Sun, sand, and CME—you really can’t go wrong with Destin, FL. This year’s conference wasn’t just about the beautiful setting (though no one complained about those Gulf Coast views). It was about dynamic speakers, practical pearls, and meaningful conversations that left nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), registered nurses (RNs), and physicians inspired and ready to put new knowledge into action.
Here are some of the standout highlights from Destin:
Orthopedics CME – Christopher Hemmer, DNP, ANP-BC, ONP-C, FAANP
Christopher Hemmer wasted no time delivering practical, “use it tomorrow” advice. A big pearl? When ordering a knee X-ray, always request the AP weight-bearing view—it gives you the clearest picture of joint space and alignment.
Another golden takeaway: if a patient presents with a calcaneus fracture after a fall, don’t forget thoracolumbar spine X-rays to rule out associated spinal injuries. These small adjustments can make a huge difference in diagnosis and patient outcomes.
Beyond the clinical tips, Hemmer’s session was full of lively conversation, plenty of laughter, and the kind of camaraderie that makes learning fun.
Obesity CME – Dr. Angela Golden, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP, FOMA, FTOS
Dr. Angela Golden reminded everyone of a crucial truth: obesity is not just about weight loss—it’s about whole-patient health.
Her session challenged attendees to rethink how they approach this chronic, progressive, and treatable disease. Some of her key insights included:
- Success should be personalized—every patient’s journey looks different.
- With 200+ diseases directly linked to obesity, it deserves a higher spot on our problem lists.
- Addressing obesity in primary care, women’s health, and internal medicine isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Golden’s message was clear: treating obesity is about more than numbers on a scale; it’s about improving lives.
Dermatology CME – Victoria Lazereth, MA, MSN, NP-C, DCNP
From acne and eczema to psoriasis and beyond, Victoria Lazereth’s dermatology session was a confidence booster. She walked attendees through the latest treatment guidelines, introduced newly approved medications, and gave practical strategies for managing common skin conditions.
For clinicians who see dermatology complaints daily, Victoria’s insights were exactly the kind of tools that make the difference between “I’ll refer you out” and “I can help you right now.”
Women’s Health CME – Nisha McKenzie, PA-C, CSC, MSCP, IF
Nisha McKenzie brought her signature blend of expertise and compassion, offering meaningful reminders:
- Believe your patients when they say their periods are painful—validation itself can be powerful.
- Human sexuality is complex—a thoughtful, nuanced approach beats the old clichés every time.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may be underutilized—many patients could benefit if given the chance.
Her sessions reinforced the importance of listening deeply, honoring patient stories, and bringing a whole-person perspective to women’s health care.
Wrapping Up
The 2025 Destin, FL CME Conference was so much more than lectures and slides. It was an energizing experience filled with practical learning, meaningful discussions, and yes—a bit of sunshine too.
Attendees left not just with new knowledge, but with renewed passion for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. That’s the magic of Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts: every conference blends education, inspiration, and connection in a way that sticks long after the beach sand is gone.