Are You a Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Physician Interested in CME Credits?

Connect the Dots: What Is That Spot?

Melanoma awareness has increased over the last 10-15 years, and patients are paying attention to their “spots.” But what are all the spots that can develop on the skin? Can you name that spot? During this session, attendees will be shown the most frequent benign lesions and “spots” seen during a routine skin exam. Treatments, procedures, and techniques to remove the “spots” will also be reviewed and discussed.

Bippity Boppity Boo Get Me Ready for My Zoom!

Since the pandemic, many of our patients have spent enormous amounts of time on Zoom calls looking at themselves. This session will review the most common rashes and complaints a dermatologist will see on patients’ faces. But, most importantly, the treatments used to clear their faces will be detailed to have our patients “zoom” ready. Now, let’s not forget the number one thing our patients notice…. wrinkles. We will discuss the treatment of neurotoxins that help keep our patients looking youthful and refreshed. Conditions such as acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, Seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis alba, and lupus will be discussed. The number one cosmetic procedure, injection of neurotoxins, will also be detailed.

The Three S’s of Dermatology: Skin Cancer, Sunshine, and Sunscreen

I live in Florida, the sunshine state, and the majority of Floridians love the sun. But what can the sun cause…skin cancer! The diagnosis and management of actinic keratoses, SCC, BCC, and melanoma will be reviewed, discussing surgical and topical options for patients. A summary of the effects of UV radiation on the skin will be discussed, along with a deeper dive into sunscreen. Is sunscreen safe? The questionable myths about sunscreen use and applications will be answered and outlined.

Tinea or Not?

Test your skills in identifying ringworm on the skin. This is a case-based presentation. Participants will be shown pictures of two rashes, one a tinea and the other a non-tinea rash. I will review the clinical presentation of cutaneous tinea infections and the common rashes mistaken for tinea. Common Tinea infections reviewed; Tinea Corporis, Tinea Manun, Tinea Faciei, Tinea Versicolor, Tinea Unguium, Intertrigo, Tinea Capitis, Tinea Crusis, and Tinea Incognito. Treatment options for tinea will be reviewed and detailed.

What Is That Itch?

The first question we ask a patient with a rash is if it itches. The next question our patient asks is, what is causing that itch? This session will review the common dermatological conditions that commonly cause itch and drive our patients madly insane with that itch. The presentation of rashes includes Lichen Planus, Scabies, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, Atopic Dermatitis, Bullous Pemphigoid, Urticaria, ID reaction, Stasis Dermatitis, Prurigo Nodularis, and Transient Acantholytic Dermatosis.

Dermspeak Jeopardy-Style: Review the Lingo of Lesions and Rashes

This fast-paced game show version of visual diagnosis will help set the stage for a day of reviewing dermatologic conditions. By reviewing lesion morphology and distribution patterns, participants will be able to sharpen their skills and gain confidence in making these important diagnoses. Case presentations will stimulate discussion along with hundreds of interesting dermatologic images to assist in disease recognition. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your ability to quickly and confidently diagnose dermatologic disease and have some fun as you start your day.

Tackling Topical Therapies and Routine Skin Care

“If it is wet, dry it; if it is dry, wet it; and if you don’t know what to do, put a steroid on it.” Dermatologic pharmacology is not so simple. Many topical medications are utilized in primary care to manage conditions ranging from xerosis to contact dermatitis to cutaneous infections. The proper preparation, amount, and duration of therapy should be considered to be used most effectively. This presentation will help the primary care provider make sense of the various commonly prescribed topical medications, including topical corticosteroids, anti-infective agents, emollients, and several new agents that have recently become available. Medication dosing and safety will be addressed, as well as pearls and practical pointers for the most effective use of these products. Learn the what, when, and how of dermatologic pharmacology. This session will conclude with practical tips for taking care of the skin, from cleansing to moisturizing and skin cancer prevention.

Bites, Stings, and Other Itchy Things

Something stings you, you rub against a plant, you take a new medication, you use a new product…you get a rash, and it itches. When an allergen is responsible for triggering the immune system, an allergic skin condition is a result. Allergy-mediated skin manifestations can be superficial, like contact dermatitis or urticaria, or can lead to more systemic reactions, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis or anaphylaxis. Participants in this session will review the common skin findings in several allergic and pruritic conditions and the diagnostic testing and management strategies that will improve the skin’s look and potentially save lives.

