Courtney Kenyon, PA-C Mayo Clinic Hospital Phoenix

Program Description

This lecture will provide a general overview of the etiology and clinical pearls of congestive heart failure. The primary focus will be on signs/symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of advanced heart failure. Basic overview of Heart Failure - Universal Definition. Signs, Symptoms and Physical Exam Findings. Ischemic vs Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy. HFrEF, HFpEF, HFmrEF - The Updated ESC and ACC Guidelines, NYHA and ACC/AHA Heart Failure Classifications. Fun Clinical Case ---> what to look for on patient presentation. Guideline Directed Medical Therapy Advanced Therapy options (LVAD, MCS, Cardiac transplantation) --> when to refer to an advanced heart failure specialist.

Learning Objectives

Identify signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. To discuss the pathophysiology and etiology of heart failure. Evaluate and utilize diagnostic criteria to determine presence and severity of heart failure. Demonstrate the ability to initiate guideline directed medical therapy. Recognize when to refer to an advanced heart failure specialist.

Brittney Hulsey, DMSc, PA-C AT Still University

Program Description

Providers should be familiar with signs and symptoms of POTS and consider it as a potential diagnosis in patients who present with dizziness, lightheadedness, or changes in heart rate upon standing. Early recognition and treatment can improve patient outcomes and ongoing management is important to prevent complications. POTS can often be misdiagnosed or overlooked, given the nonspecific nature of the symptoms and lack of awareness of this condition among health care providers. Delay or misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medical work ups and treatments, and can result in prolonged reduction in quality of life for the patient.

Learning Objectives

1. Define postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and recognize the clinical manifestations of this condition. 2. Explain the various tests and assessments used to diagnose this condition. 3. Evaluate the different treatment options available for patients with POTS, including non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, and determine the appropriate treatment plan for individual patients. 4. Discuss the importance of patient education and empowerment in the management of POTS and describe strategies to promote self-management and active participation in care.

Martina Frost, PA-C, DFAAPA, CPAAPA, AACC Tucson VA Medical Center

Program Description

EKG interpretation remains one of the most feared challenges a PA may face in any clinical setting and on the PANCE/PANRE. This lecture will be a 'rapid fire' PANCE-style review of atrial and ventricular arrhythmia, AV Blocks, BBB and STEMI/NSTEMI recognition.

Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate a systematic approach to EKG interpretation 2. Distinguish common atrial arrhythmia 3. Identify the various types of AV Block 4, Recognize ischemic and injury patterns to identify STEMIs/NSTEMIs

Deepak Sharma, PA-C Mayo Clinic Arizona

Program Description

This presentation will allow learners to be aware of what cardiac amyloidosis is, be able to differentiate the types of cardiac amyloidosis of lung with her varying pathophysiology, identifying signs and symptoms of amyloidosis, lab and imaging involved in diagnosing amyloid, and treatment options that are currently available.

Learning Objectives

1. What his cardiac amyloidosis? 2. Understanding the types of cardiac amyloidosis 3. Amyloidosis pathophysiology 4. Identifying signs and symptoms suspicious for amyloidosis 5. Workup for amyloidosis 6. Treatment options for amyloidosis

Martina Frost, PA-C, DFAAPA, CPAAPA, AACC Tucson VA Medical Center

OBJECTIVES:

1. List 4 common atrial dysrhythmia
2. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of these 4 atrial dysrhythmia
3. Demonstrate a systematic approach to reading EKGs for quick recognition of these distinguishing features

Clay Walker, PA-C Mayo Clinic Arizona

Objectives:

Master the use of current guidelines for diagnosing chest pain in outpatient settings.

Become proficient in using risk scores to prioritize interventions and further testing.

Skillfully distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac causes of chest pain.

Timothy Thompson, MBA, PA-C BioXcellerator

Program Description

In PA school, we are not taught the business of medicine. It is only through continuous, post-graduate education that we learn about the principles of business development, profit/loss, supply chain and marketing. All are integral to employee satisfaction and practice survival. This presentation discusses the concepts of personal branding, practice marketing & optimization, contract negotiations, leadership possibilities, medical industry consulting opportunities and job search strategies.

