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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A CURRENTLY ACTIVE PROGRAM.

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Topics in Cardiology and Cardiorespiratory/
Renal Physiology and Medicine

7-Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day Cococay
Round-trip Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
February 14 - 21, 2021
Royal Caribbean's <em>Oasis of the Seas</em>
Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas
14.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
14 ACPE Credits
14.0 Contact Hours
Course Fees
$895 for Physicians, Attorneys, Psychologists, Doctors of Pharmacy, & Dentists
$695 for Physician Assistants
$495 for Nurses, Residents, Students & Others

Target Audience
Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists
Program Purpose / Objectives
One purpose of the Merrill lectures is to refresh the learner's knowledge of basic cardiovascular, respiratory and renal physiology. An additional purpose is to expose the learner to new, experimental -research-based physiology. For example, one outcome of these lectures is to help the learner provide patients with a better understanding of basic physiology and how it relates to medicine (e.g. the generation and conduction of cardiac action potentials can lead to rhythm disturbances; how can a healthy lifestyle reduce this potential).

Another outcome is to provide learners with new information. Relaying such information to patients might help them make better choices in achieving healthier lifestyles. For example, caffeine impairs the regulation of peripheral blood flow, i.e. caffeine attenuates reactive hyperemia, pressure-flow autoregulation and active hyperemia. Other research has previously shown that caffeine impairs cerebral and coronary circulation. Knowing these things might encourage patients to reduce their consumption of caffeinated beverages.

Topics:
  1. Cardiac conduction system
    • As a result of this activity, participants should be able to describe the origination and conduction of cardiac action potentials and how disturbances might lead to arrhythmias.
  2. Blood flow and its regulation
    • As a result of this activity, participants should be able to understand the differences between local or organ/tissue blood flow and its regulation vs cardiac output and its control.
  3. Renal structure and function
    • As a result of this activity, participants should be able to better understand renal structure and function. For example they will be able to separate the structure of the juxtaglomerular apparatus from the physiology of GFR.
  4. Respiratory exchange, transport and regulation
    • As a result of this activity, participants should be able to not only improve their understanding of the exchange, transport and regulation of respiratory gases, but also their understanding of respiration/ventilation in general.
  5. Acetaminophen and cardioprotection
    • As a result of this activity, participants should be able to expand their knowledge of the pharmacological/physiological actions of acetaminophen. They will learn about its cardioprotective properties in this lecture.
  6. Acetaminophen and cerebroprotection
    • As a result of this activity, participants should be able to expand their knowledge of acetaminophen and cardioprotection to acetaminophen and stroke.
  7. Caffeine impairs cardiovascular function
    • As a result of this activity, participants should be more informed about the detrimental effects of consuming caffeine on a regular basis (e.g. drinking coffee several times each day).
Additional topics under development
Conference Sessions generally take place on days at sea (as itinerary allows), giving you plenty of time to enjoy your meals, evenings and ports of call with your companion, family and friends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All conferees, their families, and guests must book their cruise within the University at Sea® meeting group through University at Sea® at 800-926-3775 or by registering online. This ensures our company can provide conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Thank you for your cooperation.
Faculty

Merrill A. Krolick, DO, FACC, FACP

Merrill A. Krolick, DO, FACC, FACP
Merrill Krolick, DO, FACC, FACP, was born in New York City. He received his bacherlor's degree in biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. He then attended the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, N.Y.   He completed a rotating internship at Sun Coast Osteopathic Hospital in Largo, Fla. In Tampa, Fla. he completed his internal medicine and cardiology training at the University of South Florida, including training in interventional cardiology and cardiac transplantation.
  Dr. Krolick has been in clinical practice since 1992. Initially he practiced at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va. Currently he is practicing at The Heart Institute at Largo. He is an attending cardiologist at HCA Largo Medical Center, Morton Plant Hospital and HCA Indian Rocks Hospital.

Dr. Krolick has been a previous chairperson and director of the Pinellas chapter of the American Heart Association. He currently serves as co-director of the cardiology fellowship program at HCA Largo Medical Center and is director of the interventional cardiology fellowship. He directs the cardiac cath lab at HCA Largo Medical Center.

