For over 35 years AUGS has produced the leading scientific meeting in the FPMRS field. Our Annual Scientific Meeting brings together successful and developing clinicians, researchers and scientists to exchange ideas, report on innovations and reconnect with colleagues. Thanks to the hard work and creativity of Cheryl Iglesias and the program committee you will find the content of PFD Week 2017 to be both relevant and provocative. We know that not everyone will make it to Providence and that the learning needs of our membership have become progressively more diverse. I write to share with you some new educational initiatives by the AUGS Board that aim to complement what will be an outstanding meeting in Providence in 6 weeks.
To provide every member an educational program that meets their lifelong learning needs, I am pleased to announce that in 2018 AUGS will be adding two new courses to our education portfolio – the Urogyn Update Course and an Advance Practice Provider Course.
Urogyn Update 2018: Latest Techniques and Emerging Trends scheduled for February 22-24 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Patrick Culligan, MD and Catherine Matthews, MD are the course directors of this inaugural course that is specifically geared at FPMRS clinicians and practitioners who are looking to update and expand their knowledge of treatment strategies for complex female pelvic floor disorders. Rather than broadly cover the gamut of pelvic floor disorders, this course will emphasize advanced techniques from master surgeons and clinicians who will share how they incorporate the latest research findings into their care plans and patient counselling. The course is designed as a practical course with a focus on the challenging clinical scenarios that the FPMRS specialist commonly manages. It will provide attendees with insights and tips that can be immediately implemented in your practice. Join your peers this winter in a sunny, relaxing setting where you can invest in your expertise and recharge your battery. Additional information about this program is available on the AUGS Website.
Comprehensive Overview of Pelvic Floor Disorders for Advance Practice Providers is a new course for APPs in FPMRS on April 19-21 in Minneapolis, MN. Matthew Barker, MD and John Occhino, MD will be serving as the Course Directors. This course is intended to provide the APP community with a comprehensive overview of female pelvic floor disorders to foster greater understanding of the evaluation and treatment of these conditions. The didactic sessions will focus on the practical application of the evidence-based topics. Additional information about this new program will be available in the coming weeks.
Fellows Courses: Over the past year, we have invested society resources to expand the fellows’ education program. AUGS now sponsors three courses specifically for our fellows – Fellows Cadaver Course (January); Fellows Robotic Sacralcolopexy Course (May) and Fellows Day at PFD Week. These programs have gotten rave reviews by attendees who broaden their knowledge on surgical anatomy, and reconstructive techniques while building lasting professional and personal relationships with their peers from across the country.
As we continue to expand and diversify our educational offerings, I hope you will find the time to attend one of the new courses and if you do, please be sure to share your feedback with the Board and/or the faculty at these courses. Also, if you have an idea for a new educational program, don’t be shy, bring this idea to the Board for consideration. It is our goal to have a comprehensive schedule of educational events that meet the needs of our growing membership.
I look forward to seeing you in Providence shortly.
Halina