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43rd PAAV Annual Winter CME Conference

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
1746 Mountain Road
Stowe, VT 05672

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:30am ET - Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 12:30pm ET
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Annual Conference
1746 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672

Info

Credits Offered

This event offers 29.0 CME credits to attendees.
Accreditation Info: : PAAV plans to apply for accreditation from AAPA..

Additional Information

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for considering the PAAV 43rd Annual Conference. The committee has worked tirelessly; retaining popular speakers and recruiting the very best in new presenters. George “Bud” Higgins MD returns for 2 talks and an EKG workshop in 2026.

We incorporate attendees’ evaluation into a great mix of topics from the novel to salient reviews. We are developing small group workshops, presented by our highest rated faculty, for those who desire additional education during afternoon breaks. Features such as working through cases with GI specialist Rick Davis and sharing psychiatric dilemmas with Psychiatrist Jonathan Burgess. Bud Higgins will walk you through EKG findings not to miss, and Adrian Banning will have you practicing your motivational interviewing skills.

Stoweflake Resort offers a more centrally located option to Stowe’s many amenities making it easy to get to town and enjoy all that Stowe has to offer. Shuttle transports to base lodges avoiding the congestion and expense of parking at Stowe Resort. For variety, Sugarbush ski resort is 30-40 minutes south on Route 100!

Stoweflake is undergoing a multi-year renovation, with new public spaces, including the conference rooms. The lobby area is scheduled for renovations prior to the conference to include a bar and hopefully the opening of the on-site restaurant.

We will return to classroom seating offering table and forward view to presenters. PAAV conference guest rooms are currently the largest and best rooms in the house, and not the lower end inventory offered at most conference rates. Unlike most conferences registration includes food and beverage services for breakfasts, coffee breaks, après-ski offerings which are increasing not only your monetary value, but also the networking and vacation experience. Guest passes for food and beverage are offered for sale once again.

Speaking of monetary value, did you notice our some of our prices have dropped. We want to thank our members with an additional discount.

This meeting continues to attract a national interest to this resort destination in prime season, so if you have not joined us in the past, please review the program and discover the unique experience that is the PAAV Annual Winter CME Conference.

We look forward to having you with us in Stowe starting February 5, 2026. Book your hotel room now!

Sincerely,

Marge Bower PA-C PAAV CME Chairperson

PAAV CME Committee
Sarah Bushweller PA-C
Will Hoser PA-C
Lee Morissette, PA-C
Cary Stratford, PC-C

Event Agenda

43rd PAAV Annual Winter CME Conference

Event Agenda

Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:30am ET - Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 12:30pm ET

All times listed in Eastern Time (US & Canada).
Download event agenda (PDF)

Thursday, February 5, 2026

  • 11:30am - 12:30pm

    REGISTRATION OPENS

  • 12:30pm - 1:30pm

    “MIC” (MAXIMAL ID CONTENT): INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2025

    Timothy Lahey, MD, MSSC
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Review new developments in prevention of HIV and other viral infections
    2. Recognize new approaches to treating serious bacterial and fungal infections
    3. Refresh your memory about the cutting edge in infectious diseases

  • 1:30pm - 2:30pm

    “TACKLE THE BIG 10” TOP 10 STUDIES EVERY PRIMARY CARE PA SHOULD KNOW

    Adrian Banning, DHSC, MMS, PA-C
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Identify the top 10 primary care studies published in 2025 and summarize their key findings.
    2. Critically appraise the methodology and clinical relevance of each study using evidence-based principles.
    3. Integrate new evidence from these studies into patient care scenarios to enhance clinical decision-making.

  • 2:30pm - 3:30pm

    “SEEMS LIKE THEY KEEP MOVING THE GOALPOSTS”. SEPSIS: CURRENT TREATMENT AND THE LONG STRANGE TRIP TO GET THERE

    Andrew Perron, MD, FACEP
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Describe the historical context for how we treat sepsis.
    2. Identify the current evidence-based sepsis treatment guidelines.
    3. Review pitfalls in the treatment of sepsis.

  • 3:30pm - 4:00pm

    AFTERNOON BREAK & VISIT EXHIBITORS

    Join us for a light afternoon snack and to meet the exhibitors.

  • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

    “LYSIS IN CRISIS?” TPA FOR STROKE: A BRIEF HISTORY – WHAT IS THE LATEST, AND WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON?

    Andrew Perron, MD, FACEP
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Discuss the historical context for how we treat stroke.
    2. Identify the current evidence-based stroke treatment guidelines.
    3. Review pitfalls in the treatment of stroke and TIA

  • 5:00pm - 6:00pm

    “SUDDENLY EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE!” THE UNDER APPRECIATED IMPACE OF THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOM ON ALMOST EVERYTHING

    Rick Davis, PA-C
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Define the intestinal microbiome and distinguish dysbiosis from normal physiology.
    2. Examine GI disorders associated with altered intestinal microbiome.
    3. Discuss the current and future treatments to restore/improve the intestinal microbiome with clinical improvement.

  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm

    “ARE WE DONG EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SAVE YOU?” RECENT ADVANCES IN PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

    Chris Bates-Withers, MMS, PA-C, CAQ-HM, CAQ-CVTS, CHSE
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    ADVANCES IN PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
    1. Review resources for evidence-based practice in cardiovascular disease prevention in a politicized health information climate.
    2. Discuss current epidemiology of cardiovascular disease.
    3. Describe current understanding of major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
    4. Identify primary prevention approaches to the management of hypertension, including updates from the 2025 AHA/ACC guidelines.
    5. Discuss primary prevention approaches to the management of blood cholesterol, including applications of novel therapeutics.
    6. Discuss primary prevention approaches to smoking cessation, including pharmacotherapy.

  • 7:00pm - 8:30pm

    WELCOME COCKTAIL HOUR

    Join us in the Atrium to network and mingle with friends and family. Wine and Cheese - sponsored by Life Science

Friday, February 6, 2026

  • 7:00am - 7:00pm

    REGISTRATION DESK OPEN

  • 7:15am - 8:00am

    BREAKFAST AND SPONSORED PRESENTATION

    Life Science

  • 8:00am - 9:00am

    “LEGAL EASE???” HEALTHCARE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

    Stephen Leffler, MD
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Review the impact of state and federal laws on healthcare delivery.
    2. Describe the financial impact of federal legislation on providers.
    3. Discuss possible future impacts.
    4. Identify steps you can take to support your patients and your practice.

  • 9:00am - 10:00am

    “RHYTHM IN HARMONY” ATRIAL FIBRILLATION - BEYOND THE BASICS

    Chris Bates-Withers, MMS, PA-C, CAQ-HM, CAQ-CVTS, CHSE
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Recognize typical and atypical presentations of atrial fibrillation on electrocardiogram.
    2. Discuss the classification of atrial fibrillation and correctly apply atrial fibrillation diagnoses.
    3. Describe the diagnostic evaluation for the patient presenting with new-onset atrial fibrillation.
    4. Discuss rate versus rhythm control strategies for the management of atrial fibrillation.
    5. Review the approach to management of thrombotic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.

  • 10:00am - 10:30am

    MORNING BREAK & VISIT EXHIBITORS

    Join us for a morning coffee and visit the exhibitors.

  • 10:30am - 11:30am

    “BRAIN TRUST” SHARING A PATIENT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST

    Krista Buckley, MD
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Discuss ways to best work collaboratively with a psychiatrist.
    2. Cover common pitfalls in treating mental health in the primary care setting.
    3. Review medications with impacts on psychiatric conditions.
    4. Explore what to monitor for and when to refer for mental health conditions.

  • 11:30am - 12:30pm

    “WAIT! ITS NOT ALL ABOUT WEIGHT” EVIDENCE FROM CLINICAL TRIALS ON GLP-1 AND GLP-1/GIP AGONISTS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES

    Matthew Gilbert, DO, MPH
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Review the clinical trial evidence demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist in patients with type 2 diabetes.
    2. Summarize key findings from clinical trials on renal outcomes associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    3. Evaluate the role of GLP-1 and GLP 1/GIP receptor agonist in achieving glycemic control, with emphasis on trial based evidence.

