Innovation and Integration Strategies in Addiction Medicine

Addiction—its diagnosis, treatment, fields of research and related policy initiatives—has arrived at the edge of new frontier.  The struggle to adequately control and ultimately contain the impact of any disease often evolves over time--from early emergency measures and speculative treatments into carefully researched and well-established patterns of diagnosis, treatment and carefully designed research.  Ultimately, the field matures further and its leaders begin to think strategically about pathways to innovation and opportunities to integrate a once specialized concern into the mainstream of medical practice and patient care.  This year’s Medical-Scientific Conference explores this exciting new frontier—“Innovation and Integration Strategies in Addiction Medicine.”

ASAM invites you to join with medical professionals, clinicians, researchers, leading scientists and policy advocates to explore the newest developments that are defining the field of addiction medicine and shaping future strategies for diagnosis, treatment, patient care and public policy.  Learn about the latest research initiatives from the leaders of federal agencies, institutions and clinical researchers and leading clinicians.  Discover the newest technologies, techniques and practices that are expanding the array of tools available to address addiction and its impact on patients, families, communities and the health care system.  Engage in live discussions with thought leaders about new strategies to integrate addiction medicine into the work of the primary care physician, parent, educator, and  policy maker.

The 45^th Annual Medical-Scientific Conference is the premier conference in the addiction field and your best opportunity to develop a strong professional network that will enhance your work and improve patient outcomes.  ASAM has assembled a broad range of timely topics and powerful presenters to explore, “Innovation and Integration Strategies in Addiction Medicine.”

Join Us in Orlando

ASAM is pleased have Orlando host the 2014 Medical-Scientific Conference, not only a wonderful family destination--“the Theme Park Capital of the World”--but the home to some of the leading academic and clinical institutions that focus on addiction treatment.  Central Florida’s University of Florida School of Medicine offers one of the largest fellowships in Addiction Medicine.  Orlando’s Orange County is also home to about three dozen of SAMHSA’s substance abuse treatment facilities.   Orlando is also home to a growing high-tech industry.

Today’s Orlando boasts a rich cultural life that moves far beyond the antics of Mickey and Goofy,  with museums, galleries and performing arts venues like the Bach Festival Society, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orlando Ballet.  During Med-Sci 2014, Orlando will host the 22^nd Annual Florida Film Festival in various locations throughout the city.  Spend your days exploring what’s new in addiction medicine and spend your evenings enjoying the restaurants, cultural events, entertainment venues and natural beauty of Orange County, Florida.  

ASAM’s headquarters hotel, the Hilton Orlando, a breathtaking resort hotel near SeaWorld® Orlando, Universal Orlando® Resort, and Walt Disney World® Resort is only 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport and conveniently located near dining, shopping, and entertainment venues along International Drive.  After a day of engaging and informative sessions, unwind in the resort’s two pools, water slide, and a lazy river located in the vast recreational area and prepare for an evening of unforgettable entertainment.  The Hilton Orlando is the ideal venue for Med-Sci 2014.  Click here, for more information.

Goals & Objectives

The over-arching goal of ASAM’s 45^th Annual Medical-Scientific Conference is to present the most up-to-date information, research, guidance and policy discussion for professionals in the addiction medicine field. To achieve this goal the following specific objectives have been identified:

• Present the best new scientific research, best practices, treatments, tools and modalities in all areas of addiction medicine.
• Bring science into practice by focusing on the latest developments in research and treatment and translating them into clinically useful knowledge.
• Engage participants in dialog around strategic directions for future innovations.
• Present concise, interactive, case-based and/or creative teaching methods through a mix of symposia, courses, workshops, didactic lectures, and paper and poster presentations based on accepted abstracts.
• Encourage involvement of early-career professionals, military and diverse populations in the field of addiction medicine.
• Explore strategic opportunities for integration of addiction medicine, it's diagnosis, treatment and patient care, into the everyday functions of family, community, educators, primary care physicians and public policy advocates.
• Provide participants the opportunity to network and interact with experts in their field.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants should be able to:

• Understand the current and new clinical approaches to treatment in various settings.
• Explore the issues to be addressed in treating individuals in diverse and special populations or with special physical, health and mental illnesses.
• Discuss the development of new science and treatments in addiction medicine.

