It’s Wednesday evening and, after a busy day of unpacking supplies, prepping the meeting rooms and generally settling in at the Hyatt Regency, we’re ready to officially kick-off Hospital Medicine 2009!
Early registration is now open on the Gold Level of the East Tower. If you’re already in town, swing by registration this evening and avoid tomorrow morning’s crowds – we’ll be here from 5:00-7:30 PM.
I’m at home today, getting some last minute chores done and starting to sort out what to pack for HM09 next week…got me thinking about a recent article from SHM’s e-Wire about things to do while you’re in Chicago.
I thought I’d repost…looking forward to seeing everyone next week.
Todd
| How to Spend Your Free Time at HM09 |
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In just a few short weeks, the Hyatt Regency in Chicago will become center stage for the sold-out Hospital Medicine 2009. Over 2,000 hospitalists from across the U.S. will be in attendance, making it SHM’s largest meeting ever! Because the meeting is in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, it’s a prime location to explore some of the city’s finest restaurants and attractions. To help attendees choose where to spend their free time, we’ve enlisted the help of area hospitalists to provide a list of their favorites. If you’re looking for some authentic deep dish pizza, Nilam Soni, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago, recommends one of the many Gino’s East or Giordanno’s locations throughout the city. “Be sure to go early or late on weekends to avoid the long lines,” says Soni. Another favorite of Dr. Soni’s is The Signature Room on the 95th Floor of the Hancock Tower. “It’s good food at a moderate price, but most importantly, it offers the best view of the city.” If you’re a fan of Tiramisu, check out Topo Gigio Italian Restaurant. “They have arguably the best Tiramisu in the city,” says Rachel George, MD, MBA, CPE, FHM, Regional Medical Director for Cogent Healthcare. If you want to make a night of it, after dining at Topo Gigio, head down the street to Zanies Comedy Night Club to check out one of their hilarious stand-up comedy shows. For some fine dining, Brian Lucas, MD, MS, FHM, Chief of the Division of Hospital Medicine at Cook County Hospital, recommends the Italian cuisine of Proseco on North Wells Street, or the French fare of Les Nomades on East Ontario Street. Want to walk off all that food? Dr. Lucas recommends taking a beach-front stroll on Oak Street Beach heading North or South. Looking to see some sites? Dr. Soni recommends the Chicago Architectural Tour, where you’ll enjoy a riverfront boat ride while learning about Chicago’s historical architecture. A deep sea adventure more your style? Check out the Shedd Aquarium. “Don’t miss the Wild Reef and Amazon Rising exhibits,” says Soni. On a budget? Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo on North Clark Street, which boasts free admission! “It’s the best place to take the kids,” says Lucas. Looking for some more activities for the kids? Check out the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier. Their interactive exhibits will surely be a hit with kids ages 10 and under. While you’re at the pier, take a ride on the world-famous, 150 foot-high Ferris wheel. “When you’re in Chicago, you have to ride the Ferris wheel, because it offers amazing views of the entire city,” says George. No matter how you choose to spend your free time at HM09, it’s certain to be the biggest and best hospital medicine meeting in history! See you there! |
Given the record attendance expected for HM09 later this month in Chicago, we have added two additional one day tracks that we wanted to let you know about.
These tracks include several new sessions on timely topics and the second presentation of a number of the sessions expected to be highly attended in Chicago – all part of our commitment to maximize your experience in Chicago and provide the premier educational experience that a SHM event is known for.
Here is an overview:
Bonus Track – May 15th
Second Chance Track – May 16th
More information, including room assignments, will be in the HM09 onsite addendum that you’ll receive in Chicago.
Todd
Hi Everyone…
We’ve gotten a couple of questions from HM09 attendees about whether or not the meeting will address the Swine Flu that is currently throughout the news headlines…
The answer is yes…our meetings and education staff are currently working with several current presenters about the possibility of including timely information in their presentations. They are also looking at some additional options to make sure that timely and relevant information is available next month in Chicago.
Details are still being finalized which I’m sure that you can appreciate given the fluid nature of the situation, but as soon as their are confirmed details, we’ll make sure to share them here.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Chicago!
Todd
Greetings from Philadelphia and welcome to our Hospital Medicine 2009 Blog!
It’s hard to believe that our Annual Meeting is less than 4 weeks away. Here in Philadelphia, preparations are moving into the home stretch and staff is busy making the final arrangements to ensure that this year’s meeting is the best ever.
It’s also hard to believe that, because of the record attendance, Hospital Medicine 2009 is SOLD OUT. This is the first time that SHM has had to close out its meeting and represents a momentous occasion for the society, and our specialty as a whole.
Given all the excitement, and the fact that our meetings staff has had to make some adjustments to our event plan in order to accommodate everyone, we’ve decided to launch the HM09 blog earlier than in past years.
Over the next four weeks, we’ll use this blog to share important updates and exciting news about the upcoming meeting. We’ll also introduce some guest bloggers who will be sharing their experiences in Chicago and give them a chance to share their thoughts prior to arriving at the big event.
Thanks for your support of SHM and the Hospital Medicine Movement!
Todd
Registration updates for Tuesday, April 21st.
(Questions: 1-800-843-3360 or meetings@hospitalmedicine.org)
1) Main Meeting Registration is CLOSED, Pre-Course registration is OPEN
Our main meeting registration has met capacity and unfortunately we are unable to take any additional registrations. Given the numbers already registered, a waiting list will not be kept.
Pre-Course registration remains open.
There are a number of quality CME events geared to hospitalists throughout the year, including a conference hosted by UCSF (course director: Bob Wachter, MD, FHM), Northwestern (Mark Williams, MD, FHM) and Emory University (Dan Dressler, MD, FHM). You can find information about all of these events online at SHM’s Events Page (Link).
2) If you have already registered – some tips on maximizing your HM09 experience:
Many meeting rooms will change.
In Chicago, you will be given an addendum to your HM09 Onsite Guide. Please make sure to review it for the latest information on meeting room changes. Directional signage onsite will also guide you to the correct rooms when changes have been made to your sessions. SHM staff will be available onsite to answer any of your questions and to offer guidance.
Arrive to your preferred sessions early.
We expect the breakout sessions to be lively, charismatic and fun. However, since the meeting is sold out, we cannot guarantee you a seat in the breakout session meeting rooms of your choice. Please be sure to arrive to the session early, and have a back-up session in mind, just in case.
Print your materials prior to arriving onsite.
SHM’s Paperless Site is now available for you to view and print all meeting materials prior to May 14. We strongly recommend doing so to avoid long lines at the kiosks when you arrive.
Check the HM09 Blog regularly
If you’re looking for the latest updates regarding this year’s meeting, this blog is your go-to source for all things HM09. As updates become available, SHM staff will share them here, so be sure to check often for the latest announcements.
