Session Tracks

Clinical

CoC Changes: What Does Our Future Look Like? – John Sweeny, BS, CHT, Moderator;
Andrew Lleras, MPH, CHT, CBNT, Administrator of Renal Services, ArchCare at Terence Cardinal Cooke Healthcare Center; Danilo Concepcion, CCHT, CHT, CBNT, Operations Manager, St. Joseph Hospital Renal Service; Jennifer Opperman, CCHT, Lead Dialysis Technician, Idaho Kidney Center Blackfoot. This panel of technician/managers discusses Conditions of Coverage changes from their perspective.

Emergency Preparedness – Kelly Mayo, MS, KCER Project Director and Director, Florida ESRD Network. The KCER Coalition includes 125 volunteers from the dialysis community to address the special requirements of dialysis patients in any type of emergency that can occur. Their identification of lessons learned and sharing of continuous quality improvement techniques will assist dialysis units in disaster readiness and response.

Advances in Access – Lynda Ball, BS, BSN, RN, CNN. Learn the latest advances in access for dialysis patients.

Fistula First, Catheters Last: If We Have To Have Catheters, Then Let’s Take Care of Them – Melinda Martin-Lester, RN, BA, CNN, CHC, Renal Ventures. The presentation will give an overview of catheter complications and risks, as well as provide a review on how to reduce complications and maintain patency.

Water for Patient Care Technicians – Richard Benner, CWSIII, Gambro Renal Products. PCTs need to understand the basics of water – which is the basic element in dialysis.

Biomedical

Panel of Pioneers: Perspective and Predictions – Vern Taaffe, CEO, RPC; Jo-Ann Maltais, Ph.D, George Rovegno, CEO, MIQS; Richard Ward, Ph.D. The increasing importance of biomed technicians, equipment disinfection, electronic medical records and “is carbon the only answer” are all topics for discussion with this group of dialysis experts having well over 100 combined years of experience.

Ultrapure Dialysate: Present & Future Impact on Biomeds – J. Maltais, Ph.D.
Copy to come

AAMI Standards: Current Status & Future Direction – Richard Ward, Ph.D.
AAMI Standards govern the biomedical technician’s work and responsibilities. Learn about the current standards and what changes are coming.

Home Dialysis: Impact On Biomeds – Jim Curtis, CHT, VP Clinical Services, Home Dialysis Plus. The growing trend and new products for home dialysis will bring different opportunities and challenges to the biomedical technician. Learn more about this impact.

5 Key Points for Developing Your Leadership Strategy – Bob Gold, Director of Technical Services, American Renal Associates; Mark Gray, VP of Biomedical Services, Renal Advantage; Ted Kasparek, Senior Director Biomed Operations, DaVita; Heather Paradis, CHT, Director of Technical Services, Liberty Dialysis-LLC; Paul Smith, Director Technical Services, Fresenius Medical Care, Vern Taaffe, CEO, RPC. To succeed as a leader, you need to be able to motivate, set goals, present solutions, manage change and maintain a “can-do” attitude. Come learn from key leaders in dialysis ways you can further develop your leadership potential.

Professional Development Track

Professional Development, Tips and Tales – Susie Soares-Phillips; Sheila Doss; Mary Margaret Kipp
Copy to come

Budgeting for Managers – Tony Messana, Executive Director, St. Joseph Hospital. Managers need to effectively prepare and manage their unit/department budget. Learn key tips and ratios to help make this job easier.

Making Technology Work For You: PowerPoint – Marc Woods, Technology Management Solutions. As a manager, you’ll need to be able to make successful presentations. Learn how to make PowerPoint presentations that effectively communicate your message from a certified Microsoft professional.