American Society of Andrology Annual Meeting
April 4 - 7, 2009

President's Invitation | About the Program | General Information | Events & Activities
Online Registration | Exhibitors Listing

President’s Invitation

It is my pleasure and honor to invite you to the 34th annual meeting of the American Society of Andrology (ASA) to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the exciting city of Philadelphia (April 4 – 7, 2009). Besides being home to the 2008 World Series Champions, Philadelphia is a great city to visit, dine in and enjoy. The 2009 ASA Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the XX North American Testes Workshop (April 1 – 4, 2009), for those of you who decide to partake in both meetings.

Our distinguished and worthy co-chairs, Dolores Lamb and Dana Ohl, have constructed a broadly focused and scientifically stimulating meeting aptly entitled “Bench to Bedside: Advances in Andrology.” The prospectus includes a number of renowned keynote speakers who will deliver lectures and host symposia and related didactic sessions. Full details of the program highlights can be accessed at the ASA website www.andrologysociety.org.

Dr. Arthur Burnett will once again host a stellar ASA Special Symposium on Saturday afternoon entitled “Issues in Urologic and Hormonal Health.” This session will focus on major clinical and surgical themes in andrology. Due to its
overwhelming popularity over the past number of years the Andrology Lab Workshop, chaired by Angela Reese, will be expanded to 1½ days (all day Saturday and Sunday morning, April 4 – 5).

Our local hosts, Joel Marmar and Aniela Bollendorf, take pride in their city and assure us a wonderful time at the welcome reception and annual banquet.

I am looking forward to seeing you in Philadelphia this spring to enjoy our outstanding 2009 ASA annual meeting.

Wayne J.G. Hellstrom, MD, FACS
President, ASA

About the Program

Andrology Lab Workshop 2009 “Sperm Morphology: A Hands-On Workshop”

The Andrology Laboratories Committee will present a unique, laboratory-based training workshop with “hands-on” exploration of virtual smears for sperm morphology assessments at the 2009 American Society of Andrology Meeting. The workshop will teach the two most popular morphology schemes used by fertility specialists today: the WHO 3rd Edition, based on a traditional classification of normal sperm morphology, and Strict Criteria, as described by lab scientists in Tygerberg and in the WHO 4th Edition, where normal is defined according to very stringent criteria. The workshop will also include a consensus study on the second day, to use the current classification methods in order to develop agreement on a standard.

Overview

The workshop will begin with an overview of sperm morphology classification including its history, relationship to fecundity, the rationale for different morphology schemes, and the downward trend of percent normal. Next, experts who use the WHO 3rd classification system and the Strict Criteria (Tygerberg, WHO 4th) morphology classification system will teach these methods. Sperm images from stained semen smears will be projected onto the classroom screen for analysis and the faculty will classify each sperm, while discussing classification rationale for each image. After the presentation, each participant will receive virtual smears with photographed sperm images to perform a morphology assessment. Faculty will be available to help as needed. Participants may keep the virtual smears for future reference and practice.

In the afternoon, data from analyzing the virtual smears will be used to discuss quality control requirements for the laboratory, and to demonstrate how to create and use a QC control chart. You will learn how to improve the quality in your laboratory by reducing variation and by learning to identify and remove special and common causes. Clinical case studies will be discussed as well, to provide a link between what the technologist is seeing on the smears and what the physician is looking for on the reports.

The next morning will begin with some background on a previous consensus trial, and an introduction to the methodology and equipment for the consensus study. Each participant will receive packets of virtual smears to classify using multi-voting equipment. Images will be classified in groups, with breaks to analyze data and discuss any controversial images. The workshop will conclude with a summary and moderated discussion. Ample time for discussion of all topics has been allocated.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the Andrology Lab Workshop, participants should be able to:

• Identify the history of sperm morphology and its clinical significance
• Describe and perform sperm classification assessments using WHO 3rd and Strict (Tygerberg, WHO 4th) Criteria
• Distinguish the differences between the two morphology classification systems
• Use and calculate control charts
• Create measures to identify common and special causes of variation and how to reduce them
• Construct a consensus for a morphology standard

ASA Special Symposium 2009 “Issues in Urologic and Hormonal Health”