Learning Objectives

After this presentation, PAs will be able to: 1. Identify key metrics for practice analysis 2. Develop a CV that demonstrates their value to an employer 3. Build an alternative personal and practice marketing plan 4. Negotiate appropriate terms of an employment contract 5. Discover alternative employment and consulting opportunities outside of traditional medical roles.

Richard Dehn, PA-C Editor-in-Chief, JAAPA Northern Arizona University

Program Description

Clinical healthcare providers are often content experts for topics that can be written into publishable manuscripts. Publication of such manuscripts can help other clinicians by increasing their medical knowledge and skills. This presentation describes how to identify a topic of interest for publication and how to develop it into a publishable paper. Also included in this presentation is information pertaining to journal author guidelines, the typical peer review process, and advice that will increase the likelihood that the manuscript would be accepted for publication.

Learning Objectives

List reasons to write for publication. Describe how to identify a topic on which to write a scholarly manuscript. Discuss the purpose and value of a journal's author guidelines. Describe the typical professional/scientific journal peer review process. Recognize steps that will increase the likelihood of publication.

Bettie Coplan, PhD, PA-C  &  Eve Hoover, DMSc, PA-C

Program Description

This session provides an overview about what is known about PA burnout and a discussion of multi-level strategies to promote clinician well-being. Attendees will gain an understanding of factors that contribute to burnout among PAs and learn individual and system-level approaches to prevent burnout, ameliorate its effects, and enhance wellness.

Learning Objectives

Describe the prevalence of burnout among PAs. Discuss factors that contribute to burnout among all clinicians and related factors that are unique to the PA profession. Describe individual and systems-level approaches to address PA burnout. Implement strategies to promote well-being in PA work environments.

Jennifer Prochniewski, PA-C Mayo Clinic Arizona

Program Description

A short course reivew for the workup of etiology of dysphagia when presenting as the chief compliant in an outpatient primary care setting. Discussion of appropriate history, physical exam, procedural testing, treatment, referrals and next steps in this common complaint seen in primary care. Patients with the complaints of dysphagia, often present to their primary care provider as the first step in the workup of their symptoms. As the etiologies of this symptom is wide, a thorough understanding of the potential causes as well as the workup of the symptom beyond just referral to specialty is warranted

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: 1. Describe how specific history questions can aid in narrowing the diagnosis for the etiology of new onset dysphagia. 2. List 3 tests or procedures that may be utilized by primary care to help assessing for etiology of dysphagia. 3. Discuss different potential specialty referrals for dysphagia and when these referrals would be indicated.

DJ Fenn, MPAS, PA-C The Emergency Center

Program Description

Discussion of nasal and sinus disorders, a brief explanation of nasal trauma, and a brief discussion on tracheostomies and their placement and management.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the most common nose and sinus disorders Discuss current treatment and recommendations of each disorder Briefly touch on nasal trauma Briefly discuss tracheostomies and trach management

Amy Kole, PA-C Mayo Clinic Arizona

Program Description

Coccidioidomycosis is a common yet often elusive diagnosis in Arizona. Many PAs amongst a diverse field of specialties encounter patients with coccidioidomycosis regularly. This lecture will highlight the key manifestations and presentations of both pulmonary and disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Attendees will also learn different treatment strategies.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify common signs and symptoms of pulmonary and extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis 2. Recognize risk factors for severe pulmonary coccidioidomycosis and disseminated coccidioidomycosis 3. Review the strengths and weaknesses of diagnostic assays available to diagnose coccidioidomycosis 4. Discuss treatment options and strategies for coccidioidomycosis

Michelle DiBaise, DHSc, PA-C nccPA Health Foundation AT Still University

Program Description

Mental health is an essential element of overall health, and the impact of untreated or under-treated mental illness is vast and increasingly documented. Board Certified PAs have the broad, generalist knowledge; prescriptive authority; and commitment to continuous professional development to screen, manage, and when needed, coordinate and refer for patient mental health care and substance use disorder needs. PAs and additional interprofessional care team members can adapt to fill this system gap created by growing demand for services coupled with limited access and insufficient workforce supply. By applying readily available screening tools and being resource-ready, PAs take a leadership role in championing integration of mental health across practice, ultimately improving health.

