Architectural Boat Tour

If you have some free time in the afternoon Sunday, I suggest the Architectural Boat Tour. The narrated boat trip down the Chicago River is an enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes on a summer afternoon.

Visit their website to read all about the tour, how to find them and the cruise schedule.

Dynamic Keynote Speaker!

So I am just realizing I haven't yet commented on everyone's favorite Chicago Trauma Symposium speaker. Denis Calthorpe, FRCSI is back again this year from the UK., our friend from overseas who livens up the crowd first thing in the morning and loves to stir up a debate. Mr. Calthorpe will be presenting a keynote on Sunday discussing Healthcare in the UK. Let's see what he has to say about where we may be heading.

Now more importantly everyone wants to know where they can join Denis for a beer at the "public house"....stay tuned for that answer!

Where to go for STEAK?

Everyone has an opinion on this matter but since I'm the one writing the blog you get to hear mine. My absolute go to favorite for steak is Gibson's Steakhouse. Reservations are suggested but waiting or eating in the bar is an option too. If a great steak with a nice glass of wine is your kind of night, this is the place.

I'm not going to write to much about this...try it for yourself. Everything on the menu is superb.

Exhibitor: Whitehall of Deerfield

Whitehall of Deerfield welcomes you to experience the flair of elegance rarely found in healthcare. Nestled in the heart of historic Deerfield, Illinois, just north of Chicago, Whitehall of Deerfield delivers the comforts of a hotel getaway. All with the first-rate, personalized rehabilitation therapy, short-term and skilled nursing care that gets desired results.

Opened in December 1973, Whitehall of Deerfield pioneered luxury healthcare beyond any Northshore Chicago Nursing Home. With its lavish woodwork crafted by hand, museum-quality paintings, solariums, spacious rooms and suites, concierge service, valet parking, gourmet coffees and a stunning array of world-class amenities—Whitehall of Deerfield provides the ideal setting for restoring individuals' independence quickly and comfortably. For more information, or to arrange a tour, please call 847.945.4600 or visit www.whitehallofdeerfield.com.

Exhibitor: RTI Biologics

RTI Biologics, Inc. is the leading provider of sterile biologic implants, operating with a commitment to advancing science, safety and innovation. RTI prepares human donated tissue and bovine tissue through extensive screening, testing and sterilization processes such as BioCleanse(r), Tutoplast(r), and Cancelle)TM) SP. RTI's allograft and xenograft implants are used in sports medicine, orthopedic, dental, hernia and other specialty surgeries.

Did you know?
RTI has distributed over two-million implants with zero incidence of allograft-associated infection.

For more information, please stop by our booth at the Chicago Trauma Symposium or visit www.rtibiologics.com.

Exhibitor: Athletico

AthletiCo provides a personalized approach to physical therapy, occupationaltherapy, and fitness services. We work with physicians to walk with each patient every step of the way to make sure their body performs at its peak-today, tomorrow,and beyond. At AthletiCo, it's YOU First.

Since 1991, AthletiCo has been the proud provider of rehabilitation, fitness, and performance services to many professional teams, performing arts companies, endurance programs, golf associations, volleyball clubs, high schools, colleges, and events in Chicagoland and Central Illinois. AthletiCo's first Wisconsin location opened in Milwaukee in December 2009.

AthletiCo provides orthopedic rehabilitation including physical and occupational therapy, work rehabilitation, performing arts rehabilitation, women's health therapy, spine control, pediatric physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and athletic training/sports medicine. Expanded services include performance enhancement, fitness center memberships, golf fitness, endurance, nutrition, and massage therapy.

AthletiCo accepts all indemnity, PPO, POS, and WC plans including BC/BS, Humana, Medicare, Aetna (PPO/HMO), PHCS, UHC (PPO.HMO) and many others. As a courtesy to our patients, we verify insurance coverage. For more information on AthletiCo or to find a location near you please visit our exhibit booth during the Chicago Trauma Symposium, www.athletico.com or call 1.877.ATHLETICO.

Great Eats Near the Hancock Observatory

There are nearly 70 restaurants within a ¼ mile of John Hancock Observatory so you have plenty to choose from. Here are some of the Hancock's favorites.

Bistro 110 (110 E. Pearson St) – wood-roasted dishes and Americanized bistro fare.

Cheesecake Factory (John Hancock Center) – is it a menu or a novel? There is nothing you can't get here and the portions are ginormous.

The Cape Cod Room (140 E. Walton-Famous Drake Hotel) – seafood recognized in the Fine Dining Hall of Fame.

Foodlife (835 N. Michigan Ave) – comfort food, healthy food and snacks. Almost everything under one roof.

Gibson's Steakhouse (1028 N. Rush St) – flashy steak house popular with politicians and Gold Coast singles crowd.

Gino’s East (162 E. Superior) – a time-honored purveyor of deep-dish cooking.

Giordano's (730 N. Rush St) – World Famous stuffed pizza.

Grand Lux Café (600 North Michigan Avenue at Ontario) – casual cuisine from Thai and Caribbean, to classic American and European specialties.

Lawry's the Prime Rib (100 E Ontario St) – the name says it all, yum!

