Challenges in Anesthesia

This conference offers 20.00 credits

Accommodations

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Schedule

Kauai, Hawaii
April 13 - 17, 2026

Monday, April 13

0700

Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
0725

Welcome

NWAS Staff
0730

Cardiovascular Pharmacology I: Ischemic Heart Disease

J.Kaplan
0830

Cardiovascular Pharmacology II: Heart Failure

J.Kaplan
0930

Break
0945

Upper Extremity Regional Anesthesia

D.Auyong
1045

Lower Extremity Regional Anesthesia

D.Auyong
1145

Perioperative Anaphylaxis

A.Spencer
1245

Adjourn

Tuesday, April 14

0700

Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
0730

Perioperative Use of Ultrasound: Is This All Hocus “POCUS”?

A.Spencer
0830

How Gastric Ultrasound Can Change Your Anesthetic Plan

A.Spencer
0930

Break
0945

Management of CIEDs, LVADs, or Prior Heart Transplants for Noncardiac Surgery

J.Kaplan
1045

Dangers in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension

J.Kaplan
1145

Pro-Con: Catheters vs. Additives vs. "Long" Acting Local Anesthetics

D.Auyong
1245

Adjourn

Wednesday, April 15 - Day Open

Thursday, April 16

0700

Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
0730

Innovations in Orthopedic Anesthesia

D.Auyong
0830

Nerve Injury

D.Auyong
0930

Break
0945

Modernizing Care Pathways Using Novel Regional Anesthetic Techniques

A.Spencer
1045

PONV: The 6th Vital Sign

A.Spencer
1145

Management of Valvular Heart Disease Patients

J.Kaplan
1245

Adjourn

Friday, April 17

0700

Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
0730

Reducing Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) in Noncardiac Surgery

J.Kaplan
0830

Cardiovascular Complications in the PACU / ICU and Their Management

J.Kaplan
0930

Break
0945

ERAS Made Practical

D.Auyong
1045

Non-Opioid Analgesia

D.Auyong
1145

Emergence Agitation and Delirium: Prevention and Management

A.Spencer
1245

Adjourn

20.00 CME / 20.00 CEC
10.40 Pharmacology? / 9.60 Clinical Management? / 20.00 Patient Safety?

Faculty

David B. Auyong, MD

Staff Anesthesiologist, Department of Anesthesiology
Medical Director, Lindeman Ambulatory Surgery Center
Section Head, Orthopedic Anesthesiology
Chair, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Guiding Team
Division Head of Operations and Personnel Management
Department of Anesthesiology
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Seattle, Washington

Joel A. Kaplan, MD, CPE

Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology
University of California at San Diego and University of Louisville
Dean Emeritus, School of Medicine
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky

Adam Spencer, MD

Section Chief, Pediatric Anesthesia, Alberta Children's Hospital
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine
Pediatric Anesthesiologist and Pain Physician, Alberta Children's Hospital
Anesthesiologist, South Health Campus
Provincial Medical Informatics Lead, Connect Care, CMIO
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Location

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai, Hawaii basks amidst the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, about 20 minutes by air from Honolulu. Formed some six million years ago, the island encompasses roughly 550 square miles and is the oldest and northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands. From the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast to the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon, Kauai embraces the senses like no other destination.

Explore the island via land, sea, or air to experience settings you’ve only dreamed about. Discover 50 miles of heavenly beaches from Poipu Beach to Hanalei Bay. Explore charming and historic small towns like Hanapepe and Koloa where no building is taller than a coconut tree. The sunny South Shore of Kauai is home to historic Old Koloa Town and the resort area of Poipu. This is an area of activity and historic attractions whether you’re playing on a championship golf course or exploring the Koloa Heritage Trail.

Spend the day at Poipu Beach Park. Nearby Spouting Horn features a blowhole that releases a spout of water up to 20 feet or more into the air. See why Kauai is nicknamed “The Garden Isle” at two National Tropical Botanical Gardens: McBryde Garden, featuring 259 acres of gardens and the world’s largest collection of Hawaiian plants, and Allerton Garden, an 80-acre gem with sophisticated garden design, and the giant Moreton Figs made famous in the film “Jurassic Park.” You’ll even find the Kauai Coffee farm tour just a few miles west of Poipu.

Accommodations

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa was recognized in the 2024 World's Best Awards by Travel & Leisure, with over a decade of honors as one of the best resorts in Hawaii.

