Our office will be closed Thursday, November 24th (all day) in observance of Thanksgiving Day. We will reopen on Friday, November 25th, at 8:30 am.

800-926-3775

University at Sea®

5700 4th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33703

E-Mail Us

Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm EST
Saturday
10:00am - 2:00pm EST
Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Topics in Primary Care and Rheumatology

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Conference
Round-trip Miami, Florida
January 19 - 26, 2019
<em>Celebrity Equinox</em>
Celebrity Equinox
14.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
14 ACPE Credits
14 (part II) MOC points in medical knowledge in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program
14.0 Contact Hours
Course Fees

Target Audience
Nurses, Nurse PractitionersNurses, Nurse PractitionersPhysicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists
Program Purpose / Objectives
Topics:
  1. Rheumatoid arthritis: Diagnosis and management
    • Diagnose and initiate treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
  2. Lupus: A case-based approach
    • List the most common clinical and laboratory features of lupus
  3. Sjogren&aposs syndrome: Beyond sicca
    • Identify extra-glandular features of Sjogren's syndrome and outline a treatment plan for most common manifestations.
  4. Scleroderma: A systemic disease
    • Describe key clinical features scleroderma.
    • Accurately select patients who require more immediate investigations to identify cardiopulmonary disease.
  5. Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis
    • Diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica and initiate treatment.
    • Diagnose giant cell arteritis and initiate treatment
  6. Gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
    • Use the ACR/EULAR guidelines to diagnose and treat gout.
    • Differentiate between gout and pyrophosphate deposition disease.
  7. Rheumatologic medications: what you need to know
    • Summarize key potential risks when using disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
    • Develop a plan for the appropriate administration of immunizations and timing of surgical procedures in patients who are being treated with DMARDs
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

Ronald R. Butendieck, JR, MD, FACP

Ronald R. Butendieck, JR, MD, FACP
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine
Rheumatology Consultant
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, FL Dr. Butendieck received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed clinical residency and fellowship training in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida.

Dr. Butendieck is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and serves as a consultant in the Division of Rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida. He is actively involved in teaching residents and fellows and has received the Top Teacher in Rheumatology Award on multiple occasions. Since 2013, he has presented the topics of Vasculitis and Inflammatory/Non-inflammatory myopathies each year at the Mayo Clinic Internal Medicine Board Review series for senior residents.

He has a special interest in Behçet’s disease and has presented internationally on the topic of Neuro-Behçet’s. He is also the contributing author on the topic of Behçet’s for the National Organization for Rare Disorders. He has presented nationally and internationally on various topics in rheumatology and has authored peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

In 2017, he was elected as a Fellow in the American College of Physicians. He currently serves on the Mayo International Health Program Selection Committee and the Humanities in Medici

David B. Feller, MD

David B. Feller, MD
Associate Professor and Vice Chair for Clinical Operations for the Department of Community Health and Family Medicine
Director of Behavioral Medicine, University of Florida, College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program, Gainesville, Florida Dr. Feller received all of his medical training (medical school and residency) in Gainesville at the University of Florida, College of Medicine. He did clinical practice for 5 years and then joined the faculty of the Family Medicine Residency Program. He is currently the Vice Chair for Clinical Operations and director of behavioral medicine.

He has received several awards for his teaching including Clinical Science Teacher of the year by medical students, Exemplary Teaching Award from the College of Medicine, Teacher of the year by Family Medicine Residents, and Exemplary Teaching Award by the FAFP. His academic interests include integrative medicine and behavioral medicine.

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
Sat Jan 19 Miami, Florida
- 3:30 pm
Sun Jan 20 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Mon Jan 21 San Juan, Puerto Rico
3:30 am 11:00 pm
Tue Jan 22 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
8:00 am 5:00 pm
Wed Jan 23 Punta Cana, Dominican Rep.
7:00 am 5:00 pm
Thu Jan 24 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Fri Jan 25 Nassau, Bahamas
9:00 am 6:00 pm
Sat Jan 26 Miami, Florida
7:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.
Celebrity Equinox Map

Ports of Call

Miami, Florida - As far as vacation destinations go, Miami tops most sun-seekers’ lists. With its gorgeous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods and melting pot of cultures, the Magic City is the perfect place to spend a few days before your Caribbean island hop. Ahead of your cruise from Miami, jump-start your morning in true Miami style with a Cuban cafecito from a ventanita — a streetside shop window. Then climb the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on quiet Key Biscayne before lounging on the island’s secluded sandy shores. If you’re looking for a bit more action, head to South Beach — home to world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping and lively beaches, all set against snap-worthy Art Deco buildings. Art lovers who visit Miami can head to Wynwood and explore the neighborhood’s colorful street murals and local galleries. Or take a trip back in time at the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate, which offers a glimpse into Miami’s dazzling past.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

San Juan, Puerto Rico - The vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan offers something for every traveler — world-famous beaches with crystal clear waters, incredible cuisine, rugged natural beauty and a rich history that goes back 500 years. With its ancient fortresses and colorful colonial-era buildings, San Juan makes it easy to feel as though you’ve slipped into the past. Life moves at a slower pace along the sunny cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, and salsa beats seem to waft perpetually from open windows. If you’re craving a hike, head to El Yunque National Forest. And if you’re more in the mood to unwind, set your sights on the beautiful shores of Isla Verde or El Condado. Mealtime is also an adventure, with so many delicious options to try — from mofongo and pastelon to chillo frito and alcapurrias. Pair every bite with a piña colada — Puerto Rico’s national drink.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. - Named after a Danish Queen, Charlotte Amalie has one of the most breathtaking deepwater harbors in the world. The key sights of Charlotte Amalie are located within the town centre, making it easy to combine sightseeing with St. Thomas’ fantastic shopping opportunities. Eighteenth century architecture provides the perfect backdrop for walking tours and shopping here in the "Duty Free Capital of the World." For a dose of history, visit Emancipation Park, the American-Caribbean History Museum, or Bluebeard the pirate's castle at Magen’s Bay. If tropical bliss is what you're after, head to any of Charlotte Amalie’s pristine beaches, where the warm water, white sands and palm trees will lull you into deep relaxation!

Punta Cana, Dominican Rep. - Punta Cana, the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, abuts the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a region known for its 32km stretch of beaches and clear waters.The ocean waters are mainly shallows, with several natural marine pools in which visitors can bathe without danger. From north to south, the main beaches are Uvero Alto, Macao, Arena Gorda, Bávaro, El Cortecito, Las Corales and Cabeza de Toro, all north of the cape; and Cabo Engaño, Punta Cana and Juanillo south of the cape. The Bávaro area and Punta Cana combine to form what's known as La Costa del Coco, or the Coconut Coast, an area of lavish, all-inclusive resorts. It's popular for zip-lining, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

Nassau, Bahamas - Caribbean charm shines in the Bahamian capital, where you’re never more than a few steps away from rhythmic percussions, appetizing flavors, white-sand beaches, and some of the clearest waters in the world. This picture-perfect paradise was once a pirate’s haven— and you can explore its colorful past of buccaneers, blockade-runners and bootleggers along historical streets and at the three colonial fortresses that line the shores. If you’re looking for a more hands-on maritime adventure, look no further. Cruise to Swim with stingrays, dive with dolphins, or spot colorful coral on a glass-bottom boat.

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.
©2019 - University at Sea®