CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CME)

Educational Session Details

LDL / Non-HDL Cholesterol Goals:  What Does the Evidence Say?

11:15 am - 12:45 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Basile
Faculty: TBA

The purpose of this session is to address the evidence for benefits from LDL cholesterol reduction below current goals, as well as residual risk for further ASVCD once the goal LDL cholesterol is achieved.  Upon conclusion of the session, attendees will understand the evidence for:  1) the present LDL cholesterol goals; 2) the safety in reducing LDL cholesterol; and 3) if there is additional benefit on continuing to reduce LDL cholesterol below current guidelines.  Additionally, attendees should be able to identify:  4) the concept “residual risk” from non HDL cholesterol; 5) the evidence, if any, for achieving non-HDL cholesterol goals; and 6) the concept of “incremental benefit” in achieving LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol targets.

Hot Topics in the Medical Field

1:00 - 3:00 pm

Chair: Dr. Basile
Faculty: SMA Section Officers

One of the greatest challenges for healthcare professionals is the ability to keep up with the latest and most significant information in their specialty and those with whom they interact on a recurring basis. The amount of new and emerging information published can be overwhelming. In an effort to allow practitioners to stay aware of the hot topics in their medical specialty or medical subspecialties represented within SMA, this session will consist of updates on the most significant advances within each specialty during the past year.

New Drugs Update 2007

3:30 - 5:30 pm

Faculty: Dr. Weart

Back again by popular demand, this session will review recently approved pharmaceutical agents, including their indications, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, contraindications, adverse reactions, and dosing schedule. New drugs to be discussed will include those receiving FDA approval within the last 12 to 18 months.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Comorbidities

7:00 - 8:30 am

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Basile
Faculty: Dr. Batuman

The purpose of this session is to examine the latest research on the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the treatment of CKD comorbidities, and the prevention of CKD complications. Upon completion of this session, participants should be better prepared to: 1) Describe the prevalence of CKD and its risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and family history of kidney disease; 2) Identify which patients should be treated for CKD, recommend key diagnostic tests, and provide risk reduction strategies for these patients, including the role of achieving blood pressure goals and glycemic control consistent with guidelines; and 3) Treat comorbidities to delay progression of CKD, including hypertension, diabetes, osteodystrophy, and anemia.

Cardiovascular Health

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Co-Chairs and Faculty: Drs. Rahimi and Stapleton
Faculty: Drs. Wenger, Rehman, and Goodman
Abstract Presentations: Drs. Flaskas, Gill, and Mason

This session will address important gender differences in coronary heart disease, and will include delineation of the magnitude of the problem with coronary heart disease among women, and clinical information regarding angina pectoris, acute coronary syndromes, myocardial infarction, and revascularization with percutaneous interventions and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The relevance of gender differences to clinical practice will be highlighted. The latest advances in cardiovascular pharmacology will be discussed, as well as CT angiography.

Breast Cancer: The Journey to Survival

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Otto
Faculty: Drs. Dornbluth and Beeram

This session will address the latest in diagnosis and management of breast cancer. Health disparities in breast care, screening and diagnostic imaging for breast disease, surgical management and medical management with comments on genetic testing and what can be offered to these women who test positive for BRCA 1 or 2 will be discussed. Participants will learn of new imaging algorithms to include the role of MRI and PET/CT, as well as the new options for women surgically with breast cancer. Additionally, current approaches for medical oncology will be reviewed.

Differentiating Alzheimer’s from Other Dementia

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Rahimi
Faculty: Drs. Bernick and Schmechel

Alzheimer's disease is one the leading causes of mortality in the United States. It affects close to 5 million individuals ages 65 and older. Alzheimer's in particular and dementias in general will create a huge burden on health care system in the United States. It is of utmost importance that physicians become well versed in diagnosis and treatment of different type of dementias. At the conclusion of the session, the participants will learn to identify the patients with early dementia and mild cognitive impairment, be able to utilize diagnostics tools for diagnosis of dementia and become familiar with new advances in Alzheimer's dementia.

Venous Thromboembolism: From Prevention to Treatment

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Carlton
Faculty: Drs. Wheeler and Rectenwald

This session will focus on recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Presentations will address the role of D-dimers, spiral CT scans of the chest and duplex dopplers in the diagnosis of these problems compared to older technologies such as V/Q scans, pulmonary arteriograms and venograms. The determination of and use of pretest probabilities in interpreting these newer tests will be covered. Treatment considerations such as heparin vs. low molecular weight heparin and inferior vena cava filters will be discussed as will thrombolytic therapy.

Preventing Cervical Cancer and Other HPV-Associated Diseases Through Vaccination

12:30 - 2:00 pm

This session is brought to you by SciMed.

