2011 NCS 85th Annual Meeting

October 18 – 22, 2011
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
Rancho Mirage, California

The program committee is currently finalizing this year’s program, which promises to be one of our finest. Please check back often for updates on the scientific program, accreditation and other meeting-related information.

Guest and Invited Speakers

Peter R. Carroll, MD; San Francisco, CA
Craig V. Comiter, MD; Stanford, CA
Lawrence H. Einhorn, MD; Indianapolis, IN
Jeffrey E. Kaufman, MD; Santa Ana, CA
Lisa N. Ohrin, JD; Washington, DC
Neal D. Shore, MD; Myrtle Beach, SC
Steve Wilson, MD; Indio, CA

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Congratulations to Dr. Steven Siegel and Dr. Howard Winfield for organizing an outstanding North Central Section meeting last year in Chicago. The depth and breadth of the academic sessions and social activities created a wonderful and rewarding experience for all who attended.

It is truly a great honor and privilege to be given the opportunity to serve the North Central Section as President this year. My wife, Barbara, and I have thoroughly enjoyed our years working with the NCS Board of Directors and we look forward to continuing the great traditions of the North Central Section. As with most great organizations, it is the people, our membership, and leaders that make the NCS unique among other medical organizations. We have all learned a great deal from our interaction with past NCS board members, officers and presidents and we will build on those experiences with this year’s meeting.

Urologists today are facing enormous challenges keeping pace with rapid changes in our field and economic challenges to our practices.
Working together with NCS Secretary, Dr. Patrick McKenna, we have designed the annual meeting program to provide valuable educational opportunities to help our members expand their understanding of the most recent clinical advances in urology as well as provide practical tools to strengthen their practice.

The meeting starts on Tuesday, October 18th with two live surgery broadcasts of robotic partial nephrectomy and robotic sacrocolpopexy. The remainder of the day is dedicated to the first NCS Practice Management and Health Policy Symposium with presentations from Mr. Mark Painter, Dr. Neal Shore and Dr. Jeffrey Kaufman.

On Wednesday, October 19th the academic portion of the program will include an emphasis on innovative and integrated clinical services. Guest speakers Dr. Craig Comiter and Dr. Peter Carroll will deliver state-of-the-art lectures covering male and female urinary incontinence and the latest advances in the management of prostate cancer. On Friday, October 21st the NCS will recognize the contributions and accomplishments of Dr. John P. Donohue with a memorial lecture delivered by Dr. Lawrence Einhorn. Dr. Einhorn collaborated with Dr. Donahue developing innovative advancements in the treatment of testis cancer that remain the foundation of testis cancer treatment today.

We plan to continue bizarre and interesting cases, the NCS President’s Bowl and a wide range of breakout sessions to provide a broad and deep educational experience.

It has been a pleasure to work with the Program Committee, Executive Committee and NCS Board to plan the 2011 meeting. Secretary,
Dr. Patrick McKenna, has expertly engineered an exciting and comprehensive annual meeting program. Treasurer, Dr. Gary Kirsh, has
worked diligently with our Executive Director team from WJ Weiser & Associates to ensure the financial success of the NCS. Local Arrangements Chair Couple, Dr. James and Elise Ulchaker, have worked to provide an exciting social and cultural event calendar to make maximum use of the climate and activities available in beautiful Palm Springs.

Barbara and I want to personally invite all NCS members to join us in Palm Springs this year to participate in an exceptional academic and social experience in beautiful Southern California. The venue provides an excellent environment for education, networking and simply enjoying your time with friends and family. We hope to see all of you in Palm Springs this fall.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

After a cool, wet, stormy spring, summer is finally here in Central Illinois. I hope everyone weathered the spring storms and is enjoying
the summer thus far! Make sure to mark your calendars for the 85th Annual Meeting of the North Central Section in beautiful Rancho Mirage, California. This meeting will feature a new format. It is scheduled from October 18 – 22, 2011. The conference will be held at the Westin Mission Hills which is one of the nicest resorts we have visited. It has excellent meeting facilities, three golf courses in the area and is close to the airport and Palm Springs.