Dinner or Drinks with an Amazing View!

Enjoy a cocktail at the Signature Lounge or dinner at the Signature Room both located on the 95th Floor of the Hancock Building.

The 95th Floor of the Hancock Building has a great restaurant and lounge serving lunch, dinner and brunch.

The magnificent city views and premium martinis make The Signature Lounge the perfect place to unwind after a long day of stimulating education.

Located atop the John Hancock Center, The Signature Room at the 95th® offers diners exquisite food, superb service, and a dazzling skyline view. The elegant wood designs and art deco interior create an inviting and intimate atmosphere, while the floor-to-ceiling windows exhibit the stunning Chicago skyline and 360° degree views of the entire city.

Enjoy our Signature Lunch Buffet Monday through Saturday in addition to our à la carte lunch menu. Dinner is served nightly and features the finest seafood, steaks and chops in the city. And on Sunday, our lavish brunch buffet offers over 60 items, including made-to-order omelets, carving station and a seafood raw bar.

Top 10 in 5...Check Them Out!

Here's a list of the top 10 things to do within a 5-minute walk of John Hancock Observatory. Print it off and stick it in your bag.

1. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art for exhibitions of the most thought provoking art created since 1945.

2. Take a Chicago Trolley Tour, a great value way to see the city's most sought after shopping, dining and attractions in around two hours.

3. Grab a slice of culture at the Lookingglass Theatre Company, a new era of theatre in Chicago used for presentations, special events and intimate performances.

4. Head to American Girl Place, where little girls can explore the worlds' of their favorite characters, dine with dolls and celebrate birthdays with friends.

5. Go shopping on Magnificent Mile where you'll find flagship stores for brands like Apple and Burberry, plus, vertical malls that are home to hundreds of stores.

6. Cruise Oak Street Beach, where bikini-clad beauties, businessmen with their trousers rolled up, musclemen, in-line skaters and families hang out.

7. Get your photo taken next to the Chicago Water Tower. Since the Great Fire of 1871, the tower has become a symbol of old Chicago and the city's recovery from it.

8. Sneak away to Hershey's 3,600ft retail store on Magnificent Mile, where you can customize giant chocolate bars with your very own message.

9. Hail a horse-drawn carriage to the lakeside and past the manors of the Gold Coast. Trips depart just outside John Hancock Center.

10. Check out the new TBroadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place opening Fall 2010.

Exhibitor: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is proud to unveil our newest trauma resource, Orthopaedic Knowledge Update: Trauma 4. Available for pre-order, this completely new title distills all the advances from the past five years into one concise, readable volume that will benefit trauma centers and surgeons of all levels in urban and rural settings. Developed by the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and published by AAOS, this book features chapters on advances in imaging and image guided surgery, minimally invasive fracture care, amputations and prosthetics, and disaster and mass casualty preparedness.

Visit the AAOS booth at the exhibit hall to learn more and visit us online at www.aaos.org/store.

Visit the Hancock Observatory

At the Hancock Observatory a stunning, sensational view is simply not enough! You've got to have the wind rushing through your hair, multimedia tours to stimulate the mind and elevators to leave you breathless too. Experience it all

Check out the Navy Pier Fireworks from the best vantage point in the city - ABOVE! Every Wednesday and Saturday night from May 29 - September 4. Wednesday fireworks begin on June 16 and start at 9:30pm. Saturday night fireworks start at 10:15pm. Arrive early and relax in our cafe until it's time to pick your firework viewing spot.

Visit there website to make the most of your John Hancock Observatory visit, click here.

Exhibitor: ATI Physical Therapy

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to making a positive difference in the quality of life of our patients, employees and community through the pursuit of excellence in service and the patient experience. At ATI, patients receive focused attention from their therapist for the duration of their treatment. Care provided at ATI is individualized, research-based and patients enjoy state-of-the-art facilities.

ATI offers a variety of personalized services including: physical therapy, occupational and hand therapy, sports medicine and performance, women’s health, injury screenings and gait analysis. Additionally, patient transportation is available at all locations for those in need.

ATI accepts virtually all major insurance carriers, and our staff will be happy to verify your benefits. Call any one of our 60 convenient locations to schedule an appointment today. Please visit http://www.atipt.com/ for the location nearest you.

Selected as the best PT provider in the country by Advance Magazine.

Exhibitor: Ballert Orthopedics

Ballert Orthopedic is an organization dedicated to rendering services by a professional staff to our patients who face physical limitations. We are committed to providing excellent patient care as well as high-quality products to promote the resumption of function and/or recovery from injury or disability. We take great pride in the professional training, knowledge, and capabilities of our staff. We are dedicated to providing health care of the highest quality.

Be sure to visit Ballert Orthopedic in the exhibit hall to view the latest in custom orthotics and prosthetics.

Exhibitor: Healthcare Information Services

Healthcare Information Services (HIS) is dedicated to helping physicians maximize their reimbursement revenue and enhance their bottom line. Leaders in Revenue Cycle Management and healthcare technology, HIS is an invaluable resource to physicians during a difficult economic time. Our staff of over 215 professionals, including 45 certified coders, have real-world industry experience, providing you with the leadership and expertise necessary to help your practice increase its profitability and operational efficiencies.