CME Credit : SciMed is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. SciMed designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Target Audience: Physicians and other health care professionals who wish to learn more about preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

This symposium will review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of HPV infection, the most recent data on the efficacy and safety of HPV vaccines, including such issues as duration of protection and cross-protection, and strategies for optimizing HPV-vaccine acceptance and utilization among patients and parents. At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants should be better able to: 1) describe the epidemiology and pathogenesis of HPV; 2) summarize the latest efficacy and safety data for HPV vaccines; and 3) outline strategies for optimizing HPV-vaccine acceptance and utilization among patients and parents.

Multiple Trauma and Triage of Disasters

2:00 - 5:30 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. A. McBryde
Faculty: Drs. Carlton, Young, Rodriguez, Hartsock, and J.P. McBryde

This session will explore improving outcomes in instances of multiple trauma, and triage of disaster situations. Deficiencies in specialty coverage, federal issues and systems planning, and prevention of polytrauma will be discussed. The environment and emergency care during the Katrina disaster on-site at Tulane will be discussed, and through case presentations, the role of radiology in acute situations, the role of the trauma surgeon, the interaction among consultants, and trauma systems and the role of emergency room physicians will be addressed.

The Surgical Management of Morbid Obesity: Current State of the Art 2007

2:00 - 5:30 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. MacDonald
Faculty: Drs. Demaria and Shikora

This session will provide the latest information available on the surgical management of morbid obesity, including patient selection, operative choices, and when to avoid.  A brief history of bariatric surgery will be included, as well as discussion on outcomes, risk stratification, and dealing with complications – short and long-term.

The Curse of the Black Spot: Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Melanoma

2:00 - 5:30 pm

Chair: Dr. Kragel
Faculty: Drs. Cuenca, Quan, and Schosser.

Through the use of case studies and panel discussion, this session will address diagnosis and management of melanoma from the dermatology, surgical oncology, medical oncology, and pathology perspective. Attendees will learn about new therapies and best practices for their patients, including what lesions should be biopsied and what type of biopsy should be performed and what surgical and medical treatment options are now available and how these options have changed outcomes.

The Incontinent Patient

2:00 - 5:30 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Hamdy
Faculty: Drs. Wein and Martens

This session will provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of urinary incontinence and will identify methods to assist with developing a management strategy tailored to the needs of individual patients. Upon completion, attendees should be able to: 1) understand the physiology of normal micturition and pathophysiology of overactive bladder, stress incontinence, and overflow incontinence; 2) recognize the clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment of overactive bladder, stress incontinence, and overflow incontinence, as well as adverse effects of treatment modalities; 3) recognize when to refer a patient for urodynamic studies; and 4) identify factors that may lead to functional incontinence.

Restless Leg Syndrome

7:00 - 8:30 am

Co-Chair and Faculty: Dr. Chaudhary
Faculty: Dr. Bogan

This session will address the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment options available to the clinician providing care to the patients with restless leg syndrome (RLS). With an emphasis on efficacious drugs, as well as those that may exacerbate RLS, pharmacologic treatments such as dopamine agonists, opioids, anticonvulsants, and benzodiazepines will be discussed. In addition, nonpharmacologic management will be described for milder cases and pregnancy, including the need to avoid known triggers (eg, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, etc). Upon completion of the session, participants should be able to: 1) Discuss the epidemiology and pathophysiology of RLS; 2) Review symptoms and diagnostic criteria for RLS; 3) Describe the consequences of RLS on health and well-being; 4) Identify management strategies for RLS, pharmacologic and non pharmacologic; 5) Explore considerations for treating special patient populations; and 6) To elucidate secondary, and often curable, causes of restless legs syndrome.

Zola Cooper Clinical and Dermatopathologic Seminar

8:00am - 12:00 pm

Chair: Dr. Cockerell
Guest Dermatopathologist: Dr. Gilliam

The Zola Cooper Clinical and Dermatopathologic Seminar, created in 1956, is an educational organization designed to promote continuous excellence in the field of clinical dermatology and dermatopathology. It was the first dermatopathology seminar ever organized as a CME event. Cases are submitted, reviewed, and then presented during this educational session by a moderator, panel of experts, and a guest dermatopathologist. Case submissions are welcome, visit www.zolacooper.org for details.

Interdisciplinary Management of GI Disorders

9:00am - 12:30 pm

Co-Chairs and Faculty: Drs. McCallum and Wilson
Faculty: Dr. Raju and Balart
Abstract Presentations: Drs. Abhishek, Brijbassie, Davis, and Partovi

This session is designed to provide current new information on diagnostic imaging and therapeutic developments in the field of Gastroenterology, as well as management strategies for commonly encountered gastrointestinal disorders, including GI motility, liver disease, and complications of bariatric surgery. Upon completion of the session, attendees will be better prepared to: 1) Recognize clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic options for GI motility disorders; 2) Define what is new in GI diagnostic and imaging; and 3) Assess complications of bariatric surgery, including when to treat and when to refer.

