Pain Management and Rheumatology for Primary Care
Feb 20, 2025 – Feb 22, 2025
Jamaica - Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Come experience the vibrant and captivating city of Montego Bay, Jamaica. From its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters to its rich history and culture, Montego Bay offers a truly unforgettable vacation destination. Immerse yourself in the lively reggae music scene, sample delicious local cuisine, and explore the myriad of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, and waterfall excursions. Discover the warmth and hospitality of the Jamaican people as you relax in a luxurious all-inclusive resort or venture out to explore the bustling markets and charming streets of Montego Bay. With its perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Montego Bay is the ultimate tropical paradise waiting to be explored. Come and experience the magic of Montego Bay for yourself – a journey you will never forget.
Please note all attendees must be registered overnight guests at the hotel in order to access the General Session Meeting Room. If you are not staying onsite you will be able to purchase a group discount all-inclusive day pass for $69.00 per person/per day upon arrival, however please notify us in advance if you plan to purchase a day pass onsite so we may notify the hotel in advance of your arrival. All registered attendees will also have access to the livestream Zoom links.
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
Pain Management and Rheumatology for Primary Care – 12 Credits
Overview
This conference is designed to provide primary care practitioners with up-to-date, evidence-based information on commonly encountered issues in Pain Management and Rheumatology 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 Pain Management and Rheumatology, 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 Pain Management and Rheumatology.
Speakers
Our presenting national faculty speakers make it their professional goals 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.
Topics and Objectives
Thursday, February 20th
Non-Opioid Pharmacologic Management of Chronic Pain
Objectives: 1) Review the neurobiology of chronic pain and how this relates to pharmacologic targets 2) Develop a data-driven and practical understanding of dosing, benefits, and side-effects of common non-opioid pharmacologic agents 3) Become versed in pharmacologic algorithms for treating common pain syndromes, such as acute back pain, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain
Opioids for Chronic and Cancer Pain: Rationale Prescribing
Objectives: 1) Become comfortable with practical aspects of chronic opioid therapy, including opioid selection, rotation, and side-effect management 2) Appreciate the nuances for titration for different pain syndromes 3) Review clinical pearls and strategies for managing chronic opioid therapy as safely as possible 4) Discuss the use of opioids for cancer pain and how the approach differs from chronic non-cancer pain
Approach to the Patient with Multiple Aches and Pains
Objectives: 1) Recognize the importance of pathophysiology in understanding rheumatic disease – target tissue and characteristic joint distribution 2) Distinguish inflammatory arthritis from non-inflammatory (degenerative) arthritis and non-articular (soft-tissue) rheumatic conditions 3) Recognize the role of laboratory and imaging studies in the rheumatologic diagnosis 4) Identify the features that distinguish fibromyalgia from other rheumatic diseases 5) Distinguish symptoms of COVID-19 long haul syndrome and similarities to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
Clinical Aspects and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Objectives: 1) Effectively recognize the prevalence, symptoms, and physical findings of patients with RA 2) Discuss diagnosis of RA and risk assessment for potentially severe disease outcome 3) Develop a strategy using conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs – biologic and synthetic agents with a treat-to-target approach 4) Review timing of medication use and vaccination schedule in current COVID-19 pandemic
Friday, February 21st
Gout and Other Crystal Arthropathies
Objectives: 1) Identify the populations at risk for gout 2) Highlight comorbidities and risk factors in gout patients 3) Diagnose gout and order appropriate laboratory and imaging studies 4) Recognize pseudogout and other crystal arthropathies 5) Effectively treat acute gout and initiate a strategy for successful long-term treatment 6) Develop a strategy to manage asymptomatic hyperuricemia
How Do I Identify and Treat Lupus and Other Autoimmune Diseases?
