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

Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity;
Team Building and Healthcare Communications;
Cannabinoid Medicine

2023 Primary Care Update

7-Night Western Caribbean & Coco Cay Holiday Cruise
Round-trip Port Canaveral, Florida
December 23 - 30, 2023
Royal Caribbean's <em>Wonder of the Seas</em>
Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas
13.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
13 ACPE Credits
Up to 13 (part II) MOC points in medical knowledge in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program
2.0 Hours of Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners
13.0 Contact Hours
Course Fees
$995 for Physicians, Attorneys, Psychologists, Doctors of Pharmacy, & Dentists
$795 for Physician Assistants
$595 for Nurses, Residents, Students & Others

Target Audience
Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists
Program Purpose / Objectives
  1. Communication Skills Update
    • Describe three new communication tools used when interviewing patients
    • Describe how tone of voice impacts relationships
  2. Advanced Communication Skills on Special Topics
    • Identify 3 specific complex communication issues that occur in clinical practice
  3. Motivational Interviewing and the Science of Behavior Change
    • Demonstrate communication techniques used in Motivational Interviewing
    • Apply a communication tool for Behavior Change
  4. Neuroscience of Anger and the Angry Patient Encounter
    • Describe new concepts in the neuroscience of anger
    • Demonstrate the use of 2 communication tools to mitigate anger in oneself and others
  5. Navigating Difficult Conversations
    • Identify early signs of distress in oneself and others
    • Apply communication tools to manage conversations when they become difficult
  6. The impact of obesity as a chronic disease on our health care system.
    • Examine the pervasiveness of obesity as a chronic disease, the propensity of interrelated co-morbidities, and the impact on health.
  7. Mechanisms linking excess adiposity to metabolic dysregulation.
    • Describe how excess adiposity is linked to metabolic dysregulation.
  8. Mood disorders associated with insulin resistance and obesity.
    • Assess how selected obesity-related complications, such as mood disorders, eating disorders, and sleep apnea impact management strategies.
  9. Current and future considerations in pharmacotherapy for obesity and overweight.
    • Evaluate new recommendations in the use of current pharmacologic agents and the future development of agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and overweight.
  10. The role that genetics plays in the obesity epidemic.
    • Distinguish the relationship between genetics and environment in the etiology of obesity.
  11. The efficacy of bariatric surgery and the management of bariatric patients.
    • Describe the efficacy of bariatric surgical procedures on the pathophysiology and management of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
  12. Lifestyle and behavioral strategies and interventions for the management of diabetes, obesity and overweight.
    • Examine the interrelationship between physical exercise, diet, intestinal microbiome and the body immune system that underlie rational management of obesity.
  13. Medical Cannabis: Clinical Considerations
    • Review of the endocannabinoid system and how the medical cannabis system has evolved
    • Recognize when medical cannabis is appropriate as a therapeutic option
  14. How to Authorize Medical Cannabis and Case Studies
    • Understand how to authorize/prescribe medical cannabis and apply the knowledge gained to real cases
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

Monica Broome, MD, FACP, FAACH, FAMWA

Monica Broome, MD, FACP, FAACH, FAMWA
Dr. Monica Broome Receives Exceptional Mentor Award from American Medical Women’s Association
International Speaker for Medicine, Law, and Business
Director Communication Skills Program 
Vice Chair, Global Listening Centre
Deputy National Representative of the International Association for Communication in Healthcare for the US for 2018-2020
Master Trainer Institute of Healthcare Communications
Assistant Professor of Medicine
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine 
  Dr. Monica Broome is the Director of the new Communication Skills Program for University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Her interest is in the neuroscience of communication specifically physician patient communication. The scope of this program includes the undergraduate, graduate, and faculty development levels.

Dr. Broome completed a three year fellowship under the Director of Education Development in the Department of Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. During her fellowship she completed programs in the Macy Institute for Health Communication Curriculum Development and is certified as a master trainer of the Institute for Healthcare Communication. Her scholarly work includes presentations and workshops nationally for the Association of American Medical Colleges, Society of General Internal Medicine, and Southern Group on Educational Affairs, and internationally for the European Association for Communication in Health Care, the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare, and the International Association of Law and Mental Health with the focus on communication skills training concerning conflict and bullying. She serves on the American College of Physicians Legislative Action Program for Health Care Reform and participated as a Florida delegate for Leadership Day in Washington DC. She servers on the Editorial Board of Medical Encounter, and Chaired the Committee on Communication and Technology for the 2006 American Academy on Communication in Healthcare Annual Research and Teaching Forum. Dr. Broome co-chaired the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare held in the USA in Miami, October 2009.

Dr. Broome, formerly Dr. Harris, is an alumnus of the University Of Miami School Of Medicine. Her specialty is Internal Medicine for which she has received recognition and accolades from colleagues and patients, including a service award from the State of Virginia Department of Disabled American Veterans. She was the Founder and former Medical Director of the Women’s Veterans Comprehensive Health Program, in Hampton Virginia. Dr. Broome was selected as one of the representatives from the state of Florida to participate in a National Summit on Women’s Veterans Health Issues at the White House which resulted in a position paper for Congress.

To continue her interest in promoting women’s health, Dr. Broome served on the Institutes for Women’s Health Education/Academic Training Subcommittee and currently serves on the Women in Academic Medicine at the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine, a Fellow in the American College of Physicians, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Communication in Healthcare.

Dr. Broome was recently appointed to serve for two years on the Introduction to Clinical Diagnosis Test Committee of the National Board of Medical Examiners, and concurrently for the United States Medical Licensing Examination. USMLE is the sole licensing examination for allopathic physicians in the United States.