An Update on Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

The skin is a great line of defense, but it is not always perfect at keeping out microbial invaders. When microbes invade, infection ensues. The epidemiology and clinical presentations of common skin infections, including tinea (capitis, corporis, pedis, cruris, unguium), HPV, molluscum, cellulitis, and abscesses, will be reviewed in this session. The differential diagnosis and methods for confirming diagnosis based on clinical presentation will be discussed and recommended treatment options for each type of infection will be specified.

Inside Out – Dermatologic Manifestations of Systemic Disease

There are many clues that rashes and lesions can give us to rheumatologic, renal, endocrine, and even malignant conditions. Our job is to recognize the signs that make us dig deeper for the diagnosis. Cases and images will ensure you feel confident that you will not miss these important internal medicine manifestations. This session will confirm the saying, “It’s more than skin deep.”

It’s Not Just a Base Tan

What are the long-term consequences of baby oil, tanning beds, and a lack of SPF? You guessed it…skin cancer! It’s the most common cancer in the US, and statistics show that 1 in 5 will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This session will look at the most common skin cancers, and a few must not miss diagnoses. We’ll review actinic keratosis, BCC/SCC, Melanoma, Extramammary Paget disease, and CTCL.

But, Is It Contagious?

Contagious or not?! Does your patient need to avoid friends, family, or sexual partners? This session will look at common skin conditions patients present with and frequently wonder if they are contagious. Pityriasis Rosea, Condyloma, Zoster, Herpes, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and plant dermatitis will be reviewed.

I’ll Take Spots for 400

This session will look at common and not-so-common skin spots to help aid you in their diagnosis, treatment and refer to dermatology as warranted. This lecture will focus on identifying and treating benign lesions, including hemangiomas, SKs, LPLKs, Molluscum, Warts, Nevi, acrochordons, café o lait, and blue nevi.

Let’s Make a Rash Decision

It’s Friday at five, and your patient is red and itchy. What do you do? When, what, and where do you put that steroid? This session will look at the diagnosis and treatment of several common rashes and skin conditions to help relieve your patient and get you to happy hour on time. This session will include irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, tinea infection, scabies, drug eruptions, and life-threatening rashes. We will also review the basics of steroid use, including what, when, and where to use it.

Feeling Alright: Pain Management of Orthopedic Patients’ Part 1

This is the first of a 2-part lecture focusing on the evaluation of patients suffering from pain related to orthopedic conditions. We will review basic and focused exams as well as what imaging and labs to order and when it is appropriate; highlight common associated diagnoses, discuss a variety of appropriate treatment options ranging from manual therapy to pharmaceutical and interventional therapy and review some cases of what you might see in a clinical setting. The goal of both parts 1 and 2 will be to obtain some level of provider comfort in specialty and non-specialty settings when dealing with patients suffering from orthopedic pain.

Feeling Alright: Pain Management of Orthopedic Patients’ Part 2

This lecture will build on part one of this two-part lecture. We will focus more on pharmacological treatments and highlight the importance of the PDMP, knowledge of morphine equivalency, and safer non-opioid treatment options for patients suffering from both post-operative and chronic pain. We will also discuss the hot topics of buprenorphine, tramadol, and serotonin syndrome and how these can all apply to treating patients with orthopedic pain.

Practice Makes Better: Case Studies in Orthopedics

They say practice makes perfect, but, in this case, we are just working on getting better at clinical evaluation and decision-making for patients with orthopedic problems. Therefore, we will review a selection of cases to help increase the comfort level of orthopedic presentations that are both common and rare. The cases will range from entry-level to difficult and hopefully get your thoughts flowing and your problem-solving going. Ultimately this should help providers evaluate and break down a case to help patients obtain better clinical outcomes.

“Back” to Basics: Managing Back Pain in the Orthopedic Patient

While back pain can sometimes be a nerve-racking chief complaint, we see on the chart; it does not have to be. This lecture will discuss risk factors, causes, examination, and identification of common orthopedic back presentations ranging from mild to emergent. We will also discuss appropriate diagnostic testing and labs as well as a variety of appropriate treatment options. The goal of this lecture is to help give providers a better comfort level so that they can bring more comfort to patients presenting with low back pain.