Objectives: 1) Recognize the features of an autoimmune disease and make a definitive diagnosis of lupus 2) Understand the pathophysiology of lupus as an immune-complex disease 3) Appropriately order laboratory studies and kidney biopsy to diagnose and manage lupus 4) Treat lupus and provide self-management instructions to the patient
Managing Pain in Geriatric Patients
Objectives: 1) Appreciate the nuances in assessing pain in the elderly 2) Understand the pharmacologic challenges in managing elderly patients 3) Identify the balance between pain control and iatrogenesis in the elderly population
Interventional Procedures for Spine Pain
Objectives: 1) Review the rationale and technical considerations of common minimally invasive interventions for spine-related pain, such as epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency lesioning, facet injections, sacroiliac injections, and spinal cord stimulation 2) Appreciate the data behind the techniques by way of a data-driven literature review 3) Develop a systematic approach to identifying when patients may or may not benefit from interventional spine procedures
Saturday, February 22nd
Managing Pain and Symptoms at the End-of-Life
Objectives: 1) Review the optimal measures to control pain at the end-of-life through case-based teaching 2) Better manage common end-of-life clinical scenarios, such as dyspnea, delirium, and terminal secretions 3) Become more empowered in how to emotionally guide family members through the dying process
Challenging Pain Scenarios: An Interactive Case-Based Discussion
Objectives: 1) Develop a frame to systematically break down and analyze complex pain scenarios 2) Utilize the audience’s collective mind to develop practical strategies to address the various clinical complexities of the cases 3) Become more comfortable and empowered to handle such cases upon returning to the clinical practice
Osteoarthritis: A Practical Guide
Objectives: 1) Identify the features that are typical for primary osteoarthritis and those that may be a consequence of a different disease 2) Appropriately order imaging studies to aid in diagnosis and management 3) Manage treatment using both nonpharmacologic measures, such as weight reduction and exercise, supplements, cannabis for pain control, as well as medications for relieving joint symptoms 4) Recognize when to plan for surgery
Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Long COVID Syndrome
Objectives: 1) Recognize the typical features of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia 2) Distinguish their clinical features from other rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome 3) Recognize the broad overlap of clinical symptoms between fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and post-acute COVID syndrome 4) Effectively plan treatment for these disorders
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
February 20, 2025
Hilton Rose Hall
Conference - Day 1
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
Check-In Opens at 7:15 AM
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
February 21, 2025
Hilton Rose Hall
Conference - Day 2
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
February 22, 2025
Hilton Rose Hall
Conference - Day 3
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
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 12 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 12 (part II) MOC pointsin 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
This live activity is being reviewed and will be acceptable for up to 12 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians. AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to the AMA PRA Category 1 credit toward the AMA Physicians Recognition Award. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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 is being reviewed and will be acceptable for up to 12 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 (LINK COMING SOON!). If you need assistance, please contact our office at info@mceconferences.com.
Please note: Room categories are based on availability at the time of request.
All-Inclusive Plan Features – Hotel offers the following services and amenities as part of the All-Inclusive Plan:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, room service and snacks (private events not included unless otherwise stated)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas at all of Hotel’s food and beverage outlets during their regular hours of operation
- Basic Wi-Fi in public areas, guestrooms, and meeting space
- Mini bar drinks
- Non-motorized water sports (where applicable)
- Exercise facilities, daytime tennis courts, table games, scheduled stage shows and mini club activities (where applicable)
- Gratuities
- All applicable taxes
- All meals and beverages are offered at Hotel’s restaurants and bars and are available during regular hours of operation.
Unused portions of the All-Inclusive Plan are not refundable and are not exchangeable for other services.
Accommodations and Amenities – Relax and rest well in our rooms, each with a private terrace/balcony offering charming views of the island.
- Partial Ocean View: Relax in these airy Partial Ocean accommodations, showcasing the resort’s beautiful surroundings, including the world-class Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, onsite Water Park, and majestic Jamaican Mountains – all while never escaping the breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea from your private balcony. Perfectly designed with your ease in mind, take pleasure in a fashionable sitting area, as well as a host of amenities such as pillow-top mattress, 27-inch flat-screen satellite television, safe, individual climate control, and coffeemaker with premium coffee. A spacious bathroom includes wide granite countertops, travertine tile and spa toiletries. 370 square feet, 2 queen beds or 1 King bed option. Rollaway bed are available for added charge. Children 2 and under stay for free, when sharing room with adult.
