CONTROVERSIES IN PERIOPERATIVE MEDICINE
LA RIOJA, SPAIN
MAY 17 - 23, 2009

Northern Spain is, above all, abundance with lush green forests, rich farmland and verdant vineyards. This landscape is nothing like the scorched sun-browned plains of the south because the climate here is warm and mild influenced by the southern Atlantic breezes rather than by the oppressive heat of Africa.

The North was the only part of Spain not conquered by the Moors and even resisted the Roman advance to a great extent. Tiny dukedoms held on tight to their regions and many of these spots isolated in their tiny valleys have remained virtually unchanged since the 1600s. As a result, rich traditions have survived in the form of myths, folklore, native dress and perhaps most noticeably in the huge number of festivals and local holidays that take place in the Spring and Fall.

Each morning we start our day with a stimulating didactic and interactive medical program, continuing our theme of controversies in and around the operating room: medical issues, surgical problems, anesthetic complications, acute pain, cardiac complications, and obstetric dillemmas.  Something for every discipline.

And once we jump on our bikes or head out to hike there will be vineyards as far as the eye can see and lightly rolling hills topped by whitewashed villages. Our long lazy afternoons will be filled with cool wine and lots of tapas. La Rioja in Spain promises to be the best Controversies trip ever.