| December 13–15, 2012 at the Bellagio, Las Vegas For more information or to register for 2012 PAGS, visit www.PAGS-CME.org |
OBG Management: As Co-Chairs of this meeting, what are your goals for this year’s conference?
Dr. Falcone: Our primary goal is to discuss important—and proven—concepts and potential new approaches to and technology for, gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Karram: Another goal is to update participants on new and challenging issues related to pelvic surgery.
OBG Management: What are some of the specific offerings you are looking forward to this year?
Dr. Falcone: Two sessions will focus on the surgical management of endometriosis. In addition, many attendees enjoy our hysterectomy sessions, in which we offer the latest information on all surgical approaches. We also invite audience participation to our case presentations and always enjoy a lively discussion of individual approaches. And not only the audience benefits—even the presenters usually learn a pearl or two.
Dr. Karram: Like Dr. Falcone, I’m looking forward to our discussions of the routes of hysterectomy, as well as offerings on mesh augmentation for prolapse repair and new technologies in gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Falcone: This year, too, we tackle the practice management side of gynecologic surgery—a mini MBA, if you will. (This aspect of PAGS is optional, by the way.) And last but not least, Barbara S. Levy, MD, Vice President of Health Policy at ACOG, will deliver the keynote address.
OBG Management: How does PAGS differ from other meetings?
Dr. Falcone: There are very few gynecologic surgery meetings in the United States. Most ObGyn meetings attempt to cover the full range of the specialty, most of which is nonsurgical in nature. Other meetings focus only on a single type of surgery or surgical approach. We’re different; we cover all aspects of gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Karram: We also offer objective, data-driven discussions about surgical decisions that need to be made on a daily basis.
OBG Management: What do you expect attendees to take away from the meeting?
Dr. Karram: A better understanding of the indications for and technical aspects of a variety of surgical procedures, as well as a greater understanding of how to avoid and manage surgical complications.
Dr. Falcone: I also expect them to walk away with a better appreciation of the challenges involved in various gynecologic surgeries—new and old—and a greater sense of the evidence backing proven surgical approaches. They will also benefit from the opportunity to meet and talk with their peers and faculty. And, of course, there are the CME credits—as many as 19.5 offered this year!
We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think.