43rd PAAV Annual Winter CME Conference

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 MICROBIOME 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:
  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 Thermo Fisher Scientific

Friday, February 6, 2026

• 7:00am - 7:00pm

  REGISTRATION DESK OPEN

• 7:15am - 8:00am

  BREAKFAST AND SPONSORED PRESENTATION BY THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC

  Mike Broyles, BSPharm, PharmD Medical Director, Biomarkers Thermo Fisher Scientific

  At the conclusion of this presentation the attendee will be able to:
  1. Summarize the pathophysiology and kinetics of Procalcitonin.
  2. Discuss if a patient needs antibiotics, are they working, is it safe to discontinue?
  3. Review adult and pediatric considerations, applications, and PCT nuances "outer results".
  4. Describe how biomarkers can aid in the differential diagnosis of bacterial infection, severity of bacterial burden and disease evolution.
  5. Identify PCT use in the: Emergency Department, Critical Care, Oncology, Discontinuing of Antibiotics, Antibiotic Stewardship, Diagnostic/Clinical Reference Ranges etc.

• 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

  Registered participants in the GI case workup workshop 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 question
  Or
  Question: single line good practice question, example, "Why are "antipsychotics" also used as antidepressants and when and how are the best times to use them?"
  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

  "THE NEW AND THE TRIED AND TRUE” MIGRAINE THERAPEUTICS MAKING SENSE OF ALL YOUR OPTIONS

  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:
  1. Describe the clinical approach to the management of migraines (treatment and prevention)
  2. Discuss non‐pharmacologic approaches to management of migraines
  3. Discuss pharmacologic approaches to the management of migraines
  4. Provide patient education and patient evaluation tools to assist in management of migraines

• 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

  Registered participants in the Psych 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 question
  Or
  Question: single line good practice question, example, "Why are "antipsychotics" also used as antidepressants and when and how are the best times to use them?"

  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 – 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:
  1. Review the signs, symptoms, and treatment of RSV in infants.
  2. Review the indications and effectiveness of RSV immunization.
  3. Review counseling approaches with families and frequently asked questions.

• 6:00pm - 7:00pm

  “MEET YOUR REPLACEMENT” JOINT ARTHROPLASTY 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

• 7:30am - 8:30am

  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 - 11:30am

  “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:
  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