Rheumatology and Pharmacology for Primary Care

Mar 21, 2025 – Mar 23, 2025

Palm Springs - Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Escape to the sun-drenched oasis of Palm Springs, where vibrant desert landscapes meet luxurious relaxation. With its year-round sunshine, stunning mountain vistas, and retro-chic vibe, Palm Springs beckons travelers seeking the ultimate getaway. Explore the iconic mid-century modern architecture, indulge in world-class dining and shopping experiences, or simply unwind poolside at a glamorous resort. Whether you’re hiking in the nearby canyons, teeing off on championship golf courses, or immersing yourself in the vibrant arts and culture scene, Palm Springs offers something for every type of traveler. Palm Springs is where endless adventures and unforgettable moments await. Discover the allure of this desert paradise with us.

Tuition

The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.
Early Bird Registration Fee
(early bird rate available until December 21, 2024)
$ 899.00
View Cancellation Policy

Lodging Reservations*

Tuition Discount Eligibility

MCE Cancellation Policy

Option 1 Option 2
Up to 90 days before conference date Refund - Less $50 processing fee Credit - 100%
Up to 30 days before conference date Refund - Less $100 processing fee Credit - Less $50 processing fee
Up to 7 days before conference date Refund - Less $250 processing fee Credit - Less $100 processing fee
Within 7 days of conference date No Refund Available Credit - Less $250 processing fee
  • Credits expire three years from the date of issue.
  • Credits applied to a future conference are non-refundable.

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

Rheumatology and Pharmacology 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 Rheumatology and Pharmacology 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 Rheumatology and Pharmacology, 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 Rheumatology and Pharmacology.

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.

Schedule

Friday, March 21st

Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes 
Objectives: 1) Review the basic pharmacology of diabetic treatments, including mechanism of action, precautions and/or contraindications, and side-effect profile 2) Review newer medications for diabetes, and its place in therapy 3) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each pharmacologic therapy 4) Evaluate a patient’s blood glucose control and determine the need for insulin therapy

Getting your Patient’s A1C to Goal 
Objectives: 1) Discuss differences in diabetes management for older adults 2) Discuss the approach in selecting the most optimal diabetes treatment, based on patient specific parameters 3) Apply clinical practice guidelines for diabetes management

An Approach to Inflammatory Arthritis
Objectives: Review the Differential Diagnosis of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis and crystal arthritides

The Challenges of Managing the Immune-Compromised Patient
Objectives: Discuss the new generation of biological therapies used to treat autoimmune diseases; how to mitigate their risk and keep your patient healthy

Saturday, March 22nd

Osteoarthritis and Spinal Disk Degenerative Disease
Objectives:
Review the diagnosis and management of structural degeneration affecting peripheral joints and the spine

Fear Not Rheumatology! How To Think Like a Rheumatologist
Objectives: An overview of how a primary care practitioner should approach the evaluation, workup and management of common rheumatologic disorders

Meeting Goals Beyond A1C 
Objectives: 1) Discuss the differences in diabetes management for special populations 2) Discuss novel approaches in treatment options 3) Improve adherence to medications and monitoring

Treatment Options for Depression 
Objectives: 1) Review the basic pharmacology of antidepressants, including mechanism of action, precautions and/or contraindications, and side-effect profile 2) Review newer antidepressants and their place in therapy 3) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each pharmacologic therapy

Sunday, March 23rd

Selecting the Most Optimal Treatment Regimen for Your Patients with Depression 
Objectives: 1) Outline the various treatment approaches in managing major depression 2) Discuss the approach in selecting the most optimal antidepressant, based on patient specific parameters 3) Discuss differences in depression management for older adults 4) Apply clinical practice guidelines for depression management

Treatment Options for Anxiety 
Objectives: 1) Review the basic pharmacology of anxiolytics, including mechanism of action, precautions and/or contraindications, and side-effect profile 2) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each pharmacologic therapy

An Overview of Osteoporosis
Objectives: Review the evaluation of bone health and discuss the emerging therapeutic options

Curbside Rheumatology for the Primary Care Clinician
Objectives: Using case-based teaching, review a series of common clinical conditions that can be managed by the primary care clinician

Please Note: Content is subject to change without notice. Please refer to this activity website for the most current information.

 

Program Schedule

Date

Location

Description

Time

March 21, 2025

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Conference Center

Conference - Day 1

Breakfast for Registered Attendees

Check-In Opens at 7:15 AM

7:30 AM - 11:50 AM

March 22, 2025

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Conference Center

Conference - Day 2

Breakfast for Registered Attendees

7:30 AM - 11:50 AM

March 23, 2025

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Conference Center

Conference - Day 3

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 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
MCE Conferences continuing medical education programs are organized by primary care healthcare professionals who are leaders in their field, and MCE Conferences plans to apply for American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) credit for all of its courses prior to the program date.

The College of Family Physicians of Canada – CFPC
The AAFP and the CFPC have a bilateral reciprocal certification agreement whereby: CME/CPD activities held across the Canada – U.S. border are certified according to the nationality of the primary target audiences regardless of where the providers are located. CFPC members who complete any CME/CPD activity certified by the AAFP for Prescribed credit can claim the equivalent number of Mainpro+ Certified or Mainpro+ Certified Assessment credits.