Lush gardens and dramatic waterfalls set the mood for an experience that is nothing short of spectacular. Explore this stunning AAA Four Diamond Kauai resort and create your own personal retreat from the vast array of exceptional amenities available. Kayak in hidden lagoons, indulge in a reviving treatment at Anara Spa, or simply stroll barefoot along crystal white beaches. Enjoy the quintessential aloha experience with an authentic Lu’au, play a memorable round of championship golf, or head out for a land, sea, or air adventure. Ideally set along the picturesque shores of Keoneloa Bay, this dramatic 50-acre Kauai Hawaii hotel and resort offers total seclusion and easy access to everything the Garden Isle has to offer. The resort’s water playground includes an adult pool, a large activity pool, a meandering river pool with waterfalls and hidden caves, 150-foot waterslide, cabanas, three Jacuzzis, and a saltwater lagoon.

Due to the short shore break and strong current, the resort advises only advanced surfers to venture further than the shoreline. Warning flags are posted along the beach to help guests determine whether conditions are safe for ocean swimming.

The resort is located approximately 15 miles from the Lihue Airport (LIH).

Rooms starting at

USD 549 per night *

Accommodation Rates and Details

External Booking Url

Grand Hyatt Kauai
1571 Poipu Rd
Koloa, Kauai, HI 96756

Group room rates are only available via NWAS/NWWT group reservation link (available approx. 1 year prior to program).

The discounted group rate is available for reservations made through March 10, 2026 or until the group block is full, whichever occurs first. Name changes on, or other transfers of room reservations will not be accepted by hotel after March 10, 2026.

Room rates are per night and are subject to applicable state and local taxes (which are currently 17.962%), mandatory porterage gratuity of $13 + tax per person, round trip, and per room, per day, discounted Resort Fee of $35 plus tax for those who book their room via NWAS/NWWT group reservation methods ONLY (otherwise, it's approximately $55 + tax, per room, per night). Taxes and fees subject to change without notice.

Resort Fee Inclusions:
Self-Parking, Welcome Lei, 2 complimentary reusable water bottles, purified water stations, reusable tote bag, Nespresso® coffee maker with coffee and tea in room, 24-hour Anara Spa fitnesscenter access , Fitness & Yoga classes, Hawaiian Cultural Center Activities, Recreational bicycle use, self-service laundry, kids 5 & under eat free at Ilima Terrace breakfast buffet with paying adult, guided morning walk , Hydroponic Garden tour, twice weekly, Koi fish feeding daily, Parrot Time, 1-hr tennis or pickleball court time daily, Complimentary beach chairs & umbrellas available for use at pool desk, sunscreen at pool desk, nightly entertainment at Seaview Terrace, Poipu Bay Golf Course and Club House shuttle service and $20 off green fees, nightly shuttle service to restaurants in the area, and Early Arrival/Late Departure Lounge (any additional mandatory fees applied to guest rooms will be detailed at the time of booking). Experiences and amenities are subject to availability and may change without notice.

Optional housekeeping gratuities suggested at $5 per room, per day.

Space is limited in our group room block.
Once this block is sold, rooms are on availability only and may be at a higher rate.
A portion of the room rate is used to provide refreshments during the meeting for participants only.
Room rates per night unless otherwise noted.

Early departure, late check-out and no-show fees may apply.
All rooms are non-smoking.
Please review your reservation for accuracy.
Travel insurance is highly recommended.

Group room rates are only available via NWAS/NWWT group reservation link (available approx. 1 year prior to program).

Please verify total reservation costs, including resort fees, taxes, and any other mandatory charges when making your reservation on the hotel's group reservation link.

Rooms starting at
$549 per night

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations of room reservations or reservation charge requests accepted by hotel without penalty prior to 30 days of arrival. Cancellations of room reservations or reservation change requests received by hotel after 11:59pm HST inside 30 days of arrival will forfeit 2 night's stay + tax. Cancellations of room reservations or reservation change requests received by the hotel inside 7 days of arrival will be charged for the full length of original reserved stay +taxes. If you check out of the hotel before your scheduled departure date or are a complete no-show, you will be charged a penalty up for your entire reserved stay + tax. Please review your reservation for accuracy. Travel insurance is recommended.

DEPOSIT REQUIRED

Credit Card for 2 night's deposit plus tax required at time of booking to hold your room.

Accreditation

Northwest Anesthesia Seminars / Northwest Seminars is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Northwest Anesthesia Seminars / Northwest Seminars designates this live activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Anesthesiology: This activity contributes to the CME component of the American Board of Anesthesiology’s redesigned Maintenance of Certification in AnesthesiologyTM (MOCA®) program, known as MOCA 2.0®. Please consult the ABA website, www.theABA.org, for a list of all MOCA 2.0® requirements.

