Primary Care Update: Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Infectious Diseases
Sep 28, 2024 – Sep 30, 2024
Asheville - Omni Grove Park Inn
This program is offering 15 Hours of CME.
This program includes 2.0 hours of content intended to meet the MATE Act requirements.
Enjoy a vast array of art galleries, local craft breweries, and tons of venues for the performing arts nearby in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city is one of America’s most vibrant destinations. The breathtaking mountain scenery is met with a sophisticated yet bohemian culture and provides an ideal backdrop for inspired vacations. Named “the best place to live” by many books and magazines, Asheville has a much more cosmopolitan population than most cities of its size and a diversity you won’t find in many cities in the South. The area boasts a thriving arts community, diverse outdoor adventures, a fun and inviting downtown, numerous historic attractions and amazing food. Only one hour away is the most visited national park in the USA, the Smokies. Whether you zip line your way through, take in the sights on horseback, or drift along Cove Scenic Loop — a two to four hour trip that gives you a peek into the surrounding wildlife — Asheville has it all.
Tuition Discount
Past Attendees Save $50: Past MCE Conferences attendees (within the previous three years) automatically receive a $50 discount at checkout.
Bring a Friend or Colleague and Save $50: If you are attending with another healthcare professional you are eligible for a $50 discount.
Overview & Agenda
Primary Care Update: Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Infectious Diseases – 15 Credits
This program includes 2.0 hours of content intended to meet the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act requirements for DEA license renewal.
Overview
This conference is designed to provide primary care practitioners with up-to-date, evidence-based information on commonly encountered issues in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Infectious Diseases, while suggesting pragmatic approaches to clinical management. The discussion-based format of the conference will encourage audience participation through dynamic lectures, case-based studies, and hands-on workshops. Keynote speakers will present and critically assess recent advancements and industry updates in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Infectious Diseases, with the goal of enhancing the knowledge-base and core competence of attendees. The successful completion of this interactive program will help you in diagnosing, treating, and prescribing the most effective courses of treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.
Target Audience
All Physicians and other Healthcare Professionals seeking clinical information about issues in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Infectious Diseases.
Speakers
Our presenting national faculty speakers make it their professional goal to enhance the training of primary care clinicians. This Continuing Medical Education program promises to help you learn the most current, best medicine, and techniques for making the diagnosis easier during a 20-minute office visit.
Schedule
*THE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 9/27/24
Saturday, September 28
7:15 AM – 8:15 AM:
Antimicrobial Stewardship – Dr. James Sizemore
Objectives: 1) Review current dilemma with multidrug-resistant organisms, antibiotic shortage, and the history of how we got here 2) Summarize appropriate stewardship principles with specific examples
8:15 AM – 8:20 AM: BREAK
8:20 AM – 9:20 AM:
Adult Vaccines – Dr. James Sizemore
Objectives: 1) Review adult vaccine schedules 2) Summarize practice strategies to increase vaccination rates
9:20 AM – 9:25 AM: BREAK
9:25 AM – 10:25 AM:
Common Diagnostic Dilemmas – Dr. Gerald W. Smetana
Objectives: 1) Recognize symptoms and signs that may be red flags for serious medical conditions 2) Recognize “can’t miss” diagnoses when faced with a challenging patient that may have potentially confusing symptoms 3) Discuss which symptoms and exam findings are most helpful when faced with a patient for whom “can’t miss” diagnoses remain possible 4) Review clinical decision-making rules to refine diagnostic probabilities
10:25 AM – 10:30 AM: BREAK
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:
Primary Care Management of Depression – Dr. Gerald W. Smetana
Objectives: 1) Develop an approach to screening for depression in primary care practice 2) Implement a rational use of antidepressants based on side-effect profiles and effect on weight and sleep 3) Understand optimal use of combination therapy for augmenting antidepressant response
11:30 AM – 11:35 AM: BREAK
11:35 AM – 12:35 PM:
Update on Pathophysiology of Pain and Review of Multidisciplinary Approaches in the Management of Fibromyalgia – Dr. Steven P. Stanos
