The "Leading Edge" is the annual educational conference of the Jefferson Ultrasound Institute. The conference provides updates on the major specialty areas and overviews of the "hot" topics in diagnostic ultrasound. The Leading Edge program has established a reputation for excellence since its debut in 1980. The program is designed to meet the educational and CME needs of physicians, sonographers, vascular technologists, nurse midwives and other participants. Parallel tracks allow the attendees to create a "custom" program that addresses the areas of most interest to them. The major themes that will be covered in the 2012 Leading Edge program include Women's Imaging, Vascular Imaging and Doppler, a Principles Tune-Up, Pediatric Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, Contrast Agents and "Requisites".

The academic program is complimented by a large exhibit area where manufacturers display their latest diagnostic equipment. Please note that while all meals will be on your own, coffee breaks and the grand reception are held in the exhibit hall, providing a great opportunity to shop for a book, learn about new types of supplies, or appraise the latest in ultrasound equipment. Please join us in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA, at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa for the 2012 Leading Edge Conference.

The 2012 Conference at a Glance

Tracks
Breast Ultrasound Tutorial
Advances in Ob/Gyn Ultrasound
Ultrasound General Imaging "The Requisites"
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Vascular Imaging and Doppler
Pediatric Ultrasound for the Generalist
Principles Tune-Up
Contrast Agents in Ultrasound

Program Description

Women's Imaging Symposium
May 8-10, 2012
Over a period of three days the Women's Imaging Symposium covers Breast Ultrasound and recent Advances in Ob/Gyn Ultrasound.

The Breast Ultrasound Tutorial program is directed by Annina N. Wilkes, MD. This day-long session covers all the key topics from both the clinical and the imaging perspectives. Course participants will have the opportunity to scan live models and phantoms during a hands-on session at the conclusion of the program. After attending this program the participant should be able to:

• Describe the development and anatomy of the breast
• Discuss optimization of breast ultrasound images
• Recognize common abnormalities from ultrasound images
• Discuss the correlation of ultrasound findings with mammography findings

Breast Ultrasound Tutorial Schedule

The Advances in Ob/Gyn Ultrasound program is directed by Oksana H. Baltarowich, MD. This course provides practice updates, discussion of current issues and presentations on recent advances in Ob/Gyn Ultrasound. After attending this program the participant should be able to:

• Discuss the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis of common abnormalities in obstetrics and gynecology
• List the major sonographic applications of 3D ultrasound in Ob/Gyn
• Assess the value of recent advances in Ob/Gyn ultrasound for application to the participant's practice

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Ultrasound General Imaging "The Requisites"
May 9-10, 2012
Director: Alfred B. Kurtz, MD
The first day of the Requisites program is a joint session with the Ultrasound Physics Refresher track.  This outstanding review of key principles in ultrasound physics for imaging and Doppler provides a solid foundation for understanding clinical images.  The second day of the Requisites program covers general ultrasound imaging of the abdomen and vascular system.  The program begins with a condensed review of practical physics and then works through the major regions and systems of the abdomen, winding up the day with the key vascular concepts needed for the boards and in general practice.  The third and final day of the Requisites program focuses on Ob/Gyn, covering all the key areas that the general imaging practitioner is likely to face in daily practice.

For those who wish to obtain a more in-depth exposure to vascular ultrasound, the Friday visceral vascular program will prove a useful enhancement to the Requisites program

After attending this program, participants will be able to:

• List the most common applications of ultrasound imaging and Doppler in the general abdominal practice
• Discuss the utility of ultrasound for each of these applications
• Select appropriate modalities for the covered pathologies based on diagnostic utility and cost effectiveness

Ultrasound General Imaging "The Requisites" Schedule

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Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
May 8-9, 2012
Director: Levon Nazarian, MD
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is quickly taking its place as a widely used application within general ultrasound. This two-day program, directed by Levon N. Nazarian, MD, provides a comprehensive overview of key topics in musculoskeletal ultrasound. The course is designed to teach physicians and sonographers how to apply the technology of musculoskeletal imaging in their daily practice. The presentations will show you what is possible in each area and what can be accomplished by the informed and motivated sonographer/sonologist. The didactic presentations are supplemented by hands-on scanning sessions at the end of the second class day. After attending this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify ultrasound presentations of common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system
• Describe the capabilities and limitations of ultrasound imaging in the evaluation of the joints and soft tissues
• Identify appropriate applications of ultrasound for invasive and diagnostic procedures
  

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Schedule

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Vascular Imaging and Doppler
May 9-11, 2012
Director: Laurence Needleman, MD
The 2011 Vascular Course at the Leading Edge provides a comprehensive update and refresher for all ultrasound practitioners who provide vascular services.  The program consists of a Physics Refresher on Tuesday, May 10, followed by a 3-day clinical oriented program May 11-13.