  • 12:30pm - 3:30pm

    LUNCH ON YOUR OWN - FREE TIME OR WORKSHOPS

  • 2:00pm - 3:30pm

    (Optional) WORKSHOP 1: “TALK THE WALK” MASTERING MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING IN PRIMARY CARE

    Adrian Banning, DHSC, MMS, PA-C
    1.5 CE Credits

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Explain the core principles and spirit of motivational interviewing and its relevance to primary care.
    2. Demonstrate key motivational interviewing techniques (e.g., open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations) in simulated patient interactions.
    3. Assess personal communication style and identify opportunities to incorporate motivational interviewing strategies into routine clinical practice.

  • 2:00pm - 3:30pm

    (Optional) WORKSHOP 2: “GUT REACTIONS” SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION ON ACUTE GI PRESENTATIONS IN URGENT CARE

    Rick Davis, PA-C
    1.5 CE Credits

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Identify the typical and atypical presentations of spontaneous viscus perforation of the upper and lower GI tract.
    2. Evaluate the initial presentation of acute jaundice including patient history, physical exam, initial testing, and differential diagnosis.
    3. Analyze the presenting symptoms and differential diagnosis of acute upper and lower GI bleeding.
    4. Discuss case studies provided by workshop participants including clinical presentation, physical exam, initial evaluation, differential diagnosis, and treatment options.

  • 3:30pm - 4:00pm

    AFTERNOON BREAK & VISIT EXHIBITORS

    Join us for a light snack and to visit the exhibitors.

  • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

    MIGRAINES

    MARCI WOOD, PharmD BENJAMIN DEPO, MD RICHARD PINCKNEY, MD KELLY PRATT, PharmD
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    TBD

  • 5:00pm - 6:00pm

    “ALTERED STATES” THE CRITICAL NECESSITY AND CHALLENGES TO DECIPERHING DELIRIUM FROM DEMENTIA

    Adrian Banning, DHSC, MMS, PA-C
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Differentiate between delirium and dementia based on clinical presentation, underlying pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria.
    2. Assess risk factors, screening tools, and diagnostic approaches for both conditions in diverse patient populations.
    3. Develop comprehensive management plans that incorporate current best practices for prevention, treatment, and caregiver support.

  • 7:00pm - 9:00pm

    PAAV BOARD MEETING

    All members are invited to meet the board and attend our Winter Board Meeting - Dinner Included.

Saturday, February 7, 2026

  • 7:00am - 8:00am

    BREAKFAST & VISIT EXHIBITORS

    Join us for breakfast and visit the exhibitors.

  • 8:00am - 9:00am

    “HEART SMART – SORTING IT OUT” ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME FROM SUSPICION TO TREATMENT

    George Higgins, MD, FACEP
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Effectively combine their gestalt (experience and judgement) with a validated Clinical Decision Tool (HEART/HEAR) to risk stratify patients presenting with chest discomfort.
    2. Identify ECG patterns consistent with STEMI and STEMI-equivalents.
    3. Discuss a case study of a patient presenting with STEMI, emphasizing the specific steps in management that need to be expeditiously and safely performed.

  • 9:00am - 10:00am

    “WELCOME DAVE; YOU ARE THE FIRST TO ARRIVE” ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MEDICINE STATE OF THE ART AND STATE OF THE FUTURE

    Joshua White, MD
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Discuss what is happening in the AI market as it applies to medical practice.
    2. Identify practice changing opportunities might be in the future for AI.
    3. Describe the risks involved in utilizing AI in medicine.

  • 10:30am - 10:30am

    MORNING COFFEE BREAK AND VISIT EXHIBITORS

    Join us for morning coffee break and visit the exhibitors.

  • 10:30am - 11:30am

    “ARE YOU STAYING ABREAST???” BREAST CANCER RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HIGH-RISK PATIENT

    Marybeth Hans, PA-C
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Discuss the basic components of a breast cancer risk assessment.
    2. Recognize the differences between currently available risk calculators.
    3. Appreciate options for high-risk surveillance and risk reduction.

  • 11:30am - 12:30pm

    “NOTHING UP YOUR SLEEVE?” ACUTE CARE TRICKS

    Joshua White, MD

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Describe some of the drivers of inefficiency in the clinic environment.
    2. Identify areas in their practice that they can address that contribute to getting out late.
    3. Discuss specific disease processes and injuries that have opportunity for quicker and easier resolution.

