Chicago, IL CME Conference

7:30 – 8:30 AM

“We’re Number One!” Skin Cancer: Best Practices in Diagnosing and Treatment (Rx=0.25)

More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, with 20% of all Americans experiencing skin cancer by age 70 and nearly three deaths an hour. While highly curable in the early stages, the death rate of non-melanoma skin cancers continues to climb. In addition, the diagnosis and treatment increased by 77% between 1994 and 2014 and almost an epidemic in 2021. Consequently, all providers across every specialty must be especially tuned to understanding the basic facts of this expensive and disfiguring healthcare crisis. The presentation will identify and prevent the most common skin cancers, where they are most likely to be located, and procedures one must gain to address once suspicion is aroused.

8:30 – 9:30 AM

“Take Me Out to the Emergency Room.” Sports Dermatology (Rx=0.25)

On any given day, 20% of Americans aged 15 years or older participate in some exercise and sport. Invariably, superficial injuries, contusions, infections, and open skin wounds make up most sports- and recreation-related injuries presenting to a PCP. Jogger’s nipples, dermatitis from rosin, friction blisters, sunburns, turf toe, fungal and bacterial infections, green hair from chlorine, and even sea bather’s eruptions are among the many topics that will be covered in this fast-paced, well-illustrated lecture providing tips on diagnosis and straightforward treatment paradigms.

9:45 – 11:15 AM

“FUNdamentals of the Oldest Specialty”: A Dermatology Primer: Learning to Assess, Diagnose and Make Sense of Common Conditions and Lesions

The study of dermatology is often considered one of the most difficult specialties. As the largest body organ, it suffers nearly 3,000 diseases, and disorders – more than any other medical arena –, and providers tend to shy away from a thorough study. Together, we will build a framework to increase confidence in identifying and treating the bulk of the most common conditions and lesions of our clients, provide basic insight instruction in the work of dermatology, with important insight for expanding our knowledge base.

12:30 – 2:00 PM

“Do It for the Children”: Pediatric Dermatology (Rx=0.25)

Treating children and teens present with many challenges: dosing is often confused with adults; few clinical trials in children; off-label use is prevalent; hepatic and renal clearances vary; the adverse effects panel is much broader, and generally, the younger the child, the less communicative or cooperative. So, what to do with the strange moles, new warts, obvious hair loss, chipped nails, dry skin, blistering acne, flaky scalp, sweating palms, and armpit cysts? Join us to explore this overview of common and frustrating conditions made simple and straightforward. 

2:15 – 3:45 PM

“When Candles Cost More Than Cake”: Dermatology in the Older Adult Population (Rx=0.25)

Americans 65 and older are the fastest-growing age demographic and poised to become the largest segment of American society in only a few years. This group presents with very specific needs and care, particularly with issues of skin, which must maintain its’ health and vitality through these important years. Drug eruptions, atopy, psoriasis, stasis dermatitis, intertrigo, rosacea, xerosis, maddening pruritus, and stubborn seborrheic dermatitis are only a few of the challenges. Our presentation will discuss prevention strategies, highlight risk factors and deliver solid, proven evidence-based interventions.

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Orthopedic Exam and CT Scans, X-rays and MRI’s, OH MY

This session will focus on an all-too-common problem, low back pain. A short introduction to the anatomy will take us into the commonly seen complaints in urgent care and PCP offices. Next, we will review and understand red flags and pathologic reflexes that would alert the clinician for a prompt referral. A brief review of the treatment options will also be discussed. Video clips, X-ray, MRI, and CT imaging will be used to help demonstrate pathology. This presentation will help remove some of the fear and uncertainty of low back pain. 

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Let Me Give You a Hand in Diagnosing Upper Extremity Injury and Conditions

Upper extremity injuries and conditions are common causes of patient visits to providers. Up top! This session will review the most common issues and highlight what the clinician should listen for in the history, and which examination techniques will be helpful in arriving at the patient’s diagnosis.

9:45 – 11:15 AM

Let Me Patella You Something About Lower Extremity Injuries and Conditions

This might be a knee-jerk reaction, but this is a session you all kneed. There is a wide span of differential diagnoses for the commonly injured or affected knee joint and lower extremities. We will systematically identify the evaluation, diagnosis and management of conditions and injuries which affect the lower extremities.

12:30 – 2:00 PM

When the Back is Out of Whack….

Back pain for the patient can be lower posterior pain for the provider! In this session, we will identify back problems seen in primary care, along the continuum of simple and common too complex and rare, the diagnoses of spinal issues will be discussed.

2:15 – 3:45 PM

Interactive Case Studies

This session will tie together concepts and techniques learned throughout the day. An interactive session, the participants will be asked to comment, help to come up with a list of differential diagnoses, and to identify key components of the history and physical examination, to make the perfect final orthopedic diagnosis.

