SIR Annual Scientific Meeting Blog

Film Panel

2010-03-10T10:14:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the tradition of the SIR Film Panel with an entirely new completive edge. Film Panel teams will battle in three distinct competitions, winner takes all. The first element models the famous university challenge, pitting teams against one another diagnosing cases they have never seen prior to the time they take the stage. The second just a minute quiz challenges teams to speak continuously on a topic for 60 seconds without error or repetition. Lastly, the never-before-attempted simulator challenges squares off participants head-to-head performing cases on dueling simulators, where speed, agility and accuracy determines the victor. This is a Film Panel not to be missed.

Tue, 3/16: 1:30 pm—3:30 pm
Plenary Session, PL 06
Tampa Convention Center
Room: Ballroom B/C

Moderators:
Jonathan Lorenz, MD
Kieran Murphy, MD, FSIR

Speakers:
Stephen Kee, MD, FSIR
David Liu, MD
Peter Munk, MD
Charles Ray, MD, FSIR
Gregory Soares, MD
Daniel Sze, MD, PhD
Anthony Venbrux, MD, FSIR
Christopher Zylak, MD

For more details, visit the Film Panel section of SIRmeeting.org

Some Reminders

2010-02-25T11:34:00.000-05:00

CME and Scan Card Info
To receive credit for sessions at the 2010 SIR Annual Scientific Meeting, you MUST scan your card as you enter the session and complete the evaluation form available from the room monitor for the sessions you attend. Your badge number MUST appear on the evaluation form for credit to be granted, and the evaluation form must be submitted at the conclusion of the session. CME credits and certificates can be retrieved via the SIR Learning Center at http://learn.SIRweb.org approximately
two weeks after the conclusion of 2010 SIR.

Going Green
The Society of Interventional Radiology is continuing its efforts at the 2010 Annual Meeting to be more environmentally conscious. For the 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting all of the courses you have registered for will be embedded in your ExpoCard. Your ExpoCard will allow access to all courses you have pre—registered for. Paper Tickets will still be produced for courses that require a separate fee.

Personal Planner
Get a head start on planning your schedule at the meeting and check out the Personal Planner, now online. View your ticketed sessions, add events and make custom entries. The Personal Planner is designed for SIR meeting attendees. AVIR and ARIN meeting attendees will not be able to use this system.

Interactive Program Grid
New for 2010, find out exactly what's happening each day of the meeting with the interactive program grid. The grid allows you to see which sessions are happening at specific times, and view session descriptions to help plan your days at the meeting.

http://www.SIRmeeting.org

Hotel Information

2010-02-23T15:15:00.000-05:00

If you made a hotel reservation prior to February 8 through your Annual Meeting registration with the official housing company of SIR, you may now call your assigned hotel directly to make changes or cancellations to your existing reservation.

For new hotel reservations, visit http://arestravel.com/4385_hotel-list.html or call the Reservation Center toll free at (877) 300-6147; International (858) 300-9467.

Reservation Center hours (all times are Pacific)

Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 11:00 pm

Saturday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm

Sunday 8:00 am to 9:00 pm

Visit SIR's Hotel Information page.

EARLY-BIRD Deadline

2010-01-27T15:00:00.001-05:00

The early-bird deadline is fast approaching: Friday, Feb. 5. Register today to take advantage of registration rate and hotel discounts.

http://www.SIRmeeting.org

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Programming

2009-12-22T10:38:00.001-05:00

2010 SIR will provide comprehensive PAD education. From an in-depth half-day symposium, to specialized workshops, SIR has everything you are looking for. Click on the dates and times below for the session(s) you are interested in.

Peripheral Atherosclerotic Symposium: Head to Toe
Saturday, March 13: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

PAD I: Aortoiliac Interventions
Monday, March 15: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday, March 17: 4:00 PM - 6:00PM

PAD II: SFA Interventions
Sunday, March 14: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, March 16: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

PAD III: Infrapopliteal Interventions
Monday, March 15: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, March 16: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

PAD IV: Diagnosis & Treatment of Renovascular Disease
Sunday, March 14: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday, March 16: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Go to: http://www.SIRmeeting.org for details.