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize the importance of mental health as part of overall health. 2. Explain the role and contributions of Certified PAs to screen, manage, and, when needed, coordinate and refer for mental health care. 3. Describe tools and resources to enhance readiness to provide mental health services and to support integration of mental health in practice. 4. Discuss current and emerging issues related to the health professions and mental health.

Leigh Ann Pansch, MSN, FNP-BC, DCNP Director of NP/PA Education, DOCS Dermatology

David Holley, PA-C Mayo Clinic Arizona

Program Description

Understanding the differentiation of sinus headaches and facial pain is crucial because misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments and unnecessary suffering. This presentation will delve into the reasons behind this diagnostic dilemma, explore the nuances of differential diagnosis for sinus headaches and facial pain, and shed light on the initial treatment choices primary care physicians can make to provide effective relief.

Learning Objectives

1. Examine the diagnostic challenges in the evaluation of sinus headaches and facial pain. 2. Identify the key clinical features associated with sinus headaches and facial pain. 3. Differentiate between various etiologies of sinus headache and facial pain. 4. Review initial treatment approaches sinus headaches and facial pain to provide effective relief and improve patient outcomes.

Clay Walker, PA-C Mayo Clinic Arizona

Program Description

Join us for an enlightening medical conference lecture on fibromyalgia, where we delve into the intricate web of this enigmatic chronic pain condition. Discover the latest insights into its underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and evolving treatment strategies. From central sensitization to genetic predispositions, we explore the multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia. Gain valuable knowledge on diagnostic considerations, including clinical criteria and emerging tools. Explore evidence-based treatment approaches, from pharmacological interventions to non-pharmacological therapies, emphasizing a personalized, multimodal approach. Empower patients through patient-centered care, fostering resilience and improved quality of life. Engage in discussions on emerging research and future directions in fibromyalgia management. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and clinical practice in fibromyalgia care.

Learning Objectives

• Review the possibilities of how fibromyalgia may present. • Demonstrate how to use the innovative fibromyalgia rapid screening tool (FiRST) to evaluate patients for fibromyalgia. • Evaluate the AA?? 2019 Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and the 2016 American College of Rheumatology Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria. • Identify non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies indicated for the management of fibromyalgia.

Michelle Fischer, MMS, PA-C Salus University

Program Description

COPD is a heterogenous lung condition that is caused by the inhalation of toxic particles and gasses, most often tobacco smoke, but also indoor and outdoor pollutants. It results in damage to the airways and lung parenchyma that is progressive and for the most part, irreversible. Patients with COPD experience a range of potentially debilitating symptoms including productive cough, wheezing and progressive dyspnea. Despite recent strides in our understanding of the pathogenesis of COPD and the development of new treatment strategies, its morbidity, mortality and economic burden continue to increase. COPD is estimated to affected more than 10% of the global population and cause more than 3 million deaths per year. In this talk we will review the most up to date information regarding COPD pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapies and treatment algorithms.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the pathophysiology of COPD • Discuss risk factors and preventive measures for COPD • Discuss strategies for the management of stable COPD • Discussed strategies for the management of COPD exacerbations • Discuss common comorbidities seen in patients with COPD • Discuss how COVID-19 affects the management of patients with COPD

Allyson Hamacher, MPAS, PA-C, RD Mayo Clinic Arizona

Program Description

In this 60-minute presentation we will cover localizing a patient's exam to the peripheral nervous system, discuss how to differentiate between large and small fiber neuropathies, and discuss what to order, how to treat, and when to refer.

