SDSI Shoulder Course

San Diego Shoulder Institute (SDSI) began as an informal physician educational gathering in 1983.  Having a passion to educate and improve patient care, James C. Esch, M.D. brought together a small group of  San Diego, California- based orthopaedic surgeons.  The initial group assembled as peers interested in perfecting arthroscopy skills in a case study format.  The value of the sessions grew quickly in popularity and expressed interest.  Within a few years, Dr. Esch began hosting the meeting as an annual formal CME event and eventually expanded to a four-day course.  Course content also expanded to include arthroplasty, fracture management, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation. The educational format expanded to include lectures, model laboratories, cadaver laboratories, case study presentations, and workshops.   Attendees began to come from International settings, bringing course attendance from 10 to an annual average of 400.