In addition, a robust selection of texts dedicated to PAD is available through the IR Store.

Our Patient Information Brochure series also offers, "What You Should Know About PAD." Order your copies today!

Registration Brochure Now Available

2009-11-24T11:11:00.002-05:00

SIR’s 35th Annual Scientific Meeting Registration Brochure Now Available. All the information you could want about the Annual Meeting! Check your mailbox - the registration brochures are on their way.

You can also view the brochure here:

http://www.sirmeeting.org/files/content/docs/2010_SIR_Registration_Brochure.pdf

Registration Now Open

2009-10-14T14:49:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the extended delay.

But now - online registration is open!

http://www.sirmeeting.org/

Golf

2009-07-07T09:30:00.002-04:00

What would a business trip be without a chance to golf? Exactly - a wasted trip! ;-) Tampa has a wealth of courses for the novice and wannabe PGA Tour player alike. Start planning your outing today!

Will YOU Answer the Call??

2009-06-30T11:34:00.004-04:00

SIR Call for Abstracts

Did you know that Abstract submission is right around the corner? Of course you do! You remember that snazzy postcard you got in the mail – it’s got to be tacked up on your bulletin board right now.

Submission opens shortly in July! This year, the deadline is Oct., 6 @ 5:00pm ET.

Why not submit an abstract for this year’s meeting? You’re proud of the research and work you’ve done – share it with your colleagues! If you’ve never done it before, why not give a crack at it, and if you have previously – it’s always good to do it again.

It's never to early to start preparing your abstract. Get started and stay ahead of the curve.

SIRmeeting.org

2009-06-24T13:48:00.002-04:00

The 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting website is now up and running! Get the latest program, registration, and travel information, as well as important dates and deadlines.

The go-to-spot for all the nuts 'n bolts of the meeting.

Tampa, Here we come!

2009-06-17T10:46:00.003-04:00

We're baaaack - this time in Tampa!

Whooooah

2009-02-13T11:15:00.002-05:00

Watch your step, be careful - it's Friday the 13th!!

But there's nothing unlucky about going to San Diego. It's coming up QUICK - make sure to get that registration in today!

Early Bird Deadline!!!

2009-02-04T11:22:00.002-05:00

SIR Members - Save $100!! The Early Bird deadline is Feb. 6th. Register early to save.

Enjoy San Diego!!

2009-01-13T15:32:00.003-05:00

Enjoy the nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter. Treat yourself to shopping at Horton Plaza. Relax on the beach. Take advantage of the location—find out more

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

2008-12-30T14:44:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the Holidays and Happy NEW YEAR!!!

Sunny Days—Here We Come!

2008-12-08T14:34:00.001-05:00

San Diego enjoys beautiful weather year round with an average daily temperature of 70.5 degrees.

Registration Brochure

2008-11-20T10:04:00.001-05:00

You have been waiting for it. And now, the wait is finally over! The Registration Brochure is hitting the mail.

Catch a sneak peak!

You won't want to put it down. :)

Hmmm - Oh the Choices!!!

2008-11-07T14:42:00.002-05:00

Check it out!

The Schedule-At-A-Glance is ready to roll!

LEGO!!!

2008-10-21T13:24:00.002-04:00

Take the family and check out Lego Land CA! A quick scamper away from San Diego.

Registration Open!

2008-10-08T10:54:00.003-04:00

Clutch - Registration is open! The IREVOLUTION begins!!!

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

2008-09-25T12:46:00.005-04:00

What are your thoughts?

Share your point of view on the meeting.

Click on the comments link below and post away!

Full Steam Ahead - Registration Opening Soon!

2008-09-18T14:09:00.004-04:00

CHOO-CHOO!

Splendid - I WILL have Another Glass!

2008-09-10T15:00:00.018-04:00

Did you know that the San Diego area is also home to award-winning wines and vineyards? Brag to your friends back home about the distinct, unique wines you found during your trip to San Diego.

For more details visit the San Diego CVB.

This could be YOU!

RPVI Course is Back!

2008-09-04T14:24:00.003-04:00

Back by popular demand, the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) course will be held in San Diego Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13. Check back at SIRmeeting.org for updates!

