Critical Care: The Team Approach

Kona, Hawaii
November 16 - 20, 2026

Share Now
This conference offers 20.00 credits

Accommodations

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Schedule

Critical Care: The Team Approach

Kona, Hawaii
November 16 - 20, 2026

Monday, November 16
  • 0700
    Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
  • 0725
    Welcome
    NWS Staff
  • 0730
    Mechanical Ventilation: Does the Mode Matter?
    L.Morrow
  • 0830
    Ventilator Graphics
    L.Morrow
  • 0930
    Break
  • 0945
    Circulatory Shock and Optimal Oxygenation
    E.Kistler
  • 1045
    Acute Fluid Management in the ICU
    E.Kistler
  • 1145
    Lung Ultrasound
    A.Vinayak
  • 1245
    Adjourn
Tuesday, November 17
  • 0700
    Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
  • 0730
    Acute Right Heart Syndromes: The Problem With the Forgotten Ventricle
    A.Vinayak
  • 0830
    Management of PE: When to Lyse
    A.Vinayak
  • 0930
    Break
  • 0945
    The Surviving Sepsis Campaign: Perpetuating Myths Since 2001
    L.Morrow
  • 1045
    You Won't Believe What I Saw in the ICU Today
    L.Morrow
  • 1145
    Beta Blockers in Critical Illness: Decreasing Sympathetic Nervous System Activation
    E.Kistler
  • 1245
    Adjourn
Wednesday, November 18 - Day Open
Thursday, November 19
  • 0700
    Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
  • 0730
    Acute Kidney Injury in the ICU
    E.Kistler
  • 0830
    Emergency Airway Management in the ICU
    E.Kistler
  • 0930
    Break
  • 0945
    Noninvasive Hemodynamic Monitoring
    A.Vinayak
  • 1045
    Update on Sedation and Delirium
    A.Vinayak
  • 1145
    The Dunning-Kruger Effect: Why That Loser You Work With Thinks He Is the Smartest Guy in the Room
    L.Morrow
  • 1245
    Adjourn
Friday, November 20
  • 0700
    Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
  • 0730
    Managing the Obese ICU Patient
    L.Morrow
  • 0830
    Managing Organ Donors in Your ICU
    L.Morrow
  • 0930
    Break
  • 0945
    Endocrine Emergencies
    A.Vinayak
  • 1045
    Improving Outcomes in Septic Shock: New Insights
    E.Kistler
  • 1145
    The Contribution of the GI Tract to Critical Illness
    E.Kistler
  • 1245
    Adjourn

Faculty

Erik B. Kistler, MD, PhD

Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care
Director, Anesthesia Critical Care (ACCM) VA ICU Service
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
University of California San Diego / VA San Diego
Adjunct Professor
Department of Bioengineering
University of California San Diego
San Diego, California

Lee Morrow, MD, MSc, FCP, FCCP, FCCM, ATSF

Professor of Medicine and Professor of Pharmacy
Creighton University
Chief Medical Officer
Live On Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska

Ajeet G. Vinayak, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, Medical Intensive Care Unit
Medstar Georgetown University
Washington, District of Columbia

Location

Kona, Hawaii

On the Big Island, you'll find diverse rainforest ecosystems, tumbling waterfalls, and a warm and compelling culture whose people embody an authentic and heartfelt Aloha Spirit. The Kohala Coast, also referred to as the Gold Coast because of year round sunshine, stretches of beautiful white sand beaches, and spectacular championship golf courses, is located on the west coast of the Big Island, north of the Kona Coast. The Kohala Coast is Hawaii's golf mecca with world-class courses carved out of ancient lava flows, nestled among historical Hawaiian landmarks and fronting some of the most beautiful coastline of the Pacific. Waimea is home to Parker Ranch where fluorescent green pastures give way to lush valleys and a host of vibrant natural greens.

