The Cytoskeleton has emerged as a major integrator of signal transduction pathways, from cell-matrix attachments all the way into the nucleus, as well as those from soluble mediators and their respective receptors. Defects in members of these systems have emerged as contributing to numerous forms of presumed podocyte-based diseases, including focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (e.g., α-actinin-4 and formin), hypertensive nephropathy (e.g., MYH9/myosin IIa), as well as inherited forms of nephrotic syndrome. The cytoskeleton also plays a critical role in signal transduction related to cilia, where defects have been defined in polycystic kidney disease and in other "ciliopathies". Furthermore, the cytoskeleton is involved in mediating the cell motility that is critical to nephrogenesis, as well as with spread of renal cell and other kidney cancers. Most recently, evidence has emerged that the cytoskeleton plays important roles in the response to and recovery from various forms of acute kidney injury. Earlier work established that cytoskeletal abnormalities contribute to defects in cell migration and cell function in the face of hyperglycemia; thus, this area of science has relevance to diabetic nephropathy. It is therefore clear that scientific understanding of the function of the cytoskeleton is relevant to diverse forms of kidney disease, so this conference should hold interest for a wide spectrum of scientists in the renal community, as well as those in the more general cytoskeleton and cell motility communities.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to: 1) to disseminate new information about the cytoskeleton and cell motility to members of the Nephrology and other relevant research communities; and 2) to provide an intimate forum so that ASN members and other interested scientists can a) interact with leaders in the cytoskeleton and cell motility fields and b) meet other investigators within the Nephrology community with similar interests. This will lead to new approaches and collaborations that will spur the progress of kidney research.

13.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Metabolic acidosis is frequently encountered in nephrology clinical practice. Over the past several years, there have been substantial advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, adverse effects, and management of acute and chronic forms of metabolic acidosis. Also, considerable controversy and gaps in knowledge surround several areas of this acid-base disorder. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date review of every aspect of metabolic acidosis.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to: 1) utilize a systematic approach to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis; 2) recognize the variable adverse effects of acute vs. chronic forms of the disorder; 3) integrate pathophysiological insights into the diagnosis and management of metabolic acidosis; and 4) appreciate gaps in knowledge and areas of controversy requiring further research.

15.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

This course is designed for trainees and practicing nephrologists who care for critically ill patients with kidney disease. The first day of the course will review general topics in critical care medicine for the practicing nephrologist, including ventilator management, hemodynamic support and monitoring, pathobiology and treatment of sepsis and ARDS, management of cardiac emergencies, and acute neurologic syndromes. The second day of the course will focus on nephrologic issues encountered in the ICU with a particular focus on the pharmacologic and dialytic management of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the treatment of intoxications.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to 1) apply the key concepts and techniques of critical care medicine in the treatment of the patient with acute or chronic kidney disease; 2) describe the pathogenesis and treatment of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients; 3) apply the techniques of extracorporeal renal support to the management of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury; and 4) identify the indications for and most appropriate treatments of acute intoxications and poisoning.

15.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Nothing more closely approaches the soul of nephrology than does the renal biopsy. The techniques and the interpretation of histopathology, however, receive inadequate attention in many training programs. This course is aimed at all who are interested in a basic introduction to renal pathology. The course will authoritatively carry attendees through the classic renal pathologic changes seen in parenchymal nephropathies. The curriculum includes lectures and hands-on workshops. Enrollees are provided with microscopes and slides of key biopsies that are personally reviewed with the renal pathologists from the course faculty. Attendance is limited to 50 people to maximize interactions with the faculty in workshop sessions.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to: 1) describe normal renal anatomy; 2) recognize key diagnostic lesions for selected, common renal parenchymal diseases; and 3) develop an overall approach to renal biopsy diagnosis and integrate all diagnostic information to arrive at a diagnosis.

15.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Geriatric nephrology is rapidly becoming a subspecialty within nephrology as older individuals are the fastest growing group of patients requiring care by nephrologists. Training in geriatric nephrology is now a mandatory requirement for nephrology fellowship programs. This course is intended to provide training for both fellows and for faculty who want to teach geriatric nephrology. This course will examine the epidemiology and clinical aspects of chronic kidney disease (CKD), focusing in particular on the high prevalence of this condition in the elderly. It will review how renal anatomy, physiology, and function change with age. The course will highlight unique considerations in managing patients with CKD with a particular focus on problems that are especially common in the elderly, such as urinary infection, urinary tract obstruction, and acute and chronic kidney failure. The course will also discuss unique aspects of the management of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in the elderly, and will also review key geriatric syndromes and concepts and their relevance to elderly patients with CKD and ESRD. Finally, the course will touch on several difficult ethical issues in geriatric nephrology, such as when to extend kidney transplantation to elderly patients and to withhold or withdraw therapy judged to be futile or potentially hazardous to the frail elderly with approaching ESRD.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to 1) identify the changes in renal function of normal aging; 2) recognize age-related acute and/or chronic kidney disease and the clinical significance of low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria in the elderly; 3) identify geriatric syndromes in the CKD and ESRD patients, such as depression, dementia, delirium, functional decline, frailty, and rehabilitation; 4) analyze the pathogenesis and treatment of new onset glomerular disease and other acute renal disorders in elderly patients; 5) assess the need for and timing of urologic intervention in elderly patients; and 6) optimize utilization of end of life care versus initiating dialysis and/or kidney transplantation in elderly CKD patients.

