SMFM Expert Series

The SMFM Expert Series: Advanced Techniques in Needlework, First Trimester Ultrasound, Critical Care, and Cardio Obstetrics is a specialized 3-day educational program designed for maternal-fetal medicine professionals. These intensive courses cover advanced needlework techniques for procedures such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, detailed first-trimester ultrasound assessments for early anomaly detection, and critical care management for high-risk pregnancies.

Led by expert faculty, the series combines hands-on training, case-based discussions, and the latest evidence-based practices to enhance clinical skills and improve patient outcomes in maternal-fetal medicine.

Needleworks 2.0

Monday, October 13

With clinical training opportunities in advanced ultrasound-guided needle procedures becoming increasingly limited, the Needleworks 2.0 workshop expands on the popular training during the Pregnancy Meeting by providing a hands-on simulation-based experience designed to enhance procedural skills further. This structured curriculum follows evidence-based educational practices, offering training on core and more exposure to challenging obstetric ultrasound-guided needle techniques.

Ideal for MFMs, fellows, and educators, this program equips participants with the skills and training tools needed to refine their expertise and enhance procedural education within their institutions.

Learning Objectives:
•    Discuss available options for simulating ultrasound-guided invasive procedures.
•    Demonstrate and practice the basic psychomotor skills needed for ultrasound-guided invasive procedures
•    Describe how to use simulators specific for different ultrasound-guided invasive procedures

Course Directors
Joshua F. Nitsche, MD, PhD
Brian C. Brost, MD (he/him/his)

View the Agenda

CME Credits
Participants may earn 7 AMA PRA Category 1 ^TM credits upon completion of the course.
The credits from this activity are accepted by the AIUM for the relevant ultrasound specialties practice accreditation.

Next-Level Obstetric Critical Care: An Immersive Simulation-Based Course

Tuesday, October 14

This course focuses on acute maternal conditions such as stroke, sepsis, cardiac arrest, and also provides a chance for hands-on practice for operative management of obstetric hemorrhage and placenta accreta spectrum.  The course emphasizes decision-making and intensive care unit (ICU) management strategies for common and rare events and technical skills unique to the MFM role. Additionally, immersive multistage simulation cases incorporating telemedicine, video consults, and maternal transport management will be included, along with everything designed to engage MFMs in realistic, high-intensity training to enhance their capacity to respond effectively in critical situations.

Ideal for MFMs, fellows, and other clinicians who care for obstetric critical care patients.

Course Director
Shad Deering, MD, COL (ret) USA 
Arthur Vaught, MD

View the Agenda

CME Credits
Participants may earn 7 AMA PRA Category 1 ^TM credits upon completion of the course.

Detailed First Trimester Ultrasound

Tuesday, October 14 - Wednesday, October 15

Join Professors Simon Meagher and Aris Papageorghiou, along with a distinguished faculty of experts, for a dynamic two-day symposium packed with essential insights and the latest advancements in first-trimester ultrasound. This comprehensive course covers fundamental techniques before progressing to cutting-edge developments and the latest research in the field.

The program features live scanning sessions, instructional videos, and a practical approach to routine screening and diagnosis. Eight interactive sessions integrate engaging case studies with key clinical takeaways, with ample time for audience participation, online engagement, and panel discussions.

Designed for sonographers, obstetricians, radiologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and trainees, this course is an essential learning experience for professionals seeking to refine their expertise in first-trimester ultrasound.

Course Directors
Aris T. Papageorghiou, FRCOG, MBBCH, MD
Simon E. Meagher, MD, PhD

View the Agenda

CME Credits
Participants may earn 15 AMA PRA Category 1 ^TM credits upon completion of the course.
The credits from this activity are accepted by the AIUM for the relevant ultrasound specialties practice accreditation.

