INTRODUCTION
On behalf of the entire 2005 Program Committee, I would like to invite you to the 20th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at the Midwest Airlines Center in Milwaukee, Wis, from October 20 to 23, 2005.
Come celebrate the 20th Anniversary of American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation with old friends and colleagues. This year's program highlights the past and future of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, challenging us to think "outside the box" as we learn to work within new paradigms in health care delivery and simultaneously continue to improve health outcomes for our individual patients. The Program Committee has recruited internationally prominent scientists and clinicians to speak at the plenary and breakouts sessions, but there is also the opportunity to learn from successful clinicians in small group roundtables. This year, innovative program models will be highlighted, although there are still plenty of sessions that deal with complex clinical issues as well as common behavioral challenges. Meeting topics include:
* Weight Management in Cardiac Rehabilitation
* Heart Failure: What Is It and What Do We Do With It?
* Optimizing Nonpharmacological Treatment of Patients With Lung Disease
* Today's Triad of Health Care Concerns: Quality, Cost, and Outcomes
* Sport, Wellness to Cardiac Rehabilitation: An International Perspective
* Clinical Pearls in Pulmonary Rehabilitation: 3 Case-Based Approaches
The premeeting workshops provide an opportunity to learn new skills that can be translated into improved programs. This year's topics include Cardiopulmonary Yoga and Strategies for Promoting Lifetime Behavior and Psychosocial Changes.
This year's 20th birthday bash will be truly memorable, thanks to the Celebration Task Force and the Wisconsin Society for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The Awards Banquet on Thursday will include a reduced presentation program, but an expanded evening of celebration, including a DJ and dancing. There is plenty to see in Milwaukee during free time, including the restaurants and shops along the River Walk, the fantastic Art Museum designed by Santiago Calatrava, and world-famous breweries and brew pubs. On Saturday, those of us who appreciate the health benefits of flavenoids will enjoy "The Great Chocolate Escape," sponsored by Wisconsin Society for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at the Milwaukee Public Museum, only 4 blocks from the meeting site.
So, make plans today to reconnect with old friends, meet new associates, and learn about new techniques, health care advances, and products at the AACVPR 20th Annual Meeting from October 20 to 23. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact headquarters at 3312-321-5146 or [email protected].
See you in Milwaukee!
Marjorie King, MD, FACC, FAACVPR
AACVPR President Elect and 2005 Program Chair