American Osteopathic Association – AOA
The AOA automatically recognizes AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ as AOA Category 2 credit.

American Nurses Credentialing Center – ANCC
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for recertification and continuing education credits. One AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ is equivalent to one contact hour for registered nurses or one advanced practice CNE for nurse practitioners.

Nurse Practitioners
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certified Program (AANPCP) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Physician Assistants
PAs may claim a maximum of 12 Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.

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. If you need assistance, please contact our office at 

Please note: Room categories are based on availability at the time of request.

Accommodations – Let the relaxed desert lifestyle transcend the hustles and bustles of life the second you step foot into the luxurious rooms and suites of the resort hotel in Rancho Mirage, CA, located between Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Unwind in one of 444 well-appointed guest rooms or 22 luxury suites that offer an oasis in the California desert with vibrant pops of color in Spanish Colonial-inspired style. Premium king and queen beds topped with crisp white cotton-rich linens will lull you into a peaceful night’s sleep in the comfort and elegance you deserve during your stay at the Palm Springs resort. All of the hotel rooms have French doors that open to furnished private patios or balconies with breathtaking views of the luscious grounds and the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains.

The hotel suites at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa afford you undeniable opulence with extras including separate rooms for sleeping and living, wet bars, dining tables, fireplaces, pool tables and grand bathrooms with dual vanities and granite countertops. Unwind in your guest rooms after a day at the resort’s golf course, dipping in the pool, or following a massage at the spa.

  • Vista View Room – $279 Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees) Each of the Vista View Rooms feature a private furnished balcony or patio with sweeping views of the golf fairways set against the timeless backdrop of the Palm Desert mountain side. Rooms offer one plush king bed or two queen beds. 450 square feet

Amenities (Subject to change at hotel discretion): 

  • Luxurious linens
  • Newspaper delivery
  • Coffeemaker
  • Safe
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Furnished patio
  • Wet bar and pantry (in select suites)
  • Dining table (in select suites)
  • Extra bathroom (in select suites)
  • Pool table (in select suites)
  • Pack-and-Play available upon request
  • Pet friendly
  • WiFi Internet service – included in Resort Service Charge
  • Individual climate control
  • In-room movies

Additional Lodging Information:

  • Resort Service Charge – The prevailing resort charge will apply to all group rooms. Currently the resort charge of $45.00 has been reduced for MCE Conference attendees booked within the block to $25.00 per night (taxable), which includes; toll free, credit card, and local calling, entrance to the fitness center, in-room and meeting space high-speed Internet access*, self-parking*, in-room coffee and tea, access to Splashtopia for registered resort guests and daily newspaper available at Front Desk. These items are subject to change unless marked with an asterisk.
  • Taxes & Fees – All special guestroom rates are exclusive of appropriate state and local taxes, fees and assessments, currently 13.195% and taxes are subject to change without notice. Taxes and fees are subject to change without notice.
  • Additional Guests: There may be an additional person charge for occupancy beyond double occupancy.
  • Check-In & Check-Out – The Hotel’s check-in time is currently 4:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM. On the last day of the program the hotel will honor a late check out of 12pm to accommodate conference hours, based on hotel’s availability.

Parking – There is a charge for valet parking. The current self-parking rate is included in the resort fee, and the current overnight valet rate is $30.00. Complimentary self-parking will be offered to offsite and local guests driving in each day of the program for the hours of the general session.

Lodging Deposit  – Individual attendees are required to provide a valid major credit card at the time of reservation for purposes of guarantee.

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 February 12, 2025 (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 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 – Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa sits on 240 lush acres in the heart of the Coachella Valley near Palm Springs, California. The luxury Rancho Mirage resort offers easy access to Palm Springs International Airport.

FROM PALM SPRINGS AIRPORT (PSP)
Exiting the airport, turn left onto El Cielo (0.5 mile). Turn left onto Ramon Road (5.5 miles). Turn right onto Bob Hope Drive (5 miles). Turn left into Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.

FROM ONTARIO AIRPORT (ONT)
Exiting the airport, turn left onto Archibald Avenue (0.2 mile). Merge onto I-10 Eastbound (75 miles). Take I-10 East and exit Bob Hope Drive (5 miles). Turn left into Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.

FROM ORANGE COUNTY-JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT (SNA)
Exiting the airport, stay straight to go onto Michelson Drive (0.1 mile). Turn left onto MacArthur Boulevard (0.4 miles). Merge onto I-405 North toward Long Beach (0.6 mile). Merge onto CA-55 North via Exit 9A toward Riverside (12 miles). Merge onto CA-91 East toward Riverside (31 miles). Merge onto CA-60 East toward Indio (23 miles). Merge onto I-10 East (37 miles). Take I-10 East and exit Bob Hope Drive (5 miles). Turn left into Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.

FROM LOS ANGELES AIRPORT (LAX)
Exiting the airport, merge onto South Sepulveda Boulevard toward I-105 East (0.7 mile). Merge onto I-105 East (17miles). Merge onto I-605 North (13 miles). Merge onto I-10 East (100 miles). Take I-10 East and exit Bob Hope Drive (5 miles). Turn left into Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.

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.

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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.

View CME Conferences or Call Us: 1-888-533-9031

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