Marcia Bouton, DMSc, MHPE, PA-C, DFAAPA | Kevin Kupferer, PA-C | Sarah Bolander, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA | Bettie Coplan, PA-C | Nicole Ferschke, PA-C | Melinda Rawcliffe, DMSc, DFAAPA, PA-C

Program Description

This interactive session will help PAs think about research and scholarly opportunities that surround them. By discussing types of scholarly work and presenting real-world examples of research projects that served as early research experience for the presenters, participants can consider how to leverage their own work and curiosity into research activities.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss different opportunities for PAs in research and scholarship. 2. Develop available resources to get started in research or scholarly pursuits. 3. Differentiate between scholarly writing, clinical research, and non-clinical research opportunities. 4. Explore real life examples of PA research. 

Clay Walker, PA-C | Thomas Hartman, DMSc, PA-C | Brittney Hulsey, DMSc, PA-C

Program Description

Attendees gain practical, evidence-based strategies for evaluating and managing lymphadenopathy across diverse clinical settings. This session equips participants to distinguish benign from malignant etiologies through targeted history-taking, focused physical examination, and judicious use of diagnostic tools. Using the MIAMI mnemonic, learners streamline their differential diagnosis, integrating infectious, autoimmune, neoplastic, and iatrogenic causes. Real-world cases highlight red-flag findings, optimal imaging choices, and biopsy indications, enhancing clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Whether in primary care, urgent care, or specialty practice, attendees leave with the confidence to assess lymphadenopathy efficiently, avoid unnecessary interventions, and expedite critical diagnoses-skills immediately applicable to daily patient care.

Learning Objectives

Identify the various types of lymphadenopathy and their underlying causes, including infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and systemic etiologies. Differentiate between benign and malignant causes of lymphadenopathy based on clinical history, physical examination findings, and relevant diagnostic investigations. Assess the appropriate diagnostic approaches for evaluating lymphadenopathy, including history-taking, physical examination techniques, imaging modalities, and laboratory investigations, while considering their limitations and potential pitfalls Acquire knowledge of evidence-based management strategies for lymphadenopathy, including conservative management and medical interventions, and apply appropriate management approaches based on the underlying etiology and presentation

Nicholas Pennings, DO, DABOM, MFOMA, FACOFP, FAAFP

Learning Objectives:

• Prioritize the management of obesity in treatment plans for patients with obesity or overweight and comorbid complications
• Utilize evidence-based strategies to establish treatment plans with patients with obesity or overweight
• Modify treatment plan for patients with obesity or overweight based on composite medical outcomes, including comorbidities and cardiometabolic risk measures

Robert Hoy, MPAS, PA-C | Tessa Tibben, DHSc, PA-C

Program Description

Chronic and recurrent urinary tract infections pose ongoing challenges in primary care, especially with rising antimicrobial resistance. This session reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors for cUTI and rUTI, and differentiates uncomplicated from complicated infections. Participants will examine recent IDSA, AUA, and CDC guideline updates to guide diagnosis, prevention, and management, including targeted antibiotic and non-antibiotic strategies. Red-flag symptoms, comorbidities, and indications for referral to urology or infectious disease will also be discussed to support timely, evidence-based patient care.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and common risk factors associated with chronic urinary tract infections (cUTI) and recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI) in adult patients. 2. Differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated UTIs and identify clinical features that suggest multidrug-resistant pathogens. 3. Formulate evidence-based initial management plans for cUTI/rUTI, including antibiotic and non-antibiotic strategies, tailored to patient risk factors and culture data. 4. Summarize recent guideline updates (e.g., IDSA, AUA, CDC) relevant to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cUTI/rUTI in primary care. 5. Recognize red-flag symptoms, comorbidities, and other indications that warrant referral to urology or infectious disease specialists

Brittney Hulsey, DMSc, PA-C

Program Description

This session will explore the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of isthmocele, a post-cesarean uterine scar defect increasingly recognized as a cause of secondary infertility. Physician Assistants will learn how to identify this often-overlooked condition, understand its diagnostic challenges, and review current evidence-based treatment approaches to improve reproductive outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Define isthmocele and describe its anatomical and pathological features. Recognize the key clinical presentations, with emphasis on infertility and abnormal uterine bleeding. Identify appropriate diagnostic modalities, including ultrasound and MRI findings. Explain the mechanisms by which isthmocele can impair fertility. Review current medical and surgical management options, including patient selection and timing considerations for intervention.

Randy Danielson, PhD, PA-C Emeritus

Program Description

This comprehensive presentation is designed to guide Physician Assistants (PAs) through the complex process of job searching and contract negotiation. With over 11,000 new graduate PAs entering the workforce annually and more than 100 military PAs transitioning to civilian practice each year, this presentation addresses a critical knowledge gap in PA education. Despite extensive clinical training, most PA programs do not adequately prepare graduates for the business aspects of employment, including salary negotiation, benefits evaluation, and contract analysis. This presentation provides evidence-based strategies and practical tools to help PAs secure favorable employment agreements that support both their professional goals and financial well-being.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Analyze compensation packages comprehensively - Evaluate base salary, bonuses, profit-sharing, call compensation, and other financial components using current market data and regional benchmarks. 2. Assess practice characteristics and organizational structure - Identify key factors that impact job satisfaction and career growth, including patient demographics, practice ownership models, and financial stability. 3. Navigate the negotiation process effectively - Apply the "3 P's" framework (Prepare, Probe, Propose) to conduct professional contract discussions with confidence and strategic thinking. 4. Evaluate benefits packages thoroughly - Compare insurance options, retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and other non-salary benefits to determine total compensation value. 5. Review contract terms critically - Identify potential red flags, restrictive covenants, liability issues, and termination clauses that could impact future career flexibility. 6. Make informed decisions about employment arrangements - Distinguish between employee and independent contractor status, understand legal implications, and recognize when to seek professional legal counsel.

