Five things I found interesting at the AACD 2006 Workshop

Well, the workshop was an incredible experience.  First of all, what's with the 40 - 50 degree temperatures and rain in the desert? If you didn't come early and golf premeeting, you were out of luck. Anyhow, the resort was beautiful and the dining experience was memorable with fantastic food and a phenomenal view from the hilltop (seven course dining at it's best). 

Number One:  Open Discussion was nearly 40% of the meeting time. Our members have lots of questions and lots of experience they were willing to share.  Very frank and open discussion about OR management topics. Some of these topics discussed could have continued for much longer if we didn't need to keep to the schedule. Plus, lots of members demonstrated their good senses of humor (very quick witted group as a whole). Attendees could learn as much from the audience microphones as from the presentations.

Number Two:  An up and coming best practice is....drum roll please....."Expanding the Surgical Time Out to include antibiotic administration and timing."  This has resulted in excellent compliance statistics in hospitals that are using this expanded timeout procedure.  It's hard to argue with success and patients are receiving better care.  (If you are one of these hospitals and are willing to share your experience, let me know for the next member newsletter.)

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I am honored to be President of our organization.  I shall strive to serve the AACD to the best of my ability during my tenure.  The 2004 nominating committee chaired by M. Christine Stock, M.D. (past president) and assisted by James D. Kindscher, M.D., (outgoing president) proposed an excellent slate of candidates for the Board  Continued here