Discuss the etiology, clinical stages, and clinical patterns of Herpes Zoster. Summarize the management of acute infections, vaccine recommendations for preventing herpes Zoster and related complications, and review health disparities in the Herpes Zoster vaccine.  

1.           Discuss the etiology of the Herpes Zoster.
2.           Review the clinical stages and some clinical patterns of Herpes Zoster
3.           Summarize the management of acute Herpes Zoster infection
4.           Review immunization to prevent herpes zoster and related complications and summarize the health disparities in the Herpes Zoster vaccine.

This is a fun Mission Impossible themed lecture where we will set out to identify some of the biggest "cardiac criminals".

1. Review and identify things that cause sudden death in young people (Brugadas and HCM)
2. Discuss the biggest criminal when it comes to missing ACS in women
3. Identify the "STEMI Syndicate"
4. Be able to identify the new STEMI equivalents

An approach to the diagnosis and management of bursitis with emphasis on how to differentiate between septic and inflammatory etiologies.

1. Differentiate between inflammatory and septic bursitis by identifying key differences in pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and common causative organisms.

2. Interpret diagnostic findings (e.g., bursal fluid analysis, imaging, and laboratory markers) to accurately classify a case of bursitis as inflammatory or septic in standardized case scenarios.

3. Formulate an evidence-based management plan for patients with septic and non-septic bursitis, including appropriate antimicrobial selection, procedural interventions, and follow-up care.

4. Analyze how social determinants of health—such as occupation, access to healthcare, housing stability, and comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, substance use)—influence the risk, diagnosis, and outcomes of septic bursitis.

This lecture addresses the needs of the patient who may become pregnant in the next year and who may have underlying medical conditions or other risk factors, including but not limited to intimate partner violence, environmental risks, and other socioeconomic factors. It will consider the sequelae of chronic disease during pregnancy as well as appropriate medication to control these disorders in the parturient.

1. Define the term interpregnancy interval
2. Identify the reasons why preconceptional counseling is important to improving the health of patients who may become pregnant in the future
3. Discuss the risk of maternal morbidity and mortality in marginalized patients
4. Discuss management of pregnant patients with Hypertension, Hypothyroidism, and Pregestational diabetes mellitus.

This presentation explores the critical role of cancer genetics and genetic testing in modern oncology. It will provide an overview of inherited cancer syndromes, the utility of genetic testing in identifying cancer risk, and how results guide treatment decisions. The presentation also highlights how genetic information can shape cancer surveillance strategies for patients and at-risk family members, ultimately enabling more personalized and preventive approaches to care.

1. Define cancer genetics and explain the difference between inherited and somatic mutations.

2. Describe the indications and process for genetic testing in cancer patients.

3. Explain how genetic test results influence personalized cancer treatment decisions (e.g., targeted therapies, surgery, chemotherapy).

4.     Discuss how social determinants of health can affect genetic testing availability and therefore affect treatment choices for patients. 

5. Discuss the implications of genetic findings for cancer screening and surveillance in patients and their families

In today’s fast-paced, sleep-deprived culture, it’s easy to overlook narcolepsy – especially if you’re relying on the presence of cataplexy to increase your clinical suspicions. This lecture will explore fundamental concepts and challenges related to narcolepsy & hypersomnia awareness, diagnosis, and treatment.

1. Differentiate between Narcolepsy Type 1 and Narcolepsy Type 2. 

2. Contrast the diagnostic criteria for narcolepsy versus idiopathic hypersomnia. 

3. Discuss socioeconomic barriers to the diagnosis & treatment of hypersomnia disorders. 

4. List at least 2 considerations related to prescribing of oxybate therapy.

A discussion of safe practices for prescribing benzodiazepines, as well as how best to taper off patients in active use.

