24th Annual Scientific Congress - Seward, Alaska
24th Annual Scientific Congress - Seward, Alaska
June 11 - 14, 2009

For More Information contact:
Marilyn Dodd, AKAFP
35555 Spur Highway #266
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone (907) 258-2255
Fax (530) 326-5612

Message from the Conference Chair

I extend a warm welcome to your and your family to attend the 24th Annual Alaska Academy of Family Physicians Scientific Congress June 11-14, 2009 in beautiful Seward, Alaska. Seward, often referred to as “Alaska’s Playground”, is located approximately 120 road miles from Anchorage along a designated scenic highway.

Our historic coastal town is situated at the head of Resurrection Bay and surrounded by stunning peaks laced with ice fields and glaciers. Seward offers world-class fishing, and sightseeing, as well as vast opportunity for outdoor activities and adventure.

Traveling to Seward is best accomplished by vehicle along the scenic Seward Highway, an approximate 2 hours drive from Anchorage. Another option is arriving by the Alaska Railroad which has a daily arrival and departure. The Seward bus line is happy to assist with your transportation to and from Seward as well. Our lodging options include hotels and lodges, bed and breakfasts, several RV parks and campsites as well.

We will once again engage outstanding speakers that will cover a variety of topics including pediatrics, orthopedics, and current internal medicine areas. If your time is limited, please consider attending a portion of our conference. Single day and weekend registration rates are available.

Given the multitude of activates in our area, I have no doubt there will be something for everyone to enjoy. You and your family can tour the world-renowned “Sea Life Center”, our marine science research and viewing facility. Friday afternoon’s schedule is open for an optional boat trip of Kenai Fjords National Park that includes glacier and wildlife/whale viewing. On a free evening you will have the option of a guided hike up the infamous “Mt. Marathon” or an evening paddle with our local kayak guide service.

Seward offers the best of Alaska. Please come and enjoy updating your medical knowledge in our relaxing and scenic town. You may want to spend a few extra days in Seward to take advantage of all we have to offer. You may enjoy a fishing charter, dog sledding on a glacier, visiting our local museum, or nearby Exit Glacier National Park.

If you are bringing children they will no doubt enjoy our new state-of-the-art playground located downtown on the waterfront

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Seward in June!

Michelle Hensel MD
Conference Chair
Seward, AK

Alaska Academy of Family Physicians
24th Annual Scientific Congress
Seward High School, Seward, Alaska
June 11-14, 2009

Thursday June 11, 2009

8:30-9:45 AM Registration/Exhibits
9:45-10:00AM Welcome and Introductions
10:00-11:00 AM New Tips in Management of Thyroid Abnormalities, Katy Sheridan M.D.
11:00-12:00 PM Stroke Update, Mike Elliott M.D.
12:00-1:00 PM Lunch Welcome to Seward/Jack Hickel M.D. presentation
1:00-2:00 PM Constipation in Children, Willow Monterrosa M. D.
2:00-3:00 PM Managing Patients with Kidney Disease, Jeremy Gitomer M.D
3:00-3:30 PM Break/Exhibits
3:30-4:30 PM Non Operative Treatment of Knee Pain, Doug Vermillion M.D.
4:30-5:30 PM Management of Patients after Bariatric Surgery, Julian Naylor M.D.
6:30-9:00 PM Salmon/Rib/Chicken Bake* Evening Paddle*

Friday June 12, 2009

8:30-9:30 AM Childhood Obesity in Alaska, Jay Butler M.D.
9:30-10:30 AM Oral Health/Dental Emergencies, Michael P. Moriarty DDS.
10:30-11:00 AM Break/Exhibits
11:00-12:00 PM Practice Management, James Dearing M.D.
1:00-9:00 PM Glacier and Whale Watching Cruise*

Saturday June 13, 2009

7:00-8:30 AM AKAFP Fun Run*
8:30-9:30 AM Laughter in Medicine, Carrie Horwitch M.D.
9:30-10:30 AM AAFP Update & Future of Family Medicine, James Dearing M.D.
10:30-11:00 AM Break/Exhibits
11:00-12:00 PM Fitness, Health, and Survival - Was Darwin Right?, John Clark M.D.
12:00-1:15 PM Lunch/Alaska Academy of Family Physicians Members Meeting
1:15-2:15 PM Pediatric Respiratory Illness, Willow Monterrosa M.D.
2:15-3:15 PM Rheumatology, Jeff Carlin M.D.
3:15-3:30 PM Break/Exhibits
3:30-4:30 PM STOP (Screening and Treating OAB Patients), M.D.
7:30-9:00 PM President’s Desert Reception and Awards*
Seward Sealife Center

Sunday June 14, 2009

8:30-9:30 AM Travel Medicine, Carrie Horwitch M.D.
9:30-10:30 AM Pathways to Smoking Cessation: Genetics, New and Current
Therapeutic Options, and Practice Guidelines, Carol Havens M.D.
10:30-11:00 AM Break/Exhibits
11:00-12:00 PM Type 2 Diabetes , AAFP Speaker M.D

*This schedule is subject to change.