Statement of Needs

Concern for male health applies to numerous clinical conditions related to urologic and hormonal function. Common disorders in men relate to androgen deficiency, and these both influence and are influenced by metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, prostate disease, and sexual dysfunction. Management of these disorders may include androgen treatment with effects on multiple target organs. It is important to understand the extent of health problems which occur in men and the implications of various urologic and hormonal treatments for the preservation of male health.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the Special Symposium, participants should be able to:

• Identify the health problems associated with androgen deficiency in men
• Review the beneficial effects and risks associated with testosterone treatment in the men with androgen deficiency
• Describe the role of various treatments for urologic and hormonal conditions, including those related to prostate and
  sexual health, as these relate to overall preservation of male health

34th th Annual ASA Meeting “Bench to Bedside: Advances in Andrology”

Statement of Needs

Advances in our understanding of the molecular controls of male reproductive function have lead to improved understanding of male reproductive defects seen by the clinician. Indeed, there has been an exponential increase in our understanding of the basic mechanisms regulating every aspect of sex determination, differentiation, testicular and genital tract development and function; this knowledge will ultimately improve patient diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the improved knowledge of the controls of erection and ejaculation are increasingly leading to novel therapies of conditions such as ejaculatory failure/dysfunction and erectile dysfunction. Advances in the clinical andrology laboratory procedures used to diagnose and treat the infertile couple have improved outcomes and streamlined practice. The translation of the basic and translational research findings to effect clinical evaluation and treatment requires the effective communication and interaction between basic and clinical andrologists to mutually learn the problems faced by the clinicians and the scientific advances that may impact these clinical challenges.

This program will provide essential information about emerging concepts and technologies that are being used to advance knowledge in male reproductive health disorders. It will offer professionals in andrology, including male health specialists, urologist, gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, biochemists, geneticists, molecular, cell and developmental biologists and laboratory technicians, the opportunity to increase and integrate their knowledge of the technological and methodologic advances occurring in andrology. Finally, it will also help clinicians incorporate these concepts and technologies into everyday clinic practice.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, attendees should be able to:

• Describe the advances altering our understanding of sex determination and differentiated function
• Recognize the important molecular controls now recognized in meiosis during spermatogenesis
• Explain how prostate stem cells are regulated, proliferated and differentiated and how they may play a role in prostate cancer
• Describe the current understanding of the genetics of male infertility and the role of genetic testing
• Explain the new technological advances in Andrology with regard to androgen action and clinical Andrology diagnosis
  and treatment
• Review how the erection and ejaculation occurs, and identify the key defects that contribute to ejaculatory defects
• Describe the development and function of the excurrent genital tract in the male
• Assess the past and current issues in the study of male circumcision, the risk of HIV/ST1 infection and how epidemiologic investigations can forge new basic science research avenues

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and American Society of Andrology. The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 26.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Conflict Resolution Statement

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Office of Continuing Medical Education has reviewed this activity’s speaker and planner disclosures and resolved all identified conflicts of interest, if applicable.

Special Assistance

We encourage participation by all individuals. If you have a disability, advance notification of any special needs will help us better serve you. Call (847) 619-4909 if you require special assistance to fully participate in the meeting.

General Information

About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The City of Brotherly Love is home to worldclass museums, artistic venues, a variety of culinary options, tax-free shopping, and historic landmarks, such as the Betsy Ross House, Valley Forge National Historic Park, and of course, the Liberty Bell and Declaration of Independence.

Shopping
Enjoy a wonderful mix of urban shopping districts, some of the nation’s largest retail centers and tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes. Visit Center City, where you can find one-of-a-kind boutiques and independent shops offering handcrafted, unique and quirky gifts, as well as some nationally known retailers. The biggest names in shopping can be found along Rittenhouse Row, with Urban Outfitters, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Williams-Sonoma and Diesel to name a few. You can also visit the largest urban mall in America at The Gallery at Market East, Jewelers’ Row, the country’s oldest diamond district, and Antique Row, a shopping area full of exquisite treasures and expert advice. For a more eclectic selection, head to University Square, Main Street in Manayunk, or the cobblestone streets of Chestnut Hill. Dozens of charming main streets overflowing with Americana and shopping treasures are a short drive from Center City in towns such as West Chester, Media and New Hope. Also a short ride from Center City is the largest retail complex in the country, The King of Prussia Mall. For great deals, check out the Franklin Mills Mall, the official landmark of the discount shopper, and its 220 brand-name discount stores.