  • 12:30pm - 3:30pm

    LUNCH ON YOUR OWN, FREE TIME AND WORKSHOPS

  • 2:00pm - 3:30pm

    (Optional) WORKSHOP 3: “CORTICAL STIMULATION” PICK A PSYCHIATRIST’S BRAIN ON BRAINS: EXPERT Q & A SEMINAR WITH A PSYCHIATRIST

    Jonathan Burgess, MD, MPH
    1.5 CE Credits

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Review cases in psychiatry.
    2. Describe how to envision particular psychiatric phenotypes, combined with therapeutic and psychopharmacologic interventions and lifestyle interventions specific for each psychiatric disorder.
    3. Compare efficient and accurate ways to communicate differential diagnosis and presenting concern to mental health providers.

  • 2:00pm - 3:30pm

    (Optional) WORKSHOP 4: “PATTERNS THAT KILL THAT – YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS” ECG WORKSHOP ON STEMI EQUIVALENTS AND SUDDEN DEATH PREDICTORS

    George Higgins, MD, FACEP
    1.5 CE Credits

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Recognize ECG clues that are associated with STEMI-equivalent ACS.
    2. Recognize ECG clues that are associated with sudden unexpected death.
    3. Recognize ECG clues that are associated with sudden unexpected tachycardia.

  • 3:30pm - 4:00pm

    AFTERNOON BREAK & VISIT EXHIBITORS

  • 4:00pm - 5:00pm

    “YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT” DIET AND LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS FOR PEDIATRIC AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

    Jonathan Burgess, MD, MPH

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Describe the impact of maternal health and gestation on the future development of pediatric and developmental disorders.
    2. Describe the evidence base regarding artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives on attention span and ADHD
    3. Describe the evidence base for using dietary, nutritional, exercise, and mindfulness interventions for children and teenagers for primary prevention and adjunctive treatment of psychiatric disorders.

  • 5:00pm - 6:00pm

    “AVOID THE WHEEZE IS A BREEZE” RSV VACCINE PROTECTING INFANTS FROM HOSPITALIZATIONS

    Rebecca Bell, MD
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    TBD

  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm

    “MEET YOUR REPLACEMENT” JOINT ARTHOPLASTY FOR THE NON-ORTHOPEDIST

    Alexander Orem, MD
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Review criteria for joint replacement candidate including same day surgery candidates.
    2. Analyze optimization of risk factors to construct an effective preoperative assessment.
    3. Review benefits of newer surgical approaches.
    4. Discuss best practices for screening complications during the post op period.

Sunday, February 8, 2026

  • 7:00am - 8:00am

    BREAKFAST

    Final Breakfast and Network with friends.

  • 8:30am - 9:30am

    “I WISH I KNEW THIS BEFORE TODAY” PRACTICE CHANGING TRICKS AND TIPS FROM THE RECENT MEDICAL LITERATURE

    George Higgins, MD, FACEP
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Safely de-label penicillin allergy in their patients.
    2. Add topical ophthalmic timolol to acute migraine headache management.
    3. Recognize and emergently manage acute sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
    4. Review the cancer producing risk of CT imaging.
    5. Appreciate the risk of significant head injuries in elderly patients falling from a standing height.
    6. Describe how to increase the effectiveness of virtual medicine interactions.

  • 9:30am - 10:30am

    “WE ARE NOT ALONE” WHY INTERNATIONAL PA ADVOCACY EFFORTS MAY BE A HARBINGER FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR PRACTICE

    David Kuhns, PA-C Emeritus, CCPA, MPH, DFAAPA 
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    1. Highlight the volatility of PA advocacy at the international level.
    2. Examine the predicted outcomes of the “butterfly effect” from last year’s presentation.
    3. Focus on the recent dramatic developments out of the UK and Ireland.
    4. Describe current opportunities for international employment of US PAs, with an emphasis on Canada and New Zealand.

  • 10:30am - 10:45am

    MORNING COFFEE BREAK AND HOTEL CHECK-OUT

    Grab a quick coffee and check-out of your room.