7:30 – 8:30 AM

EKG 123: A Basic Review 

This session will focus on the “10 Step System” to reading an EKG, contagious and reciprocal changes.  We will discuss the intervals on the 12 lead and how they help you make your diagnosis. In addition, we will review the segments and the waves of the EKG and compare and contrast a normal EKG against an ischemic EKG.

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Cardiac Cocktails: Are We the New Bartenders? (Rx=0.50)

• AF “cocktails” and treatment strategies
• The Heart Failure “Martini” and how to adjust to taste
• The “Cardiac Happy Meal” – post-STEMI treatment regimen
• Common side effects of cardiac medications and how to spot them
Participants will learn strategies to combat AF and use the CHADS score to define risk.
CHF recipes will be discussed on how to adjust/maximize diuretics and how the new novel agents may play a role in treating CHF. We will also discuss the role of the “Cardiac Happy Meal” and tailor the medications to prevent side effects. Finally, a case-based review of some of the more common side effects of cardiac medications and how to identify them will be discussed.

9:45 – 11:15 AM

Common Cardiology Complaints and How to Work Them Up 

In this presentation, we will review specific questions to ask a patient who has palpitations, what findings you must look for every time, what tests to order on a chest pain patient, and what differentials to consider on someone who is dyspneic. 

12:30 – 2:00 PM

Cardiac Murmurs – Whispers of the Heart

We will review murmur terminology, grading, and the five murmurs that you cannot afford to miss. This presentation will be presented in a case-based fashion. 

2:15 – 3:45 PM

How Much Should I Worry About This EKG? 

Real EKGS and cases will be reviewed. This lecture is a “Can’t-Miss” topic if you do sports physicals! We will cover the five findings that could have very different outcomes, including Brugadas Syndrome and Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We will also discuss the EKG Findings associated with each of these high-risk findings and the findings to spot that the machine will miss! 

4:00 – 6:30 PM

Hands-On EKG Workshop + $99

In this 2.5 hours hands-on course, we will cover all these things and more! We will discuss reciprocal changes and contiguous leads. You will get a chance to draw them on your sample EKG and make it into a cheat sheet you can use in the clinic. You will go hands-on in your workbook with 17 EKGs in class using pattern recognition to spot the high-risk findings. This hands-on approach helps you “put it all together” finally.  If you feel overwhelmed by all the things we have to know but don’t know where to start, this is a quick condensed course that only focuses on the high-risk findings you need to know to be a safe provider.

This is a hands-on workshop. If you register for the in-person conference & workshop, you must attend the workshop in-person.

7:30 – 8:30 AM

The Ins and Outs of the H-P-O Axis  (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian)

In this session, the discussion of hormonal control of the menstrual cycle will be presented. We will also review the hypothalamus to the reproductive organs. In addition, you will learn what happens when things go awry and its implications on fertility quality of life. We will also review the treatments for amenorrhea, anovulation, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and others. Most importantly, patient education techniques will provide an easy tool for your patients and staff. You will understand the normal menstrual cycle and all its distorted presentations.

8:30 – 9:30 AM

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) in the Reproductive Age (Rx=0.25)

In this session, we will explore irregular menstrual bleeding. This is a common concern experienced by menstruating people and has many potential causes. We will review the oft-cited PALM-COEIN framework, which includes the most common causes, including structural and non-structural causes. There will be a brief review of the assessment process during the focused history and physical exam, that will quickly help to understand the benefits of laboratory and imaging tools. The initial management of the identified condition and available treatment options will also be shared.

9:45 – 11:15 AM

The Birthing Process

We were born for this, right? Other than pain, most people generally know very little about the process. Let’s review the physiology of pregnancy and its contributions to the birthing process, including critical hormones and adaptations. A dive in the past shows us prehistorical and ancient depictions of laboring women surrounded by supporting women. We aim to understand this connection, the advancement of maternal care, and tips and tricks for the best experience. We will also review deliveries in low-resource settings.

12:30 – 2:00 PM

Optimizing the Postpartum Period for Primary Care (Rx=0.25)

In this session, we will review what should happen after birth. Historically, women will only follow up with their obstetrician for six weeks postpartum. With the high rate of maternal mortality, particularly in the postpartum period, it is important to identify the specific needs to provide appropriate care better. We will review the most common causes for maternal morbidity and mortality and potential medical complications in the future. Additionally, can the implementation of a postpartum handoff be of use? At your next visit with a mother, know how to best approach the obstetric history to optimize her health.

2:15 – 3:45 PM

Ovarian Overview

The mighty ovary will be reviewed in this session. We will explore its function from early life until menopause. Additionally, we will discuss the theories behind ovarian cancer formation and its relationship to the fallopian tubes. Ultimately, you will learn to assess ovarian pathology and the dysregulation of hormone synthesis. Next time you have a patient concerned about a corpus luteal cyst, it will be a breeze to explain.