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 Sports Medicine and Infectious Diseases

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Conference
Round-trip Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
February 17 - 24, 2019
Royal Caribbean's <em>Harmony of the Seas</em>
Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas
14.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
14 ACPE Credits
14.0 MOC (Part II) points in the American Board of Pediatrics' (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program
4 Hours of Pharmacology for NPs
14.0 Contact Hours
Course Fees

Target Audience
Nurses, Nurse PractitionersNurses, Nurse PractitionersPhysicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, PharmacistsPediatricians
Program Purpose / Objectives
  1. Exercised induced asthma and vocal cord dysfunction in the approach to athletes with shortness of breath or chronic fatigue
    • Describe the differential diagnosis of shortness of breath in athletes vs. chronic fatigue.
  2. The pre-participation sports physical: Making it a worthwhile exercise for parents, athletes and medical personnel.
    • Explain the appropriate work-up of infections mono and safe return to play.
  3. Hand, finger, wrist injuries in athletes. (includes splinting vs. surgical approach)
    • Describe the differences in "jammed finger" injuries from volar plate injury (ligament tear), mallet finger, Jersey finger and fracture.
  4. Initial evaluation and management of sports concussions.
    • Ensure that the participant is aware of the factors that predispose athletes to prolonged recovery from sports concussion.
  5. A systematic approach to assessment of sports shoulders injuries.
    • Ensure that participants will be able to differentiate and manage dislocated shoulder vs. separated shoulder.
  6. Spine injuries in athletes: differentiating the workup and management in young athletes adults.
    • Upon completion of this session a participant should be able to determine the appropriate use of x-rays, MRI, bone scan and CTs.
  7. Stress fractures in athletes: Identifying low risk vs. high risk fractures
    • Describe the hallmark presentation of Jones fracture, tarsal navicular and proximal/anterior tibial stress fractures and femoral neck and be aware of the implications of missing them.
  8. Treatment of Respiratory Tract Infections in Adults and Children
    • Develop treatment strategies for Otitis media, sinusitis and pneumonia
  9. Immunization Update: Adults
    • Develop strategies for implementing new vaccines such as the new shingles vaccine into schedules
  10. Immunization Update: Pediatrics
    • Develop strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy
  11. Avoiding Common Diagnostic Pitfalls
    • Spot situations can can often lead to diagnostic errors
  12. Using New Diagnostic Modalities
    • Consider how new tests can be cost effectively added to patients they treat
  13. Animal Bites and Related Syndromes
    • Identify common pathogens and treatment guidelines
  14. Approach to the Patient With Lymphadenopathy
    • identify common etiologies incuding EBV, cat scratch and Mycobacteria
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

Blaise L Congeni, MD

Blaise L Congeni, MD
Professor of Pediatrics 
Northeastern Ohio Medical University
Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases
Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio. Blaise L. Congeni, MD, is Professor of Pediatrics and of Medical Microbiology at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED.) He also serves as Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Attending Physician at Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio.

Dr. Congeni received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed his pediatrics residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and his pediatric infectious diseases fellowship at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital

Dr. Congeni is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases. A member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and American Society of Microbiology, Dr. Congeni has been named in the Best Doctors in America for more than a dozen years. He has been the recipient of numerous faculty awards including Leibelt-Wheeler, 1999, Legendary Service, 2013, Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence 6 times, honorary hooder by the graduating class 4 times, and he was elected Master Teacher at NEOMED, class of 2000.

Dr. Congeni serves as an editorial board member for Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice, and he is a past editorial board member for Concise Reviews of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. He has authored more than 60 abstracts, book chapters, and peer-reviewed medical journal publications, and he has served as a guest editor of Pediatric Annals.

Joseph A. Congeni, MD

Joseph A. Congeni, MD
Professor of Pediatrics, Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH
Clinical Professor of Pediatrics & Sports Medicine,Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH
Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH Joseph A. Congeni, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Sports Medicine Center at Akron Children's Hospital as well an Professor of Pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Sports Medicine at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He developed the Primary Care Pediatrics Sports Medicine Fellowship at Akron Children's Hospital, the first of its kind at a pediatric hospital in the U.S. in (1990). He is a (1980) graduate of the University of Notre Dame; and received his medical degree from NEOMED in (1984). Dr. Congeni is currently a team physician for the University of Akron and Archbishop Hoban High School since (1988).

He has won many awards including: the OHSAA Respect the Game Award (2004-2005), the Ohio Athletic Trainer's Association’s Team Physician of the Year Award (2008), and Ohio Outstanding Team Physician by the Ohio State Medical Association (2008), Best Doctors in Northeast Ohio (2009-2022), the Dr. Carl Krill Award for humanism and excellence in the field of medicine from the Knights of Columbus (2013),Sports & Exercise Medicine Godfather, Cleveland Clinic (aka Warthog Society) (2017), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Thomas Shaffer National Award for significant contributions to the field of sports medicine (2018), was inducted to the Diocese of Cleveland CYO Hall of Fame in (2019), NEOMED Distinguished Alumni Award (2024).

He is also a lead author on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Baseball/Softball Policy Statement issued March 2012. Dr. Congeni’s media events vary from appearing on NBC’s TODAY Show in 2009 to his appearance on a PBS documentary entitled “The Smartest Team” in 2012 and a Sports Illustrated segment in 2014. He also has been appearing on a weekly radio sports medicine segment since 1995. In addition, he does about 10-15 media appearances and 25-35 speaking engagements, locally, regionally, and nationally per year. Joe and his wife Karen have six children.

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 17 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
- 4:00 pm
Mon Feb 18 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Tue Feb 19 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Wed Feb 20 Philipsburg, St. Maarten
8:00 am 5:00 pm
Thu Feb 21 San Juan, Puerto Rico
7:00 am 3:00 pm
Fri Feb 22 Labadee, Haiti
9:30 am 6:00 pm
Sat Feb 23 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sun Feb 24 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
6:15 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.
Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Map

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

Philipsburg, St. Maarten - The capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten is the town of Philipsburg, though St. Maarten is an island with two distinct sides. To the north is the French side, whose capital is Marigot, while Philipsburg sits on the southern part of the island. When exploring on cruises that go to St. Maarten, it’s important to visit both sides to understand their customs and heritage.

You’ll quickly be charmed by all sides of the island. Of course, this Caribbean island is best known for its beaches, like Maho Beach or Great Bay Beach, one of the area’s best snorkeling spots. Sample local seafood or rum during your time in port, which have become symbols of St. Maarten life. There’s just enough to fill the day here, especially if you hop between the French and Dutch beaches.

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.

Labadee, Haiti - Beachside meets mountainside on the shores of Labadee — a Royal Caribbean private destination on Haiti’s northern coast. Here you’ll find pristine sands, coral reefs and jungle-covered hilltops nestling lagoon-like bays. There’s no shortage of places to relax and recharge across five stretches of beach. Or dial up the thrills on an active adventure like a half-mile-long zip line ride over the ocean. And fascinating culture, history and the natural beauty of Haiti’s spectacular coasts wait to be discovered around every corner. Escape to the Western Caribbean for a wilder way to experience paradise.

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®