Primary Care Update: Internal Medicine and Rheumatology
Dec 12, 2025 – Dec 14, 2025
Florida Keys - Hawks Cay Resort
In the 60-acre island playground in the Florida Keys is the affluent 4-star Hawk Cay Resort in Duck Key. It comes with a soothing beachfront location, which includes a marina. While in the resort, cool down in one of the 5 swimming pools or have fun with the dolphins in the private saltwater lagoon. Some guests greet the day with hot coffee and pastries near the lobby’s new 1,300-gallon saltwater aquarium or breakfast at the restaurant Ocean, often followed by a toes-in-the-sand lunch at the Beach Grill, poolside refreshments at the Coral Grill, and evenings of Latin American–influenced cuisine at Alma. Hawks Cay has something special for the whole family.
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 and Rheumatology – 12 Credits
Overview
This conference is designed to provide primary care practitioners with up-to-date, evidence-based information on commonly encountered issues in Internal Medicine 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 Internal Medicine and Rheumatology to enhance attendees’ knowledge base and core competence. The successful completion of this interactive program 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 and Rheumatology.
Speakers
Our presenting national faculty speakers make it their professional goal to enhance primary care clinicians’ training. 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, December 12th
Practical Approach to the Patient with Potential DVT
Objectives: 1) Obtain an appropriate medical history to better identify those patients at risk 2) Confidently evaluate and assess the patient suspected of having DVT 3) Determine best management practices for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of DVT
Practical Approach to the Management of Chest Pain
Objectives: 1) Evaluate the complaint in the context of history, physical exam, and EKG findings 2) Develop a strategy to use cardiac biomarkers in the evaluation of ACS 3) Use recent research studies and guidelines to develop an approach to the patient with chest pain
Approach to a 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 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) Effective recognition of the prevalence, and symptoms and physical findings of patients with RA 2) Diagnosis of RA and risk assessment for potentially severe disease outcome 3) Strategy on the use of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologic and synthetic agents with a treat-to-target approach 4) Timing of medication use and vaccination schedule in current COVID-19 Pandemic
Saturday, December 13th
Gout and Other Crystal Arthropathies
Objectives: 1) Identify the populations at risk for gout 2) Look for comorbidities and risk factors in gout patients3) Diagnose gout and order appropriate laboratory and imaging studies 4) Recognize pseudogout and other crystal arthropathies 5) Treat acute gout effectively and initiate a strategy for successful long-term treatment6) 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) Properly order laboratory studies and kidney biopsy to diagnose and manage lupus 4) Treat lupus and instruct the patient on self-management
Practical Approach to the Patient with Hyperlipidemia
Objectives: 1) Apply the current guidelines 2) Develop a practical approach for new medications available 3) Consider the new targets developed for cholesterol endpoint
Practical Approach to the Patient with Hypertension
Objectives: 1) Apply the current recommendations for the treatment of hypertension 2) Develop a rational approach to choosing medication for treating hypertension 3) Decide when and how to evaluate for secondary hypertension
Sunday, December 14th
Practical Approach to the Patient with Headache
Objectives: 1) Review the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with a headache complaint 2) Confidently evaluate the patient with a headache and appreciate the indications for imaging 3) Develop a treatment plan that considers lifestyle changes, as well as medication
Dementia
Objectives: 1) Formulate a practical approach to screening for dementia 2) Discuss medication management to include polypharmacy, drug-drug interactions, as well as, new drugs and their potential efficacy and side-effects3) Develop a long-term follow-up and referral process that considers cost-effective and resource management
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) Properly order imaging studies to aid in diagnosis and management 3) Manage treatment with use of both nonpharmacologic measures such as weight reduction and exercise, supplements, cannabis for pain control, as well as medications for relieving joint symptoms; plan surgery when needed
Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and the 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 FM/CFS and Post-acute COVID Syndrome 4) Plan effective treatment of these disorders
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
December 12, 2025
Hawks Cay Conference Center
Conference - Day 1
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
Check-In Opens at 7:15 AM
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
December 13, 2025
Hawks Cay Conference Center
Conference - Day 2
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
December 14, 2025
Hawks Cay Conference Center
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 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 (Reservation 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.