Within short driving distances of your hotel you can play tennis or go horseback riding. Take a hike into spectacular valleys (Waipio Valley and Pololu Valley are a hiker's paradise) and to hidden waterfalls. Explore the Pacific waters with tropical fish and turtles, go deep sea fishing, scuba diving, or boogie boarding. Visit the world's most famous observatories on majestic Mauna Kea (13,796 feet) for incredible scenery and star gazing. Watch for manta rays at night, delight in a helicopter flight over an active volcano, or go on a sunset cruise. Spring for a guided tour and discover places you normally would not find, be allowed to visit or explore on your own. Walk to ancient fish ponds, sacred Hawaiian sites, heiaus, and petroglyphs on the Big Island.

Puukohola Heiau, built by King Kamehameha in Kawaihae next to Spencer Beach Park, is worth a visit to learn and experience Hawaiian history. Flume the historic Kohala Sugar Plantation irrigation ditch by kayak on a unique eco-tour. Last but not least, the Kohala Coast shoreline offers plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and watching Humpback whales. We advise booking a rental car well in advance.

Accommodations

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Voted #6 Resort by Travel + Leisure Readers' 20 Favorite Resorts in Hawaii of 2024. Nestled along the dramatic Kohala Coast and in the piko, or center, of five great mountains, Mauna Lani is a sacred oasis where generations of families and friends have made memories together on soulful lands once cherished by the greatest of Hawaiian royalty. Greet the morning sun as it rises above the mountains’ peaks from the seat of an outrigger canoe. Talk story with friends old and new at the Great Lawn as the sounds of ocean waves and laughter mingle. Dine amongst the company of loved ones at CanoeHouse, where locals have savored the island’s bounty for decades. As you walk this storied coastline, breathe the rejuvenating salt air, and swim in the crystalline waters, you feel the same mana, or spiritual energy, that first captivated legends like King Kamehameha I and Francis H. I’i Brown.

The subtle smell of sea breeze greets you from the verdant Great Lawn, where prime views of the Resort, Adult, and Keiki pools are set amidst a picturesque backdrop painted with sunny skies and seascapes. Dotted with turquoise umbrellas and whispering palms, Mauna Lani’s crescent of sandy shore hugs the expansive Pacific Ocean. Chase the tides as they kiss the shore, dipping your toes in the Pacific as you survey the water’s surface for Honu (sea turtles) and Kohola (humpback whales). Grab your snorkel gear at the Surf Shack and dive into the crystal clear waters of Mauna Lani’s swimmable lagoon, exploring the colorful reefs and tropical fish that lie beneath the surface. Surf your first wave with the help of the Kainalu Pros, or sit back, relax, and savor the priceless joys of island time.

Rejuvenate the body and enrich the mind at the Auberge Spa, where treatments feature the revitalizing benefits of local oils, herbs, honey, and flowers that canvas the Island of Hawai'i. Soak in the refreshing island breeze as you work up a sweat at Mauna Lani’s Wellness Center & Tennis Club. Grab a tennis racket, refine your backhand, and nail your ace, gleaning inspiration and motivation from Mauna Lani’s natural surroundings. Check out the fitness center outfitted with an array of state-of-the-art equipment such as Peloton bikes, rowing machines, HIIT Mills, and more. For golfers, 36-holes of championship golf with picturesque seascapes, undulating lava flows, and saturated sunsets blend seamlessly to curate a golf experience steeped in spirit and soul. While the North and South Courses enjoy storied fairways admired by pros of the past and present, the Wikiwiki – meaning “fast”– Course offers a 9-hole game fit for the whole family. Putt and drive along the North Course as the sweet smells of Kiawe forests are carried by subtle trade winds, or brush the rugged coastline in pursuit of the South Course’s iconic Hole No. 15.

