3rd Annual Canning Thoracic Institute Pleural Course

Friday, September 18, 2026, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 240 E. Huron St. (Northwestern University Simulation Lab), Chicago, IL


The pleural course is a half day of lectures discussing the hot topics in management of pleural disease. These topics include pleural infection, malignant pleural effusion, medical and surgical management of these disease processes. This is followed by hands-on experience in the simulation center learning from experts how to perform thoracentesis, chest tube placement, tunneled pleural catheter placement, and medical thoracoscopy.

1. Undiagnosed Exudative Pleural Effusion - Explain the diagnostic approach to an undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion, including interpretation of pleural fluid chemistries, cytology, and microbiologic testing. Identify when to escalate evaluation with advanced procedures such as thoracic ultrasound, image-guided thoracentesis, or medical thoracoscopy to establish a diagnosis. Differentiate key disease processes (malignancy, infection, inflammatory etiologies, systemic disease) based on clinical presentation and pleural fluid characteristics.
2. Parapneumonic Effusion and Empyema - Apply evidence-based risk stratification tools to classify parapneumonic effusions and determine when drainage is required. Select appropriate management strategies for pleural infection, including antibiotic selection, chest tube drainage, intrapleural fibrinolytics, and timing of surgical consultation. Recognize clinical signs of treatment failure and outline next-step interventions to minimize morbidity and shorten hospitalization.
3. Malignant Pleural Effusion (MPE) - Tailor management of malignant pleural effusion by balancing symptom burden, underlying malignancy, patient goals, and preference for outpatient vs. inpatient care. Compare therapeutic options—including repeated thoracentesis, tunneled pleural catheters, pleurodesis, and combined approaches—and select the modality that best aligns with patient needs. Communicate effectively with patients to support shared decision-making and ensure care plans reflect prognosis, quality-of-life priorities, and procedural burden.

Physicians: $150

APPs/Other Clinicians: $75

Non-Northwestern Trainees: $75

Northwestern and Cook County Trainees: Please contact Rita Guzman ([email protected]) for your registration code.

CANCELLATION POLICY: As this is a popular course, please notify Rita as soon as possible if you are unable to attend. The spot would open to those on the course waitlist. Cancellations must be submitted to Rita Guzman ([email protected]) before Friday, September 4, 2026, to receive a refunded registration fee if applicable. Last minute cancellations will be noted for future courses.

The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (5.50 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (5.50 hours)

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Feinberg School of Medicine adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. All individuals in a position to control the content of a Continuing Education activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.