Accommodations – Hawks Cay guest rooms provide a laid-back tropical setting where you can relax, sip a cool drink, and bury your worries in the sand. Each of the 177 hotel rooms and suites are carefully crafted in Caribbean island decor; furnished with upscale amenities; and set amongst a vivid backdrop of swaying palm trees, historic bridges, and bright blue and green Caribbean waters. All units offer welcomed privacy yet are only steps from the Atlantic Ocean, gourmet dining, swimming pools, and Hawks Cay’s popular Dolphin Connection.
Amenities include – Hawks Cay Resort has been carefully planned to fit in harmoniously with the natural Florida Keys beauty surrounding the property. Watch the Sunrise over the Atlantic and fall behind the Gulf of Mexico. In between, lounge beside the saltwater lagoon or at one of the 5 award-winning pools. Book a Florida Keys fishing or snorkeling charter from the Hawks Cay Marina. Unwind with an exotic treatment at the award-winning Calm Waters Spa or grab a workout in the Fitness Center. When it’s time to dine, our restaurants will meet any whim, be it flip-flop casual or a fabulous night out. Some of the other amenities include Internet Access, On-Resort Transportation, Coral Cay Kids’ Club, Tennis Facility, Bike Rentals, Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals.
- Hawks Cay King Room – $399Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees)
- Hawks Cay 2 Qn Room – $399Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees)
- Hawks Cay 2 Qn & Sleeper Room – $409Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees)
- Water View King Room – $459Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees)
- Water View 2 Qn Room – $459 Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees)
- A luxurious retreat with 376 square feet of elegant interior space and a private balcony overlooking, in most cases, a full or partial view of the Atlantic Ocean, the pool, or the island waterway. Choose from either one king or two queen beds.
Additional Lodging Information:
- Resort Fee – A daily reduced Resort fee of $45 (Normally $55) is charged per room / per night and subject to state and local tax and includes the following amenities; Self-Parking, Wireless Internet Access, Tram Transportation throughout the Resort, Complimentary access to Hawks Cay Health Club and Coral Cay, In-Room Coffee (in “hotel” rooms only, coffee is not provided in villas), Local and Toll-Free Calls, Unlimited use of Putting Course, Sports Field, Hard and Clay Court Tennis Facilities, Unlimited use of Kayaks and Paddleboards in the Hawks Cay Saltwater Lagoon.
- Taxes & Fees – Currently, the applicable state and local taxes 12.5%. Subject to change without notice.
- Check-In & Check-Out – The Hotel’s check-in time is after 4:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late checkouts based on availability.
Hotel Parking – Complimentary self-parking is available for all MCE Conferences attendees staying on or offsite.
Lodging Deposit – A Deposit of one-night room & tax is due at the time of booking.
Lodging Cancellation Policy – Reservations deposit is refundable if canceled at least 7 days prior to arrival date.
Register & Book Your Lodging Early! The MCE reduced room rates will be available to registered attendees up until November 3, 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 – Hawks Cay Resort is approximately 130 miles from Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL), approximately 60 miles from Key West International Airport (EYW), and approximately 90 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA).
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.
Airport Transportation – To make your reservation, please click on the following links:
Florida Keys Express Shuttle: Daily door-to-door shuttle service to and from the Florida Keys and Miami and Ft. Lauderdale airports. To make your reservation please call (305)743-7454 or Click Here
Car Service: Ahoy Taxi /Airport Transportation- private transportation to and from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West. To make your reservation please call (305)407-0603 or Click Here
Parking – Complimentary self-parking is available for all MCE attendees
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
Rheumatology and Pharmacology for Primary Care
Primary Care Update: Psychiatry and Pediatrics
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.