As mentioned above, there will be a new meeting format, borrowed from the Western Section. The meeting will start with a full day of activity on Tuesday, October 18th, so plan to arrive in Rancho Mirage on Monday. The meeting will start with live robotic surgery being brought to us by Dr. Indy Gill and locally moderated by Dr. Arieh Shalhav. This will be followed by a full day devoted to practice management and health policy. Our President, Dr. Peter Knapp, will moderate the morning session which will feature Mark Painter providing a “practice tool kit.” This session serves to update us on the latest issues related to coding and billing. Dr. Neal Shore will discuss the integration of medical services into your practice, while Dr. Jeff Kaufman will update us on RUC audit process. Lunch will be provided as Lisa Ohrin, JD, a leading authority on medical regulation and health policy, tells us how changes in health policy and regulation impact urology.

Herbert Riemenschneider will moderate the afternoon session dedicated to health policy. Dr. Jeff Kaufman will provide a national urology health policy update and Joe Arite will follow with a state update. Our own Dr. Gary Kirsh will provide practical implications for our group and private practices, while Dr. J. Quentin Clemens will do the same for academic practices. Dr. Kirsh will end the session with a short section discussing how urologists can stay involved in the process of changing health policy.

We received over 275 abstracts this year and the program committee worked hard to include as many of the outstanding abstracts as possible. Our section continues to have superb clinical and academic productivity. We have retained many of the successful components of our past meetings with some new additions. Therefore, we will have a combination of state-of-the-art lectures, panel discussions, early morning breakfast courses, abstracts and posters. We will draw on many of our own talented and nationally renowned clinical and academic leaders to contribute to the meeting.

Dr. Knapp has chosen several outstanding speakers who will cover a variety of topics. Innovation is the theme of the meeting. Dr. Knapp has also organized a tribute to Dr. John P. Donahue and Indiana Urology. Dr. Lawrence Einhorn will provide the Honorary Donahue Lecture. Dr. Craig Comiter from Stanford and Dr. Peter Carroll from UCSF will provide state-of-the-art lectures and be involved in early morning sessions as well as panel discussions. Dr. Steve Wilson, a leader in use of prosthetics, will discuss new frontiers in prosthetics.

Dr. Matthew Gettman, chair of the Young Urologist Committee, has organized an outstanding Young Urologist Symposium on financial planning for the young urologists. Two outstanding financial planning counselors will discuss investing and several NCS physicians will join them in the last section in a round table discussion of the financial advantages of different practice models. This will be held Thursday morning.

Dr. Robert Bahnson will provide a summary of changes occurring at the American Board of Urology. He will specifically cover Maintenance of Certification and changes in the format of the recertification test. We are lucky to have Dr. Dennis Pessis join us as AUA President-Elect. He will provide an AUA update and participate in a panel that includes our other AUA representatives: Dr. Richard Memo, AUA treasurer, and Dr. Steven Nakada, our AUA board representative.

Do not plan to leave early because the Saturday program is full of exciting sessions, including state-of-the-art lectures by Dr. Peter Carroll and the Resident GU Quiz Bowl!

Throughout the meeting we will have both breakfast and lunch medical education seminars covering key topics organized by our industry sponsors. The exhibit hall is in direct proximity to the meeting and there will be ample time to visit the displays. Our industry sponsors play an important role in supporting our annual meeting.

October is an excellent time to be in Rancho Mirage, California! Elise and James Ulchaker have put together an exciting social program. “Bring the Kids” should be the theme, since the hotel is close to the airport and our major social event will be right on the property. Peter and Barbara Knapp will host the Friday night banquet, also on the property. We are looking forward to mingling with old friends and making new friendships at the social functions. The area boasts many interesting outings whether you want to travel the Palm Springs aerial tram up Mount San Jacinto, see the San Andreas Fault by dune buggy, or visit the local zoo. This is a meeting not to be missed!

The NCS Board was busy at the interim meeting tackling many subjects. The meeting format change represents one of the biggest changes approved by the Board. The changes will go into effect with this meeting and continue with the Chicago meeting in 2012. The NCS Visiting Professor Program was instituted and the Board Representatives were challenged to get 100 percent participation. This program identifies the top urologic talent in our section and provides a grant to state urological societies to have a renowned NCS speaker at their annual meeting. I am happy to report that 100 percent state participation has been achieved this year.