Objectives: 1) Review mechanisms of pain perception, including peripheral and central changes, and how they serve as targets for pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions for pain management 2) Describe recent genetic, biochemical, and imaging evidence that supports the etiology of fibromyalgia 3) Become familiar with the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, including the updated 2010 version
Sunday, September 29
7:15 AM – 8:15 AM:
Hypertension – Dr. Gerald W. Smetana
Objectives: 1) Appropriately diagnose hypertension and discuss the significance of white coat hypertension 2) Discuss new blood pressure targets for patients with hypertension 3) Identify which antihypertensive drug classes are most effective in reducing cardiovascular events 4) Outline an approach to resistant hypertension
8:15 AM – 8:20 AM: BREAK
8:20 AM – 9:20 AM:
HIV and Hepatitis C in Primary Care – Dr. James Sizemore
Objectives: 1) Review epidemiology of HIV and hepatitis C in the United States 2) Review screening guidelines for HIV and hepatitis C 3) Summarize current treatment strategies for HIV and hepatitis C
9:20 AM – 9:25 AM: BREAK
9:25 AM – 10:25 AM:
Staphylococcus Aureus Infections – Dr. James Sizemore
Objectives: 1) Review strategies for managing S. aureus soft tissue infections 2) Review diagnosis and workup of more complicated S. aureus infections
10:25 AM – 10:30 AM: BREAK
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:
Rational Polypharmacy for Chronic Pain Management – Dr. Steven P. Stanos
Objectives: 1) Apply an updated pathophysiologic understanding to targeting and treating pain 2) Understand mechanisms of action of the various muscle relaxers and anticonvulsants commonly used to treat various chronic pain states 3) Use case examples to better understand titration and adjustment of adjuvant analgesics
11:30 AM – 11:35 AM: BREAK
11:35 AM – 12:35 PM:
Physical Exam for Low Back Pain: A Hands-On Approach – Dr. Steven P. Stanos
Objectives: 1) Discuss how several structures in the lumbar spine may serve as pain generators, including disc, facet joint, myofascial, and ligamentous structures 2) Review basic physical exam techniques used for assessing spine-related pain conditions 3) Differentiate lumbar radiculopathy signs and symptoms from other causes of low back pain, including facet-mediated, soft tissue, and sacroiliac joint pain
Monday, September 30
7:15 AM – 8:15 AM:
Sexually Transmitted Infections – Dr. James Sizemore
Objectives: 1) Review epidemiology trends of the most common STIs 2) Review the most up-to-date CDC treatment guidelines
8:15 AM – 8:20 AM: BREAK
8:20 AM – 9:20 AM:
New Drugs for Primary Care Practice – Dr. Gerald W. Smetana
Objectives: 1) Review recently approved drugs and those in the pipeline that will have the largest impact 2) Review the efficacy, side-effects, and cost of important novel drugs 3) Discuss the role of recently approved medications and their place among existing therapies
9:20 AM – 9:25 AM: BREAK
9:25 AM – 10:25 AM:
Treatment of Migraine and Tension-Type Headache – Dr. Gerald W. Smetana
Objectives: 1) Discuss recent guidelines regarding the proper role of acute treatments for migraine 2) Outline an approach to preventive therapy for patients with disabling migraines 3) Appropriately use CGRP-based treatments for prevention of acute migraine 4) Determine which complementary and alternative treatments are effective for headache disorders
10:25 AM – 10:30 AM: BREAK
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:
Update on Opioid Pharmacology, Risk Management Strategies, and Applying the CDC Guidelines in Primary Care – Dr. Steven P. Stanos
Objectives: 1) Highlight pharmacologic differences between various opioid products used for chronic pain management 2) Describe risk factors that may help to predict problematic opioid use, including addiction and misuse 3) Review the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for chronic pain and how it can be applied to managing patients in pain, including tapering 4) Understand and utilize urine drug monitoring and prescription monitoring programs, as a more comprehensive monitoring of patients that may require opioid analgesics as part of a pain management regimen
11:30 AM – 11:35 AM: BREAK
11:35 AM – 12:35 PM:
Clinical Challenges: Behavioral Health Integration and What Should You Tell Your Patients About Cannabis Use For Chronic Pain? – Dr. Steven P. Stanos
Objectives: 1) Highlight general principles and goals of treatment related to cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness training for chronic pain 2) Understand nonpharmacologic strategies to calm the nervous system and decrease pain, including relaxation training and biofeedback 3) Become familiar with the pharmacology of cannabinoids and cannabis, and the evidence for chronic pain use and other medical conditions 4) Discuss the complexities of cannabis use and potential adverse effects, including dependence and addiction
Please Note: Content is subject to change without notice. Please refer to the activity website for the most current information.
