2010 Program Co-Chairs Article

The 2009 ASLMS Annual Conference was a tremendous success with 376 scientific abstracts presented, 20 courses, workshops, panels, and luncheons held, and over 90% of the participants achieving their attendance objectives. This success is due in great part to the tireless efforts of the Annual Conference Program Chair, Dr. Brian Zelickson, ASLMS Past-President, Dr. Brian Biesman, the ASLMS Board, as well as the faculty and the numerous industries that support the work of the Society. As the Program Co-Chairs for the 2010 Annual Conference in Phoenix, we would like to thank and congratulate all those who participated in the 2009 Annual Conference. Video of key presentations and all of the ePosters are now available for viewing in the Member Services area of the ASLMS web site.

As we plan ahead, it is clear that our Society is continuing to change. With the diversity of our membership, the challenge is to make the Annual Conference both clinically relevant and scientifically exciting. ASLMS is unique in that it focuses on the scientific and clinical development and implementation of light-based energy and related technologies with a core membership that includes a variety of clinicians, scientists, nursing/allied health professionals, engineers, and industry. Our goal for the 2010 Annual Conference is to create an experience which is highly valued by all of these key groups.

In developing the 2010 Annual Conference, we plan to build upon the diversity of our Society and help to cross-pollinate information and create new ideas. This is a unique strength of ASLMS. In particular, we will closely coordinate the research and clinical aspects of this meeting to foster enhanced cooperation. We will host a new scientific session that features several of the most challenging clinical issues in our field, addressed by leading clinicians alongside leading researchers. We will also devote a combined session to the award-winning abstracts in the clinical and basic science sessions. Other new events include a workshop for students, residents, and fellows interested in developing their grant-writing and collaborative research skills, and an industry-focused panel discussing SBIR grant opportunities.

We are closely reviewing all the comments from the 2009 Annual Conference. We appreciate any additional comments from our members regarding ways to make the 2010 Annual Conference in Phoenix an even better experience for all participants.

Finally, please watch for the Supplement Abstract Issue of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine which will contain copies of abstracts presented at the 2009 Annual Conference. It will be mailed to you shortly.