Our Young Urologist Committee continues to actively represent young urologists and made several solid suggestions to improve the meeting to support younger members’ attendance. Many of these suggestions have been incorporated into our upcoming meeting. Our resident group has also been active and is working to have a program for residents at each of our annual meetings. The Board approved waving the registration fee to allow residents that are not presenting papers to attend the scientific meetings.

We are pleased that another NCS member was selected by the AUA to be the Gallagher Health Policy Scholar. Congratulations, Dr. James Ulchaker!

Several bylaws changes were approved and will be presented at the annual meeting. The Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for the AUA Board Alternate position which will be selected by the membership at the annual meeting.

It is a privilege to serve as your secretary and I appreciate the work done by Wendy Weiser and her entire staff. Sue O’Sullivan, our managing director, has made my job easy as I transitioned into the position. Our president, Dr. Knapp, and the entire Board have been very supportive and actively work to improve our Section.

Linda and I are looking forward to seeing and meeting new friends in Rancho Mirage, California. Please mark your calendars to attend our annual meeting October 18 – 22, 2011.

MESSAGE FROM THE LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS CHAIR COUPLE

Greetings from the North Coast! Elise and I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to the 85th Annual Meeting of the North Central Section of the AUA in sunny Rancho Mirage, California. Dr. Peter Knapp, Dr. Patrick McKenna and the Planning Committee have arranged a fantastic meeting agenda at an outstanding venue. The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa is a picturesque hotel that invites adults and children alike to explore the Palm Springs region. The desert climate awaits guests with warm, pleasant days and cool evenings. Lush landscaping creates an oasis where guests of all ages can enjoy the various recreational facilities. The property is the home of a full-service spa and two of the finest championship golf courses in the Coachella Desert Valley. Activities for children include a fabulous pool complete with a 60-foot waterslide. The Westin Kids Club Discovery Room offers arts, crafts and many other activities. Numerous off-site tours are also available including a cable car ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tram and a jeep adventure on the San Andreas Fault. You can also visit the top ranked Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Park as well as take pleasure in the world-famous El Paseo Shopping District (a.k.a. Rodeo Drive of the Desert). These excursions are all within 15 – 20 minutes of the hotel. Car rental service is also available on the premises.

We hope you and your family will join us in Palm Springs!

NCS 2011 Proposed Bylaws Changes

GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION

Meeting Format
The NCS Annual Meeting includes a new format this year that was approved and implemented by the Board of Directors to make the meeting more attractive to the private practice urologists. Tuesday will now include a full day of programming, including Live Surgical Broadcasting and a focused Practice Management/Health Policy Symposium. Plan to arrive Monday night to participate in these important sessions.

The 85th Annual Meeting will run from Tuesday, October 18, 2011 to Saturday, October 22, 2011. The NCS Program officially begins with a full day schedule on Tuesday, offering highly informative early morning courses, special guest lectures, podium and poster presentations, panel discussions, and video presentations. The programming will continue through Saturday morning when we conclude Bizarre and Interesting Cases, the North Central Section Resident Bowl, and final remarks from the incoming President, Dr. Howard Winfield.

Registration/Information Desk Hours
Location: Rancho Mirage Foyer
Monday, October 17, 2011                 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011                7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011              6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 20, 2011               6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Friday, October 21, 2011                 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 22, 2011               7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Hours
Location: Celebrity A, D, E
Tuesday, October 18, 2011                6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011              7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 20, 2011               7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Friday, October 21, 2011                 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Spouse / Guest Hospitality Suite Hours
Location: Gardenia Hospitality Suite 517
Tuesday, October 18, 2011                7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011              7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, October 20, 2011               7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Friday, October 21, 2011                 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 22, 2011               7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Industry Sponsored Events

EVENING FUNCTIONS

One ticket to each evening function is included in your registration fee.

Welcome Reception and Wine Tasting
Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Celebrity A, D, E
Attire: Casual
Members can visit with exhibitors while connecting with fellow members, sampling a variety of wines and enjoying a variety of appetizers.
Cost of Additional Tickets: $50.00
*Children under 13 can attend for free

President’s Reception/Theme Night
Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: The 19th Hole, at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
Attire: Casual
Plan to join the fun at the 2011 Theme Night! Nestled between the meeting space & golf course, Theme Night is conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from your hotel room. Gaze upon the mountains and enjoy dinner & drinks, “State Fair” games and a hot air balloon ride.
Cost of Additional Tickets: $175.00
*Children under 13 can attend for free

Annual Banquet
Date: Friday, October 21, 2011
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres
7:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Dinner and Entertainment
Location: Celebrity Ballroom
Attire: Black Tie Optional
The 2011 Annual Banquet promises to be an affair to remember. This event will feature delicious culinary delights followed by an enthralling evening of music and dancing.
Cost of Additional Tickets: $185.00

*Tables are assigned during the meeting, so be sure to sign up with your friends/colleagues on the boards posted by the NCS registration desk.