HIS was the first physician management company to successfully develop a centralized business office specifically designed to help Orthopaedic Services manage their reimbursement and technology. The Orthopaedic Division of HIS has successfully grown since its inception and is now responsible for the revenue cycle of over 130 Orthopaedic surgeons.

Stop by our booth and please visit our website http://www.healthinfoservice.com/ for more information on how we can help your practice increase its reimbursements and boost profitability.

Exhibitor: Aspen Medical Products

Aspen Medical Products is a leader in the development of innovative spinal bracing for post-trauma stabilization, pre-and-post surgical stabilization, pain management and long-term patient care. Aspen Medical Products offers multiple orthotic options that provide unsurpassed motion restriction, superior comfort and an economic advantage, encouraging better patient compliance.





Be sure to visit Aspen Medical Products in the exhibit hall and also online at http://www.aspenmp.com/ .

Hands-on Workshop: Managing Bone Deficiency in Hip, Femur & Tibia

This workshop will educate you on an innovative grafting product, Plexur M, for the management of bone deficiency in the hip, femur and tibia. You've got to get your hands on this graft to feel for yourself.

Plexur M is a moldable, settable and machinable bone graft implant that fully remodels into new bone. Its exceptional handling and radiopacity is making Plexur M a game changer, giving orthopaedic surgeons the ability to mold the graft to fit irregularly shaped defects and restore the anatomy as well as to place adjunctive hardware without graft fragmentation.

Osteotech is a worldwide leader and innovator in the field of Biologics for regenerative healing with a 25-year heritage of safety and clinical efficacy. Osteotech embraces enhancing quality of life through integrated programs supported by evidence based medicine, patient care education, research and collaborative relationships.

Visit Osteotech in the exhibit hall and online.

Philosophy and Healing: Restoring an Ancient Alliance Keynote

Edward Alam, PhD will be presenting a keynote address "Philosophy and Healing: Restoring an Ancient Alliance" on Thursday, August 5th.

This is a great keynote address to begin the course. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to be reminded and learn more about this ancient alliance.

Dr. Alam is an Associate Professor at Notre Dame University, Louaize, Lebanon. He has been teaching full time in the Faculty of Humanities since 1996.

Exhibitor: OrthoView

While attending the Chicago Trauma Symposium be sure to see what OrthoView has to offer firsthand in the exhibit hall.

OrthoView provides the traumatologist with a complete planning and templating solution using digital images. With OrthoView, an orthopaedic trauma specialist can create a detailed surgical plan, template nails, plates, bend plates on screen, add screws and more.

"In an ongoing study using OrthoView, not a single intramedullary nail was wasted in the OR and we avoided having to postpone two procedures by being able to anticipate (and template) the less common nail sizes that were needed during the case." Samir Mehta MD, Orthopaedic Trauma Specialist, Philadelphia, PA

For more information go to http://www.orthoview.com/.

Exhibitor: Mazor Surgical Technologies

Visit the Mazor Surgical Technologies booth to see this great product for yourself, C-InSight - affordably adding 3D capabilities to your existing C-Arm.

Studies show that intraoperative 3D can detect malpositioning which are not visible in 2D Fluoroscopy. The clinical outcome of intraoperative 3D is significant as it allows immediate verification, thus reducing revisions.

C-InSight® is an add-on to your C-Arm, converting 2D scans to 3D images intraoperatively.
C-InSight® is clinically equivalent to other commercial 3D systems with the advantages of being affordable, utilizing existing equipment and reducing radiation.

Minimal Radiation
C-InSight® provides 3D images at around 5%-10% of radiation exposure levels compared to common CT scans. Being in line with FDA guidelines for radiation reduction, C-InSight® is safer for both OR staff and for the patients, especially patients who are sensitive to radiation such as pediatric and female patients.

Affordable & Cost effective
C-InSight® increases the utilization of existing C-Arms with minimal investment.
It quickly connects to any C-Arm with a video output and converts 2D scans to 3D images in under 2 minutes.
Furthermore, in many cases C-InSight® eliminates the need for post operative CT scans.

Simple and Intuitive Software
C-InSight® is user friendly and intuitive. After a short in-service, any OR technician or staff can easily plug C-InSight® into the C-Arm and follow the simple step by step instructions.

For more information, images and C-inSight® movies, visit: http://www.mazorst.com/C-InSight.asp and see it first hand in the exhibit hall.

Boots of a Fallen Soldier

In honor of July 4th, I'd like to share with you "Boots of a Fallen Soldier" painted by Matthew Jimenez, MD, Course Chairman for the Chicago Trauma Symposium. Take some time today to remember all of our military men and women, past and present. Thank a soldier for maintaining our Independence!

You will see this and other artwork in the travelling Wounded in Action: An Art Exhibit of Orthopaedic Advancement. It will be in Chicago October 21, 2011 through January 2012 at the Chicago Cultural Center. You can also visit the online exhibit at http://www.woundedinactionart.org/.