When it's time to dine, Mauna Lani has you covered. Mornings begin with freshly brewed Kona coffee, hearty stacks of ube pancakes, and fresh tropical fruit juices at HaLani. Between rejuvenating ocean dips and long walks along the Fisherman’s Trail, savor Hawaiian staples such as refreshing acai bowls, house-made ceviche, and citrusy Lani Tais at alfresco-style eatery and bar, Ha Bar. Cap off the evening at CanoeHouse, Mauna Lani’s storied oceanfront restaurant amidst the mesmerizing glow of the golden sunset.

At the end of the day, retire to your spacious guestroom offering 1 King or 2 Queen beds, and understated, natural décor, with ample hardwood, natural fabrics, and textures that embody the essence of the soulful Hawaiian escape. All guestrooms feature a private lanai, floor-to-ceiling windows, state-of-the-art technology, flat screen TV, Nespresso coffee/tea makers, bathrobes, luxurious bathroom with dual vanities and a walk-in shower, and much more.

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is located approximately 23 miles north of the Kona International Airport (KOA).

Rooms starting at
USD 499 per night *
  • External Booking Url

    Rooms starting at

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations of room reservations or requests for reduction in length of stay received by hotel inside 30 days of arrival will be charged a penalty of entire reserved stay plus tax. Early departure and no show fees apply. If you check out of the hotel before your scheduled departure date or are a no show, you will be charged a penalty of entire reserved stay plus tax. Travel insurance is recommended. Please review your reservation for accuracy.

DEPOSIT REQUIRED

Credit card for 3 night's stay and tax required at the time of booking to reserve your room.

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

Click here to registerRegister Now

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 is designed to meet requirements for Class A CE credit. Once approved by AANA, this will be indicated.
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, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and all other medical care providers who must maintain state-of-the-art knowledge of the critical care specialty or are impacted by it.

Program Purpose

This continuing education program is designed for healthcare professionals working in critical care settings. The program aims to provide attendees with the latest updates and advancements in critical care, enhancing their clinical skills and knowledge to optimize patient outcomes. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and discussion with faculty/peers, attendees will learn about the latest evidence-based guidelines and best practices for managing critically ill patients.

Objectives

  • Bolster knowledge, competence, and utilization of the most recent evidence-based critical care clinical practice guidelines.
  • Expand competence in the management of patients with complex comorbidities and less common medical conditions, thereby improving patient outcomes and safety.
  • Improve skills/strategies in managing mechanical ventilation for patients with complex respiratory conditions.
  • Increase knowledge and competence in effectively interpreting and applying hemodynamic monitoring data to guide patient care.
  • Enhance ability to analyze complex situations from an ethical and legal perspective, protecting both patients and healthcare providers.
  • Refine and strengthen physician competence in the prevention and management of common complications in critically ill patients.
  • Strengthen and augment ability to apply and interpret diagnostic testing/imaging used in critical care.
  • Augment recognition and coping strategies to mitigate the effects of workplace stressors and burnout and achieve well-being in the clinical setting.

Course Director

Stuart Lowson, BSc, MBBs, MRCP, FRCA, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Co-Director Surgical Trauma ICU, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia

Medical Director

Mark T. Murphy, MD, MSN Education, Cozumel, Mexico, and Medical Director, Northwest Anesthesia Seminars / Northwest Seminars, Pasco, Washington

Tuition

  • MD/DO
    $ 925 Early Registration Fee
    $ 975 Regular Registration Fee
    $ 1000 Late Registration Fee
    $ 260 Daily Rate
  • CRNA/PA
    $ 825 Early Registration Fee
    $ 875 Regular Registration Fee
    $ 900 Late Registration Fee
    $ 230 Daily Rate
  • Resident/RN/Others
    $ 725 Early Registration Fee
    $ 775 Regular Registration Fee
    $ 800 Late Registration Fee
    $ 210 Daily Rate

Course Cancellation Fee

$100 September 17th, 2026 to October 17th, 2026 . No refund after October 17th, 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.

Click here to registerRegister Now

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.

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.

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.

Click here to registerRegister Now