On behalf of the 2010 Spring Program Committee, I would like to welcome you to Toronto and the Americal Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 35th Annual Regional Anesthesia Spring Meeting and Workshops! ASRA will once again celebrate the art and science of regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine through a variety of Refresher Courses, General and Parallel Lecture Sessions, Intensive Upper and Lower Extremity Workshops, Problem-Based Breakout Sessions, and an abundance of Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia and Clinical Skills workshops.

For the first time, the Annual Spring Meeting will feature paired Refresher Course Lectures – highlighting both the basic science and the clinical applications of topics essential to regional anesthesia and pain medicine practitioners. This Refresher Course Lecture model has been used with tremendous success at the ASRA Fall Pain Meeting for the past several years. At the conclusion of the Refresher Course Lectures, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine will celebrate its 35th Anniversary with a grand Opening Ceremony and Reception for attendees. Additional educational offerings include an Evidence-Based Symposium on the Pathophysiology and Prevention of Peripheral Nerve Injury, Intensive Upper and Lower Extremity Workshops, Parallel Sessions on Practice Management and Medical Imaging in Regional Anesthesia, a NEW Spine and Paravertebral Imaging and Clinical Skills workshop, and an abundance of traditional landmark-based regional anesthesia workshop offerings. Finally, based upon feedback from the ASRA membership – the number of PBLD Breakout Sessions with the Experts and ultrasound-guided workshop opportunities has been greatly expanded from last year’s program.

The Annual Spring Meeting will once again provide a variety of exciting and comprehensive learning opportunities for residents and fellows. Dedicated sessions include a Resident Forum on the Pearls and Pitfalls of Regional Anesthesia in the Toddler & Teen, a friendly Regional Anesthesia JEOPARDY! competition, a Special Resident Lecture entitled, “Pediatric Regional Anesthesia 101”, and the ever-popular Resident Regional Anesthesia Boot Camp (workshop) on Sunday. Each of these sessions has been specially designed to facilitate learning and enhance the educational experience for attendees.

Based upon feedback from our nursing colleagues, this year’s Acute Pain Nursing Program has been expanded to a full-day session. The morning General Session will include timely topics on the pharmacology of opioids and local anesthetics, neuraxial anatomy and clinical applications, the role of regional anesthesia in acute pain management, and complications of regional anesthesia and pain medicine. The afternoon Parallel Sessions will be divided into “Acute Pain” and “Chronic Pain” topics – with nationally-renowned speakers providing up-to-date information on topics important to acute pain nursing practices. Poster discussion sessions will also be available for CEU credit.

Finally, as you enjoy the vast array of both new and traditional educational offerings, don’t forget to experience some of the unique activities Toronto has to offer – including its eclectic culture, fine dining, live theater, and vivacious nightlife. Premier attractions include the CN Tower, the Eaton Centre, Casa Loma, the Distillery Historical District, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Hockey Hall of Fame – site of the President’s Reception on Saturday evening. As one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, Toronto will certainly have something for everyone to enjoy!

James R. Hebl, M.D.
Chair, ASRA 35th Annual Regional Anesthesia Meeting and Workshops