Program Schedule
Date
Location
Description
Time
September 28, 2024
Zoom
Conference - Day 1
Check-In Opens at 7:00 AM
7:15 AM - 12:35 PM
September 29, 2024
Zoom
Conference - Day 2
Check-In Opens at 7:00 AM
7:15 AM - 12:35 PM
September 30, 2024
Zoom
Conference - Day 3
Check-In Opens at 7:00 AM
7:15 AM - 12:35 PM
Accreditation
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education – ACCME
MCE Conferences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
MCE Conferences designates this live activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
ABIM MOC Recognition
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 15 (part II) MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
American Academy of Family Physicians – AAFP
The AAFP has reviewed Primary Care Update: Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Infectious Diseases and deemed it acceptable for up to 15.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from 09/28/2024 to 09/30/2024. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.
The College of Family Physicians of Canada – CFPC
Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada are eligible to receive Mainpro+ Certified, Certified Assessment, or Non-Certified credits for participation in this activity due to reciprocal agreement with the American Academy of Family Physicians.
American Osteopathic Association – AOA
CME activities approved for AAFP credit are recognized by the AOA as equivalent to AOA Category 2 credit.
American Academy of Physician Assistants – AAPA
AAPA accepts Category 1 CME approval from the AAFP.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners – AANP
AAFP Prescribed Credits are accepted by the AANP.
American Nurses Credentialing Center – ANCC
According to the ANCC, the continuing education hours approved by the AAFP meet the ANCC-accredited CNE criteria.
Pharmacology Credits
This course has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 15 CME credits; please verify with your Medical Board which hours may be applied toward Pharmacology credit.
Hotel Accommodations
Lodging Reservations -To make your lodging reservation, please Click Here. If you need assistance, please contact our office at info@mceconferences.com.
Please note: Room categories and bedding are based on availability at the time of request.
Accommodations and Amenities – The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa offers an 18-hole Donald Ross Designed championship golf course, 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa, multiple casual and formal restaurants with a wide array of cuisine, three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts, sports complex featuring racquetball, yoga, aerobics and health and wellness programs, on-property shuttle service, valet and garage parking, WiFi internet service, refrigerator, and HD flat-screen TV.
- ROH Guestroom – $399 Per Room Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees) – Located in the historic Main Inn, Vanderbilt Wing or Sammons Wing, these rooms overlook the resort’s landscaping, Asheville’s skyline, the Donald Ross-designed golf course or Blue Ridge Mountains and feature one king or two double beds. Approximately 300-350 square feet.
- Bedding Options: One King or Two Double Beds
Taxes and Resort Fees
– Room rates are subject to applicable taxes and fees, currently 13% and are subject to change without notice.
– Resort Fee -The Resort Service Charge will be reduced to $25.00 per room, per night (taxable) for all rooms reserved within the MCE Conference room block for the September 2024 program (Currently $35 per room per night). The Resort Fee includes: Toll free and local calling, in room Premium high speed internet access, entrance to our fitness center, in room coffee and tea, guided history tour of the Omni Grove Park Inn and newspaper available upon request.
Additional Lodging Information –
- Check-in and Check-out: Check-in is after 4:00 PM and Check-out is before 11:00 AM
- Additional Guests (Ages 18 and Up): There will be a charge of $40 each for third and fourth persons sharing a room.
- Photo ID is required upon check-in. Individuals 17 years old and younger are considered children.
- Guests of the Spa must be at least 18 years of age, no exceptions.