Dining
Philadelphia may be most famous for cheese steak, but it is also one of our country’s finest culinary destinations. Throughout the city, four-star dining rooms coexist with unassuming neighborhood bistros; upscale taprooms, and family-operated bringyour-own-bottle (BYOB) establishments share the sidewalk with highprofile restaurants owned by star restaurateurs. Standout restaurants like Lacroix, Vetri, Le Bec-Fin, Alma de Cuba and the White Dog Café lead the way. Saveur magazine named Philadelphia the nation’s “most underappreciated American food town” so be sure to check out some of these amazing places to dine while you’re in town.

Historic Attractions
Even before William Penn founded the city and built his estate in Bucks County, Native Americans and Swedish colonists recognized the region as an attractive place for trade and settlement. Enjoy the legacy from more than three centuries of political, economic, social, and cultural achievements — all within the Philadelphia area.

It’s just one square mile, but the area between Front to 7th Streets and Spruce to Race Streets covers three different
neighborhoods, all jam packed with restaurants, galleries, shops and attractions. Each puts its own distinctive spin on history. And together, they make up Historic Philadelphia. There, America’s most sacred historic sites (the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall) stand side-by-side among the hustle and bustle of a modern city. Old City brims with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars while Society Hill welcomes visitors to stroll their cobblestone streets and take in the architecture of the centuries-old homes, churches and landmarks that make the neighborhood so picturesque.

Museums and the Arts
There are several different types of museums in the Philadelphia area. On a grand scale, is The Franklin Institute Science
Museum and more intimate is the Polish American Cultural Center Museum. Also there are the more specialized museums like The Philadelphia Insectarium and the Philadelphia Athletics Museum. Philadelphia is a city of firsts, and it holds a first in the art category too: the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is the oldest art museum in the country, founded in 1805 by Charles Willson Peale, a painter himself who also fathered distinguished artists, Rembrandt and Raphaelle Peale.

Zoos and Aquariums
The Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in the United States, celebrating 150 years on March 21, 2009. The 42-acre campus, featuring a variety of habitats, gives you an up close and personal experience with animals from around the world. Train and boat rides, horseback tours and camel safaris bring you right in the middle of the action for an insider’s perspective of the wildlife.

New to the area is the Adventure Aquarium where you can explore nearly 200,000 square feet of sea life and wildlife at a brand new, state-of-the-art riverfront aquarium. Visit a West African River featuring hippopotamuses, crocodiles, porcupines and over 20 species of African birds in a free-flight aviary; surround yourself with sharks in a suspended 40-foot walk-through tunnel; experience the wonders of the deep sea in the Jules Verne Gallery; and you can even have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to “Swim with the Sharks.”

Weather
In April, the temperature in Philadelphia ranges from an average low of 44° F to an average high of 62° F.

Hotel Information
Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
201 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 928-1234
Fax: (215) 521-6600
www.Pennslanding.hyatt.com

Hotel Accommodations
$199.00 single/double/triple/quad, guest room tax is currently 14% (subject to change). All reservations must be made individually through the hotel’s reservation department by calling (215) 928-1234 or (800) 233-1234. Or you may visit the website at www.pennslanding.hyatt.com and input the Group Code: G-ANDR.

Guests will need to provide a form of payment (credit card) to guarantee the reservation at the time of making the reservation. Note that check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and checkout is at 12:00 p.m. Upgrades to river view rooms, business plan and executive king rooms are available for an additional $25.00 per room for each occupancy type per night.

Transportation
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Car Rental
Avis Rent-A-Car is the official rental car company for the ASA 2009 Annual Meeting. You are not required to use them, but we encourage you to take advantage of their special offer. You must return the car at the same renting location, or additional surcharges apply. All rates include unlimited free mileage. Rates do not include any state or local surcharges, tax, optional coverage, or gas refueling charges. Weekend daily rates are available from 12:00 p.m. Thursday through 11:59 p.m. Monday. When making your reservations, dial (800) 331-1600 and mention code “J901055” to receive the discounted rates.

Taxi or Shuttle Service
Taxi: $28.50

Lady Liberty: $11 per person. Proceed to a phone in baggage claim area and dial 27 for pickup for ground transportation. The van makes multiple stops and runs every 20 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to midnight. For more information, call (215) 724-8888.