The Physics Refresher covers gray-scale imaging technology in the morning and Doppler in the afternoon.  The three-day clinical component of the Leading Edge Vascular Course highlights the areas where major changes in technology or clinical protocol have taken place over the past year and addresses some of the controversial areas of vascular diagnosis. 

Wednesday, May 9 – Cerebrovascular

• AM: Knobology, Cardinal feature in Vascular Disease, Measurements, Arteries and Grafts, Case Review
• PM: Lower Extremity Venous Protocols and Interpretation, Venous Reflux, Venous Screening, Calf Vein Imaging, Aneurysms, Case Interpretation Review

Thursday, May 10 – Peripheral Vascular

• AM: Carotid Demonstration, Interpretation and Pitfalls, The Other Cerebrovascular Vessels, Artifacts, Panel on Cerebrovascular Disease
• PM: Iatrogenic and other Traumatic Lesions, Ultrasound Before and After Endovascular Procedures, Current Status of Stents, Case Review

Friday, May 11 – Visceral Vascular

• AM: Renal Doppler, Liver Doppler, Doppler of Transplants, Scrotal Doppler and Mesenteric Doppler
  

Vascular Imaging and Doppler Schedule

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Pediatric Ultrasound for the Generalist
May 11, 2012
Director: Henrietta Kotlus Rosenberg, MD
Many ultrasound practices see relatively few pediatric cases. This program is designed to provide an overview of the most critical and commonly encountered pediatric conditions seen by the generalist ultrasound practice. The presentations in this session will allow the generalist to approach the diagnostic challenges of the pediatric patient with greater knowledge and confidence.

Pediatric Ultrasound for the Generalist Schedule

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Principles Tune-up:  How Sharp are You?
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Lecturer: Frederick Kremkau, PhD
Principles of Ultrasound Imaging covers the major topics involved in understanding how ultrasound imaging works. Principles of Doppler covers the major topics involved in understanding how the detection, presentation and evaluation of blood flow and tissue motion are accomplished with Doppler ultrasound.

This course can serve as an introduction for participants who are new to the field or as an up-to-date review for active physicians, sonographers and vascular technologists. The course can also serve as a review for those preparing for the UPI, CPI and VPI examinations administered by the ARDMS. After attending this program, participants should be able to demonstrate improved ability to:

• Understand physical principles and instruments of ultrasound and how these principles apply to clinical practice
• Provide a basic understanding of ultrasound, transducers, sonographic instruments, the Doppler effect, color Doppler instruments, spectral Doppler instruments, artifacts, performance, and safety

The Physics Refresher is presented by Frederick W. Kremkau, PhD, Past President of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and author of Diagnostic Ultrasound: Principles and Instruments, now in its 7th edition.

Physics Refresher Schedule

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Contrast Agents in Ultrasound
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Director: Flemming Forsberg, PhD
The 2011 symposium will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in ultrasound contrast materials. After attending this program, participants should be able to:

• Describe the major types of ultrasound contrast agents currently in use or in clinical evaluation
• Identify the mechanism by which each agent produces the contrast effect
• Identify those contrast agents which might produce the desired effect for a given type of ultrasound imaging or vascular procedure

Contrast Agents in Ultrasound Schedule

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Accreditation & CME Credits

Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Jefferson Medical College designates this education activity for a maximum of 25AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

All faculty participating in continuing medical education activities sponsored by Jefferson Medical College are expected to disclose to the activity audience any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest related to the content of their presentation(s). Full disclosure of faculty relationships will be made at the activity. An application has been made to the SDMS for a maximum of 25 credit hours. Exhibits Exhibitors: Click here for sponsorship and registration information

A large area for manufacturers' exhibits of the latest diagnostic equipment will be conveniently located adjacent to the lecture hall. Coffee breaks and the Grand Reception will be held in the exhibit area during scheduled hours, providing participants with convenient and extended access to the exhibits.

Accommodations - Hotel Information

The 2012 Leading Edge in Diagnostic Ultrasound will be held at The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, in Atlantic City.  Please note that all meals will be on your own. The Borgata offers its guests luxurious and spacious rooms, convenient parking, a variety of restaurants, and an exciting casino. A block of rooms has been set aside at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa at a reduced rate for conference participants of $149 per night plus tax. reservations can be made by contacting The Borgata Casino Hotel & Spa at at 866.MYBORGATA and providing the reservation agent with The Leading Edge Conference code GTJUEJ2. Your reservations should be made by no later than April 9 to ensure a room at the reduced rate. Rooms at the reduced rate are subject to availability.  For more information on the hotel, check their website. The link is: www.theborgata.com.