Who Should Attend

• An ASAM member, non-member physician, nurse, psychologist, counselor, student or other health care professional dedicated to increasing access and improving the quality of addiction treatment and care.
• A physician currently practicing in the field of addiction medicine and wanting to learn the latest scientific information available in addiction medicine.
• A practicing physician in primary care or another specialty field seeking to learn more about addiction medicine.
• An early-career physician, investigator, researcher or health care professional with a specialty in addiction medicine.
• A professional from a military background and/or diverse organization or population interested in learning more about addiction medicine.

Program Schedule

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Pre-Conference Courses

This year ASAM presents four exciting pre-conference course options.  This is an unprecedented opportunity to expand your learning with in-depth science-to-practice learning on the burning topics that face medical professionals in the addiction medicine field.  Three full-day courses and one half-day free course are offered.  Check back frequently for updates and full schedule details.

FULL-DAY COURSES

Pain & Addiction Course:  Common Threads XV--Buprenorphine Neurobiology and Clinical Practice--The Agony and the Partial Agonist
8:00 am – 5:30 pm (Additional Fees Apply)

In it's fifteenth consecutive year, the Pain & Addiction Course: Common Thread XV, explores the challenging and constantly evolving arena of treating pain and addiction within the same patient population.  This year's Course will focus of the many aspects of prescribing buprenorphine in the hospital and clinic as well as special populations, regulatory and legal concerns and the pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain and addiction.

(New Course) The ASAM Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine for Primary Care Physicians:  A Live Course
8:00 am - 5:30 pm (Additional Fees Apply)
For the professional who is new to addiction medicine or who has recently entered the field, ASAM has assembled a rigorous course that explores the essential knowledge and best practices in the diagnosis, treatment and patient care for those who struggle with addiction.  The target audience of the course is primary care physicians and those interested in a refreshing knowledge on the basics of addiction medicine.(This course is dedicated to ASAM's founder, Ruth Fox, MD and replaces the previous preconference course, Ruth Fox Course for Physicians.)

(New Course) The New ASAM Criteria and ASAM Criteria Software – What’s New and How to Use the Criteria
8:00 am - 5:30 pm (Additional Fees Apply)
The ASAM Criteria, also known as the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria, are the result of a collaboration that began in the 1980s to define one national set of criteria for providing outcome-orientated and results-based care in the treatment of addiction. Today the ASAM Criteria have become the most widely used and comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay and transfer/discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions. The ASAM Criteria are required in over 30 states. Learn how to use the ASAM Criteria in daily practice and see how to utilize the new SAMHSA-sponsored standard web application that has been developed to standardize the application of the ASAM Criteria.

Welcome Reception & Exhibit Hall Opening
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Reconnect with friends, meet new colleagues and explore over one hundred exhibits and posters in our largest exhibit hall to date.

Friday, April 11, 2014

ASAM Business Meeting & Breakfast
7:00 am – 8:30 am
Members of ASAM will begin the first full conference day with breakfast and attending to the business of the Society. Be sure to join ASAM’s leadership to learn about the organization’s plans for the future, to set policy and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. 

Opening Scientific Plenary & R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award and Lecture
8:30 am – 10:00 am

Networking Reception & Grab-and-Go Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
This year we have added two new opportunities to network with colleagues and friends throughout a full day of conference sessions. A complimentary buffet lunch and light appetizers and snacks will be served in the Exhibit Hall for an enjoyable day of networking. 

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Policy Plenary Session
8:00 am – 9:30 am
ASAM’s Annual Public Policy Plenary explores federal and state public policies that affect the research, education, prevention and treatment efforts of addiction medicine practitioners. Attendees will gain a more intimate understanding of the practical implications of these policies on their work and on the lives of their colleagues, patients, and students.

2013 ASAM Awards Luncheon
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Price: $75/Per Person
Celebrate the accomplishments of rising stars and distinguished leaders in the field of addiction medicine at the Annual ASAM Awards Luncheon. This plated luncheon is an opportunity to network with colleagues and draw inspiration from outstanding accomplishments.

The ASAM Awards Luncheon is a ticketed event. Tickets for the luncheon are available for $75 per person. Please use the Registration Form to sign up for this event.

Ice Cream Novelties and Networking Reception in the Exhibit Hall
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

The Anonymous People Screening
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Symposium Sunday
8:00 am - 12:15 pm

The conference on Sunday will wrap up with paper sessions, workshops, and symposia.