On the Road Again: Recognition and Management of Common Orthopedic Injuries of the Foot and Ankle

They may not always be the most glorious part of our body, but without them, it would be tough to get around. This lecture will cover common orthopedic injuries of the foot and ankle. We will review the sometimes difficult and confusing foot and ankle anatomy, discuss a variety of injuries that often present to primary or urgent care, and formulate an understanding of basic treatment plans that will hopefully get our patients back “on the road again.”

Mastering Your MSK Exam

Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are in the top reasons for primary care visits. Over half of chronic medical conditions in the United States are related to MSK diagnoses. These conditions are a leading cause of disability, resulting in both individual and societal burden. Achieving confidence with your head-to-toe musculoskeletal exam is the first step in diagnosing and managing MSK issues. This interactive session will provide a solid foundation for optimizing orthopedic care in the primary care setting. Emphasis will be placed on practical options for multimodal pain management in your busy practice setting.

Mastering Your MSK Exam (cont’d)

Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are in the top reasons for primary care visits. Over half of chronic medical conditions in the United States are related to MSK diagnoses. These conditions are a leading cause of disability, resulting in both individual and societal burden. Achieving confidence with your head-to-toe musculoskeletal exam is the first step in diagnosing and managing MSK issues. This interactive session will provide a solid foundation for optimizing orthopedic care in the primary care setting. Emphasis will be placed on practical options for multimodal pain management in your busy practice setting.

Key Strategies for Pharmacologic Migraine Management

Did you know migraine is one of the top 10 causes of disability worldwide? It is often the disability from migraine attacks that compromises quality of life, this condition both a pain problem and a life problem. This presentation will use a case-based approach to illustrate how clinicians can best utilize the current pharmacologic options for acute and preventive migraine treatment. Attendees will gain confidence with the current diagnostic criteria for episodic and chronic migraine understand mechanisms of action for newer migraine-specific CGRP antagonist medications.

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport

RED-S refers to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, and despite the term being developed nearly a decade ago there is significant unawareness of the condition among providers. Previously called the Female Athlete Triad, it is characterized by low energy availability due to a calorie deficit. The condition was developed in 2014 by the International Olympic Committee and can affect both males and females, including elite and recreational athletes. It can lead to irreversible damage, impairing almost every system in the body if left untreated. RED-S often goes unrecognized until drastic injury or mental collapse occurs. This session will review the definition, how to recognize early signs and symptoms, and multimodal treatment strategies to keep athletes of all ages healthy and nourished.

2:15 – 3:45 PM

The Three Common Mistakes in Spine Assessment 

Is it a shoulder issue or neck problem? It is pain related to the lumbar spine or hip? These are common challenging scenarios for the primary care provider. There are many etiologies for neck and back pain, and often symptoms resolve with conservative measures. This session will focus on history and exam findings that allow for accurate diagnosis of neck and low back pain. Teaching approaches include exam demonstration, when to consider diagnostic testing, and comprehensive treatment plans. Discussion will include use of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities. 

Knock Their Socks Off: Foot & Ankle Pathologies You May Be Missing

Most clinicians are likely familiar with the evaluation and treatment of common conditions like planter fasciitis, lateral ankle sprains, and Achilles tendinitis.  But what about more obscure foot and ankle pathologies?  This presentation will review less common musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle such as Morton’s neuroma, Lisfranc injuries, Achilles tendon rupture, and syndesmosis (high ankle) sprains.  Often neglected principles for treating inflammation will also be covered.

All Hands on Deck: Atypical Hand, Wrist, & Finger Injuries

Most clinicians are familiar with the evaluation and treatment of common hand and wrist conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist sprains, and trigger finger.  But what about more obscure pathologies?  This presentation will review less common musculoskeletal conditions of the hand and wrist such as Keinbock’s disease, mallet finger, jersey finger, skier’s thumb, UCL tears, and more.

A Shoulder to Lean On: Simplifying Evaluation of Common Shoulder Problems

Many clinicians are comfortable with evaluation of musculoskeletal conditions of the hand, wrist, foot, or ankle.  But for some reason, evaluation of shoulder pain is often more daunting.  SLAP tears?  Hawkins-Kennedy test? Bankart tears?  O’Brien’s test? This presentation will help you make sense of all the orthopedic acronyms and eponyms so that you can more confidently evaluate a patient with shoulder pain.  Useful special tests will be explained and demonstrated.