1. Understand current trends in benzodiazepine use, including disproportionately impacted populations
2. Identify when a benzodiazepine may be indicated for a patient
3. Recognize limitations: how well they work vs. probability of harm
4. Describe best practices for benzo deprescribing
5. Demonstrate approach to obtaining “buy-in” from the patient who is resistant

Medical professionals serving children are aware that technology is an important, and often vital, part of modern life that also poses certain risks for children and adolescents. This session explores what medical providers and caregivers need to know about exposure to pornography. It will also take a look at some real-life examples involving perpetrators using technology to gain access to children. By exploring these examples, the audience will be able to identify some common themes and discuss how medical providers can best advise their young patients and their caregivers.

1. Identify the various ways that technology is commonly used by adolescents. 

2. Explain how exposure to pornography affects children and adolescents.

3. Discuss case examples of children who have been sexually abused and/or exploited when the perpetrator gained access to the child using technology. 

4. List social determinants of health that may influence a child’s risk of becoming a victim.

5. Discuss practical advice that medical professionals can provide their adolescent patients and caregivers of adolescents about how to safely utilize technology.

Clinical informatics is transforming how healthcare organizations deliver care, optimize workflows, and make data-driven decisions. This session will explore practical strategies for using informatics and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve patient outcomes, enhance provider efficiency, and promote health equity. Drawing from real-world examples at Advance Community Health, participants will learn how EHR optimization, population health dashboards, and predictive analytics can uncover care gaps, support clinical decision-making, and address social determinants of health (SDOH). Attendees will leave with actionable tools and frameworks to implement informatics-driven quality improvement in their own practice settings.

1. Describe the role of clinical informatics in improving quality of care, provider performance, and organizational decision-making.
2. Identify strategies to leverage EHR data and analytics dashboards to drive measurable improvements in clinical outcomes.
3. Recognize how informatics initiatives can address social determinants of health (SDOH) and reduce health disparities among diverse patient populations.
4. Demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into clinical and operational workflows to enhance decision support and efficiency.
5. Develop an action plan for applying informatics and AI tools to optimize care delivery and advance health equity within their own organizations.

Hearing loss in children is more common than you think. There are numerous reasons why a child may have conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss. We will explore these causes and how we as providers can prevent some of them. We will also touch on management of ear tubes and CMV screening.

 1. Identify the key differences between sensorineural and conductive hearing loss
2. Interpret when there is a need for congenital CMV screening
3. Describe treatment for congenital CMV and how CMV can affect hearing
4. Summarize barriers to children receiving timely hearing loss diagnoses
5. Explain proper treatment of tube otorrhea 

Hypertension remains one of the most common and impactful conditions encountered in clinical practice. This session will provide a concise update on current hypertension management strategies, including recent guideline changes, pharmacologic advances, and lifestyle interventions. Practical pearls for optimizing patient care and improving outcomes will also be highlighted.

1. Identify current hypertension guidelines and treatment thresholds

2. Implement pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management strategies in clinical practice

3. Apply practical approaches to improve blood pressure control in diverse patient populations

4. Assess the impact of social determinants of health on hypertension management and outcomes

This session provides a practical and non-technical introduction to artificial intelligence for clinicians and educators. AI headlines are everywhere, yet many healthcare professionals still wonder where to begin and how it applies to patient care. Using real world examples, attendees will learn how AI is being used to reduce documentation time, improve communication, and assist with patient education. The presentation simplifies concepts such as large language models and prompt writing into clear, usable steps that any clinician can understand. Participants will leave with a realistic view of AI’s potential and limits, including privacy considerations, accuracy safeguards, and everyday ways to experiment safely. Whether you are curious or cautious, this session offers a grounded and accessible path to getting started with AI in clinical practice.

1. Define core AI terms in plain language.
2. Identify three current clinical use cases that improve efficiency and support decision making.
3. Develop beginner safe AI prompts to streamline documentation, communication, and education.
4. Explain basic safeguards for accuracy, privacy, and human judgment.
5. Outline first steps to integrate AI into daily work.

Review of metabolic bone diseases, including Paget's disease, hypophosphatemic rickets, hypophosphatasia, and osteomalacia using a series of clinical cases and literature review.

