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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Primary Care 2024 Update: Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, Addiction Medicine, and Nutrition

7-Night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise
from Seattle, Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia September 13 - 20, 2024
<em>Celebrity Edge</em>
Celebrity Edge
16.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
16 ACPE Credits
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
Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome

Based on the most recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), in the year 2011-2012, nearly 70% of adult Americans were overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Obesity is recognized as a multifactorial, chronic, inflammatory disease whereby excess body fat is accumulated through complex interactions between the environment, genetic predisposition, human metabolism, neuroendocrine and behavioral factors.

At any given time, an estimated 55% of the population is participating in a medically managed or self-selected weight-loss program, with the majority of participants failing to lose or sustain weight loss. Of those successful with weight loss, > 60% will regain their lost weight by the end of year one following their initial weight loss success. Fewer than 15% of adults participate in regular exercise and over 65% of adults are sedentary. Lifestyle and behavioral interventions form the foundation for the management of cardiovascular risk factors to achieve improved short- and long-term outcomes, including measures of quality of life.

Hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and inflammation are the primary modifiable components arising from obesity and overweight. Research has demonstrated that successful management of obesity and overweight requires both sustained lifestyle changes with frequent follow-up as well as the simultaneous medical management of cardiovascular risk factors. The increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight in patients impacts the clinical decisions, management strategies and health outcomes of all health care clinicians, regardless of their clinical specialty. Thus, this conference has been designed with the overall objective to equip healthcare providers with the most current scientific clinical research examining the magnitude of the problem, genetic and environmental causes, pathophysiology, and complications related to the obesity epidemic. This understanding will be translated into the clinical setting throughout the conference with current evidence-based strategies for the practical treatment of obesity and its related comorbidities.
 
  1. 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.
  2. Mechanisms linking excess adiposity to metabolic dysregulation.
    • Describe how excess adiposity is linked to metabolic dysregulation.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. The role that genetics plays in the obesity epidemic.
    • Distinguish the relationship between genetics and environment in the etiology of obesity.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
Additional Topics and Objectives under development
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

Edward Fisher, PhD, RPh

Edward Fisher, PhD, RPh
Dean Emeritus
Marshall B. Ketchum University
Fullerton, CA Dr. Edward Fisher received his BA in Biology and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his BS in Pharmacy at Temple University College of Pharmacy. He has been granted tenure at four different universities. His first academic position was at Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy where he was promoted to Associate Professor. Subsequently, he went on to help start up three new colleges of pharmacy, Midwestern University-Glendale College of Pharmacy as Professor and Inaugural Department Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Daniel K Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, as Professor and Associate Dean. He also served as the Director of the MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology program. His most current position was Professor and Dean, College of Pharmacy, Marshall B. Ketchum University Dr. Fisher retired from Marshall B. Ketchum University on January 1, 2023, and was awarded Dean Emeritus status by the Board of Trustees on December 15, 2022.

Dr Fisher was licensed as a pharmacist in Arizona, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, and has practiced in a variety of clinical settings. He has devised and presented over 100 continuing education seminars and innovative NSF sponsored short courses. He is a past National Secretary of Rho Chi, the only pharmacy honor society, and recipient of the National Rho Chi Advisor of the Year award. His current areas of expertise includes: substances of abuse and addiction, nutrition, and the pharmacotherapy of mental disorders.

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
Fri Sep 13 Seattle, Washington
- 4:00 pm
Sat Sep 14 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sun Sep 15 Ketchikan, Alaska
7:00 am 4:00 pm
Mon Sep 16 Juneau, Alaska
9:00 am 8:30 pm
Tue Sep 17 Skagway, Alaska
7:00 am 6:00 pm
Wed Sep 18 Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
- -
Thu Sep 19 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Fri Sep 20 Vancouver, British Columbia
6:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

Ports of Call

Seattle, Washington - Sailing out on a cruise from Seattle? Make sure you spend a few a days in the beautiful Emerald City. If you’re a nature lover, this jewel in the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place for you to explore ahead of your cruise vacation. Though it offers plenty of metropolitan delights — think great restaurants, bars, a ton of shopping and lots (and lots) of hip coffee shops — Seattle is a big city with a wild, great-outdoors soul. It’s surrounded by ancient forests, sprawling public parks and, of course, the misty Puget Sound, where you can slow-moving tugboats, sleek kayaks and the occasional pod of whales. Head to Discovery Park for beautiful views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges or visit the Olympic Sculpture Park near Elliott Bay. And if you’re craving a drink and a tasty bite to eat, head to one of Seattle’s many rooftop bars and take advantage of those extra-long northern summer days while you sip local brews and expertly crafted cocktails.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Ketchikan, Alaska - Ketchikan sits at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage— a gateway to the wild landscapes and seascapes of Misty Fjords National Monument. The canned salmon capital of the world, it’s a hub for fishing and outdoor sports. It’s also home to three tribes of Northwest Coast Indians, making it a great place to get a taste for the local culture. You’ll see it in the colorful, hand-carved totems that line the city’s streets and parks, and in the unique stilted homes that cling to Deer Mountain’s slopes. If you want to get up close and personal with nature, venture into the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the United States. Or head to Ketchikan Creek Waterfall for amazing views of downtown Ketchikan and a glimpse at the yearly salmon runs.

Juneau, Alaska - You can’t get to Juneau easily without a sprint by air or by sea. But once you arrive you’ll find majestic views and rich culture in every corner. With its snowcapped mountains, misty rainforests, massive glaciers and bounty of wildlife, Alaska’s remote state capital is the perfect place to dive into nature. Framed by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, the city’s picturesque downtown area offers centuries-old bars, boutique shops and historic landmarks. For a taste of the local culture, visit the historic district and the Alaska State Museum. And for outdoor thrills, you can take your pick of activities ranging from whale watching in Auke Bay Harbor to tundra trekking over Mendenhall Glacier, and even try your hand at gold panning in Last Chance Basin.

Skagway, Alaska - The tiny town of Skagway still looks like it did during the Klondike Gold Rush over 100 years ago— and today it remains an outpost for thrilling Alaskan adventure. An old-time street car ride along bustling Broadway Street reveals well-preserved buildings, including the state’s oldest hotel. You can see engraved walrus tusks at the Corrington Museum, or get lost in riveting historical reenactments around town. If outdoor adventure is more your thing, there are plenty of ways to amp up the adrenaline, from sledding with Alaskan Huskies on Laughton Glacier to rafting Lynn Canal, the longest fjord in North America.

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier - One of Alaska's lesser-known gems, Endicott Arm Fjord marks the southern edge of Fords Terror Wilderness area. As you drift through its 30 -mile-long stretch, you can't help but be awed by the sorrounding granite cliffs, mountain valleys and dozens of gushing waterfalls. Drifting icebergs, deep blue waters and a spectacular tidewater glacier only add to this natural spectacle's appeal.

Vancouver, British Columbia - Sophisticated. Culturally diverse, this beautiful port city brims with attractions. From Vancouver's cosmopolitan downtown to the historically renovated Gastown district and exotic Chinatown, Vancouver displays varied urban scenes. Nestled near the city center is Stanley Park, resplendent with its deep forest, totem poles, and scenic promenades.

Non-US/Canadian individuals, please Click here to determine if you will need a visa to board this cruise which visits Canada.

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.
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