Cardio-Obstetrics: Application of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists and Case Review

Wednesday, October 15

The Cardio-Obstetrics: Application of POCUS for MFMs and Case Review is designed to train MFM Specialists in the application of Maternal Heart and Lung POCUS on Obstetric patients in all clinical settings, especially Labor and Delivery.  Other inpatient settings where pregnant and peripartum patients have the potential to present include the Emergency Department.  The participant will learn the technique for the Maternal Lung and Heart POCUS exam.  Clinical scenarios in settings applicable to Obstetric care will be reviewed, including Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, and Antepartum.  Case presentations with panel discussions will require critical thinking and simulation of POCUS application. 

Objectives:

1. Describe the clinical application of Point of Care Ultrasound in Labor and Delivery
2. Know the techniques of Maternal Lung and Cardiac POCUS
3. Review clinical scenarios of how to use POCUS on your Labor Floor
4. Recognize the utility of POCUS in high-risk Obstetrics

Practice with high-fidelity simulators and custom-built models on the following obstetric critical care scenarios:

Hands-on skills and small group practice will include:

• Placenta accreta (surgical simulator)
• Intraosseous IV access
• ECMO management
• Point of Care US (POCUS)
• Abdominal packing / Massive Transfusion protocols

High-fidelity, team-based immersive simulations:

• Maternal cardiac arrest
• Trauma - motor vehicle accident
• Sepsis with respiratory failure
• Maternal overdose

Course Directors
Diana S. Wolfe, MD, MPH, FACOG
Afshan B. Hameed, MD, MBA

Faculty
Demilade Adedinsewo,  M.B., Ch.B. | Cardiologist
Rosalyn Adigun,  MD, PharmD | Cardiologist
Avish Arora, MD | MFM Fellow  
Megha Gupta, MD, MSc | Critical Care MFM
Amir Shamshirsaz, MD | Critical Care- MFM 
Alice Sherman-Brown, MD | MFM  
Cynthia Taub, MD, MBA | Cardiologist, President Elect, American Society of ECHO 2026
Ashten Waks, MD, MSPH | MFM 
Kathleen Young, MD | Cardiologist

View the Agenda

CME Credits
Participants may earn 7 AMA PRA Category 1 ^TM credits upon completion of the course.

Hotel Information

Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park
3111 Fairview Park Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042
General Hotel Inquiries: 703-849-9400

Reserve Your Room

Redefine your hotel experience at Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park. Delight in the hotel’s premier location near the Mosaic District, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Tyson's Corner, and the many attractions of Washington, D.C. The Greatroom is part lobby, cocktail lounge, and workspace, creating an ideal place to relax, network, create, and be inspired. 

Hotel amenities include a 24-hour gym with cardio machines, Peloton bikes, free weights, and more. Stop by Tandem Restaurant & Bar for Starbucks coffee in the morning and flavorful American dining and drinks in the evening.

Complimentary Shuttle:
A complimentary hotel shuttle is available from the business park, the Mosaic District, and the Dunn Loring Metro Station, which are connected to DC, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

SMFM Shuttle:
SMFM will offer a complimentary round-trip shuttle to and from the Fall Church Marriott Fairview Park in the morning and evening; exact times will be provided closer to the event.

Hotel Parking
Daily on-site: $13.00 

Housing Deadline

All guests must make hotel reservations by Friday, September 19, 2025, to receive the negotiated rate of $235, which includes breakfast. The rate may increase on this date, and/or the SMFM hotel block will be released. 

Check-in Time: 4:00 PM
Check out time: 12:00 PM

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received at least 72 hours before arrival to avoid a cancellation fee equal to one night's room and tax.

Exhibiting Hours

Course	Time	Location
Monday, October 13 Needleworks ICPH Room 3	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Atrium Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and AM/PM Breaks served in the same area
Tuesday, October 14 Detailed First-Trimester Ultrasound ICPH Room 3	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Atrium Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and AM/PM Breaks served in the same area
Reception	5:00 PM – 6:30 PM	Atrium Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and AM/PM Breaks served in the same area
Wednesday, October 15 Detailed First-Trimester Ultrasound ICPH Room 3 Cardio-Obstetrics  ICPH Room 6	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Atrium Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and AM/PM Breaks served in the same area