16.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

The knowledge of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of glomerular diseases is a fundamental nephrology skill and the last two decades have witnessed a dramatic increase in information in this area. If this rapid increase in information has left you with a need to synthesize and digest this material, the expert and authoritative faculty of this course will help you bring this field into focus. This course is designed as a comprehensive review of every aspect of the various glomerular diseases, using lectures, interactive case-based discussions and self-assessment questions using audience response systems. At the conclusion of this course, nephrologists will gain up to date information on the common glomerular syndromes and will be comfortable with managing the more unusual disorders.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to: 1) to provide a comprehensive review of the pathology, diagnosis, and therapeutic options for the Glomerulonephritides; and 2) to integrate information from current basic and clinical research studies and translates them into day to day diagnosis and management of glomerular disorders.

16.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Comparative effectiveness research is the latest buzzword in patient-centered research. The field of nephrology provides a particularly rich opportunity for CER, since the current evidence base in our field remains limited. Patients with advanced CKD including those requiring dialysis have been systematically excluded from most trials. The relatively few trials conducted in these patients have mostly yielded negative results. Epidemiological comparisons are often compromised by bias. This 2-day in-depth nephrology course will focus on the two main approaches for the comparison of competing clinical strategies such as medications, devices, and other aspects of care delivery: day 1 will focus on randomized trials design and execution; day 2 will cover advanced topics in observational comparative effectiveness research. Course faculty will review our current difficulties in building evidence in nephrology and will provide an overview of contemporary issues and potential solutions to improving the study of treatment strategies in our field. This course is designed to benefit scientists and consumers of science alike, both in academia, industry, government, and policy. A basic understanding of observational and experimental clinical research is advantageous, but not required.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to: 1) understand the meaning and objectives of comparative effectiveness research; 2) review the hierarchy of evidence and appreciate the challenges of conducting randomized controlled trials in patients with CKD/ESRD; 3) evaluate what constitutes an appropriate surrogate trial endpoint and how the validity of outcome measures can be assessed; and 4) appreciate the concept of confounding by indication and the strengths and limitations of the modern tools used in epidemiological comparative effectiveness research.

14.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Vascular access is critical to dialysis patient. Creation and maintenance of dialysis access consumes a major share of resources available to ESRD population. This course introduces practicing nephrologists and nephrology fellows in training to a variety of interventional and diagnostic procedures that are important in the care of renal patients. The procedures include diagnostic ultrasound for vascular access and kidneys, renal biopsy, placement of tunneled Hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis catheters, and monitoring, as well as salvage procedures for failing or thrombosed fistulas and grafts. The course will provide comprehensive information on these diagnostic and interventional procedures. In addition to didactic sessions, workshops will provide hands-on training focusing on insertion of tunneled dialysis catheters, percutaneous balloon angioplasty, vascular ultrasound of dialysis access to identify cause of dysfunction and the use physical exam. of the vascular access as monitoring tool. This two-day course provides critical information on techniques and interventions that can be incorporated into a nephrology practice.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to: 1) recognize key stages of the history of vascular access and describe how it pertains to current interventional practice; 2) summarize the published vascular access guidelines and assess their impact on current interventional practice; 3) describe the anatomy of the hemodialysis vascular access and demonstrate proper physical examination techniques and processes to detect vascular access dysfunction; 4) perform the evaluation of hand ischemia and recognize the ischemic complications of vascular access; 5) describe the various invasive techniques used to repair and/or open malfunctioning or thrombosed arterio-venous grafts and fistulas; 6) identify the various placement techniques of tunneled hemodialysis catheters and peritoneal dialysis catheters; 7) classify the available imaging techniques and evaluate the role of mapping in access planning; 8) describe the interventional approach to central venous stenosis; 9) assess the role of stent placement in the treatment of vascular access dysfunction; and 10) evaluate the impact of a vascular access center on a nephrology practice.,/p>

14.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

This program's information and educational objectives are unavailable at this time. Please continue to check www.asn-online.org for updates.

15.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Renal transplantation accounts for an ever-increasing fraction of the clinical nephrologist's practice. Evaluation of end stage renal disease candidates for transplantation and the acute and chronic care of patients who have been transplanted now impacts all nephrologists. As with most aspects of our discipline, rational management can be crafted only when relevant physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology are understood. This course translates these relevant principles into practical guidelines for care. Nephrologists with an interest in transplantation, transplant physicians, and trainees in nephrology should enroll in this course.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to: 1) recognize the immunobiology of transplantation and rejection; 2) discuss current advances in clinical renal transplantation and apply them to clinical practice; and 3) formulate management guidelines for the acute and chronic care of patients post transplant.