Everything You “Kneed” to Know: Making Physical Exam of the Knee More Clear

Evaluation of the knee has changed and evolved over the years.  Do you perform a Lachman’s test or anterior drawer?  Is McMurray’s test still clinically useful?  What is a Thessaly test?  This presentation will discuss these special tests and more, while making sense of a musculoskeletal exam of the knee.  Special attention will be directed towards acute and degenerative meniscus tears, and when referral to orthopedics is prudent.

Not the Standard of Care: ED Case Studies in Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is any act by a clinician during treatment of a patient that deviates from accepted norms of medical practice and causes injury to the patient.  This presentation will review several real-life case study scenarios in orthopedics and emergency medicine.  Compartment syndrome?  Pulmonary embolus?  Oh my!  Avoid future pitfalls and potential malpractice claims by learning valuable lessons from prior mistakes.

Making the Most of a Cardiac-Focused Telehealth Visit

In this session, participants will learn how to get the most out of completing a cardiac-focused telehealth visit. Using a case study approach, you will learn how to complete components of a cardiovascular exam in the virtual environment while leveraging technology.

Hdl, Ldl Cholesterol Oh My!

This session will cover pharmacologic treatments for different components of a lipid panel. Using a case-based approach, we will review treatment options for diverse clinical situations, including patients who are “intolerant/allergic” to specific treatments. Finally, we will discuss various pharmacologic options for treating dyslipidemia.

Urgent Cardiac Situations: What Not to Miss!

This session will address urgent cardiac situations that should not be missed in a primary care setting. The discussion will focus on high-risk low volume events such as acute coronary syndrome, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, aneurysms, and hypertensive emergencies. The focus will be on the subtle and not-so-subtle signs and symptoms that may indicate the potential for decompensation.

I Got Rhythm, or Not- Managing Atrial Fibrillation

During this session, you will learn about treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation. Using a case-based approach, you will learn about pharmacologic strategies for anticoagulation, rate and rhythm control, and when to refer to cardiology for advanced interventions.

Replacing “Failure” With “Function” in Heart Failure Management

During this session, you will learn about the latest evidence-based guidelines for managing heart failure with reduced, mildly reduced, and preserved ejection fractions. In addition, the Pharmacokinetics and dynamics of the newest medications will be covered, as well as best practices for titration of guideline-directed medical therapy.

Chest Pain Evaluation: Red Herring or the Real Deal?

Chest pain is one of the most common chief complaints to the emergency departments, with a definitive diagnosis elusive in most cases. However, who gets to be sent home? Who requires admission? This presentation addresses those questions by reviewing the challenges in delineating cardiac vs. non-cardiac chest pain. A heavy emphasis will be placed on risk stratification methodologies for patients with suspected cardiac chest pain and an evidence-based approach to the initial evaluation. Finally, this presentation will review optimal testing strategies for cardiac and non-cardiac etiologies of chest pain, including current controversies and guidelines.

Chest Pain Evaluation: Red Herring or the Real Deal? ( cont’d)

Chest pain is one of the most common chief complaints to the emergency departments, with a definitive diagnosis elusive in most cases. However, who gets to be sent home? Who requires admission? This presentation addresses those questions by reviewing the challenges in delineating cardiac vs. non-cardiac chest pain. A heavy emphasis will be placed on risk stratification methodologies for patients with suspected cardiac chest pain and an evidence-based approach to the initial evaluation. Finally, this presentation will review optimal testing strategies for cardiac and non-cardiac etiologies of chest pain, including current controversies and guidelines.

Thinking Beyond COVID: Pulmonary Cases From the Wards

This presentation will provide an overview of different types of respiratory cases in hospitals and clinics. Topics will range from common to complex and include an overview of mechanisms, pathophysiology, diagnostic considerations, and up-to-date treatment protocols. Emphasis will be placed on respiratory failure, oxygen supplementation techniques, indications/contraindications for using NIPPV, COPD, and infectious etiologies. Finally, this presentation will provide an overview of acute respiratory distress syndrome, focusing on diagnostic criteria and a review of evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease: Seeking Better Outcomes

With kidney disease on the rise, the patient presenting to the emergency department with different types of kidney injury (acute and chronic) will continue to increase. This case-based presentation will allow participants to confidently assess and classify patients with suspected kidney injury, identify the most common precipitants of acute kidney injury, differentiate between acute and chronic disease, and understand the first-line therapy for the treatment of acute kidney injury. Indications for urgent dialysis will also be reviewed. 