Events and Activities

Laboratory Science Forum Luncheon
“Leukocytes and Spermatocytes: Seminal Clues to Repro- Reproductive Health”
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Time: 11:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Location: Riverview C, Third Floor
Join us for the 2009 Lab Science Forum Luncheon. The luncheon will include a talk entitled “Leukocytes and Spermatocytes: Seminal Clues to Reproductive Health”, addressing non-sperm components of semen and how they can be used as a diagnostic tool for evaluating male reproductive health, given by Charles H Muller, PhD, HCLD, from the University of Washington School of Medicine. The luncheon will take place during the lunch break of the Andrology Laboratory Workshop (ALW) and is included in the ALW registration fee.
Cost: $35.00 for non-ALW registrations. Please sign up for this event on the registration form.

Welcome Reception
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009
Time: 7:45 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Grand Ballroom, Second Floor
Join us for a welcome reception to connect with friends and colleagues. Admission to the reception is included in your ASA registration fee; however, it is not included if you are only attending the Testis Workshop, Special Symposium and/or Andrology Lab Workshop.
Dress: Business casual or casual attire is appropriate

Women in Andrology Luncheon and Roundtable
“Shaping Our Research Communities: What Women Do Well and How to Do it Better!”
Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Riverview C, Third Floor
Joan M. Lakoski, PhD, is the associate vice chancellor for Academic Career Development, founding and executive director of the Office of Academic Career Development, professor, Clinical and Translational Science Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences, and associate dean for postdoctoral education and professor of pharmacology and chemical biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Her administrative responsibilities encompass oversight and development of comprehensive career development services, including mentoring programs for professional students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, clinical fellows and faculty across the health schools at the University of Pittsburgh. Her talk
will address strategies to achieve our research goals, consider practical approaches to achieve positive outcomes and effective collaborations, and sustain career satisfaction and success as a women scientist.
Cost: $25.00 per person. Please sign up for this event on the registration form.

Trainee Forum and Mixer
Date: Sunday, April 5, 2009
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Washington Room, Third Floor
The ASA Trainee Forum and Mixer provides the opportunity for trainee members to meet other trainees as well as meet with more established members of the Society. This is a relaxed, informal event with appetizers, beer, and wine provided. Senior members of the Society will be present for an informal “forum and discussion group” setting to answer your questions about relevant topics such as grant writing, searching for a post-doc or job, alternative PhD career paths, succeeding in the clinic or lab, etc. All members of the Society are welcome. Please check the appropriate box on the registration form if you will be attending.

Mentoring Luncheon Sponsored by the Diversity and Trainee Affairs Committees
“Using PowerPoint Without PowerPoint Using You”
Date: Monday, April 6, 2009
Location: Riverview B, Third Floor
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
In this session we will explore how slideware such as PowerPoint and Keynote can be used with imagination, creativity and innovation to keep your audience — whether students or colleagues — fully engaged. Bullet-point-laden slides seem to be norm, but is this the most effective way of getting your points across? We will examine ways to improve the design of your slides in order to tell a story that promotes learning and engagement. In addition, we will discuss the virtues and vices of presentation software: When is PowerPoint appropriate for your presentation and when does it promote “Death by PowerPoint”? Be prepared to be an active participant in the discussions with speaker, Barry T. Hinton, PhD, Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
Cost: $5.00 for trainees, $10.00 for non-trainees. Please sign up for this event on the registration form.

Annual Banquet
Date: Monday, April 6, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Independence Seaport Museum (located next to the hotel)
Join ASA for a flashback to the 1950s and AMERICAN BANDSTAND! Enjoy the sounds of Jerry Blavet, one of the original dancers on the show, as he plays the sounds and songs of the 50s. Ladies, come dressed in your taffeta dress or poodle skirt and guys, do not forget your Pat Boone white bucks, leather coat and jeans with your hair slicked back to dance the night away like you were on AMERICAN BANDSTAND!
Cost: $75.00 per person, $35.00 for trainees. Includes dinner and entertainment. Please sign up for this event on the registration form
Dress: Taffeta dress/poodle skirt for the ladies and white bucks, leather coat and jeans for the guys (casual)

Program Updates
Obtain detailed meeting information, view updates and register online at www.andrologysociety.org.

2009 Exhibitors (as of 03/24/09)