Ben Carson, MD, director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions is this year's keynote speaker, sponsored by GE Healthcare. Dr. Carson received worldwide attention in 1987 after performing the first surgery separating twins joined at the back of the head. In 1997, under his groundbreaking leadership-he again successfully separated twins joined at the top of the head. Dr. Carson will share the philosophies that have enabled him to overcome obstacles in his personal, professional and spiritual life and discuss how the keys to a life of satisfaction, accomplishment and peace lie in one's ability to discover his or her potential for excellence; the acquisition of knowledge to develop it; and a willingness to help others. It is a message of hope for (and faith in) the human spirit and the remarkable ability of the human brain.

The Dwight E. Harken, MD Memorial Lecturer this year is W. Randolph Chitwood, MD, Senior associate Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences Division Director, East Carolina Heart Institute and Professor, Dept. of Cardiovascular Sciences, East Carolina University. He will discuss the fascinating evolution of robotics being used in surgery and outline the tremendous advancements in the technology as well as the patient outcomes achieved with surgical robots. He will share his unique perspective on what the future holds for this technology and how he envisions the evolution of surgical procedures, as doctors continue to embrace this incredible technology.

When all is said and done, according to Lough, "Administrators, nurses, and operations executives as well as clinical engineers and biomedical equipment managers will come away from this AAMI 2009 Conference and Expo with practical and innovative ideas from the educational sessions and from the 100 plus companies in the exhibit hall."

Philips Healthcare will mark its presence in the exhibit hall showing some of its products.
"The AAMI Conference is one of the largest gatherings of biomeds, clinical engineers and medical technology professionals in the country and Philips Healthcare looks forward to the opportunity to present the market-leading IntelliVue line of patient monitors as well as the line of Philips Respironics sleep and respiratory solutions. We will also be showcasing the new wireless option on the SureSigns VS2 and VS3 Vital Signs monitors. This option allows the monitors to wirelessly transmit vital signs data to an electronic medical record." said Rich Staples, Service Products Manager, Philips Healthcare.