Medical professionals invited to learn about asthma care

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Rochester Region is holding education sessions for primary care physicians and their staffs to learn about caring for patients with asthma. Two sessions, with identical programs, will be held in February and March. The first session will take place on Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m. at the Daisy Flour Mill. The second session will be held on Wednesday, March 31 at 6 p.m. at the Airport Marriott. Dinner will be provided.

The education program is designed to help medical professionals who have patients with asthma develop and implement practical approaches to improve their care. The program will focus on the "Rules of Two" for asthma care and provide medical professionals with tools that are designed to advance asthma screening. The sessions will also focus on how to help asthma sufferers, their families and teachers understand the potential life-threatening risks associated with asthma attacks. There will also be an opportunity to interact with medical colleagues and share ideas.

The February session will be led by national asthma expert Douglas C. Cline, M.D. of Trenton, NJ, and Edgar Black, M.D. regional vice president and chief medical officer for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Local asthma expert Clement L. Ren, M.D. and Dr. Black will lead the March session.

Medical professionals can choose to register for either of the two sessions. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Call (585) 238-4434 to receive a registration form.