Critical Care: The Team Approach

This conference offers 20.00 credits

Accommodations

The Royal Sonesta San Juan

Schedule

San Juan, Puerto Rico
April 7 - 10, 2026

Tuesday, April 7

0700

Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
0725

Welcome

NWS Staff
0730

Mechanical Ventilation: Key Concepts

C.Sessler
0830

ARDS: Current Concepts

C.Sessler
0930

Break
0945

Initial Management of the Multi-Trauma Patient

R.Sawyer
1045

What to Do if Someone Is Bleeding Really, Really Fast?

R.Sawyer
1145

The Physiologically Difficult Airway

P.Thangudu
1245

Adjourn

Wednesday, April 8

0700

Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
0730

eCPR: Why?

P.Thangudu
0830

Post-Cardiac Arrest Management

P.Thangudu
0930

Break
0945

Patient-Mechanical Ventilator Interactions: Learning From Ventilator Graphics

C.Sessler
1045

Overview of Acid-Base Disturbances

C.Sessler
1145

Sepsis Is a Myth

R.Sawyer
1245

Adjourn

Thursday, April 9

0700

Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
0730

Necrotizing Pancreatitis: When To, and Not To, Operate

R.Sawyer
0830

Necrotizing Fasciitis

R.Sawyer
0930

Break
0945

Management of High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

P.Thangudu
1045

Management of RV Failure in the Emergency Department

P.Thangudu
1145

Don't Worry, Be Happy: Mitigating Burnout in the ICU

C.Sessler
1245

Adjourn

Friday, April 10

0700

Registration - Mandatory Sign In - Continental Breakfast
0730

Sedation and Analgesia in the ICU: Comfort Without Coma

C.Sessler
0830

Liberation From Mechanical Ventilation: Evidence-Based Practice

C.Sessler
0930

Break
0945

Acute Severe Asthma

P.Thangudu
1045

Common Procedures in the ICU: Tracheostomy, PEG, Bedside Debridement

R.Sawyer
1145

Intra-Abdominal Infections in the ICU

R.Sawyer
1245

Adjourn

20.00 CME / 20.00 CEC
4.00 Pharmacology? / 16.00 Clinical Management? / 2.00 Trauma? / 19.00 Patient Safety?

Faculty

Robert G. Sawyer, MD, FACS, FIDSA, FCCM

Professor of Surgery
Western Michigan University
Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Curtis N. Sessler, MD, Master FCCP, FCCM, ATSF

Professor Emeritus of Internal Medicine
Consultant in Faculty Development
Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
Richmond, Virginia

Pavan Thangudu, MD

Intensivist MD
Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Director
Shock Team Director
Ethics Chair
Houston Critical Care
The Woodlands, Texas

Location

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Discover the classic signs of a vacationer’s paradise on one of our many cruises to Puerto Rico: gorgeous landscape with lush green mountains, underground caves, balmy waters, white-sandy beaches, delicious rum drinks and so much more. Spend an afternoon snorkeling during your cruise to Puerto Rico and discover the beautiful marine life of the Caribbean Sea while swimming among the fish, coral communities, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds. Or take an evening sail around Old San Juan for amazing views of the 500-year-old walled city as the sun casts gorgeous light on the turquoise waters.

Old San Juan is one of the first cities to be established in the New World. Explore the historical forts that were built to protect the island during Spanish occupation. Navigate through the tunnels, dungeons, and barrack of San Cristobal, San Felipe del Morro, San Juan de las Cruz, and the city walls. Stroll the blue-toned cobblestone streets and uncover various UNESCO sites, museums, historic churches, restaurants, and much more along the way.

Take a tour of the Bacardi headquarters and learn about the process of rum making from barrel to bottle. Get a glimpse into the history of the world’s most-awarded rum and sample the final product while you’re at it. Visit Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico for the most gorgeous fine art collections on the island, including paintings, sculptures, and carvings as far back as the 17th century.