Syncope: What You Don’t Know Can Harm You

This presentation will review the common cause of syncope and the pathophysiologic mechanisms that commonly lead to syncope. With a focus on initial evaluation and management, this presentation will review the guidelines and risk stratification tools available to aid in diagnosis. Finally, this presentation will provide an evidence-based approach to disposition and follow-up.

“Take On Me”: A Cardiology Primer

This session will provide an overview of cardiology basics to refresh and bring to mind important concepts to help distinguish between “normal” and “abnormal” and understand basic anatomy and physiology concepts in cardiology.  

“Beat It”: Understanding Arrhythmias

This session will review the appearance of common arrhythmias and concerning arrhythmias, identify key aspects to look for to distinguish between arrhythmias, and discuss intervention strategies to consider. 

“Under Pressure”: How to Manage Hypertension

This session will define the stages of hypertension, review guideline-directed medical therapy recommendations for hypertension, and discuss monitoring recommendations such as labs to be obtained as medications are titrated. 

“Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”: Cardiac Murmurs Demystified

This session will guide the attendee through identifying murmurs through auscultation, determining murmur severity, and determining when interventions should be considered.

“Billie Jean Is Not My Cardiologist”: How to Manage the Heart Failure Patient

This session will delve into the different types of cardiomyopathies, different stages of heart failure, interventions to consider, and management strategies for the heart failure patient. 

Fast Facts – Updates for Prevention and Screenings

Confused about what you should do and when? This session will bring concise guidelines and top need-to-know points on prevention screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, STIs, mental health, sleep, intimate partner violence, osteoporosis, contraception, and more! Plus – we will cover vital screenings for special populations, including gender non-conforming, trans-identified, and queer folx.

All “V” Things: Vulva, Vestibule, and Vagina

Let’s expose the truth about all things “V”! From learning the nuts and bolts of a consensual pelvic exam to performing quick and efficient assessments, participants can apply guiding principles to real-life case examples. In this session, audience members will leave with a “V” manual for diagnosing and treating abnormal discharge, pelvic pain, dryness, itch, and skin changes.

Hot and Heavy Topics

Are you a true patient advocate? During this presentation, we will tackle tough conversations around medical providers’ implicit and explicit bias – fatphobia, transphobia, ageism, racism, sexism, ability, and slut-shaming. These behaviors perpetuate systemic discrimination and lead to patient barriers in healthcare. Apart from awareness, this session will discuss examples of actions that medical providers can take immediately to mitigate the effects of implicit bias.

SEX – Inclusive Encounters

Let’s end the STIGMA! Creating a safe space for inclusive conversations around healthy sexuality is essential for empowering patients to voice their needs and smash societal sexual shame. During this session, we will discuss the essentials of taking a sexual history, PrEP counseling, what is sex, what are the types of sex people are having, and biopsychosocial influences to the sexual response cycle. And we can’t forget discussions around optimizing sexual function for desire, arousal, and orgasm. 

The Menopause Playbook

Ready to arm your patients with play-by-play strategies to take on menopause? With the number of menopausal women reaching 1.1 billion worldwide by 2025, medical providers must be prepared to have conversations supporting individuals in perimenopause and beyond. This metamorphosis leads to more than just hot flashes. So, let’s talk about the real symptoms that deserve real conversations. In this session, we will also explore hormonal supportive therapy, non-hormonal medications, and alternative modalities for taking a holistic approach to reframing the menopausal transition.