Parking: There is a charge for both self and valet parking. The current self-parking rate is $25.00 per vehicle, per night, and the current overnight valet rate is $35.00 per vehicle, per night. The parking rates that are in affect during the dates of your meeting may be greater or less and, will be applicable to those that choose to park in the hotel parking facility. For local and offsite guests driving in the first (1) hour is complimentary thereafter; 1 – 3 hours is $10 3 – 6 hours is $20; 6 – 24 hours is $25 for self-parking; Valet parking is available for $ 30.00 per day. Subject to change based on Hotel’s discretion.
Lodging Deposit – Deposit of 1 Night + Tax is due at the time of booking. Balance is due to the resort upon arrival.
Lodging Cancellations – Terms and conditions as per MCE’s room allotment agreement with conference lodging venue:
- Cancellation made 31 days or more prior to arrival: A full refund will be issued.
- Cancellation 30 days or less prior to arrival: No refunds will be issued.
- No-shows and early departures are considered a cancellation: No refunds will be issued.
All lodging cancellations must be made directly with the lodging venue. Please refer to your lodging confirmation for contact information and policies.
Register & Book Your Lodging Early! The MCE reduced room rates will be available to registered attendees up until August 21, 2024 (based on availability). Our allotment for reduced room rates may sell out before this date. We urge you to secure your lodging reservation as early as possible. Reduced rates will also be offered 3 nights pre and post program dates (based on availability).
Room Reservation Guidelines – The lodging reservation link has been created for the MCE Conference continuing medical education program, and only guests that are registered for this CME conference are eligible to use this site in order to access discounted rooms and/or theme park tickets (if applicable).
- Attendees must register within (7) seven days of booking MCE discounted lodging to avoid cancellations or increased nightly rates (depending on Hotel/Resort policy).
- We allow a maximum of 2 room reservations per registered attendee, based on availability and rates at the time of booking.
- Rooms and/or tickets (if applicable) cannot be purchased for the purpose of, or with the intention of being resold.
- All reservations must be made under the registered attendee’s’ name, as all reservations and ticket orders (if applicable) will be audited against the CME program registration list. Should it be necessary, we reserve the right to contact you to request proof of registration. If it is discovered that the reservation and/or ticket order is not for an MCE Conferences participant, the reservations and/or ticket order may be cancelled or modified based on the Hotel/Resort policy, and deposits may not be eligible for a refund.
Please note: In order to provide a quality and interactive CME program, MCE Conferences will limit the amount of registrations per conference.
Additional Travel Information
Airport Information – Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is approximately 20 minutes away from The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Airport Transportation – Taxi and Car Service: MCE Conferences recommends taking a taxi or a ride-share service such as Lyft or Uber to get from the airport to your hotel. Follow signs at the airport for ground transportation and taxi service. For more information or to book a taxi with Asheville Taxi, please Click Here.
Car Rental – To make your discounted car rental reservation, please click on the following links:
(please note: car rental company availability may differ based on airport/ destination)
- AVIS – Click Here and enter G028287 in the “AWD Number” box to receive the Group Discount.
- Budget – Click Here
- Enterprise – Click Here and enter XZB6145 to receive the MCE Conferences Group Discount.
- Hertz – Click Here and check the “Enter a Discount or Promo Code” and “I am a Corporate Customer” boxes. Enter 2086989 in the “Discount/CDP/Club Code” box to receive the Group Discount.
- National – Click Here and enter XZB6145 under Contract ID to receive Group Discount
Special Assistance – MCE’s policy is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special arrangements are necessary for an individual with a disability to attend a conference, please contact our office at 1-888-533-9031.
Please Note: MCE is not associated with the third party services listed herein and shall not be liable for any services of such third party providers.
Other Upcoming Conferences
Internal Medicine Update and Psychiatry for Primary Care
Cardiology and Geriatrics for Primary Care
Family Medicine Update and Women’s Health for Primary Care
Primary Care Update: Internal Medicine and Neurology
What Are You Waiting For?
Register Early! In order to provide a quality and interactive CME program, MCE Conferences will limit the amount of registrations per conference. Some conferences may have a lower registration limit due to the destination logistics and lodging availability.