From roadside stalls serving up delicious local snacks like alcapurrias to the finest restaurants with the freshest seafood on menus, enjoy the fusion of Spanish, Taíno, African, and US influences and flavors of San Juan’s rich culinary traditions. Cruise to San Juan and discover an island with a fascinating history that is one of the most stunning examples of colonial life in the Western world.

Accommodations

The Royal Sonesta San Juan

Nestled on Isla Verde Beach, The Royal Sonesta San Juan is just steps away from the beautiful Atlantic waters and immaculate white sand. Embrace the laid-back vibe of the island as you stroll the beach and listen to the soothing sounds of ocean waves.

Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lagoon-style pool With direct access to the beach, you'll be seconds away from water sports, activities, and a calming atmosphere. From jet skiing to paddle boarding, there is something for every beach-goer to experience. If you need a break from the beach, treat yourself to a soothing and restorative hydrotherapy treatment, skin-nurturing body wraps, massage, or facial at Zen Spa Brisas, or try an energizing workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Start your day off right with a light breakfast in the European-style café, elevate your pool time with upscale poolside dining and swim-up bar, and end the day on a tasty note with expertly prepared steak and seafood from Ruth’s Chris Steak House Puerto Rico.

The Royal Sonesta San Juan is close to San Juan entertainment such as the Carolina Children's Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Teatro Francisco Arriví, and La Placita de Santurce. Take a tour of Old Juan and discover its colonial architecture, dining, shopping, and historic sites. Lace up your hiking boots and explore El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico's most beloved natural gem.

When it's time to rest, make yourself at home in your elegant guest room, with a range of amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible such as 1 king or 2 double beds (based on hotel availability), balcony, flat screen TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, laptop safe, iron/board, walk-in shower, and more.

The Royal Sonesta San Juan is located two miles away from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Self-parking is discounted for NWS attendees to $15 per car, per day. Valet parking is approx. $32 per day per car.

Rooms starting at

USD 394 per night *

Accommodation Rates and Details

External Booking Url

The Royal Sonesta San Juan
5961 Isla Verde Ave
Carolina, PR 00979

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

The discounted group rate is available for reservations made through March 5, 2026 or until the group block is full, whichever occurs first.

Group room rates are subject to applicable state and local tax (currently 9%) in effect at the time of check-in, plus a $5.50 one time, per person Bellman gratuity and a $2 daily per person Housekeeping gratuity. Taxes and gratuities subject to change without notice.

Additional $40 per person, per night fee applies over double occupancy.

Resort Fee* is waived for those who reserve via NWS/NWWT group reservation link only (otherwise it is approx. 22% plus applicable taxes).

Resort Fee* includes:
24/7 access to state-of-the-art fitness center
Basic WiFi for unlimited devices (excludes meeting room)
2 bottles of water upon arrival
In-room coffee/tea offering
Beachfront access including towels & beach chairs/umbrellas
Luggage storage, boarding pass printing capability, PressReader availability (news and magazines)
Bottled Water Re-Fill Station in the Pool Area
Resort fee inclusions subject to change without notice.

Parking: Self-parking for NWS attendees is discounted to $20 per car, per day (normally $27 per car, per day). Valet parking is approximately. $33 per day, per car. Parking fees subject to change without notice.

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

Group room rates only available via NWS/NWWT reservation link (available approximately 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
$394 per night

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations of room reservation accepted by hotel without penalty until 7 days prior to arrival. Cancellations received by hotel inside 7 days of arrival will forfeit their 1 night + tax deposit. Early departures and no-shows will be charged for their entire reserved stay plus tax. Please review your reservation for accuracy. Travel insurance is recommended.

DEPOSIT REQUIRED

Credit card for 1 night + tax deposit required at time of booking to hold your room.

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

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, Retired Anesthesiologist, St. Petersburg, Florida, 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 February 6th, 2026 to March 8th, 2026. No refund after March 8th, 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.

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.

Please Note:

You must sign-in/log in every day you attend to receive credit.
We do not allow retroactive sign in.

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.