Ashlyn Smith MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA

Program Description

This interactive case-based CME program is designed for PAs who seek to enhance and optimize their knowledge and clinical skills in identifying, risk-stratifying, and managing hyperlipidemia to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. The program combines didactic evidence, clinical pearls, and real-world case presentations to explore lipid pathophysiology, primary and secondary preventions, lifestyle intervention, and both statin and non-statin therapy options. Emphasis will be placed on individual risk assessment, shared medical decision-making, and practical tools for implementing treatment plans in diverse patient populations. Clinicians will gain the knowledge and confidence in implementing guideline-directed and evidence-based treatment plans that include both statin and non-statin lipid-lowering therapies.

Learning Objectives

1. Discern the clinical classification of hyperlipidemia and its contribution to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. 2. Integrate guideline-directed risk assessments into patient evaluations to determine optimal lipid level goals and treatments. 3. Identify appropriate indications for non-statin lipid-lowering therapies including ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and bempedoic acid. 4. Select and optimize guideline-directed individualized pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions. 5. Implement evidence-based patient care plans to optimize cardiovascular outcomes within a collaborative healthcare team.

Martina Frost, PA-C

Program Description

The landscape of heart failure (HF) treatment, in particular HF with reduced ejection fraction(EF) has changed dramatically over the past several years. 4 specific medications are now clearly recommended in the guidelines for all patients with HF w/reduced EF. Guideline updates have also brought about changes in treatment of HF w/preserved EF which is notoriously difficult to treat. These advances and guideline directed therapies will be reviewed during this lecture.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the types of Heart Failure (HF) and their classification/ staging 2. Apply the "4 Pillars of HF" to treatment of HF with reduced EF 3. Describe the benefits of rapid sequencing/simultaneous initiation of guideline-directed therapies 4. Identify strategies for treatment of HF w/preserved EF

Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C

Learning Objectives:

• Distinguish the role of TYK2 within the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and its relevance to selective therapeutic targeting in moderate to severe psoriasis
• Apply clinical evidence and patient-specific factors to appropriately incorporate small molecule therapies into individualized treatment strategies for moderate to severe psoriasis
• Develop personalized management plans that leverage small molecule therapies to address unmet needs and improve outcomes in diverse patients with moderate to severe psoriasis

Joseph Brady, PA-C

Program Description

Skins lesions are a frequent reason patients present in the primary care setting. More expectedly, skin checks are a regular occurrence in dermatologic offices as well. In either case, it is common for patients to self-identify lesions of concern, for which the differential diagnosis is necessarily broad. In this presentation, using case studies, images, and clinical pearls, participants will receive an overview of common benign to malignant lesions. Other goals will include recognizing key morphologic terms, identifying red flags that warrant a biopsy or a referral, and also review communication strategies with patients. The cases and images reviewed in the presentation will be applicable to everyday practice in the primary care and dermatology settings.

Learning Objectives

1. Distinguish common benign and malignant cutaneous lesions using morphology, patient history, and physical exam 2. Recognize red-flag findings that warrant a biopsy or dermatology referral 3. Optimize clinical education and patient counseling for prevention, monitoring, and follow-up

Charlie Piermarini, PA-C

Program Description

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of disability, and many patients feel surgery is their only option. This session will explore innovative, minimally invasive procedures that are changing the way we approach chronic knee pain. We will discuss the role of genicular artery embolization (GAE) in reducing inflammation and pain, as well as peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) as a targeted, non-opioid option for patients with persistent symptoms. Attendees will learn how these cutting-edge interventional radiology techniques can delay or even prevent the need for total knee replacement, improve function, and expand treatment pathways. We will also highlight the evolving role of Physician Associates in procedural medicine and how PAs can be leaders in bringing these novel therapies to patients.

Learning Objectives

1.Describe the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis and its impact on patient function. 2. Identify appropriate patient populations for genicular artery embolization (GAE) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). 3.Discuss the mechanisms, benefits, and potential risks associated with GAE and PNS in knee pain management. 4.Evaluate the role of Physician Associates in implementing minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures within a multidisciplinary care model.

Jed Grant, DMSc, PA-C

Program Description

This CME session is designed to provide PAs with practical guidance on mandated reporting from initial recognition to legal follow-though. Participants will review conditions commonly requiring reports, such as abuse, neglect, credible threats and violence involving vulnerable populations. The sessions will also address grey areas including intimate partner violence and health care workplace incidents. Ethical considerations, effective documentation, and appropriate participation in legal proceedings (e.g. depositions or trial testimony) will be emphasized. A concise two slide summary will reinforce key learning points and support application in daily practice.

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize conditions commonly required to be reported to government officials/law enforcement 2. Discuss ethical considerations in mandated reporting 3. Identify key considerations in charting associated with mandated reporting 4. Describe appropriate participation in the legal process following mandated reporting

Christopher Lewis, DMS, PA-C 

Program Description

Physician Assistants are primarily trained in the medical model of mental health through their education grounded in the DSM. This presentation will present the limitations of the DSM and introduce physician assistants to an evidence-based transdiagnostic approach to helping themselves and their patients find mental wellness. Participants will learn to apply the concepts to support their patients in behavioral change and mental wellness and to help themselves recover from or prevent burnout.

Learning Objectives

- Explain the core human yearnings. - Explain the core processes of psychological flexibility. - Explain the evidence base supporting Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. - Apply the concepts of openness, awareness, and engagement to occupational burnout in physician assistants. - Apply the concepts of openness, awareness, and engagement to a motivational patient encounter.