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University at Sea®

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St. Petersburg, FL 33703

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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Topics in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine

7-Night Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay Cruise
Round-trip Miami, Florida
December 14 - 21, 2024
Royal Caribbean's <em>Icon of the Seas</em>
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas
16.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
16 ACPE Credits
4.0 Hours of Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners
16.0 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. The Quiet Code: ECC in 2024
    • Discuss how the pathophysiology during cardiac arrest drives care
    • Recognize which therapies help, which cause harm, and new areas in which we can make a difference
  2. The Pharyngitis Fallacy
    • Discuss and respect how changes in pathogenicity translate to changing diagnostic goals
    • Weigh the benefit and risk of treating true bacterial pharyngitis with antibiotics
  3. A Practical Approach to the Low-Risk Chest Pain Patient
    • Navigate the different methods for working up a chest pain patient
    • Identify a role for stress tests, high-sensitivity troponins, and CT coronary angiography
  4. Syncope Made Simple
    • Using the definition of 'syncope', differentiate true syncope verse non, and understand which diagnoses on the differential are ' 'can't miss' '
    • Discuss and become more comfortable with risk-stratifying and disposing syncope patients
  5. Stroke and the Sad Saga of tPA
    • Appreciate where literature intersects with politics specifically in the case of tPA
    • Recognize the shift from time-based stroke care to imaging-based stroke care
  6. Pain Control in 2024
    • Discuss the pros and cons of opiates, and arm yourself with non-opiate alternatives for managing acute painful crises
    • Formulate reasonable plans for sending patients home with pain medicine
  7. Approach to the Headache Patient
    • Formulate an organized approach to evaluating the serious verse common causes of headache
    • Improve your pharmacologic toolbox to treat headache patients appropriately
    • Become more comfortable knowing when to curb your full possible SAH workup "
  8. The Search for Life in the Universe: On Being a Scientist and Lifelong Learner
    • Explore what constitutes life and the possibilities of finding life elsewhere in the universe
    • Describe how the appreciation and application of basic sciences affects us as learners and clinicians
  9. Prevention Update for Primary Care
    • Prioritize preventive practices for the top 5 leading causes of death in the US
    • Identify the top key contributors for health in the US
    • Recognize the current cancer statistics from recent publications
    • Implement recently released recommendations from the USPSTF
  10. Hypertension Update
    • Recognize the initial drug therapy and the indications for alternative drug therapy in hypertension
    • Cite the common causes for refractory hypertension
    • Identify the frequent causes and therapy for secondary hypertension
  11. Lipid Disorders Update
    • Identify the treatment benefit groups for cholesterol lowering therapy based on the current ACC/AHA report
    • Categorize risk stratification for cholesterol therapy based upon risk factors
    • Recognize the hyperlipidemia therapy of coronary artery equivalent patients
    • Relate the importance and role of intensive LDL cholesterol lowering therapy.
  12. The Red Eye
    • Identify common red eye etiologies encountered in an outpatient setting
    • Differentiate between urgent and routine red eye conditions
    • Outline common treatment options for red eye etiologies
  13. Topical Corticosteroids
    • Identify that there are many topical corticosteroids, and they differ in potency, formulation and penetratiom
    • Discuss the different skin conditions for which there is evidence of effectiveness of topical corticosteroids e.g., psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis, phimosis, acute radiation dermatitis, and lichen sclerosis
  14. URI and Vertigo
    • Narrow the differential diagnosis of dizziness with physical examination tests and appropriate history taking, including a medication review and anxiety disorder evaluation
    • Treat vertigo using the Epley maneuver and vestibular rehabilitation for identified vestibular disorders
    • Use evidence-based guidelines to select appropriate treatment of dizziness as appropriate per the etiology
    • Develop collaborative care plans, including patient education, to help patients minimize reoccurrences
  15. Common Childhood Rashes
    • Distinguish among the common skin rashes in children for accurate diagnoses
    • Create a disease management strategy for children with common skin problems
  16. Acute Abdominal Pain
    • Recognize the signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal conditions requiring surgical intervention
    • Perform specialized maneuvers to narrow the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain
    • Appropriately utilize labs and radiology tests in the evaluation of acute abdominal pain
    • Appreciate that acute abdominal pain in children could be due to different etiologies than in adults
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

Shawn K. Conner, MD

Shawn K. Conner, MD
Board Certified in Family Medicine, 2013-2023
Active Medical Staff, Genesys Regional Medical Center, Grand Blanc, MI
Full-time Private Medical Practice, Clarkston, MI
Medical Doctor, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Assistant Clinical Professor, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Assistant Clinical Professor, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI
Faculty, American Academy of Family Physicians Dr. Shawn K. Conner is a private practice Family Physician in the northern suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. He completed medical school at Wayne State University in Detroit and attended residency at Genesys Regional Medical Center near Flint, Michigan. He started a solo Family Medicine practice from scratch in the area where he grew up, and has been in practice there for almost 20 years. 

Dr. Conner places a strong emphasis on the personal relationships he establishes with his patients, and in 2013 he was voted as "Best of the Best" Primary Care Doctor in Oakland County, Michigan. His office has been recognized as a Patient Centered Medical Home since the program inception. Dr. Conner greatly values education, and teaches medical students from both Wayne State University in Detroit as well as Michigan State University in East Lansing. He also serves as faculty for the American Academy of Family Physicians where he teaches other primary care providers at medical conferences across the country.

Dr. Conner has practice interests in Dermatology, Upper Respiratory, and Preventive Health. He is actively involved in his community, serving on the local Corridor Improvement Authority, and he serves as an assistant coach on an adult soccer team.

David S. Edwards, MD

David S. Edwards, MD
Medical Simulation Director
Associate Program Director
Student Clerkship Director
Department of Emergency Medicine
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Miami Beach, FL

Associate Clinical Professor
FIU Herbert-Wertheim College of Medicine
Miami, FL

Associate Clinical Professor
Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine
Davie, FL From self-publishing a 100 page Emergency Medicine book during residency to pioneering novel simulation strategies using gaming engines and telemedicine, Dr. Edwards has made his career around medical education. The recipient of multiple teaching awards, he continues to look for ways to make learning medicine fun and efficient. After working a decade at a top teaching hospital in Miami where he directed resident education as the Associate Program director, directed med student education as the Clerkship Director, and started and ran the simulation program for the entire hospital as Medical Simulation Director, he now brings his enthusiasm to the Florida Athletic Commission where - when he is not competing himself - you can find him ringside taking care of the professional fighters and training new doctors in this niche field.

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 14 Miami, Florida
- 4:30 pm
Sun Dec 15 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Mon Dec 16 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Tue Dec 17 Philipsburg, St. Maarten
8:00 am 6:00 pm
Wed Dec 18 Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
7:00 am 3:00 pm
Thu Dec 19 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Fri Dec 20 Coco Cay, Bahamas
8:00 am 5:00 pm
Sat Dec 21 Miami, Florida
6:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

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

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.

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!

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.
©2019 - University at Sea®