1. Define core AI terms in plain language.
2. Identify three current clinical use cases that improve efficiency and support decision making.
3. Develop beginner safe AI prompts to streamline documentation, communication, and education.
4. Explain basic safeguards for accuracy, privacy, and human judgment.
5. Outline first steps to integrate AI into daily work.

This lecture explores the composition and function of the human gut microbiome and its role in maintaining health. It examines how dysbiosis contributes to common conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, and mental health issues, and discusses evidence-based strategies to support microbiome health through diet and lifestyle. The session also highlights how social determinants of health—such as diet quality, environmental exposures, and access to care—shape microbiome diversity and contribute to health disparities.

1. Describe the composition and functions of the human microbiome and its role in maintaining health.
2. Explain the relationship between microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis) and common disease states (e.g., GI disorders, obesity, mental health).
3. Examine how social determinants of health influence the gut microbiome and contribute to health disparities.
4. Identify evidence-based strategies for modulating and supporting a healthy microbiome through lifestyle and diet.

Included will be a discussion of the evaluation and management of several common ENT disorders (Otitis Media with Effusion,Sudden Hearing Loss, Acute Otitis Externa, Epistaxis, Acute Sinusitis, and Neck Masses) using evidence-base practice from published guidelines.

1. Identify the clinical manifestations and develop a comprehensive differential diagnosis for prevalent Otolaryngological disorders.
2. Critically appraise and synthesize published guidelines delineating evidence-based methodologies for the evaluation and management of these disorders.
3. Identify and effectively utilize evidence-based resources to support clinical decision-making and patient care.
4. Apply effective patient education strategies to enhance their understanding of medical conditions and promote shared decision-making. 

This session explores the transitional era of menopause through a case-based approach, beginning with common complaints such as vasomotor instability, brain fog, and sexual dysfunction, alongside provider concerns including bone loss, cardiovascular risk, and weight gain. The Menopausal Rating Scale and STRAW criteria are reviewed to quantify symptoms and assess endocrine changes, including FSH and AMH fluctuations. Using the case of JJ, a 49-year-old woman presenting for initial evaluation, we examine appropriate lab testing strategies, emphasizing age-specific symptom interpretation and identifying when testing is essential. A review of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) and current North American Menopause Society (NAMS) statements provides context for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including its benefits, risks, and contraindications. Treatment options are explored based on uterine status, estrogen and progestin types, and FDA-approved therapies. JJ’s case evolves with a new medical history, prompting a shift from systemic HRT to alternative strategies. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is addressed, with a focus on presentation and treatment options, including low-risk estrogen therapies. Non-hormonal therapies for patients with contraindications and guidance on HRT discontinuation are also discussed. Attendees will leave with practical tools and clinical insights to personalize menopausal care and optimize outcomes.

1. Identify the clinical manifestations and develop a comprehensive differential diagnosis for prevalent Otolaryngological disorders.
2. Critically appraise and synthesize published guidelines delineating evidence-based methodologies for the evaluation and management of these disorders.
3. Identify and effectively utilize evidence-based resources to support clinical decision-making and patient care.
4. Apply effective patient education strategies to enhance their understanding of medical conditions and promote shared decision-making. 

A review of the current state of opioid use disorder among adolescents, including prevalence and risk factors; a discussion of best practices for MOUD in adolescents, potential barriers to care, and how they can be overcome; and an examination of hypothetical case scenarios regarding adolescent patients with OUD, potential challenges, and viable treatment options.

1. Recognize adolescents as an at-risk population for opioid use disorder, identifying factors leading to addiction and how they can be mitigated in a clinical setting
2. Understand the medications for opioid use disorder available to adolescents, their respective efficacy, and the best practices for prescribing
3. Outline barriers to care for adolescents experiencing opioid use disorder and ways clinicians can manage them
4. Navigate numerous hypothetical case studies regarding adolescents with opioid use disorder to expand their capabilities prescribing MOUD

This evidence-based session explores the rapidly growing field of Lifestyle Medicine—an approach that emphasizes sustainable behavior change to prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic metabolic diseases. Participants will review current epidemiological data on metabolic health, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, and learn how lifestyle interventions—nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, substance avoidance, and positive social connection—serve as powerful therapeutic tools. Through real-world case studies and clinical outcomes, attendees will gain practical insights into implementing Lifestyle Medicine in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes, reduce medication dependence, and advance the shift from disease management to true health restoration.

