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

New for 2020
Fully Virtual Format: Didactic 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.

See full course schedule here.

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 healthcare professionals, researchers, and students.

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
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UPMC
 
Inderpal Sarkaria, MD, FACS
Vice Chairman, Clinical Affairs
Director, Thoracic Robotic Surgery
Co-Director, Esophageal and Lung Surgery Institute
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UPMC

Ryan M. Levy, MD
Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chief, Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Passavant
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UPMC

Omar Awais, DO
Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chief, Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Mercy
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UPMC

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

Visiting Faculty

Edward Cheong, BSc(Hons), MD, FRCS(Eng)
Minimally Invasive Esophageal and Gastric Surgeon
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Norwich, United Kingdom

Jari Räsänen, MD
Adjunct Professor, Helsinki University Hospital
Chief, General Thoracic Surgery, Helsinki Heart and Lung Center
Helsinki University Hospital
Helsinki, Finland

University of Pittsburgh Faculty

Neil A. Christie, MD
Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chief, Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Shadyside

Arjun Pennathur, MD
Sampson Family Endowed Chair of Thoracic Surgical Oncology
Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UPMC

Matthew J. Schuchert, MD
Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery, UPMC
Chief, Thoracic Surgery, VAMC Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Manisha Shende, MD
Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Chief, Thoracic Surgery, UPMC Hamot

Faculty are affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, unless noted otherwise.

Registration Fees

Attending Physicians: $50.00
RN, NP, PA or other allied health professionals: $25.00
Students and trainees: Fee waived
UPMC or Pitt employees: Fee waived

Full refunds will be granted through Monday, July 13, 2020. 50% refunds will be granted from Tuesday, July 14 through Thursday, 16, 2020.  After July 16, 2020, no refunds will be granted.

Course Contacts

Maggie Mastrogiacomo
mastrogiacomomm@upmc.edu
412-864-1633

Angela Kinnunen
kinnunenae@upmc.edu
412-770-4949

Continuing Education Credit

This activity is approved for the following credit: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

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.