Learning Objectives

- describe common physical exam findings of peripheral neuropathy - differentiate between large and small fiber neuropathy exam findings - choose appropriate basic laboratory testing for initial peripheral neuropathy work-up - decide when to refer patients to a specialist for work-up

Brittney Hulsey, DMSc, PA-C, AT Still University and Clay Walker, PA-C, Mayo Clinic

Program Description

This article offers a thorough exploration of prevalent urological conditions affecting men’s sexual health and well-being: erectile dysfunction (ED), hypogonadism, Peyronie’s disease, and varicocele. The ED section dissects contributing factors, advances in diagnostics, and treatment modalities, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options. Peyronie’s disease analysis covers its pathophysiology, risks, and treatment, spotlighting collagenase injections and surgery. Hypogonadism is dissected, highlighting personalized testosterone therapy choices. Varicocele is addressed, encompassing diagnosis, complications, conservative approaches, surgery, and assisted reproduction. By integrating the latest insights, this article empowers primary care providers to improve quality of life by effectively managing these conditions.

Learning Objectives

1) Explain the underlying causes and mechanisms that contribute to erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, Peyronie's disease, and varicocele. 2) Indentify the key clinical signs and symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, Peyronie' s disease, and varicocele. 3) Describe appropriate diagnostic tests and tools used to confirm and assess the severity of these conditions. 4)Explore the various treatment optiosn avaiable for each condition. 5) Discuss the benefits, risks, and limitations of each treatment approach.

John Shull, PA-C and Dr. Chetan Gujrathi Aarizona Otolaryngology Consultants, PC

Program Description

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the United States. According to the CDC, research indicates that approximately 70% of cases of oropharynx cancer are caused by HPV. These patients often do not have obvious risk factors for head and neck cancer and their presenting complaints may be subtle. Through case-based examples, imaging, live presentation and review of evidence-based guidelines for work-up and management, PAs should garner a more thorough understanding of how to approach these patients.

Learning Objectives

Identify the demographics most effected by HPV related SSC of the head and neck Identify the most common presenting symptom of a patient with HPV related SSC of the head and neck Be able to conduct a limited head and neck exam Describe the different imaging modalities for a neck mass Describe treatment for HPV related SSC of the head and neck

Emily Babcock, DHSc, PA-C Creighton University - Phoenix

Program Description

Knowing how to recognize common dermatologic conditions is necessary when practicing as a PA. However, many clinicians feel less than confident in diagnosing and managing skin lesions. This presentation will review ten common skin growths encountered in primary care and will leave the clinician feeling more confident in the management of these lesions.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the key history and physical exam features of common skin growths. 2. Discuss the differential diagnosis of each skin growth. 3. Identify the proper treatment and/or patient education necessary to manage each skin growth.

Heidi Schmidt, PA-C Phoenix Children's Hospital

Program Description

This is meant to be an overview of detection of IgE mediated disorders for primary care providers to help aid in appropriate referrals to allergy and immunology providers along with guide correct screening. Lecture is provided with a pediatric focus. Given this information is covered in very limited detail in the initial training as PAs, presenter feels it is very valuable for PCPs to have this knowledge.

Learning Objectives

Discuss how to correctly identify the following conditions, with a pediatric focus: -Allergic rhinitis (“hay fever”) and/or conjunctivitis -Non-allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis -Recurrent infections or primary immunodeficiencies -Eczema/atopic dermatitis -Contact Dermatitis -Drug allergy -Urticaria (hives) and angioedema -Venom or stinging insect allergy -Asthma -Vocal cord dysfunction -Eosinophilic esophagitis -Food allergy and intolerance -Food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome -Oral allergy syndrome -Anaphylaxis

Tim Burbach, PA-C Ascend Healthcare

Program Description

Given the increasing national rate of suicide, it is imperative that physician assistants are well-equipped to identify, intervene, and support patients experiencing suicidal ideation and crisis. In this presentation we will review evidence-based strategies for screening, assessing patient risk, and responding to patients experiencing suicidal ideation. Emphasis will be placed on brief outpatient and emergency department interventions applicable to primary care, emergency medicine, psychiatry and potentially other outpatient medical settings.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the presentation, learners will be able to: 1. Recognize risk factors for suicide 2. Administer evidence-based screening instruments 3. Determine appropriate level of care for patients experiencing suicidal ideation 4. Intervene with one or more evidence-based strategies including medication, patient education/counseling, crisis response plans, and appropriate referrals.