he Problem-Based Learning Discussion (PBLD) program continues to expand to meet the needs and requests of our membership. Once again there were a record number of unsolicited cases that were evaluated by members of the PBLD Committee. In order to include more of the superb and challenging cases that were submitted, the total number of offerings was increased to 150 cases, 62 percent of which will be presented for the first time, and none having been presented more than two previous times. It is this annual updating that has maintained the vibrancy of the program and the attendees’ interest.

We will again be presenting each case twice during the meeting to enhance the opportunities for ASA members to attend sessions of their choice. Although cases were specifically chosen for inclusion in one of the designated tracks — ambulatory anesthesia, basic science/clinical anesthesia, critical care medicine, cardiac anesthesia, neuroanesthesia, obstetric anesthesia, pain medicine, pediatric anesthesia, general and professional issues, and regional anesthesia — there will be ample opportunities to participate in PBLDs of all subspecialties throughout the meeting.

Hot button topics include:

• Organ donation after cardiac death

• Recombinant-activated factor seven for intractable hemorrhage in cardiac surgery

• Anesthesia for stereotactic neurosurgical procedures

• The pediatric outpatient with a positive pregnancy test

Traditional favorites return:

• Pediatric and adult patients with liver failure

• Transfusion-related acute lung injury

• Management of patients with challenging airways

• The pregnant patient for nonobstetric surgery

• Anesthesia and the morbidly obese patient

Special interest cases:

• In-flight medical emergencies

• Curriculum writing

• Acupuncture

• Serving as a legal expert

• Volunteer medical service abroad

The lower-cost refreshment sessions from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. will continue to be offered, along with the breakfast sessions from 7 to 8:15 a.m. and the lunch forums from 12 noon to 1:45 p.m.

Those who purchase PBLD tickets through preregistration will receive objectives, a case with leading questions and a reference list allowing adequate time for participants to develop their own approach to the clinical problem prior to the meeting. Premeeting preparation encourages involvement and helps each session to become a truly interactive discussion. Every registrant will receive a CD-ROM that contains the entire PBLD program. We have continued to encourage that the model discussions occur in an expanded form. This increased scholarship of the discussions allows those not present at a session to understand the objectives and salient issues involved in the case and promotes use of the cases as a teaching tool.

Please join us in Chicago and experience this unique and active learning experience.

Meg A. Rosenblatt, M.D., is Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.