Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts

Session Descriptions

Orthopedic Radiology

Musculoskeletal Imaging encompasses the essentials of musculoskeletal radiology and other common imaging modalities. This course is designed to help participants’ confidence grow in the areas of common radiographic views and radiographic presentation of common musculoskeletal conditions.

Oh My Aching Back

Back pain is the second most common cause of disability and the most common cause of job-related disability in the U.S. It has been reported by Healthy People 2010 that 8 out of 10 people in the U.S. will experience at least one episode of back pain, at one point in their lives. Interestingly the individuals aged 30-50 tend to suffer an increased incidence of back pain because of the greater amount of time spent sitting. Recently, Children are reporting back pain and as their activity levels rise, so do the reports. The majority of back pain reported by children is not serious; however, it does need to be worked up thoroughly to ensure a more serious condition is not left undiagnosed. This session will guide the clinician through a comprehensive understanding of back strain, radicular back pain and some of the red flag pains that we need to watch for in clinical practice.

Every Breath You Take: Respiratory Cases

This presentation will provide an overview of the distinctive types of acute respiratory failure, as well as, an overview of mechanism and pathophysiology. Emphasis will be placed on initial evaluation including oxygen supplementation techniques and indications/contraindications for the use of NIPPV. Finally, this presentation will provide an overview of acute respiratory distress syndrome with a focus on diagnostic criteria and a review of evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Managing Airline Emergencies

While exact numbers are not known, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 10,000 passengers have a medical event on board aircraft each year. 75% of these are minor medical events that can be treated with simple first aid. While serious medical events are rare, physician assistants need to be aware of how to respond to such emergencies. Using a case based format, this presentation will review the common medical conditions encountered in flight, resources available to providers, and the legalities surrounding responding to out of hospital emergencies. In addition to general concepts, this presentation will focus problem specific treatments.

Evaluating Chest Pain: Approaches and Controversies

Chest pain is one of the most common chief complaints to the emergency departments with definitive diagnosis elusive in most cases. However, who gets to be sent home? Who requires admission? This presentation addresses those specific questions with a review of the challenges in delineating cardiac vs. non-cardiac chest pain. A heavy emphasis will be placed on risk stratification methodologies for patients with suspected cardiac chest pain and an evidence-based approach to initial evaluation. Finally, this presentation will provide a review of optimal testing strategies for both cardiac and non-cardiac etiologies of chest pain including current controversies and guidelines.

Pediatric Sports Injuries

Sports injuries in kids are quite different by age in injury diagnosis, type, and body area involved. Children continue to engage in physically demanding sports predisposing themselves to a higher incidence of injury. Overuse injuries, overtraining, and exposure to excessive levels of physical activity can present an increased risk of injury. Research has shown that when not managed properly, overuse injuries can affect normal physical growth and maturation.

Injury Prevention is the key; gradual rather than sudden increases in stresses and intensity can usually avoid physical break down. This session will discuss the epidemiology of sports injuries in children and their differences in physiology /development. Injury evaluation and management of the child athlete and return to play criteria will be discussed as it pertains to common athletic injuries.

Alphabet Soup: Evaluation and Management of CAP, HAP, and VAP

Trouble remembering the right acronym for the type of pneumonia your treating? Not to worry, this presentation will differentiate the types of pneumonia including community-acquired, hospital-acquired, ventilator-associated, and aspiration. Emphasis will be placed on a cost-efficient diagnostic approach and strategies to identify patients that require admission or higher level of care. Finally, a review of the guidelines including antibiotic selection will be discussed for each type of pneumonia.

GI Cocktails: Cases to Remember

GI and liver disease account for a disproportionate amount of emergency room visits. Despite recent updates in care guidelines and evidence-based recommendations, the management of patients admitted with these disorders is often variable. This presentation will focus on the updated guidelines and management protocols for acute gastrointestinal bleeding, acute hepatitis, small bowel obstruction, and diverticulitis. While this presentation will focus on the acute management, specific recommendations and best practices for a safe transition to home will also be reviewed.

Not for the Faint of Heart: Evidence-Based Evaluation & Management of Syncope

This presentation will review the common cause of syncope and pathophysiologic mechanisms that commonly lead to syncope. With a focus on initial evaluation and management, this presentation will review the guidelines and risk stratification tools available to aid in diagnosis. Finally, this presentation will provide an evidence-based approach to disposition and follow-up.