As a leader in advocating tighter glucose control in inpatients, Dr. Guillermo Umpierrez spoke about the paradigm change regarding what is truly considered “good” control of blood sugar in inpatients with diabetes, emphasizing how glucose control can impact mortality. The plenary session closed with an exciting update on the emergence of the specialty of Hospital Medicine by Dr. Larry Wellikson, SHM’s CEO.
Emphasizing the humanity of hospitalists, afternoon workshops included a special workshop by pediatrician Dr. Susie Gerik about the Spiritual Review of Systems, followed by Dr. James Lyman’s workshop on End-of-Life Opportunities for Hospitalists. Both spoke about the emotional aspects of caring for adult patients with severe illness and in those for whom hospice care is the mainstay of therapy.
Dr. Jeff Garland led a standing room only group through various approaches to oxygenation and ventilation in acutely ill patients. Dr. Solomon Tafari presented an evidence-based approach to the unconscious patient, and Dr. Mellena Bridges went over several CT scan case studies. Dr. Mike Picco reviewed the complexity of medical statistics, while Dr. Guillermo Umpierrez gave his perennially popular workshop on endocrine emergencies.
The success of any conference lies not only in the contribution of those who stand before podium, but in the countless movements and machinations that occur behind the scenes to allow a conference to operate so flawlessly. To that end, I would like to commend the herculean job performed by the SHM staff, particularly Angela Musial, Erica Pearson, and Jane Mihelic, whose savvy and dedication gave conference goers a highly organized, orchestrated CME event. The sheer breadth and scope of the speakers and topics presented stem from the creativity and enthusiasm of the conference’s committee members, with special mention to Drs. Donna Dean (the highly under recognized but not under appreciated assistant course director), Ryan McNamara, Mitchell Wilson, Patrick Cawley, Beril Cakir, and Ron Angus.
I would like to close with special acknowledgement of those whose great vision and leadership have guided this annual event and served as a focal point for SHM’s emergence: Dr. Mark Williams and Dr. Larry Wellikson. I thank you both.
Dr. Williams and Emory University plan to continue the annual autumn meeting, which will return to Atlanta in November, 2005.