Canadian Physicians: This activity is eligible for Section 1 credits in the Royal College’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program. Participants must log into MAINPORT to claim this activity.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists: This program has been prior approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology for 20 hours Class A CE credits; AANA approval number 1045592; Expiration Date 04/17/2026
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accept CME from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Osteopathic Physicians: This program is eligible for Category 2 credit with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category I Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive a maximum of 20 hours of Category I credit for completing this program.

Registered Nurses: NWAS is an approved provider for the following state nursing boards: AR, DC, FL, GA, KS, KY, NH, SC, WV, and WY (Provider Number 50-7480). This program offers 20 contact hours.

AANA is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP #10862.

†Pharmacology hours subject to change.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for physicians, certified registered nurse anesthetists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other medical care providers who must maintain state-of-the-art knowledge of the anesthesia specialty or are impacted by it.

Program Purpose

This continuing education program is designed for anesthesia providers seeking to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge in the field. The program aims to provide attendees with the latest updates, innovations, and practical techniques to advance their anesthesia practice. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and discussion with faculty/peers, participants will gain valuable insights and skills to help in the provision of safe, effective anesthesia care.

Objectives

Improve knowledge, competence, and utilization of the most recent evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
Bolster competence in the management of patients with complex co-morbidities and less common medical conditions, thereby improving patient outcomes and safety.
Improve skills/strategies in the use of newer equipment/technologies and improve performance within multidisciplinary protocols in order to optimize patient outcomes.
Increase knowledge of newer pharmacologic agents, thereby improving competence in medication management via anticipation of potential polypharmacy interactions.
Improve knowledge and competence in the timely recognition and management of complications during the perioperative period. By enhancing competence, patient outcomes improve by reducing complications.
Enhance recognition and coping strategies to mitigate the effects of workplace stressors and burnout and achieve well-being in the clinical setting.
Improve knowledge and competence in the provision of anesthesia care outside of the operating room.

Medical Director

Mark T. Murphy, MD, Retired Anesthesiologist, St. Petersburg, Florida, Medical Director, Northwest Anesthesia Seminars / Northwest Seminars, Pasco, Washington

Tuition

MD/DO

$ 1000 Early Registration Fee

$ 1050 Regular Registration Fee

$ 1075 Late Registration Fee

$ 275 Daily Rate
CRNA/PA

$ 950 Early Registration Fee

$ 1000 Regular Registration Fee

$ 1025 Late Registration Fee

$ 265 Daily Rate
Resident/RN/Others

$ 850 Early Registration Fee

$ 900 Regular Registration Fee

$ 925 Late Registration Fee

$ 240 Daily Rate

Course Cancellation Fee

$100 February 12th, 2026 to March 14th, 2026 . No refund after March 14th, 2026; however, 50% of tuition paid may be applied toward tuition for another NWAS program within the next 12 months. Cancellation must be made in writing. No tuition credit or refund will be issued for attendees that are no-shows for the program.

Register Early

We recommend that you register early to assure your spot. We reserve the right to close registrations to a course at any time without notice. We may not be able to accommodate onsite registrations.

Lecture notes will be provided via download in PDF format.

You must sign-in/log in every day you attend to receive credit.

While we strive for accuracy at all times with our published information, we cannot be responsible for typographical and other errors.

Please note that children and non-registered guests are not allowed to attend the lectures. The concierge can provide you with childcare information.

Travel at your own risk.

Schedule and Faculty Changes

Factors beyond our control sometimes necessitate changes in the schedule and faculty. If time permits, we will inform all registrants of any changes prior to the program. Changes on site due to local conditions will be announced in class.

Course Cancellation By Provider

We reserve the right to cancel a course for any reason. In such case, a minimum of 30 days notice will be given to those registered and 100% of tuition paid will be refunded. NWAS and NWWT will not be responsible for any non-refundable airfare, hotel, or other liabilities you may incur. We highly recommend purchase of travel insurance. Travel at your own risk.

Frequent Attendee Points (FAP)

We value your patronage and have a simple program to reward you. Our Frequent Attendee Points (FAP) program gives you an added bonus for money spent on our seminars, as well as cruise cabins booked through our in-house travel agency, Northwest Worldwide Travel.

You are automatically enrolled in this program with your paid registration. Click here for more information.

*Effective January 1, 2023, net hotel stays for 2023 and beyond will no longer be included in FAP calculations.