A Systems Look at the Diabetic Patient

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Co-Chairs and Faculty: Drs. Piziak and Stapleton
Faculty: Drs. Fonseca and Gavin
Abstract Presentation: Ms. Tighe

This session will provide information on diagnosing and treating the diabetic patient with cardiovascular disease, and will detail approaches to the treatment of diabetes complications from early detection to treatment. Information presented will include diagnosing renal dysfunction and preventing progression of renal disease, guidelines for urine microalbumin measurement, the importance of accurate creatinine, estimating GFR (pitfalls and methods), using ACEs and ARBS together and separately, screening and assessing all complications including cardiovascular disease, DR, and neuropathy, and when a patient should be referred. The role of incretins and other new therapies in the treatment of diabetes will also be addressed.

Preventing and Treating Emerging Infectious Diseases

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Martens
Faculty: Drs. Klimek, Greenfield, and Monif
Abstract Presentation: Dr. Patel

This session will address the serious issue of emerging or changing infections in men, women, and children. Infections such as those caused by MRSA, despite its well known existence, are changing rapidly in both the patient population and in treatment options. Vaccine development has changed more in the past one to two years than in the past decade, and present exciting opportunities for both infections and cancer prevention. Also, entirely new infections such as avian influenza present the most serious threat in a century, and we will update on the progress to prevent or manage this potential catastrophe. Upon completion of the session, attendees should be able to: 1) identify the risks and benefits of the new vaccines for disease prevention; 2) understand the importance of current and newly identified sexually transmitted diseases; 3) discuss changes in diagnostic and treatment guidelines as recently released by the CDC; 4) recognize the expanding patient populations now being affected by MRSA; 5) identify current treatment and prevention guidelines of MRSA infections; and 6) define the current status of worldwide avian influenza infections and future concerns.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Combining Therapy With Biologic Agents

12:30 - 2:00 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Morris
Faculty: Dr. Bingham

The introduction of the new biologics has provided clinicians with options for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although the increasing number of available biologics holds the promise of improving patient care, many clinicians are still uncertain on how to best use the new agents. Questions addressed will include: Should biologic agents be combined with traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) earlier, rather than later, in patients with newly diagnosed RA? What are the treatment options for patients who have had an inadequate response, or have lost response, to MTX or a TNFa inhibitor? How can treatment success or failure be defined in clinical practice? This program will help clinicians answer these questions and optimize their management strategies.

Diagnosis, Risk Factors and Treatments for Lung Cancer

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Otto
Faculty: Drs. Restrepo and Angel

From diagnosis to management, this session will present the latest information to assist physicians with knowing what to expect for patients facing lung cancer. Health disparities, screening, and current management of lung cancer will be presented. Attendees will learn of controversies of screening for lung cancer and of the most current interventional therapies. Upon completion of the session, attendees should be able to identify current information regarding imaging, and apply an interventional approach to treating lung cancer.

Sleep Disorders: When a Good Night’s Sleep is Just a Dream

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Chaudhary
Faculty: Drs. Castriotta and Bogan

This session will explore new modalities and treatments for sleep disorders including classifications, newer diagnostic codes, as well as diagnostic approaches. Non-pharmacologic therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy and sleep hygiene will be discussed, as well as pharmacologic therapies, including currently used medications. Upon completion of the session, attendees should be able to: 1) identify the circadian influences on sleep; 2) understand pathophysiologic factors of insomnia; 3) identify ways to get a better sleep without medications; and 4) identify current drug therapy for insomnia.

New Treatment Modalities for Osteoporosis

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Chair and Faculty: Dr. Hamdy
Faculty: Drs. Watts and Tanner

This session will address available and new treatment modalities for osteoporosis. Risk fracture reduction of available medications (bisphosphonates, raloxifene, teriparatide, calcitonin, estrogen, calcium and vitamin D) will be addressed. An examination of intravenous bisphosphonates will include their basic actions, long-term impact on bone turnover, the effect on BMD, bone architecture and fracture risk, adverse effects, and the ideal patient for this therapy. Osteonecrosis of the jaw, including difficulties in diagnosing, prevalence of the condition, identifying patients susceptible to this complication, and management strategies will be addressed. Additionally, denosumab and strontium will be discussed, including basic actions, their effect on BMD and fracture risk, and potential adverse effects.

Optimizing Outcomes Perioperatively – Hedging Your Bets

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Co-Chairs: Drs. Beasley and Wilson
Faculty: Dr. McKeown
Abstract Presentation: Dr. Ruddy

This session will address what the primary care physician, surgeon, and anesthesiologist can to do to assess and optimize outcomes for various operative procedures. Discussions will include determination of cardiac risk – which patients should have preop tests, who should get beta blockers, and when they should start; nutritional assessments – inpact on outcomes (from NSQIP), endpoints for preop interventions; smoking cessation – impacts on outcomes such as fusion rates, flap failure, SSIs, perioperative pain management, and ethics of declining elective operations for smokers. We will also address current techniques for providing postoperative pain management.  Both pharmacological and regional anesthetic options for the acute pain patient will be discussed.