time with his wife, Genny, and their five children. He also enjoys basketball, video games, and Korean food.
Early Impact of the MISSION Act on Utilization of Veterans Affairs Transplant Centers
Jasmine C. Walker, MD, MA, MPH
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Jasmine Walker is currently a fourth year resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. After her third clinical year of residency, she spent two dedicated years in professional development. Her first year was dedicated to the CRQS program at the VA, and she was honored to receive the AVAS resident research award to support her work regarding the impact of policy on VA transplant centers. Her interests include improving patient access and education, quality improvement, and surgical education. She is applying for a fellowship in breast surgical oncology.
Jasmine C. Walker, MD, MA, MPH
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Jasmine Walker is currently a fourth year resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. After her third clinical year of residency, she spent two dedicated years in professional development. Her first year was dedicated to the CRQS program at the VA, and she was honored to receive the AVAS resident research award to support her work regarding the impact of policy on VA transplant centers. Her interests include improving patient access and education, quality improvement, and surgical education. She is applying for a fellowship in breast surgical oncology.
Non-CME Symposia
Monday, April 25, 2022
7:00 - 7:45 AM
Robotic Surgery, One VA Surgeon’s Data Driven Journey
Dr. Rahul Dudhani, MD
Director, Robotic Surgery, VA Hospital, Syracuse, NY
Director, General Surgery Residency Robotics Curriculum
Assistant Professor (Trauma and Acute Care Surgery) – Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, NY
Dr. Dudhani will be sharing his journey as Robotic Surgeon at VA Syracuse set against the background of the evolution of Robotic Surgery across the VA Landscape. Dr. Dudhani’s personal pathway has been driven by clinical outcomes data and supported by expanding digital solutions within the daVinci Surgical Platform.
7:00 - 7:45 AM
Robotic Surgery, One VA Surgeon’s Data Driven Journey
Dr. Rahul Dudhani, MD
Director, Robotic Surgery, VA Hospital, Syracuse, NY
Director, General Surgery Residency Robotics Curriculum
Assistant Professor (Trauma and Acute Care Surgery) – Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, NY
Dr. Dudhani will be sharing his journey as Robotic Surgeon at VA Syracuse set against the background of the evolution of Robotic Surgery across the VA Landscape. Dr. Dudhani’s personal pathway has been driven by clinical outcomes data and supported by expanding digital solutions within the daVinci Surgical Platform.
Sponsored by Intuitive Surgical
Non-CME Symposia
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
7:00 - 7:45 AM
In Pursuit of Optimized Peri-Operative Outcomes
Matthew M. Cooper, MD MBA FACS FCAMA
Chief Medical Officer, Medical Solutions Division &
Director Global Safety, Health Care Business Group
3M Health Care
Dr. Cooper is a Diplomat of the American Boards of Thoracic Surgery and Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition to Residencies and Chief Residencies in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery, he completed Fellowship in the Surgery Branch of the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street. He also studied Health Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and Comprehensive Medical Simulation, both at Harvard University.
Dr. Cooper has been the Chief of Adult and Pediatric Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery programs, including Transplantation. In addition, he serves in multiple capacities at the University of Minnesota at the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, various roles with the Design for Medical Device and innovation programs, and the Pediatric Device Breakthrough Collaborative. He also serves on the Board of the Fetal Therapy Foundation & Think Tank.
Dr. Cooper is a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner and a Special Consultant to the Federal Air Surgeon. He is a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and aerobatic performer, and has been a leader in the application of aviation-based safety culture to health care.
7:00 - 7:45 AM
In Pursuit of Optimized Peri-Operative Outcomes
Matthew M. Cooper, MD MBA FACS FCAMA
Chief Medical Officer, Medical Solutions Division &
Director Global Safety, Health Care Business Group
3M Health Care
Dr. Cooper is a Diplomat of the American Boards of Thoracic Surgery and Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition to Residencies and Chief Residencies in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery, he completed Fellowship in the Surgery Branch of the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health and in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at The Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street. He also studied Health Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, and Comprehensive Medical Simulation, both at Harvard University.
Dr. Cooper has been the Chief of Adult and Pediatric Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery programs, including Transplantation. In addition, he serves in multiple capacities at the University of Minnesota at the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, various roles with the Design for Medical Device and innovation programs, and the Pediatric Device Breakthrough Collaborative. He also serves on the Board of the Fetal Therapy Foundation & Think Tank.
Dr. Cooper is a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner and a Special Consultant to the Federal Air Surgeon. He is a commercial pilot, flight instructor, and aerobatic performer, and has been a leader in the application of aviation-based safety culture to health care.
Sponsored by 3M Health Care
Saturday Boat Cruise
First 130 registrants for the 45th AVAS meeting in Pittsburgh will be given a complimentary opportunity to attend the special Gateway Clippers Riverboat Dinner Cruise (see website below for details) on Saturday 4/23/2022 at 5:30pm - 8:30pm. This is an excellent opportunity to network with AVAS Executive Council and other special honored guests of the meeting while enjoying dinner, music, and guided tour of Pittsburgh. We look forward to seeing you on this fantastic tour. Dress code is business casual.
Gateway Clipper | Dining & Sightseeing Cruises in Pittsburgh
For the best in Pittsburgh riverboat tours, choose to cruise with Gateway Clipper Fleet. For over 50 years, we have been sailing the Three Rivers hosting Pittsburgh sightseeing and dining cruises.
www.gatewayclipper.com
For the best in Pittsburgh riverboat tours, choose to cruise with Gateway Clipper Fleet. For over 50 years, we have been sailing the Three Rivers hosting Pittsburgh sightseeing and dining cruises.
www.gatewayclipper.com
Sunday Welcome Reception
The AVAS will be hosting the annual members reception on Sunday (4/24/2022) evening at the world-famous Andy Warhol Museum. This is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. The museum has 5 floors and is home to an extensive collection of art and personal items from the Pittsburgh-born art icon, Andy Warhol.
https://www.warhol.org/
https://www.warhol.org/
Things to Do in Pittsburgh
https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/things-to-do/tours-sightseeing/
Tours & Sightseeing in Pittsburgh | Museums & Architecture
By land or water, on four wheels or two, tour and experience Pittsburgh first hand. Tag along with knowledgeable guides for free architectural walking tours of Downtown, or take food tour to sample Pittsburgh's authentic culinary prowess.Get out on the water aboard the Gateway Clipper or the Rivers of Steel Riverboat.Keep active with a bike tour or keep it interesting on a Segway, there's ...
www.visitpittsburgh.com
Tours & Sightseeing in Pittsburgh | Museums & Architecture
By land or water, on four wheels or two, tour and experience Pittsburgh first hand. Tag along with knowledgeable guides for free architectural walking tours of Downtown, or take food tour to sample Pittsburgh's authentic culinary prowess.Get out on the water aboard the Gateway Clipper or the Rivers of Steel Riverboat.Keep active with a bike tour or keep it interesting on a Segway, there's ...
www.visitpittsburgh.com
Photo Gallery
Contact UsPlease call 206-794-9124 or send an email to vasurgeons@gmail.com
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