OPTIONAL TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Shopping Escapade along El Paseo
Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $30.00 per person
At fabulous El Paseo, you will enjoy a relaxing day of exquisite shopping and fine dining. El Paseo is the desert resort’s world class shopping avenue featuring a tree-lined promenade with contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibits along the flowering median. There are over 250 fine shops offering everything from domestic to imported brand shops and boutiques. You will definitely be able to fulfill your shopping and dining needs at El Paseo, known as “the Rodeo Drive of the Desert!” A minimum of 30 people must register for the activity or it will be cancelled (payments are refundable).
Cost Includes: Deluxe mini coach roundtrip transportation, area maps of El Paseo

Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $83.00 per person
The Palm Springs Aerial Tram on Mt. Jacinto is a true adventure. The rotating cable cars guide passengers two-and-a-half miles up the mountainside to a height of 8,516 ft. Once up at the top, the Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness offers 54 miles of hiking trails. This trek to the top of our famous mountain is truly a singular experience! This gem in the desert is the only one of its kind in North America. A minimum of 20 people must register for the activity or it will be cancelled (payments are refundable).
Cost Includes: Admission to Palm Springs Aerial Tram, roundtrip Tram ride from Valley Station to Mountain Station (approximately 15 minutes each), free time at the top to explore hiking and walking trails, 20-minute film on the construction of the Tram, observation terraces to enjoy valley views from Mountain Station, sightseeing downtown Palm Springs (while driving en route), deluxe coach roundtrip transporation.

Living Desert Reserve
Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $80.00 per person
A new adventure awaits guests at the Living Desert Reserve. Whether you take a leisurely stroll along meandering paved paths or hike the wilderness loop, around every turn you’ll discover amazing desert gardens, breathtaking vistas and meet exotic creatures who inhabit the world’s most extreme climate — the desert. A minimum of 25 people must register for the activity or it will be cancelled (payments are refundable).
Cost Includes: Admission to the Living Desert Reserve, deluxe roundtrip transportation, private docent walking tour (approximately 1.5 hours), behind the scenes tour of the animal hospital, all shows and exhibits, admission to the butterfly and hummingbird exhibit, and sightseeing en route with full narration.

Jeep Adventures on the San Andreas Fault
Date: Friday, October 21, 2011
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $135.00 per person
Experience the real desert and explore the San Andreas Fault’s unique geologic features. Along the way, the jeeps pass through some of the richest agricultural areas in the world. Learn how our rich soil traveled hundreds of miles to get here which allows the Coachella Valley to grow some rather unique crops. See the beauty of a natural palm oasis, narrow, steep-walled canyons and pools filled with water bubbling up from the San Andreas Fault. Learn how the Indians lived, hunted and used desert plants for food, clothing, construction, implements, weapons and medicine. A minimum of 7 people must register for the activity or it will be cancelled (payments are refundable).
Cost Includes: Jeep pick up at Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa – Conference, exclusive 3 hour tour of Metate Canyon & San Andreas Fault, private naturalist guide for each jeep, admission and land fees, refreshments and snacks available during excursion.

NCS Golf Outing
Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011
Location: Gary Player – Resort Course
Time: 1:00 p.m., shotgun start
Cost: $120.00 per person
Join the NCS on the first and only Gary Player course in the desert. The Mission Hills North Course is designed for golfers of all levels and preserves and enhances the natural beauty of the desert environment. The course features 20 acres of lakes, four waterfalls and beautiful landscaping.
Cost Includes: Green fees, transportation, shared cart, privileges prior to play, an amenity pouch with a bag tag, divot tool and yardage book. All players must check in at the course at least 30 minutes prior to play. Club rental is available at the course. Rentals are $60.00 per set and include a pouch with six golf balls.

RETURNING THIS YEAR . . .