Treasure the Bones: Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention Strategies in Men and Women: Part 1

This session will introduce a comprehensive approach to the identification of women and men at risk for fracture based on bone densitometry and their 10-year fracture risk using the FRAX calculation. There will be a discussion on who should be screened and then interpretation of results of the bone density and FRAX calculation. There will be discussion of the approach to patients based on whether they are at high or very high risk for fracture. In session part 1, there will be a discussion of the initial workup of patients, non-pharmacologic therapy, and initial therapy of the osteoporotic patient at high risk for fracture with pharmacologic therapy. Treatment of patients at high risk due to therapy such as aromatase inhibitors and androgen deprivation therapy will be discussed. Case studies will be presented for managing osteoporotic patients at high risk for fracture.

Treasure the Bones: Osteoporosis and Fracture Prevention Strategies in Men and Women: Part 2

This session will review the approach to patients who are at very high risk for fracture based on their bone density or FRAX calculation. This will include discussion of sequencing of pharmacologic therapy with bone building anabolic agents followed by maintenance with anti-resorptive agents. Current controversies will be discussed including long-term use of bisphosphonates, adverse events including osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and atypical subtrocanteric femur fractures and drug holidays. Concerns about discontinuation of rank ligand inhibitors and the risk for a rapid increase in vertebral fractures will be discussed.  Case studies will be presented for managing osteoporotic patients at very high risk for fracture.

Menopause Magic: Learn Tricks for the Management of Women at Midlife and Beyond

This session will provide the attendee with an overview of the menopause transition into the post-menopause with an emphasis on symptom management.  There will be an update on guidelines for hormone therapy including issues of long-term use and use after the age of 65. The concept of a window of opportunity for treating women early in the post menopause with less cardiovascular risk than older women will be discussed There will be discussion of FDA approved hormonal and non-hormonal therapy and dietary supplement options for the treatment of hot flashes.  There will be a discussion of the identification and treatment of the genito-urinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).  Case studies will be utilized to provide clinical management decision-making.

Capture Current Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines: New Screening and Risk-Based Management

Cervical cancer prevention has changed significantly in recent years with less frequent screening and the addition of HPV testing as a stand-alone test along with the option for the Pap and HPV test together as cotesting.  This session will review the appropriate use of Pap testing, the rationale for HPV testing along with the Pap (co-testing) in women 30 and older and the use of HPV testing as a primary screen (stand-alone test) in women 25 and older by two of the FDA approved HPV tests.  There will be a discussion of the new American Cancer Society Guidelines for screening and a review of the new 2019 ASCCP Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines for management of abnormal screening and subsequent follow-up with case studies.  These guidelines are a shift from results-based to risk-based management relative to the risk of an existing CIN 3 (pre-cancer).  

Alphabet Soup: AUB and PALM COEIN for Systematic Diagnosis and Management of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) presents due to both structural and non-structural reasons and AUB is a symptom and not a diagnosis.  This session will review a systematic approach to the identification and classification of AUB, leading to a diagnosis using the Palm-Coein classification system.  This system allows the clinician to assess structural diagnoses including polyps, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, and malignancy.  Non-structural diagnoses include coagulopathy, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic, and not yet classified. There will be a review of the appropriate workup and the subsequent options for management of AUB, including both medical and surgical interventions.  This will include symptom management and use of newer GnRh antagonists for heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids.  These agents expand the options for management by the NP and PA in practice before referral to gynecology for possible surgical options including myomectomy, endometrial ablation, and hysterectomy.

Chronic Pain Conditions – A Deeper Dive Into the Usual Suspects

Millions of American experience chronic pain, and over 4% of the population reports having high-impact chronic pain. Chronic pain is a common complaint and has considerable comorbidities, sequelae, and costs. This session will review some of the more common chronic pain conditions, including a review of symptoms, signs, and supportive diagnostic information. Some conditions to be covered include chronic low back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and neuropathies. Attendees will enhance their confidence in diagnosis, which, with a patient-specific treatment plan, will improve treatment outcomes.

Pain Pathophysiology Part 1 – Bridging the Mechanism of Action of Non-opioid Medications

Without a single therapeutic option achieving complete efficacy and safety for those experiencing chronic pain, clinicians are presented with a significant diversity of pharmacologic options to consider. Treatment guidelines have consistently put forward strong recommendations to leverage the analgesic properties of non-opioid medications, but how does one decide between a calcium channel modulator, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory? Attendees of this session will explore the basic neuroanatomy and physiology of nociception, focusing on the mechanism of action of non-opioid medications. By connecting the pharmacologic site of action to a patient’s underlying pain condition, a more rational approach will occur in selecting non-opioid medications.