1- Define Lifestyle Medicine and its six evidence-based pillars
2- Interpret current epidemiologic data on metabolic health and chronic disease trends
3-Apply lifestyle interventions to prevent, treat, and reverse common chronic conditions 4-Describe how social determinants of health influence patients’ ability to adopt and maintain lifestyle changes, and identify practical strategies to address these factors and promote health equity in clinical practice.

A review of some of the sneaky findings that can burn you if you miss them.

1. Review new STEMI equivalents
2. Discuss ways that acs can show up on the EKG (OMI)
3. Review cases that illustrates these sneaky findings 

Management of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

1. Discuss the signs and symptoms of BPH.

2. Describe barriers to appropriate treatment of BPH.

3. Compare and contrast medications to treat BPH.

4. Discuss surgical options to treat BPH. 

The goal of the lecture is to increase PA recognition of malnutrition across populations, the risks associated with malnutrition, and the PAs role as a front line provider in screening and diagnosing malnutrition.

1. Use the evidence based tools to quickly and efficiently screen for malnutrition in both inpatient and outpatient settings. 
2.  Discuss the value of diagnosing identified patients with at-risk for malnutrition or malnutrition. 
3. Recognize the role that food insecurity plays in malnutrition, and patients at risk. 
4. Describe the role that malnutrition plays on patient outcomes.

An introduction to MOUD depicting the current medications approved by the FDA, including the pharmacology, respective benefits and downsides, and best prescribing practices for each.

1. Understand the current state of the opioid crisis in NC and nationwide
2. Discuss the benefits of prescribing medication for opioid use disorder
3. Compare the current medications available for treating OUD, their respective pharmacology, and best practices for prescribing
4. Utilize factors at the individual level to discern which MOUD is most suitable for a patient, including both social and biological determinants
5. Depict the most effective harm reduction strategies available to people experiencing OUD

Anemia is a frequent yet complex finding in clinical practice, often prompting the question, when is it time to call hematology? This session offers a practical, evidence-based approach to differentiating the major types of anemia using pathophysiology, laboratory patterns, and key clinical clues. Participants will learn to identify red-flag features that warrant urgent evaluation, apply effective diagnostic strategies, and recognize how social determinants of health influence care. Through a collaborative, patient-centered lens, this presentation bridges primary care and hematology to optimize anemia management and improve outcomes.

1. Differentiate the major types of anemia based on pathophysiology, laboratory findings, and clinical presentation.
2. Formulate an evidence-based diagnostic approach to anemia that incorporates appropriate use of laboratory testing and timely referral to hematology.
3. Recognize red-flag features of anemia that indicate urgent or serious underlying disease processes.
4. Evaluate the impact of social determinants of health on the diagnosis and management of anemia. 
5. Develop patient-centered management strategies that integrate both primary care and specialty perspectives to optimize outcomes. 

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, 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 for all patients.

1. Recognize the importance of mental health as part of overall health as well as persistent health inequities that drive unequal disease burden for vulnerable and underserved populations. 

2. Explore the social determinants of health as they impact mental and behavioral health and recovery. 

3. Explain the role and contributions of Board Certified PAs to screen, manage, coordinate and refer all patients for mental health care. 

4. Describe tools and resources to enhance readiness to provide mental health services and to support integration of mental health in practice. 

5. Discuss current and emerging issues related to the health professions and mental health.

Commonly encountered dermatological disorders that impact skin of color patients, associated disparities and novel treatment options.

1. Introduce diverses populations of multiple racial and ethnic groups and the skin diagnosis that disproportionally affect them.
2. Relate the sources of dermatologic health disparities.
3. Introduce multiple dermatologic diagnoses.
4. Discuss traditional and novel therapies for dermatological diseases.