Power Walks
Dates: Tuesday, October 18 – Friday, October 21, 2011
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Location: Departs from Hospitality Suite
Cost: Complimentary
Please join us for a social and active morning activity! Walk the lovely grounds of the Westin Mission Hills with old acquaintances and new friends. There is no additional charge for participating in the power walks.

2011 Book Share
Dates: Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Hospitality Suite
Cost: Complimentary
Back by popular demand, spouses and guests are invited to partake in the 2011 Book Share. Bring your favorite books to discuss and share with NCS spouses. Reading suggestions: The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, The Paris Wife by Paula McLain and In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. There is no additional charge for participating in the book share.

Young Urologists Session: Financial Planning for the Young Urologist – What You Need to Know
Sponsored by the Young Leadership Committee
Date: Thursday, October 18, 2011
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Young Urologist’s Committee has organized the Young Urologist’s Forum this year on the topic of personal financial planning. The forum will be held on Thursday, October 18th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. During the session, fundamentals of personal financial planning will be covered including cash flow analysis, debt and debt reduction, personal savings strategies, taxation and college saving plans. In addition, the speakers will discuss advantages and disadvantages of investment allocations in stocks, bonds, cash and other alternatives. Information will also be provided on hedging strategies and how to select a financial planner. These topics will be presented by Bryan Neel, financial planning counselor, and Frank Allen, financial planning counselor, from the Mayo Clinic Office of Staff Services. In the last segment of the forum, a roundtable discussion on personal finance will include Mr. Neel and Mr. Allen as well as helpful insight from Dr. Stephen Nakada, Dr. Howard Winfield, Dr. Richard Sarle and Dr. Aaron Milbank. During the roundtable discussion, personal finance considerations for each type of practice situation will be discussed. Furthermore, personal finance scenarios will be presented to the group with time for additional questions and answers to the panel.

Bizarre and Interesting Cases Podium
Date: Saturday, October 22, 2011
Time: 8:25 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Prize: $250.00
Don’t miss the session featuring bizarre and interesting cases that your colleagues have encountered. A $250.00 prize will be awarded to the person who presents the most out of the ordinary case. Your vote counts, so plan to attend!

Job Postings
A job board will be available again at the 2011 Meeting. If you are looking to hire someone, you may post copies of your announcement on the job board. Please be sure to include your contact information on the job posting. If you are not attending the meeting, please email the position to Katie at katie@wjweiser.com by September 30, 2011, and we will post the position on the job board for you.

HOTEL INFORMATION

The 85th NCS Annual Meeting will be held at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa where special room rates have been arranged for meeting attendees. Discounted room rates are available until September 20, 2011, so make your reservations early!

The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
71333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
Main: (760) 328-5955
Fax: (760) 770-2199
Website: www.westinmissionhills.com

Room Rate: $199.00 plus taxes
Hotel Deadline: September 20, 2011
Reservation Line: (877) 253-0041
Reservation Link: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/ncj17c

Room Rate
NCS has negotiated a rate of $199.00 plus tax. This rate is for single or double occupancy in a standard room at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa.

Hotel Deadline
The NCS discounted rate is based on availability and must be booked by September 20, 2011. NCS encourages you to make your reservation early, as the hotel and discount block may sellout before this date. After this date, reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis and higher rates may apply.

Reservations
Please call the Westin Mission Hills Reservations Department to make your reservation at (877) 253-0041. You must mention that you are with the NCS to receive the group rate.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is 12:00 p.m. Please contact the hotel directly if you have early check-in or late check-out requests.

Additional Charges
The guest room rate of $199.00 is subject to prevailing state and local taxes, currently 12.065%. If you have more than two people in your room, there will be an additional $35.00 per person charge per night. There will be no charge for children under the age of 21 staying in the same room as their parents.

Deposit, Early Departures & Cancellation Policies
A deposit of one-night stay is required to book your hotel reservation. If you wish to cancel, please do so 24 hours before arrival to avoid cancellation penalties. An early departure fee of one night’s room rate will apply if you check out before your confirmed checkout date.

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

Airport Information
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is approximately 7 miles from the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, or 15 minutes by car.

Rental Car Information
Enterprise is the preferred car rental company for the NCS 85 th Annual Meeting. Enterprise has a drop-off depot on property at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa which makes returning your rental car quick and easy.