14.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

The care of patients receiving maintenance dialysis therapy constitutes a large component of nephrology clinical practice. This course provides an up-to-date, state-of-the-art review of the principles guiding the prescription of dialysis therapy. The management of common medical problems that occur as a consequence of uremia in the patient on chronic dialysis therapy will be discussed as well as some of the newest developments in dialysis therapies for the treatment of renal disease. After establishing key practical principles of dialysis and the care of patients receiving chronic dialysis therapy, a carefully selected faculty of highly experienced teachers will provide clinical case discussions to explore critical issues facing end stage renal disease (ESRD) practice in nephrology.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to: 1) integrate newer technical aspects of the dialysis procedure (such as modifications of solute transport, new water treatment systems, and evaluation of dialysis adequacy) into their daily clinical practice so they can potentially see clinical improvements in their dialysis unit's quality improvement initiatives; 2) combine old and new approaches for the treatment of common renal disease related medical problems in maintenance dialysis patients, including management of anemia, hypertension, vascular access, metabolic bone disease, and cardiovascular disease, so that their clinical practice is modified to further optimize patient outcomes; and 3) interpret and understand concepts from clinical trials and epidemiologic observational studies in the maintenance dialysis patient population so that they can identify areas of their own practice that may require clinical attention.

15.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

Maintenance of certification (MOC) promotes lifelong learning and the enhancement of the clinical judgment essential for high quality patient care. Every 10 years, internists and subspecialists certified in or after 1990 renew their certificates through the ABIM's Maintenance of Certification program. Those certified prior to that date are strongly urged to participate since the program enhances the quality of care delivered to patients. Candidates must be credentialed, pass a secure examination, and earn a total of 100 points of self-evaluation in medical knowledge and practice performance. A minimum of 20 points must be obtained in self-evaluation of medical knowledge, achieved by completing medical knowledge modules, which the focus of this two-day course. Successfully answering the 25 questions in each of the four ABIM Medical Knowledge Modules and 25 questions from the ASN Nephrology Self-Assessment Program (NephSAP) issue on glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular diseases presented in this course will provide you with 50 points (10 points per ABIM module and 10 points for the ASN NephSAP module) toward your cumulative point total. Sixteen hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits are provided by ASN for this course. However, you must complete the ABIM modules and ASN NephSAP exams online and follow all outlined policies and procedures to claim the ABIM point credits toward MOC.

Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to 1) satisfy the criteria required to obtain CME credit toward MOC for completion of four ABIM Medical Knowledge Modules and one ASN NephSAP issues; 2) apply the approach to review key aspects of general nephrology and internal medicine under the auspices of experts in the field with whom they have had the opportunity to interact; and 3) provide a reasoned approach to diagnosis and therapy for a broad range of nephrology and internal medicine disorders.

This course reviews the 25 questions from the publications listed in the schedule. On day one, the Nephrology faculty will review the two ABIM modules covering key areas of the discipline and one NephSAP issue. On the second day, the ACP Internal Medicine faculty will review the two ABIM modules dedicated to office based and hospital based internal medicine. The combined faculty will answer and discuss all 125 questions and, as time permits, the audience will be encouraged to participate. NOTE: All ABIM modules and the ASN NephSAP issue presented in this course are different from the modules used for the 2010 MOC Review Course.

The cases and questions will be presented and the answer options will be described. Course participants will utilize an audience response system to choose which option they believe to be the correct answer, and these anonymous responses will be shown. The discussant will then identify the correct answer and provide the basis for the selection and explain why the other options were incorrect.

15.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

ASN thanks the Women In Nephrology (WIN) for assistance with this program.

This seminar welcomes both men and women participants. This year the course has been expanded to 1 ½ days and has been restructure into four parallel tracks. The first track is aimed toward the career development of early career nephrologists and PhD scientists with interest in nephrology who aim to develop successful strategies to manage their professional lives, including grant application and finding a mentor. The second track is targeted toward training program directors and the challenges they face in program building, mentoring, and financing a fellowship program. The topics geared toward mid-career nephrologists or scientists have been expanded and this year will focus on moving into administrative roles, leadership skills, financial management and various career challenges for mid-level participants. A fourth track with a focus on private practice and industry will provide lectures on finding the right practice, contract negotiations, and starting your own company.

Upon completion of this seminar, the participants will be able to: 1) to identify key areas of interests in nephrology-related research, available funding opportunities, and basic skills required for a successful career in academic medicine. 2) to define specific characteristics required for effective leadership as well as gain a general understanding of operations and financial management at the core of an academic/medical practice. 3) to understand and develop strategies needed to overcome obstacles/barriers to accomplishing career goals.

11.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

This program's information and educational objectives are unavailable at this time. Please continue to check www.asn-online.org for updates.

7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™