Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Management of Achalasia and Other Benign Esophageal Diseases

Didactic Sessions and Live Surgery

Sponsored by:
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Intent and Objectives

This two-day conference aims to expand clinical knowledge regarding treatment of benign esophageal diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, paraesophageal hernia, Zenker’s Diverticulum, and Barrett’s esophagus. Furthermore, this course strives to improve technical knowledge and skill in surgical treatment of benign esophageal disease, focusing on surgical interventions such as Nissen fundoplication, heller myotomy, minimally invasive repair of paraesophageal hernias, LINX implantation, per oral endoscopic myotomy, and re-operative surgery. These educational goals are met through interactive didactic sessions featuring world-renowned experts, as well as an interactive broadcast of live surgery featuring interactive question and answer sessions.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for general and thoracic surgery attendings and trainees, gastroenterologists, minimally invasive team members (MD, DO, RN, PA, NP), allied health professionals, and any other interested medical health care professionals, researchers, and students.

University of Pittsburgh Course Directors

James D. Luketich, MD, FACS
Henry T. Bahnson Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chief, Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery

Inderpal S. Sarkaria, MD, MBA, FACS
Chair in Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
Vice Chairman, Clinical Affairs
Director, Thoracic Robotic Surgery
Co-Director, Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute

Ryan M. Levy, MD
Vice Chairman, Community Outreach and Thoracic Expansion
Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chief, Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Passavant

Omar Awais, DO
Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chief, Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Mercy
Director, Advanced Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Fellowship

Rajeev Dhupar, MD, MBA
Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chief, Thoracic Surgery, VAMC of Pittsburgh

Angela Gallagher, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC
Clinical Administrator, UPMC Presbyterian

Danielle Bajus, DNP, ACNP-BC, CCRN
APP Clinical Supervisor, UPMC Presbyterian 

Course Coordinator 

Susan Fancsali
UPMC Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
412-648-6342
fancsalisk@upmc.edu

Continuing Education Credit

This activity has been designated for Category 1 AMA™ Credit. In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the health care team. 

Physician (CME): The University of Pittsburgh designates this live activity for a maximum of 11.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Other Health Care Professionals: Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.

Disclaimer Statement

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.