| Introducing: Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine Podcast
Episode 1: Behind the Research: Dr. Richard Schwab on Weight Loss Medications in OSA
We’re excited to announce the launch of the SASM podcast, a series dedicated to bringing you conversations with leading experts in the fields of anesthesia and sleep medicine. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest research, clinical guidelines, and innovations shaping the way we care for patients.
Our inaugural episode features an insightful discussion between host Dr. Kara Dupuy-McCauley and renowned sleep medicine expert Dr. Richard Schwab.
The discussion focuses on the recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine regarding efficacy of tirzepatide in reducing severity of sleep apnea. The study suggested that in both CPAP users and non-users with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, the AHI decreased significantly by up to 29.3 events per hour (a 58.7% change from baseline) among the participants who received tirzepatide. Dr. Schwab discusses a variety of topics including how this may change the landscape of sleep apnea treatment.
Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or simply passionate about the intersection of sleep medicine and anesthesia, this episode is a must-listen!
Tune in now to stay ahead of the latest advancements in obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Stay tuned for more expert interviews in future episodes! |
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Registration Still OPEN for SASM 2024 Annual Meeting - Don't Miss Out! |
The SASM Annual Meeting is fast approaching, and registration is still open! Don’t miss this chance to participate in a dynamic and comprehensive gathering of experts in sleep medicine and anesthesia. Early registration ensures your spot in this year's hands-on workshops, keynote sessions, and expert discussions. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge or engage with cutting-edge research, this is the event to attend.
SASM Annual Meeting
The SASM Annual Meeting promises to be an insightful event, offering attendees a rich opportunity to engage with pressing issues in sleep medicine and anesthesia. Key topics will include postoperative respiratory monitoring, the latest advancements in PAP therapy, wellness and sleep, and the evolving impact of new medications on anesthesia care. A dedicated focus will also be given to the surgical evaluation and treatment of sleep apnea, encompassing both adult and pediatric cases, ensuring a broad, inclusive, and multidisciplinary discussion.
One of the highlights of this year’s meeting is the keynote address by Dr. Richard Schwab, a leading figure in sleep medicine. Dr. Schwab, a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, will deliver a talk on “Understanding the Improvements in OSA with Weight Loss Medications.”
Dr. Schwab’s distinguished career began with an undergraduate degree from Haverford College, followed by a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed his fellowship in Pulmonary/Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. Today, he is recognized for his pioneering research in upper airway imaging and the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). His innovative use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and volumetric analysis has revealed critical insights into how the lateral pharyngeal walls and tongue volume contribute to OSA. Notably, Dr. Schwab’s work has shown that reductions in tongue fat, often achieved through weight loss, significantly improve OSA outcomes.
Dr. Schwab’s dedication to the field extends beyond his research. He has mentored numerous fellows and spearheaded the ASPIRE fellowship, a program designed to cultivate the next generation of pulmonary and sleep medicine leaders.
In addition to expert-led sessions, the meeting will feature patient speakers who will share their personal journeys, offering valuable insights from the patient perspective. SASM leaders will also provide updates on the latest advancements in perioperative care for patients with sleep disorders, further ensuring a well-rounded and educational experience for all attendees. |
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Hands-On Workshops: Immersive Learning for Clinical Practice
This year’s SASM Annual Meeting will also feature a series of hands-on workshops designed to provide attendees with practical skills to manage sleep-disordered breathing in perioperative settings. These interactive sessions will cover essential diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, offering an immersive learning experience. - Diagnostic Modalities for Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Attendees will explore the latest diagnostic tools available for identifying sleep-disordered breathing, with a focus on perioperative settings. Training will include the use of portable home sleep apnea testing devices, which are invaluable for efficiently diagnosing patients in a timely manner. - Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Upper Airway Assessment
This workshop will offer hands-on training in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for upper airway assessment. This crucial technique is not only valuable for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but also for managing difficult airways during anesthesia. - Perioperative and Sleep-Related Respiratory Monitoring Devices
Participants will gain insights into various respiratory monitoring devices that can be used both in home and hospital settings. These devices are essential for identifying patients at risk for sleep-disordered breathing or respiratory failure, enhancing postoperative outcomes. - Therapeutic Options for Managing Sleep-Disordered Breathing
This workshop focuses on the latest therapeutic interventions for addressing sleep-disordered breathing in perioperative settings. Attendees will receive hands-on instruction in positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies and high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO), which are critical tools for managing patients and reducing complications.
These workshops are designed to provide attendees with practical knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied in clinical practice, ensuring they leave the meeting with a deeper understanding of how to manage sleep-disordered breathing across various patient populations. Join us for this comprehensive meeting as we delve into the future of sleep medicine, explore novel therapeutic approaches, and discuss the challenges and innovations in managing sleep disorders within the perioperative setting. |
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Upcoming Vote on Proposed Bylaws Amendments
We will soon be holding a vote on several important proposed amendments to our bylaws, as recommended by the Bylaws Committee. Your participation is essential in shaping the future of our organization, and we encourage all eligible members to review and vote on the following proposed changes:
Proposed Bylaws Amendments: -
Amendment to Section 2.21: Classes of Members
The Bylaws Committee proposes reducing the current three membership categories to two:- Active Members: Includes physicians, scientists, non-physicians, non-scientists, fellows, residents, medical students, and other undergraduates. All active members will have voting rights, can hold office, and serve on the Board of Directors.
- Corporate Members: Includes individuals representing industry. Corporate members may attend and participate in meetings but will not have voting rights or the ability to hold office or serve on the Board of Directors. They may, however, serve as special consultants at the discretion of the Executive Board.
- Amendment to Section 12: Amendments
The Committee recommends changing the required percentage of active members necessary to alter, amend, repeal, or add to the bylaws from 75% to a simple majority (> 50%) of those present at the annual assembly. - Amendment to Section 3.5: Bylaws Committee
The recommendation is to adjust the composition of the Bylaws Committee to state that "membership on the committee shall include at least one of the following: the President, and/or the President-Elect, and/or the Immediate Past President”.
Voting Information:
If you are unable to attend the annual meeting but would still like to participate in the vote, please complete the Bylaws Amendment Proposal Form. This form will allow you to cast your vote on each amendment by selecting "Yes" or "No" for each proposal.
We strongly encourage all members to participate in the vote and make their voices heard. The results will be announced at the end of the meeting. |
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Member's Corner We look forward to your continued membership with SASM as we work together to improve the care for our patients and advance the broad body of science overlapping the disciplines of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine. |
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About SASM's Department Membership
Department membership is an excellent option to consider as it enables all clinical staff in your department to enroll in the Society of Anesthesia Sleep Medicine for a flat rate of $1000.00 (USD) annually. All your trainees can be enrolled for an additional $600.00, annually.
The benefits of SASM Membership are many and include access to valuable information such as previous meeting materials, newsletters, featured articles, and educational resources, as well as networking opportunities and mentorship. You may be eligible to join SASM Committees and exercise voting rights including election of Officers to the Board of Directors, depending upon your membership category. SASM Members are offered discounted rates for individual membership in our affiliate society, The International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS), which affords additional benefits.
We welcome your suggestions, as well, for future meetings, clinical activities, and research protocols that will help to grow the society.
We would love the opportunity to meet with you to explain how a SASM department membership will benefit your team. Contact us at membership@sasmhq.org |
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More information can be found on the SASM website https://www.sasmhq.org |
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