Pain Pathophysiology Part 2 – Bridging the Mechanism of Action of Opioid Medications

With the isolation of a specific opiate from opium in 1805, the foundation of modern opioid pharmaceuticals was set. Globally, opioids remain important medications, with their position secured on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines. Since their initial discovery, a number of opioids have been formulated. The obvious question is, “Are all opioids the same?” This session will review the underlying neuroanatomy and physiology specific to opioids. Building upon the mechanism of action of opioids, specific effects of pharmacogenetics, metabolism-based drug interactions, and opioid receptor binding actions will be uncovered. Individual opioids, especially synthetic opioids, will challenge the concept that all opioids are equivalent.

Aberrant Behaviors and Patient Monitoring 

Despite advances in non-pharmacologic treatments and non-opioid medications for patients with chronic pain, many patients have inadequately managed pain and may be appropriate candidates for opioid therapy. For these patients, careful monitoring is essential and clinical guidelines support using tools such as urine drug monitoring and prescription drug monitoring program data. Like every medical test, these tools have specificities and sensitivities that may yield results that are either consistent or inconsistent with the clinical impressions. This session will examine the various laboratory technologies of drug monitoring, including screening and definitive testing. Connections will be drawn between the laboratory results and unexpected and expected findings from individual opioids, including the impact of pharmacogenetics, drug interactions, and manufacturing impurities. Other monitoring tools, including prescription drug monitoring programs, will be discussed. Finally, attendees will have the opportunity to apply the content to a review of actual case studies of patient aberrant behaviors. Some circumstances are what they seem, and some are not.

Innovations in Interventional Pain Management

Although pharmacologic treatments remain a common component of managing pain, significant advances in interventional pain management have reached a point where patients may successfully reduce medications or may not require them at all. This session will review some of the longstanding approaches, such as epidural steroids and radiofrequency neurotomies, but also increase awareness of understanding of interventional treatment options for joint pain of the knee, hip, and shoulder as well as advances in minimally invasive pain, reliving surgical treatments within the scope of pain management. Attendees will also be introduced to the innovative advances in neuromodulation and targeted intrathecal drug delivery.

It’s More Than Numbers on a Glucometer: Current Priorities of Diabetes Management

In this session, we will address the new paradigm in approaching diabetes, in terms of diagnosis, setting appropriate glycemic targets, and intervention priorities: It’s a shift from a glucose-centric approach to a more personalized, morbidity (CVD) mitigation-centric approach. The talk will also provide tips on diabetes assessment & diagnoses, identification of various types of diabetes (e.g. LADA), overview of DM-related micro- & macrovascular complications, preserving beta-cell function, exploration of adiposity & insulin resistance, and how to evaluate blood glucose readings.

Making a Good Start: Addressing Pre-Diabetes Meaningfully

This session will focus on the most common presentation of diabetes in primary care  —“Pre-diabetes.” Diagnostic biomarkers for this disease will be addressed along with how to work- up, treat, and follow up with these patients. Meaningful ways to delay the progression of this disease and prevent beta-cell failure will be discussed.

Practical Approaches to Using Current, Non-insulin Pharmacotherapy for T2dm

In this session, we will compare and contrast available, non-insulin, diabetes medications, prioritize their use based on underlying cardiovascular status/risk, glycemic status, contraindications, cost etc. Case studies will be used to illustrate appropriate initiation and progression of pharmacotherapy. 

Moving Past Your Comfort Zone: Insulin, DM Technology and More

This session will introduce the use of basal & bolus insulin in the patient with T2DM & T1DM & contrast the pharmacokinetics among the available insulins. Case studies will be used to determine how to initiate and titrate insulin. How to best analyze glycemic data from finger sticks and CGM will be addressed as well as a brief discussion of various modes of insulin delivery systems.

Managing Metabolic Madness: Diabetes, Adiposity and Cardiometabolic Disease

During this session, we will explore the synergy between members of the terrible triad contributing to metabolic mayhem: (T2 diabetes, dysfunctional fat mass and cardiometabolic disease) and address relevant pathophysiology, assessment, and intervention priorities.  Weight loss strategies will be explored with regard to how they improve glycemic control and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.