Parking
NCS is happy to offer complimentary self-parking at the Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa. Valet parking is $7.00 per night.

Taxi Cab Services
The following taxi companies operate at the Palm Springs International Airport:

Airport Taxi: 760-862-9000
American Cab: 760-322-4444
Yellow Cab of the Desert: 760-340-8294

About Palm Springs, California

The Palm Springs Desert Valley area is located 100 miles east of Los Angeles and 110 miles east of San Diego in a desert valley setting known as a vacation paradise. Known worldwide for its soaring palm trees, sensational mountain views and sunny warm weather, the Palm Springs Desert Valley is comprised of eight charming, distinctive cities—Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. Palm Springs is most popular for its world-famous Hollywood-influenced history where celebrities past and present come year after year for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Attractions
The village atmosphere of downtown Palm Springs is a magical trip back in time to the early glamour of Hollywood’s halcyon days and is also home to the greatest collection of midcentury modern architecture in the world. Its countless restaurants, shops and attractions such as the world-famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the Palm Springs Celebrity Walk of Fame make it the ideal starting point for a desert visit.

Rancho Mirage is site of the world-renowned Eisenhower Medical Center and the city’s newest addition, The River, a water-featured entertainment complex with theaters, restaurants and excellent shops. This area is fondly known as the “Playground of the Presidents” and is home to Frank Sinatra’s infamous desert estate.

Shopping
The desert’s most distinct shopping can be found next door in the thriving city of Palm Desert, offering block after block of stylish boutiques, salons, restaurants and galleries along El Paseo Drive (the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert”) with other major shopping areas just minutes away. You’ll find some of California’s best shops and shopping deals at the Palm Springs Outlet Malls with more than 150 name-brand outlet stores marketed under two different names—Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Cabazon Outlet Mall.

Dining
With more than 600 restaurants in the valley, Palm Springs offers something to suit everyone’s tastes. The dining possibilities are endless, from chic bistros & poolside cafes to exquisite resort dishes. Several downtown restaurants offer al-fresco dining to enjoy Palm Springs’ beautiful seasons and spectacular mountain vistas. Popular fare includes fresh seafood, steak, contemporary Californian, vegetarian, Asian, Mexican, as well as the famous In-N-Out Burger.

Weather
In October, the temperature in Palm Springs ranges from an average low of 57°F to an average high of 91°F.

Registration Information

Registration Fee Includes:
• Scientific Sessions
• Breakout Sessions
• Technical Exhibit Entrance
• One Ticket to Welcome Reception & Wine Tasting
• One Ticket to President’s Reception/Theme Night
• One Ticket to Annual Banquet
• Breakfasts & Lunches

Spouse / Guest Registration Fee Includes:
• Admittance to Hospitality Suite
• One Ticket to Welcome Reception & Wine Tasting
• One Ticket to President’s Reception/Theme Night
• One Ticket to Annual Banquet

Early Registration Deadline
Meeting registration forms must be received by the NCS Executive office by September 20, 2011 to receive the discounted early registration rate. All forms received after this deadline will be assessed the regular registration fee.

Registration Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registration refund requests must be submitted in writing to the NCS Executive Office by October 4, 2011. All refund requests will be subject to a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be made after October 4, 2011. No refunds will be issued at the on-site registration desk for optional tours & event cancellations.

Special Needs
For accommodations on the basis of disability or special dietary needs, please call (847) 517-1544.

NCS Pre-Registrants
NCS pre-registrants will receive a complete registration packet onsite at the registration/information desk located off the hotel lobby. The packet will include identification badges, NCS event tickets, and general meeting information.

Questions
For any questions, please feel free to contact the
NCS Executive Office:
Phone: (847) 517-1544
Fax: (847) 517-7229
Email: info@ncsaua.org