A glance at the risks of kidney and obstetric complications in pregnancy.

1. Identify at-risk patients for kidney and obstetric complications prior to pregnancy/during preconception care, including those related to social determinants of health. 
2. Analyze the newest data on preeclampsia and its overlap with renal health and chronic hypertension
3. Evaluate clinical scenarios with renal complications during pregnancy
4. Identify "fourth trimester" pospartum care needs related to cardio-kidney-metabolic health and future pregnancies.
5. Consider the unique needs of patients with chronic kidney disease through their pregnancy and fertility journeys.

When a patient becomes acutely agitated, it is more than a challenging situation—it is a medical emergency that carries serious risks for both the patient and the care team. This session explores the many causes of acute agitation, including medical, psychiatric, substance-related, and social factors that may contribute to its presentation. Participants will examine how to rapidly assess and manage agitation using evidence-based approaches, from verbal de-escalation and environmental adjustments to safe and effective medication choices. The discussion will also address the role of physical restraints as a last-resort option, applied according to current best practices. Special attention will be given to older adults and other vulnerable patients, with an emphasis on maintaining safety for patients, staff, and clinicians alike.

1. Identify signs, symptoms, and risk factors, including medical, psychiatric, substance-related, and social determinants of health factors, of the acutely agitated patient.
2. Develop an appropriate differential diagnosis of common etiologies of acute agitation.
3. Discuss clinical presentation and workup of common etiologies of acute agitation.
4. Review evidence-based nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions for acute agitation, including indications, efficacy, and safety profiles of commonly used agents.
5. Discuss best practices for utilization of restraints and seclusion to avoid risks and complications.

Health misinformation is a persistent public health challenge that has escalated with the rise of social media and digital platforms. As trusted sources of information, healthcare providers play a critical role in countering misinformation and fostering informed decision-making. To do so effectively, they must combine evidence-based knowledge with strong communication and partnership skills. This interactive session will equip healthcare professionals with practical tools to recognize and respond to health misinformation in clinical and community settings. The session will begin with a concise overview of the types and sources of health misinformation, followed by evidence-based communication frameworks drawn from the health professions literature. Attendees will then explore real-world clinical scenarios and engage in guided discussions to apply key strategies for building trust, correcting misinformation, and supporting patient-centered care. By the end of this session, participants will be better prepared to navigate challenging conversations and collaborate with patients to promote health decisions grounded in science.

1. Define health information, misinformation, and disinformation

2. Describe the negative impact of health misinformation and disinformation on individual and community/public health

3. Explain the role of healthcare providers as scientific communicators when caring for patients and engaging with communities

4. Discuss communication strategies health professionals can use to address misinformation in partnership with patients and with respect to psychosocial determinants of health

5. Apply communication strategies to address misinformation through discussion of clinical cases

In this session we’ll cover ARDS through the lens of practicing general medicine PAs to understand the basic definition, causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, follow-up and professional practice considerations. Whether you are in outpatient care, emergency departments, and other non-ICU clinical settings, you can gain knowledge about how to diagnose and initially manage ARDS.

1. Define ARDS using the Berlin Definition.
2. Discuss common etiologies: sepsis, aspiration, pneumonia, trauma, transfusion, drug overdose.
3. Describe the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of ARDS.
4. Outline evidence-based management and follow-up strategies.
5. Analyze how social determinants of health (e.g., access to critical care, environmental exposure, substance use, and socioeconomic status) influence ARDS risk, management, and outcomes. 

This presentation will consider major types of benign processes affecting the uterus and ovaries, including: leiomyomata uteri, adenomyosis, functional ovarian cysts, corpus luteum cysts, and ovarian torsion.

1. List the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of leiomyomata uteri, adenomyosis cysts, and ovarian torsion.
2. Identify findings during a physical exam and an on ultrasound or other radiologic studies.
3. List the ways in which racial disparities can affect the management of leiomyomata uteri in Black patients.