2009 SIR Awards and Scholarship Opportunities

2008-08-28T09:41:00.007-04:00

The SIR meeting offers several ways for medical students, residents, fellows and
IRs in the beginning years of practice to become involved and share their research.

Hmmm - where can I get all of the clutch info??

--> View the Awards Poster for more details!

Scenes From Annual Meeting '08 in DC

2008-08-20T13:59:00.028-04:00

OPENING RECEPTION

FUN-RUNNERS GETTING READY

FELLOWS DINNER

HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

DC CONVENTION CENTER

Hmmm, What Should I Do - Go to the Zoo!!

2008-08-13T09:33:00.009-04:00

When in San Diego – you have to take the time to check out the world renowned San Diego Zoo. Bringing the family? Impress the kids by taking ‘em to the zoo.

Find out all you need to know about the San Diego Zoo and everything else the city has to offer at the San Diego CVB’s website.

Besides, who could say no to this face?

Answering the Call

2008-08-07T13:48:00.004-04:00

Remember that sharp Call For Abstracts Postcard you got in the mail? Of course you do – it’s got to be tacked up on your bulletin board right now!

Why not submit an abstract for this year’s meeting? You’re proud of the research and work you’ve done – share it with your colleagues! If you’ve never done it before, why not give a crack at it, and if you have previously – it’s always good to do it again.

Display it poster style, or make an oral presentation. Just keep in mind that the deadline is Tuesday, October 7, at 5:00 PM ET. Check out http://sir2009.abstractcentral.com/ for all the skinny!

SIR 2009 Annual Meeting “Blog,” Take 1- A Word From Our Annual Meeting Chair, Matt Johnson, MD, FSIR

2008-07-28T11:08:00.001-04:00

I am not a “blogger.” The word, even, is silly. Who thought that “blog” was cool? And, what’s the point? A wise man, perhaps Calvin Coolidge (perhaps not) said “A newspaper will hold anything that’s written on it.” Or something like that. The point, I think, is that words are usually not worth the paper on which they’re printed. But at least you have the paper. You could make a hat.

Anyway, word value could correlate to weight, with words printed on stone at the upper end. Think of an Egyptian stele. Took days to carve, lasted forever. My personal favorite? The Rosetta Stone. Got the word out on several Ptolemaic decrees, served time as part of a fort (I’m guessing an essential part), and then thousands of years later, allowed us to decipher hieroglyphics. How could a “blog” compete with that?

Can’t. Stone vs. Ether. No comparison.

But, as I am currently chisel-less, and lacking big rocks in my vicinity, ether would appear my most appropriate medium. No language will be discovered, and I’ll do my best to mangle the one available to me, but at least I can get the word out about the Annual Meeting, and about all things SIR. That’s something. It’s no Decree of Canopus, but it’s something.

So, begrudgingly, I’ll “blog.” I’m not yet ready to give up the quotations (it’s not a real word), but I’ll “blog.”

The web guy gave me instructions on what to say. “introduce yourself and the meeting, update the program… note influential IRs of the future… San Diego nightlife…”

This is, however, The Internet, today’s paragon of freedom. I’m free! So screw him.

I’ll write what I want. So there. I was going to write about flaming vegetables, but that’s a little hackneyed. So, in the spirit of the Tour de France (without the drugs, I mean), I’ll write about cycling.

Driving home last night, in way too much traffic, too much rush and too much hot, I saw a guy on a bike. Commuting. Dodging cars, no bike lane, no sidewalk, taking his life in his hands. Gotta love the spirit, but he must be a little off.

I’d really like to ride my bike to work. I love riding my bike. I’ve wanted to ride my bike to work for years, and now, with the exorbitant price of gas (my next 5 cars will be Priuses [Prii?]- whatever, I’m the king of Prius envy), I want to ride it all the more. But that ain’t gonna happen in Indy. We’re about 20 years from that. We just got daylight savings time. Bike paths? Pssshh.

So I’m driving, getting annoyed by the traffic and worried about that guy, and an NPR piece about Portland Oregon and bike riding comes on. Apparently, lots of people ride their bikes to work there. There are dedicated bike lanes, “bike boxes” where riders can stop at lights, in FRONT of cars. It’s bike Nirvana. Why can’t Indiana be more like Portland? Without the rain and being forever away from everything I mean. So Portland, but with the Colts. And the corn, which is really good this time of year. Why can’t it be like that?