- Single Adult Occupancy: $440.80 Per Person All Inclusive
- Double Adult Occupancy: $232.00 Per Person All Inclusive
- Triple/Quad Additional Adult Rate: $142.00 Per Person All Inclusive
- Child Rate – $99.00 (3-12 years old)
Additional Room Rate Information –
- Guest Room Rates are in US Dollars, per person, per night, all-inclusive and based on listed occupancy.
- Guest Room Rates include all applicable taxes, service charges and gratuities, including Environmental Tax, when applicable. Taxes are subject to change according to government regulations. Should the tax change between the execution of this Agreement and the Event Dates, the Guest Room Rate will be changed to reflect the new tax rate.
- Maximum capacity in a guest’s rooms is two (2) adults and two (2) children under 12 years of age or three (3) adults and one (1) child under 12 years of age based on existing bedding. Extra beds and cribs are subject to availability. Maximum capacity in a guest’s rooms is three (3) adults in King and (4) adults in Queen/Queen. Extra beds are subject to availability .
- The following criteria applies for group attendees traveling with children:
– Children 0 to 35 months old are free when accompanied in the same room by one or more adults.
– Children 3 years up to 12 years old are subject to the charge as described on the rate grid above.
– Children over 12 years old are charged at the 3rd person adult price described on the rate grid above.
Important Lodging Deposit Information – Individual attendees shall access Hotel’s dedicated Group website to make their room reservations online using their individual credit card. The outstanding balance on the accounts for all individual attendees shall be automatically charged to the individual’s credit card on file and settled thirty (30) days prior to event (Monday, January 20, 2025). If this final payment is declined at the 30 day mark – the attendee will be notified, and a 48 hour grace period will be honored. Any reservations not settled within this grace period will be cancelled and all advanced payments forfeited; and attendee is not guaranteed ability to rebook at the same discounted rate. Any individual reservation cancellation or no-show charge will be posted to the individual’s credit card on file for such reservation.
Register & Book Your Lodging Early! The MCE reduced room rates will be available to registered attendees up until January 9, 2025 (based on availability). Our 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 canceled 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 number of registrations per conference.
Additional Travel Information
Airport Information – The distance between Hilton Rose Hall Jamaica and Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is approximately 8.7 miles or 14 kilometers; approximately 15 minutes by car.
Airport Transfers – There are numerous websites offering transportation services from the Sangster International Airport. To assist you with transportation to the hotel, and to view the available options available from the airport please Click Here to visit their website along with other services provided by airport staff. You may also contact the Hilton Rose Hall to take advantage of any third party private airport transfer services they recommend.
Transportation and Driving Advisory – While in the Montego Bay, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.
Breakdown assistance is limited in urban areas and virtually unavailable in rural areas. Nighttime driving is especially dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. For your safety, MCE Conferences does not recommend renting a car during your stay. If you plan to explore the areas of the Jamaica, we recommend using a tour company, a taxi, or hiring a private driver.
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
- 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.
Travel Documents – Travel documents vary based on itinerary. It is the sole responsibility of guests to identify and obtain all required travel documents for the entire duration of their stay and have them available when necessary. Valid travel documents such as passports and visas are required for boarding and re-entry into the United States and other countries.
All guests must carry a valid passport. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your return date of travel. Guests are responsible to ensure the validity dates of passport and to secure proper documentation for countries visited. Please consult your respective State Department or Foreign Ministry for specific Visa and entry requirements for countries scheduled on your travel itinerary. For U.S. citizens, further information can be found by visiting the Travel Website. Consult your healthcare professional for any inoculations you may require, or contact the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) toll-free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or online at the CDC Website
Note: If your passport is lost or stolen on a trip, you could be denied entry into your home country. To avoid this issue, we recommend following some practical steps: Make two copies of your passport ID page – that’s the page with your picture, your date of birth, etc. This can be an image scan or hard copy. Give one copy to someone you trust – a friend, family member, or assistant – in case you need to contact them while on your trip. Keep the other copy with you. If it’s printed, put it in your carry-on (not your checked luggage – that could go missing). If it’s an electronic copy, make sure you have access to it when you leave the U.S. (on your mobile device, or in your e-mail, for example).
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.
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.