  • 10:45am - 11:45am

    “CONTRACEPTIVE CONTRAPTIONS" UPDATE ON CONTRACEPTIVE TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS 2026

    Bronwyn Kenny, MD
    1.0 CE Credit

    At the end of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
    At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:
    1. Review the mechanism of action of different contraceptive options.
    2. Discuss the relevant contraindications to different contraceptive methods.
    3. Review ways to reduce barriers to contraceptive prescribing and device placement at initial visit

Register For This Event

Member - Active and Associate
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026
$690.00   $590.00

Member - Life
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026
$490.00   $390.00

Member - Student
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026
$190.00   $140.00

Non-Member
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026
$890.00   $790.00

Non-Member - Student
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026
$290.00   $240.00

Welcome Reception - Paying Attendee
Free

Welcome Reception - Adult Guest
$30.00

Welcome Reception - Child - 4yrs - 12 yrs
$10.00

(Optional) Workshop 1: "TALK THE WALK" MASTERING MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING IN PRIMARY CARE
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026

Friday, February 6 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm

$85.00   $65.00

(Optional) Workshop 2: "GUT REACTIONS" SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION ON ACUTE GI PRESENTATIONS IN URGENT CARE
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026

Friday, February 6 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Registered participants in the Psych and GI case workup workshops are invited to send a short, clinical scenario of a case, with what they are wanting better insight on.  Participants will be limited to one case or clinical question defined as:
Case: a short paragraph ie an extended version of a one-liner set up for an associated clinical questionOrQuestion:  single line good practice question, example,  "Why are "antipsychotics" also used as antidepressants and when and how are the best times to use them?" 
Participants please note:  Workshop leaders will choose the cases or questions based on broad appeal and clinical teaching aspects and available time.  Workshops leaders will work to maintain the fine balance of teaching and discussion. There is no guarantee that submissions will be reviewed in the workshop.

$85.00   $65.00

(Optional) Workshop 3: "CORTICAL STIMULATION" PICK A PSYCHIATRIST'S BRAIN ON BRAINS: EXPERT Q & A SEMINAR WITH A PSYCHIATRIST
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026

Friday, February 6 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm

Registered participants in the Psych and GI case workup workshops are invited to send a short, clinical scenario of a case, with what they are wanting better insight on.  Participants will be limited to one case or clinical question defined as:
Case: a short paragraph ie an extended version of a one-liner set up for an associated clinical questionOrQuestion:  single line good practice question, example,  "Why are "antipsychotics" also used as antidepressants and when and how are the best times to use them?" 
Participants please note:  Workshop leaders will choose the cases or questions based on broad appeal and clinical teaching aspects and available time.  Workshops leaders will work to maintain the fine balance of teaching and discussion. There is no guarantee that submissions will be reviewed in the workshop.

$85.00   $65.00

(Optional) Workshop 4: "PATTERNS THAT KILL THAT - YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS" ECG WORKSHOP ON STEMI EQUIVALENTS AND SUDDEN DEATH PREDICTORS
Early Bird Discount Until 1/5/2026

Saturday, February 7 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm

$85.00   $65.00

Board Meeting

Friday, February 6 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm - includes dinner. 

Free

PAAV Printed Program Book
$30.00

Adult Guest - Breaks & Breakfast Package

Includes:

Thursday, February 5 - Afternoon break - 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Friday, February 6 - Breakfast - 7:00am - 8:00am
Friday, February 6 - Afternoon break - 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Saturday, February 7 - Breakfast - 7:00am - 8:00am
Saturday, February 7 - Afternoon break - 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Sunday, February 8- Breakfast - 7:00am - 8:00am

$225.00

Child Guest - 4yrs - 12 yrs - Breaks & Breakfast Package

Includes:

Thursday, February 5 - Afternoon break - 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Friday, February 6 - Breakfast - 7:00am - 8:00am
Friday, February 6 - Afternoon break - 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Saturday, February 7 - Breakfast - 7:00am - 8:00am
Saturday, February 7 - Afternoon break - 3:30pm - 4:00pm
Sunday, February 8- Breakfast - 7:00am - 8:00am

$150.00