Because all politics and, apparently, bike lane regulations, are local. And Indy ain’t no Portland.

It must be so easy in Portland. If I were in Portland, I’d bike to work every day.

And… cut.

Did you get the metaphor? “If I were in Portland…”

If I were there, my vascular practice would be great. My department would understand me. I’d never have to do another PICC. I’d do 3 UAEs a day. Uh huh.

If I were in Portland, I’d probably still be driving. I can’t see myself getting up at 5 a.m. every day and getting on my bike at 6:30 p.m. after working all day and peddling home. Maybe once a week. Cycle-commuting would be easier, and safer, but something else would be harder. I hear it rains there.

Same with IR practice. Everybody’s got their own mountain to climb. Politics IS local.

And so that’s the point of this blog, er, “blog.” Everyone has his own mountain, but he doesn’t have to climb it alone. Likely, someone else has climbed a similar mountain somewhere (please remember that this is figurative- we don’t have real mountains in Indiana, but we do have figurative mountains). I would like, through this “blog,” to open up a forum for us, IRs everywhere, to discuss the problems we face, things that are important to us, things we’d like to see happen, AND, to give people who have met problems and solved them/beaten them/figured them out, to speak to the rest of us.

My desire is manifold. One, we, IRs, have a lot to work on. Don’t get me wrong: I truly believe that IR is the coolest specialty there is. The things we do are borderline magical. I mean, like TIPS? Come on. And radioembolization- that’s too cool for words. Don’t get me started on thoracic aortic stent grafts. And, when you get down to it, our ability to “throw a line in,” in a patient who has no access (as far as the rest of the world is concerned) is pretty great. That and the other 50 nifty things we do on a daily basis. I feel a song coming on. So why, then, isn’t everything rosy in IR-land? Because we’re disconnected. Because no one knows who we are. Because what we do is SO cool that it’s incomprehensible to almost everyone. My dad (an IR) would say we’ve been hoisted on our own petard. I don’t know what that means, but it seems fitting. We’ve made it look easy, and it isn’t. So no one outside a select few can appreciate our value. And that’s a problem. By talking about it, perhaps we can come up with some lines which can assist us in overcoming our “magnificent isolation.” The rest of the world might learn who we are. We need that.

And, I’m tasked with coming up with an entire annual meeting program. It’s harder than I thought it would be. I need your help. I’d like to know what matters to you, what you’d like to hear, what you’d like to see, what you’d like to say. You write, people respond, we connect, I get meeting topics. Everybody wins. Kumbaya.

And, I love this writing stuff. For years I wrote papers describing research, or wrote about some dry medical topic- very standard lines, within which I stayed. I like this better. No guidelines. Vegetable horror, Egyptian history, cycling. Love it. The possibilities are endless. But I should probably stop. My kids are getting hungry.

Oh, for those keeping score: My name is Matt, I’m a Taurus, I like long walks in the rain; the meeting begins with a bitchin’ “What works” symposium on Saturday, March 7th; the theme is IR Identity/IR community, working together toward a better future for all of us (for want of a less corny phrase); San Diego rocks, so you should make sure to be there for the meeting.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome to the 2009 SIR Annual Scientific Meeting Blog!

2008-07-01T15:37:00.000-04:00

The 2009 SIR Annual Scientific Meeting will be held March 7 - 12 in San Diego, California at the San Diego Convention Center.

You want it, you got it. We're back in sunny San Diego and we're back to the Saturday to Thursday format.

The SIR 34th Annual Scientific Meeting is the premier meeting for interventional radiologists. As always, this meeting will cater to everyone on the IR team- medical students, physicians, phsycian assistants, researchers, nurses, techs, residents, fellows. Topics will range from the newest advances in IR to how to build your clinical practice. Planning for this meeting is already underway and proves to be bigger and better than ever.

For program information go to www.SIRmeeting.org. For information on becoming a member go to www.SIRweb.org. To submit abstracts go to http://sir2009.abstractcentral.com/.

Watch this space for updates, comments and more information!