Primary Care Update: Internal Medicine and Pain Management
Sep 12, 2025 – Sep 14, 2025
Columbia River Gorge - Skamania Lodge
This program includes 3.0 hours of content intended to meet the MATE Act requirements.
Situated on 175 wooded acres just 45 minutes from Portland, Oregon, the Columbia Gorge region offers more than 45 recreational activities, including a zip line tour, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and more. Multnomah Falls and dozens of other falls like Horsetail, Ponytail, and Bridal Veil line the way along the Historic Columbia River Highway. In the town of Hood River, you’ll find hand-scooped ice cream, hand-crafted beer, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and parasailing. There’s the view from Rowena Crest, the loop up and around Dog Mountain, and browsing the shelves of the oldest bookstore in all of Oregon in The Dalles. Thanks to its unique geography, the Gorge boasts a world of wine in just a 40-mile stretch. You’ll find pinot noir and chardonnay in the cool hills at the west end, while Tempranillo and Syrah thrive in the drier, sunnier east. US Congress recognized the unique splendor of the Gorge and designated it a National Scenic Area, the largest in America. And when you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.
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 Pain Management – 12 Credits
This program includes 3.0 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 and Pain Management 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 Pain Management, 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 and Pain Management.
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, September 12th
Medical Myths (Busting Medical Myths)
Objectives: 1) Recognize medical myths 2) Discuss why they occur 3) Explain why they persist despite evidence against them
Drug Interactions and Side-Effects for 2025
Objectives: 1) Recognize drug-induced causes of peripheral edema 2) Recognize whether drug interactions with phosphodiesterase inhibitors are serious 3) Recognize concerns with the use of gabapentin
Update on Pathophysiology of Pain and Review of Multidisciplinary Approaches in the Management of Fibromyalgia
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
Rational Polypharmacy for Chronic Pain Management
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
Saturday, September 13th
Physical Exam for Low Back Pain: A Hands-On Approach
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
Osteoarthritis Update – Including Assessment of Shoulder and Hip Pain Disorders
Objectives: 1) Become familiar with the evolving understanding of the pathophysiology of OA and the role of the central nervous system 2) Review pharmacologic agents used in treating OA, including NSAIDs, topical analgesics, and opioids 3) Apply physical exam tests to improve a clinician’s ability to diagnose common shoulder, hip, and knee conditions for both in-office visits and telehealth services
Pearls for Handling Common Rheumatologic Problems
Objectives: 1) Develop a safe treatment approach for gout 2) Understand common issues in the primary care of patients with sarcoid 3) Recognize common musculoskeletal syndromes
Natural Products: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Objectives: 1) Recognize which natural products are effective in the prevention of migraine headaches 2) Identify which natural product has good evidence for the prevention of urinary tract infections 3) Discuss which natural product has the greatest danger for drug interactions
Sunday, September 14th
Gastroenterology for the Primary Care Physician
Objectives: 1) Recognize laboratory clues to UGI bleeding 2) Incorporate Carnett’s sign into the evaluation of chronic abdominal pain 3) Recognize the typical history for patient’s presenting with Shatzki’s ring
Dermatology for the Primary Care Professional
Objectives: 1) Identify and review the causes of erythema multiforme 2) Discuss how to use topical steroid preparations 3) Recognize common facial rashes
Update on Opioid Pharmacology, Risk Management Strategies, and Applying the CDC Guidelines in Primary Care
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
Clinical Challenges: Behavioral Health Integration and What Should You Tell Your Patients About Cannabis Use for Chronic Pain?
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 this activity website for the most current information.
Program Schedule
Date
Location
Description
Time
September 12, 2025
Skamania Lodge Conference Center
Conference - Day 1
Breakfast for Registered Attendees
Check-In Opens at 7:15 AM
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
September 13, 2025
Skamania Lodge Conference Center
Conference - Day 2
Breakfast for Registered Attendees
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
September 14, 2025
Skamania Lodge 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 info@mceconferences.com.
Please note: Room categories are based on availability at the time of request.
Accommodations and Amenities – At Skamania Lodge, no two rooms are alike. Some invite you to cozy up in front of the fireplace on a foggy Stevenson, WA, day, others look out over the Columbia River Gorge that will be the sight of your next adventure. Experience the Columbia River Gorge in every element of your stay in our guest rooms, from the textured carpet beneath your feet reminiscent of native basket weavings to the dark tufted headboard analogous to the pioneering era of Lewis & Clark, each Skamania Lodge guest room is inspired by the rich history and breathtaking nature found here in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. All rooms are approximately 200 square feet and are Non-Smoking. For your convenience, rooms also include the following: Mini-refrigerator, Coffee/Tea Maker, Self-controlled heating/cooling system, Cable Television, Wireless internet connection, Alarm clock, Bathtub/shower combination, Iron & Ironing Board, and Hairdryer.
- Superior Guestrooms – $329 Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees) Superior room with views of the surrounding grounds feature northwest decor. Each room has a scenic view of native Northwest flora and fauna and features one king bed, tastefully appointed with original artwork, flat-screen televisions, wi/fi high-speed internet, hairdryers, ironing boards, coffee makers, and windows that open to the fresh mountain air.
(Bedding: Choose between 1 King bed or 2 Queen beds.)
Additional Lodging Information –
- Reduced Resort Fee – In addition to the rates set forth above, there will be a daily resort fee of $30.00, plus current Washington State tax, per room, per night which includes: unlimited local and toll free calls; wireless high-speed internet throughout the Lodge including guestrooms and meeting space; access to three scenic hiking trails including fitness trail, fitness center with indoor pool, hot tubs, saunas and outdoor hot tub with sun deck; tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; self-guided art tour, access to outdoor fire-pit; on-site parking, access to EV charging stations, access to water filtration system, fresh hot coffee and tea available from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily.
- Check-In & Check-Out – Guest accommodations will be available starting at 4:00 pm on arrival day and reserved until 11:00 am on departure day. Skamania Lodge may impose a late check-out fee of $100.00, from 1:00-3:00 pm, and a full day’s room and tax will be charged after 3:00 pm. Any attendee wishing special consideration for late checkout should inquire at the front desk on the day of departure.
- Taxes: Room rates quoted above are subject to tax, which is currently 7.7%, and occupancy tax, which is currently 2%.
Parking – Self-parking at Skamania Lodge is complimentary for guests of the resort along with those attending the course but staying off-site.
Lodging Deposit – A Deposit is due at the time of booking. Balance is due to the resort upon arrival.
Lodging Cancellation Policy – An individual’s deposit is refundable to that individual if Skamania Lodge receives notice of an individual’s cancellation at least 7 days prior to scheduled arrival, though this shall have no bearing upon the group’s total liability pursuant to either the attrition or cancellation clauses herein.
Register & Book Your Lodging Early! The MCE reduced room rates will be available to registered attendees up until August 5, 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 – Skamania Lodge is located approximately 42 miles from the Portland International Airport (PDX). MCE recommends renting a car to take full advantage of the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding areas.
Blue Star Shuttle – Blue Star Shuttle is the only shuttle service that offers scheduled transportation to and from Portland International Airport to Downtown Portland and Lloyd Center Area every 30 minutes! Rates are $14 per person for a one-way trip or $24 per person for a round-trip. You will need to make a reservation ahead of time to set a pickup date and location. For more information or to make your reservation, please visit: bluestarbus.com or call 503-249-1837.
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
Primary Care Update: Psychiatry and Pediatrics
Infectious Diseases and Geriatrics for Primary Care
Primary Care Update: Dermatology, Office Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
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.