Each year the American Society for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) presents a spring and fall meeting, one devoted to regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine and the other devoted to chronic pain medicine.  Each meeting is generally approved for approximately 30 CME credits.

The Annual Regional Anesthesia Meeting and Workshops is presented in the spring in mid to late April.  Each program features refresher courses, general sessions, parallel sessions, workshops, intensive comprehensive workshops, ultrasound workshops, problem-based learning discussions, poster presentations and a comprehensive technical exhibition.  The Annual Regional Anesthesia Meeting also features the highly-popular “ASA Update” presented by the ASA President-Elect as well as updates from our colleagues at the European Society of Regional Anesthesia (ERSA) and the Latin-American Society of Regional Anesthesia (LASRA).  The regional anesthesia meeting also includes the presentation of the Society’s Distinguished Service Award and the Gaston Labat Lecture by a pioneer in regional anesthesia.

The Annual Pain Medicine Meeting and Workshop, presented in mid-November, features refresher courses, general sessions, parallel sessions, cadaver workshops, intensive lower back pain workshops, problem-based learning discussions, poster presentations and a comprehensive technical exhibition.  The program also includes the presentation of the John J. Bonica lecture.

Each ASRA meeting is carefully planned by a designated program committee that works in conjunction with the Society’s Committee on Education and Board of Directors with the objective being to develop information-packed, educational programs that delivers information of take-home value that can be put to immediate use by participants in their practices.  Program sessions are presented by a faculty of leading experts in the fields of regional anesthesia and pain medicine, making ASRA meeting programs educational experiences that members long carry with them.

These ASRA programs are highly-recognized for the blend of business and social activities presented at each meeting.  The Society’s leadership understands the importance of networking and the value members place in renewing friendships and making new one.  Each program committee strives to provide social events that not only meet this goal, but are also enjoyable for the entire family.  Breakfasts, coffee breaks, receptions, dinners, theme parties and even tours of local attractions are carefully planned to maximize the educational experience of an ASRA meeting while providing welcomed intermissions from periods of intense learning.

Whether you practice regional anesthesia or pain medicine, ASRA has an in-depth educational program for you.  Make your plans now to participate in the largest meetings of their kind devoted to these two dynamic fields.