Title

The Clinical Congress is a comprehensive, two-day program that explores the latest advances in clinical gastroenterology and hepatology, including disease mechanisms and novel approaches to diagnostic and treatment challenges. The full spectrum of GI and hepatic disorders will be covered through a mix of lectures and small-group breakout sessions. Smaller and more intimate than larger clinical meetings, the congress provides extensive opportunity for attendees to interact with a top-notch faculty, comprised of the field's top experts, as well as network and engage with colleagues. An exhibit hall will showcase the latest products and services for GI clinicians.

Two optional add-on courses are offered: Sedation Competencies for the Endoscopy Team: A Hands-On Course for Gastroenterologists and Nurses and, exclusively for trainees and young GIs, AGA Practice Skills Workshop: Pathways to Success.

Faculty Disclosure
In accordance with ACCME's Standards for Commercial Support of Continuing Medical Education, all faculty and planning partners must disclose any financial relationship(s) held within the past 12 months. The AGA Institute implements a mechanism to identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to delivering the educational activity to learners.

Add-on Programs

Sedation Competencies for the Endoscopy Team: A Hands-on Course for Gastroenterologists and Nurses
Sunday, Jan. 17, 7 a.m. — 3 p.m.

This one-day course will provide gastroenterologists and nurses with the essential information and training to safely and effectively administer sedation for GI procedures, including a review of the basic principles of sedation and hands-on training. Faculty includes a multi-disciplinary team of gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists and gastrointestinal nurses who specialize in the administration of sedation. Attendees who successfully complete the course and post-course exam will receive a Certificate of Completion. Earn six CME credits. Registration for only the sedation course is available.

Held in collaboration with the Society for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA).

AGA Practice Skills Workshop: Pathways to Success
Sunday, Jan. 17, 7:45 a.m. — 2:15 p.m.
Free registration for trainees.

Register for the Practice Skills Workshop when you select your Congress breakout sessions.

Designed exclusively for trainees and young GIs, this unique workshop will provide attendees with the necessary skills related to building a clinical practice career, particularly in private practice. Topics to be covered include reimbursement strategies, practice options, evaluating and negotiating job opportunities and compliance issues.

Free hotel nights — The first 60 AGA member trainees who register for both the congress and practice skills workshop will receive two free nights (Jan. 15 & 16) at the Venetian^® & Palazzo^® (valued at $422).** Confirmed recipients of the free hotel nights will be notified within one week of their registration by e-mail.

**Hotel nights must be paid up-front. You will be reimbursed after the meeting if you are one of the 60 trainees who are confirmed recipients. More information will be provided after your registration is received.

If you've already registered for the clinical congress and wish to add the sedation course or practice skills workshop to your registration, please e-mail AGA Member Services or call 301-941-2651.

A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees and exhibitors at:

The Venetian^® & Palazzo^®
3355 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Toll-free: 877-283-6423
Fax: 702-414-1100

Room rate: $189 single/double per night plus tax (12%)

Reserve your hotel online or call the number provided above. If you are calling the hotel directly, be sure to mention that you are attending the AGA Clinical Congress to receive the discounted rate. Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card. The hotel will charge one night's room/tax as a deposit and refunding of deposits will be made when reservations are cancelled at least 7 days prior to the arrival date. Rooms must be reserved by Friday, Dec. 18, 2009 to ensure availability and discounted rate.

Written cancellations must be postmarked or faxed to the AGA Institute by Dec. 31, 2009. There will be no refunds after this date. Refunds will be processed within 30 days after the meeting. There is a $50 fee for all cancellations.

AGA Member Trainees - Refund Policy
Clinical Congress Registrants: Cancellation of complimentary registration must be made by Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009. Cancellations made after this date as well as "no shows" will be assessed a $50 cancellation fee, which will be charged to your credit card. A credit card must be provided with registration.

Recipients of free hotel nights: Cancellations must be received by Friday, Dec. 4. Cancellations received after this date, as well as "no shows" will incur a $100 cancellation fee, which will be charged to your credit card. A credit card must be provided with your registration.

Program Information: Contact Anne Means at 301-941-2618.
Registration Information: Contact AGA Member Services at 301-941-2651.

Sponsors
The educational sessions at the AGA Clinical Congress are supported in part by educational grants from UCB, Inc. and AstraZeneca with additional support provided by Abbott; Eisai, Inc.; Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Shire; Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.; Vertex and Centocor.