Internationally, she was recently awarded Elsevier Journal Reviewer Recognition Outstanding Reviewer Status for their Journal Patient Education and Counseling. Dr. Broome has been appointed to serve as Deputy National Representative of the European Association on Communication in Healthcare. There are only two representatives for each member country. This nomination and appointment has special significance on a personal level as representatives are nominated by the votes of colleagues.

Dr. Broome is the Course Director of the new Bridge Course for the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. This new program facilitates the integration of incoming medical students from International Medical University Malaysia.
Current projects include serving as Educational Director of Candid Conversations, training and e-learning program of the sexual health concerns of women patients; and developing wisdom in medicine by enhancing personal awareness in the aftermath of adverse outcomes. Dr. Broome teaches communication skills updates as faculty of the University at Sea.

New for 2020, Dr. Broome is named the National Co-Chair East Coast for the American Medical Women’s Association Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans program.

Marni Brooks, BSc, MSW, MD, CCFP, FCFP

Marni Brooks, BSc, MSW, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Staff Physician, New York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Chair, Ontario Medical Association Medical Interest Group in Cannabinoid Medicine  Dr. Marni Brooks began her education at McGill university where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in psychology and focused her thesis in the area of pediatric pain. She was then sponsored by a physician in Sydney, Australia to assist in his pediatric pain research. 

Upon her return to Canada, she completed a Master of Social Work degree where she spent years of training studying women's health and addiction as field placements. Her interest in addiction continued after she completed her medical degree and family medicine residency at the University of Toronto. 

She is now a Fellow in Family Medicine and, until now, has explored working in the areas of family medicine, sleep medicine, addiction medicine and cannabinoid medicine. Dr. Brooks also sat on the OMA Executive of the Section on Addiction Medicine for nearly a decade where she assisted with negotiations with the Ministry of Health on behalf of the members in her section. Most recently, she founded and is the Chair of the OMA Medical Interest Group in Cannabinoid Medicine, the first such group in the country.

Dr. Brooks currently focuses her work in Cannabinoid Medicine, her two main interests. She hopes to help educate her peers, the community and patients, as well as advocate for them, on the benefits of cannabis for a variety of health conditions, either as sole therapy or in conjunction with other treatments. Other experiences in Cannabinoid Medicine include speaking on the Northwinds panel for insurance providers and acting as an expert witness on the safety and medical uses of cannabis in a sentencing hearing.

Shagun Bindlish, MD, FACP

Shagun Bindlish, MD, FACP
Diabetologist/Internal Medicine Physician 
Adjunct Associate Professor, Touro University
Fellow of American college of Physicians Dr. Shagun Bindlish is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with advanced fellowship training in diabetes and metabolic disorders. She is board-certified obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine specialist. She is a Chair of the thought leadership committee and board member of the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Bindlish is adjunct faculty at Touro university's diabetes fellowship program. She is a USA ambassador representing DiaBeters non-profit organization in Kenya, Africa. Dr. Bindlish presently working with international organizations conducting educational webinars about diabetes and obesity management. With a passion for community work, she has recently started her youTube channel with a vision to bring awareness among health care professionals and patients. Dr. Bindlish has earned her medical degree from Yerevan State Medical University in Armenia and completed her residency at Lutheran Medical Center in New York.

Dr. Bindlish is practicing currently in Bay Area. She is an author and writes blogs for magazines in Kenya, the USA, and India. Shagun has been actively involved in the California chapter as a fellow of the American College of Physicians and serves as a judge and mentor for multiple educational activities and conferences throughout the year.

Shagun's philosophy of care centers around prevention and education. She is an advocate for her patients and strives to build trusting, friendly relationships with them. She believes in a holistic understanding of all the factors that impact a patient's overall health. Thus, serving the patient as a wellness coach.

Dr. Bindlish is also a writer and contributes her work to journals. She is also an editor of renowned journals like the British Medical Journal, American College of Family Medicine ( ACOFP), American Diabetes Association. To stay healthy and happy, Shagun does yoga and Pilates. She loves to travel and cook international cuisines.

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 Dec 23 Port Canaveral, Florida
- 4:30 pm
Sun Dec 24 Coco Cay, Bahamas
7:00 am 5:00 pm
Mon Dec 25 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Tue Dec 26 Cozumel, Mexico
7:00 am 6:00 pm
Wed Dec 27 Roatan, Honduras
8:00 am 5:00 pm
Thu Dec 28 Costa Maya, Mexico
7:00 am 3:00 pm
Fri Dec 29 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sat Dec 30 Port Canaveral, Florida
6:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Port Canaveral, Florida - As the home of Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral is the launching point for all-out adventure in Central Florida. Its beaches offer a mix of family-friendly shores and secluded swaths of sand. And with Orlando’s theme park sprawl only an hour away, you can easily mingle with your favorite characters. Beyond the parks lie equally amusing gems packed with Old Florida character. Kayak past manatees in the Banana River Lagoon and zip line above alligators at Brevard Zoo. Discover notable art museums and Park Avenue’s ritzy charm. Orlando cruises give you access to trace the region’s roots at the Orange County Regional History Museum.

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

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.

Costa Maya, Mexico - Exploring the dense tropical vegetation and wide sandy bays of the Costa Maya, it's easy to imagine the days when sacrifice and slavery, rite and ritual were rampant in the Mayan culture. Even today, the countless ruins of temple walls, stairs and secret pathways exude magic and mystery. And when your archaeology lesson is complete, glorious stretches of coral sand may inspire you to build your own empire-of sand castles, of course!

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®