SAWC Spotlight: Opening Ceremonies: Getting Pumped for the Conference Experience

  Speakers at the SAWC Fall Opening Ceremonies, scheduled to begin Thursday, October 16, at 9:10 a.m., present valuable conference insights for first-time as well as seasoned attendees. Each conference opening is unique; information includes “housekeeping” issues specific to the venue and introductions of important conference players from co-chairs to Host Committee helpers — plus, how to maximize your wound care training and continuing education. Opening Ceremonies segue into a tantalizing General Session that reflects current hot medical and global issues relevant to wound care.

  At this year’s SAWC Fall, to be held October 16–18, 2014, at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV, Co-Chair Dot Weir, RN, CWOCN, CWS, will reiterate the value of the Wound Certification Prep Course (WCPC), a 2-day activity offered just before this year’s Symposium and during the year in other cities throughout the United States. Per its name, the WCPC prepares clinicians for examinations necessary for certification in various levels of wound care, opens doors to career moves, and enhances professional standing and employment potential.

  In addition, four scholarships will be awarded in wound care podiatry, therapy, nursing, and physician categories at the Opening Ceremony. Let the recipients — people just like you — inspire you to further your educational pursuits.

  Immediately following Opening Ceremonies, Emily C. Keller, MD, and Nathan Uebelhoer, MD (a military officer), along with Moderator Robert S. Kirsner, MD, PhD, will present the General Session: War, Terrorism, and the Aftermath. The speakers will discuss the wounds and eventual scars caused by the Boston Marathon and military wars and how concepts related to ablative laser techniques might be used to improve the texture, color, and pliability of the scars. They also will explore attempts to improve long-term scarring in patients suffering from war wounds and assess the efforts of lasers used for helping patients with healing.

  Opening Ceremonies orient attendees to the symposia location; address the varied educational, purchasing, and networking opportunities; and tackle key current events. Immerse yourself — allow that first important session to shift you into learning mode and ready you for the SAWC experience.

This article was not subject to the Ostomy Wound Management peer-review process.