NEEDS, OBJECTIVES AND ACCREDITATION

Needs Assessment
The practice of urology continues to grow rapidly. Urologic abnormalities can present with a myriad of clinical signs and symptoms. Accurate evaluation, differential diagnoses and disease management, which meet current standards of care, require ongoing review of the presentations of various urologic abnormalities. In addition, the appropriate use of safe and cost-effective imaging modalities as well as various pharmacologic, minimally invasive, and operative management options is paramount to the safety of our urologic patients. Advancements in medical science and progress in management of various urologic diseases require basic and clinical research. Presentation and discussion of such peer-reviewed investigations provide “cutting-edge” updates for practicing clinicians and essential feedback to researchers on the practical applications and translation of their investigations to clinical practice. The program was created using available membership feedback from previous meeting surveys. Specifically, socioeconomic issues, updates on health policy and practice management have a more prominent role in the program. Furthermore, trends in minimally invasive therapy, advances in female urology as well as preparatory early morning courses on GU pediatric robotic surgery, development of Women’s Health Centers, neuromodulation and marketing utilizing social networking will be offered. Additionally, live robotic surgery updating the non-ischemic robotic partial nephrectomy and sacral colposacropexy procedures will be offered.

Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of the meeting attendees should be able to:

• Describe clinical presentation and treatment options of various urologic abnormalities
• Identify the various minimally invasive treatment options for renal cell carcinoma, female incontinence, pediatric procedures and their individual risks/benefits
• Review the current evaluation and management of high risk prostate cancer
• Review aspects of the use of prosthetics in urology as well as potential risks and complications
• Review urologic laparoscopic and robotic applications in adult and pediatric patients
• Evaluate data pertaining to various pharmacologic, surgical and medical treatment options for female and male voiding dysfunction and urinary incontinence
• Review treatment options for the management of post prostatectomy incontinence
• Review treatment options and evaluate presented data regarding management of the failed sling in female incontinence
• Identify current medical and surgical evaluation and management options for urolithiasis
• Describe new and modified treatments for management of fertility after cancer (oncofertility)
• Analyze prostate cancer risk assessment and determine how that will lead to refined treatments
• Evaluate results of various laparoscopic approaches and techniques for benign and malignant urologic diseases
• Analyze research results from the clinical series on management of prostate cancer and early diagnosis/screening techniques for prostate cancer in various patient populations
• Review common pediatric urologic diseases and treatment updates
• Identify prognostic significance and treatment options of various stages and grades of bladder cancer in addition to urinary diversion approaches
• Assess socioeconomic and health policy issues affecting urologic training and clinical practice
• Review ablative therapies in urology, focusing primarily on kidney cancer
• Identify issues related to the future of urology practice through panel debates
• Evaluate application and results of robotic surgery, in particular prostate procedures
• Identify and describe surgical steps of one robotic and one open surgical procedure through observation of live surgical demonstration
• Determine whether active surveillance for early stage prostate cancer is risky or rational
• Identify advances in chemotherapy for urologic cancers
• Examine what the future may bring for minimally invasive surgery and management of sexual dysfunction

Accreditation Statement
The American Urological Association Education & Research, Inc. (AUAER) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation
The American Urological Association Education & Research, Inc. designates this live activity for a maximum of 28.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The AUAER takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

AUAER Disclosure Policy
As a provider accredited by the ACCME, the AUAER must ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all its activities.

All persons in a position to control the content of an educational activity (i.e., activity planners and presenters) provided by the AUAER are required to disclose to the provider any relevant financial relationships they have with any commercial interest. The AUAER must determine if an individual’s financial relationships may influence the educational content with regard to exposition or conclusion, and resolve any conflicts of interest prior to the commencement of the educational activity. The intent of this disclosure is not to prevent individuals with relevant financial relationships from serving as planners or presenters, but rather to provide the audience with information on which they can make informed judgments about the material presented.

Off-label or Unapproved Use of Drugs or Devices
It is the policy of the AUAER to require the disclosure of all references to off-label or unapproved uses of drugs or devices prior to the presentation of educational content. The audience is advised that this continuing medical education activity may contain reference(s) to off-label or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please consult the prescribing information for full disclosure of approved uses.

Disclaimer
The opinions and recommendations expressed by faculty, authors, and other experts whose input is included in this program are their own and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the AUAER.

Evidence Based Content
As a provider of continuing medical education accredited by the ACCME, it is the policy of the AUAER to review and certify that the content contained in this CME activity is valid, fair, balanced, scientifically rigorous, and free of commercial bias.

Special Assistance/Dietary Needs
The American Urological Association Education & Research, Inc. (AUAER), an organization accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME), complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act §12112(a). If any participant is in need of special assistance or has any dietary restrictions, a written request should be submitted at least one month in advance. For additional assistance with your request please call (847) 517-1544.