ASHP celebrates 50th Midyear meeting in New Orleans

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) kicks off its 50^th Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition in New Orleans, La., on Sunday, Dec. 6. The five-day meeting will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, conveniently located in the Warehouse/Arts District and near the Central Business District and French Quarter.

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Educational sessions

The Educational Program offers more than 150 sessions for pharmacy students, new pharmacy practitioners, pharmacy directors, and pharmacy technicians from Sunday, Dec. 6 through Thursday, Dec. 10. 

For residents and new practitioners, a variety of topics will be covered, including an update on influenza antiviral therapy, strategies for the management of IV extravasations, innovations in drug information practice and research, and updates in pulmonary medicine with an emphasis on novel inhalers. For those interested in a residency, plan to attend the session, “Navigating the residency application process” on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the New Orleans Theater C, Level 2. Later Sunday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30, there are four networking sessions for those interested in critical care, emergency medicine, advancing pharmacy practice with technicians, and pain management.

Interested in technology? You will want to attend Monday’s session, “I want that! Technology Innovations 2015,” held in Room 354, Level 3, from 2 to 3:30 pm. Attendees will learn how to use pricing and purchasing data to evaluate cost-saving opportunities for their institutions, learn ways to optimize CPOE for oncology, and learn how to create a centralized batch cabinet refill location.

Other great educational opportunities include sessions about telehealth, pharmacy practice pearls, individualizing therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes, antimicrobial stewardship, automated MedWatch reporting, patient-centered approach to opioid tapering, and the Pharmacy Forecast 2016: Getting in front of the trends that will shape your future.

Keynote Session

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura W. Bush, who will elaborate on their eight years in the White House. Plan to arrive early Monday, Dec. 7 with your ASHP badge. The seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis and saving seats is not permitted. Also, no photography, audio, or video recording is allowed.

Former President Bush served as our president from 2001 to 2009. He also served as governor of Texas, elected for consecutive four-year terms in 1994 and 1998. Following his presidency, George and Laura Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas, which is home to the George W. Bush Institute. The institute is a public policy organization with a focus on economic growth, education reform, global health, and human freedom, according to the ASHP website.

Laura Bush, a champion of key issues in education, healthcare, and human rights, is chair of the Women’s Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute. She is involved with global healthcare innovations, works to support empowerment of women in emerging democracies, and supports men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

Exhibit Hall

Be sure to attend the exhibitor hall, which is open Monday, Dec. 7 from 11 am to 3 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 11 am to 3 pm, and Weds., Dec. 9 from 11 am to 2 pm. Click here to view the floor plan and find a listing of exhibitors.

Drug Topics will be covering the Midyear Clinical meeting. Be sure to follow us on Twitter for the latest news at twitter.com/Drug_Topics.