Randy Danielsen, PhD, DHL(h), PA-C Em

Program Description

Do your patients struggle to breathe, but MDIs don't help? This presentation explores Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD), a condition often mistaken for asthma. Learn to recognize VCD, get an accurate diagnosis, and explore treatment options beyond inhalers.

Learning Objectives

1. Raise awareness of Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) as a common cause of wheezing and shortness of breath that can mimic asthma. 2. Differentiate the signs and symptoms of VCD from asthma to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. 3. Highlight the diagnostic challenges of VCD and discuss strategies for accurate identification. 4. Explore treatment options for VCD, including voice therapy and behavioral modifications.

Caitlin McQuarie, PA-C

Program Description

A case-based lecture to help primary care and other specialty PAs recognize the presentation of different spinal emergencies. This lecture will focus on differentiating urgent from emergent spinal presentations, using pertinent history and physical examination skills.

Learning Objectives

1. Briefly review anatomy of the vertebral column and spinal cord 2. Categorize spinal emergencies into infectious vs. compressive etiologies 3. Utilize cases to differentiate between the presentation and diagnosis of the following spinal emergencies: Vertebral osteomyelitis Epidural abscess Cervical myelopathy Cauda equina syndrome 4. Describe the management options for the above spinal disorders

Clay Walker PA-C

Program Description

Join us for an engaging and practical session that will delve into the intricacies of evaluating and managing nausea and vomiting in adults. You will learn how to differentiate between acute and chronic cases, recognize critical alarm symptoms, and navigate the diverse range of possible causes—from gastrointestinal and infectious to metabolic, neurologic, and psychiatric. We will discuss key diagnostic steps, effective nonpharmacologic strategies, and the best use of pharmacotherapy. Throughout this discussion, you will gain valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your clinical practice, helping you improve patient care and quality of life for those dealing with these challenging symptoms. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your expertise and make a real difference in your patients' lives!

Learning Objectives

Analyze and differentiate the underlying etiologies of acute and chronic nausea and vomiting in adults to guide targeted diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Evaluate the presence of alarm symptoms and utilize appropriate diagnostic tools to identify potentially life-threatening conditions associated with nausea and vomiting. Develop and implement comprehensive management plans, including both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies, tailored to the specific causes of nausea and vomiting.

Katie Deponte, PA-C

At the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• Explain the prevalence, burden, and impact of migraine in different patient populations
• Review the diagnostic criteria for migraine and its differential diagnosis from other headache disorders
• Describe the role of CGRP in migraine pathophysiology
• Compare and contrast clinical profiles of acute and preventive migraine treatments

Linda MacConnell, DMSc, PA-C

Program Description

Preventing falls in the older population is crucial! Every 11 seconds, an older person presents to an Emergency Department with injuries from a fall which translates to 3 million older people per year, about 300,000 of whom suffer a hip fracture, many of whom never recover. This presentation offers information of the occurance of falls and importantly tips for patient education to prevent falls. Best of all, an interactive section will educate clinicians on evaluating older patients for fall risk, "Stopping Elderly Accidents Deaths and Injuries (STEADI)", a billable evaluation for Medicare patients leading to decreasing the risk of falls.

Learning Objectives

After participating in the Learning Activities, the student will be able to: 1. Describe the morbidity and mortality of falls in older patients 2. Discuss causes of falls in people over the age of 65 3. Explain the principles of falls risk assessment in older patients 4. Employ STEADI testing in their clinical practices 5. Design education for their patients based on various National Council on Aging (NCOA) recommended falls prevention programs

Alicia Quella, PhD, PA-C

Program Description

NCCPA will provide detailed information on the recertification options for PAs- the PANRE and the PANRE-LA. We will give an update for PAs in the 2028 recertification cohort, review application deadlines and assessment options. We will also provide a brief review the CAQ program (highlighting OBGYN, Dermatology and Palliative Medicine/Hospice Care CAQs). In addition, we will describe the various ways PAs contribute to the work of NCCPA, how we communicate with PAs and other resources available to Arizona PAs.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the options, resources and details on recertification for PAs: focusing on the PANRE and PANRE-LA • Describe the CAQ program and the new CAQs available for PAs • Describe the ways PAs contribute to the work of NCCPA • Update on recent legislation guiding PA Practice, the PA Licensure Compact and title change. • Describe the practice characteristics of Arizona PAs