Dr. Krolick is triple board certified in Internal medicine, cardiology and interventional cardiology. He has written numerous articles including being published in The New England Journal of Medicine, and writing recent chapters in cardiovascular textbooks. He is an associate professor in cardiology at the University of South Florida, and at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Dr. Krolick has served as clinical investigator on numerous drug and clinical device trials including drug coated balloons for treatment of peripheral vascular disease and the original drug coated stent trials for coronary artery disease He practices noninvasive cardiology and interventional cardiology. His special interest is in peripheral vascular disease. He is recognized as both a national and local leader in endovascular interventions. He is currently on advisory panels for Bard Peripheral Vascular, CSI, Access Closure and St. Jude Medical. He has spoken at major vascular meetings including AMP and The Veins.

His peripheral interests included endovascular aortic aneurysm treatment and treatment of CLI (critical limb ischemia), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), venous treatment, and treatment of symptomatic claudication.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians and Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventionalists.

Gary F. Merrill, PhD

Gary  F. Merrill, PhD
Professor of Physiology
Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience
Nelson Biological Laboratories/ Busch Campus
Rutgers University
Piscataway, NJ Investigator of the mammalian cardiovascular system, full professor, teacher, author (e.g. Our Intelligent Bodies, 2020; Our Aging Bodies, 2015; Our Marvelous Bodies, 2008; all published by Rutgers University Press).

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.

Cruise Itinerary

DATE PORT OF CALL ARRIVE DEPART
Sun Feb 14 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
- 4:30 pm
Mon Feb 15 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Tue Feb 16 Cozumel, Mexico
7:00 am 6:00 pm
Wed Feb 17 Roatan, Honduras
8:00 am 5:00 pm
Thu Feb 18 Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
7:00 am 5:00 pm
Fri Feb 19 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sat Feb 20 Coco Cay, Bahamas
9:00 am 6:00 pm
Sun Feb 21 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
6:15 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Cozumel, Mexico - With its lively tropical reefs, crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins, Cozumel is ripe for one-of-a-kind adventures. Cruise to Cozumel and head to Chankanaab National Park, where you can snorkel among the colorful reefs and schools of tropical fish that give this island its premier diving status. Or travel back in time on an adventure through the towering Maya ruins of Tulum. When you’re done exploring, unwind with a beachside massage at Playa Mia. From culture savoring to soaking up sunshine, you’ll find a world of adventure waiting for you in Cozumel.

Roatan, Honduras - The island of Roatan is known for its glittering bays and colorful coral reefs perfect for outdoor adventures like snorkeling and scuba diving. Discover your inner pirate in Roatan, where you can taste local rum, swim among starfish at Starfish Alley, or sample fresh seafood at local restaurants.

The 40-mile-long island borders the second-longest barrier reef on the globe, which attracts many divers each year. Go horseback riding at Little French Cay or unwind in paradise at West Bay. Don’t forget to try conch fritters and rum cake during your visit.

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico - Past meets present in Costa Maya. Cruise to Costa Maya and find ancient Maya ruins and mysterious jungles just begging to be explored, as well as private beach clubs and trendy restaurants— all in one place. It’s 250 square miles of paradise packed with entertainment and history, all just 30 miles south of Cancun. The Great Maya Reef just off the coast is the second largest in the world— it’s a must-snorkel spot. Or you can kick back at the port village of Mahahual with an ice-cold michelada— a spicy beer cocktail— in hand. For a culture fix, head to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks.

Coco Cay, Bahamas - Located in the middle of the Caribbean's bright blue water lies the secluded island of CocoCay. With its white-sand beaches and spectacular surroundings, CocoCay is a wonderland of adventure. Reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests, this tropical paradise has recently been updated with new aquatic facilities, nature trails and a ton of great places to just sit back, relax and enjoy a tropical drink.

CocoCay Map

Perfect Day at CocoCay

Our staff can assist you with all your travel arrangements.

Questions? Call us at 800-422-0711.
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Please note that our shore excursions are operated separately and
independently of those offered by the cruise line.
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