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800-926-3775

University at Sea®

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St. Petersburg, FL 33703

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Cruise Conference Planning For Your Association

Family Medicine Update & Legal Issues of Misconduct in Medical and Dental Healthcare

7-Night Eastern Caribbean & CocoCay Cruise
Round-trip Miami, Florida
March 23 - 30, 2025
Royal Caribbean's <em>Symphony of the Seas</em>
Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas
16.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
16 ACPE Credits
16.0 ADA CERP Credits
16.0 Contact Hours
Course Fees
$995.00 for Physicians, Pharmacists, & Dentists
$795.00 for Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and Dental Hygenists
$595.00 for Nurses, Students, Staff, & Others

Target Audience
Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, PharmacistsDentists, Dental Staff
Program Purpose / Objectives
  1. A Brief Look at the History of Medicine: Can the Dead Teach the Living?
    • Discover that challenges we currently face today are not so new.
    • Identify competent and compassionate approach to challenging clinical scenarios
  2. Dermatologic Emergencies and Urgencies
    • Better Identify patients with life threatening skin disorders
  3. Diagnostic Dilemmas: What Does This Patient Have? Case Files
    • Diagnose those with protean symptoms or signs, with an emphasis on life threatening, catastrophic disorders
  4. "Serenity Now": Caring for Addicts and their Families
    • Recognize opportunities to intervene in helping patients and their families who suffer from addiction
  5. The Latest UTI Guidelines - What's New?
    • Diagnose and treat those with urinary tract infections
  6. Office Evaluation of Abdominal Pain
    • Interpret the subtle symptoms and signs of serious abdominal pain
  7. The Secret in the Care of the Patient - Without Getting "Your Hands Cut Off"
    • Discover how to avoid malpractice by choosing good practices which will be clearly identified using concrete examples
  8. Healthcare Stories
      Appreciate the privilege inherent in caring for our patients and how it strengthens feelings of self-worth and joy
  9. A dignified approach: legal issues in healthcare led with an empathic, trauma-informed and human-centered focus
    • Discuss differences between trauma-informed and empathic approaches as compared to traditional processes used in responding to misconduct and fitness to practice issues
    • Develop an increased awareness of more human-centered practices which are still legally valid and appropriate
  10. Practical application of trauma-informed and human-centered approaches to issues of fitness to practice
    • Develop increased understanding and awareness about processes and steps involved when involved in or reporting a fitness to practice issue
    • Discuss how the process is best approached with trauma-informed and human-centered practices.
  11. Do no further harm: sexual misconduct complaints
    • Discuss the prevalence and uniqueness of sexual misconduct, why sexual misconduct complaints are different from other forms of misconduct, and considerations for address and responding appropriately including safety, support and trauma-informed approaches.
  12. Procedural fairness and due process: legal and practical considerations for conducting, overseeing and developing complaint investigation processes
    • Discuss due process and procedural fairness, fundamental legal principles involved in investigations and complaint processes
    • Discuss why utilizing independent, third-party investigators helps with legal defensibility and objectivity in investigations
  13. Cultural and psychological safety and humility: principles and practical considerations
    • Discuss the principles of cultural safety and humility, and practical strategies for inclusion of those in their practices across healthcare professions
    • Develop awareness of legal developments in other jurisdictions which tie those principles to law, and how they connect with trauma-informed and human-centered approaches.
  14. Words matter: Strategies for leading communications with empathy, trauma-informed and human-centered practices
    • Consider what communications with trauma-informed and human-centered look like compared with more formalistic language styles
  15. Risky Business: potential cost and consequences of complaints
    • Develop increased awareness about the various risks associated with complaints, including reputational, legal, financial and emotional
    • Identify how risks are closely tied to strategies for prevention and mitigation of complaints
  16. An ounce of prevention: strategies for mitigating and preventing complaints
    • Utilize previous sessions on trauma-informed approaches, investigations, communication and other best practices in business and healthcare to assist with prevention of complaints against healthcare professionals and organizations
    • Define what ADR is and how it can be used
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

Richard Colgan, MD

Richard Colgan, MD
Professor and Executive Vice Chair
Department of Family and Community Medicine
University of Maryalnd School of Medicine
Director Maryland Area Health Education Center
Director Executive Health
Dr. Colgan’s career has been marked by a number of significant leadership initiatives and awards for teaching excellence, many coinciding with his 20-year tenure at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. As a professor of family and community medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, he also serves as executive vice chairman. Dr. Colgan has served as lead investigator on many research projects, including the Medical Student Experience with Primary Care Physicians, the Patient Centered Medical Home, and Care for the Underserved in Maryland, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration. He has authored more than eighty publications.

Dr. Colgan has been listed in Best Doctors in America, was chosen by the School of Medicine’s student body as its nominee for the Association of American Medical Colleges’ annual humanism award, and was inducted into the school’s Humanism Honor Society as well as Alpha Omega Alpha. In 2008, he was awarded the American Medical Student Association’s Golden Apple clinical faculty teaching award by the University of Maryland School of Medicine class of 2008.

Dr. Colgan is a colonel in the Maryland Defense Force, serving the state of Maryland as a volunteer physician in the 10th Medical Regiment. He is the author of two books: Advice to the Young Physician: On the Art of Medicine and Advice to the Healer: On the Art of Caring, both published by Springer. He was recently selected to direct the Maryland Area Health Education Center, the School of Medicine’s “Mini-Med School” and “Mini-Med School for Kids” programs, providing medical information to members of the local community. He also is the Director of the School of Medicine’s Executive Health Program.

Shelley Ball, BA (HONS), JD, CERT. HUMAN RIGHTS

Shelley Ball, BA (HONS), JD, CERT. HUMAN RIGHTS
Principal, Shelsu Pacific Consulting Inc.
Appointed board member, Patient Care Quality Review Board, British Columbia
Previous senior in-house counsel, BC health regulation (dentistry, oral health, nursing and midwifery) She is an appointed member of the Patient Care Quality Review Board of British Columbia, and member of the Canadian Network for Agencies of Regulation's Education Planning Advisory Committee. For several years, she has been a pro-bono advisor for Forensic Guardians International, which provides dignified management of human remains during conflicts and emergencies. She was previously a mentor to law students with the Canadian Bar Association.
She is a subject matter professional in sexual misconduct and investigations, and often speaks internationally on those topics as well as trauma-informed and compassionate practice, risk and prevention. In 2023, she was nominated as one of Canada's 25 Most Influential Lawyers for her work in creating fair, impartial and trauma-informed institutional investigation systems.
Shelley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology with First Class Honours, a Juris Doctor, and a Certificate in Human Rights Law for Education Professionals. She is also a certified and experienced restorative justice facilitator.

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 Mar 23 Miami, Florida
- 4:00 pm
Mon Mar 24 Coco Cay, Bahamas
7:00 am 5:00 pm
Tue Mar 25 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Wed Mar 26 San Juan, Puerto Rico
10:30 am 6:00 pm
Thu Mar 27 Philipsburg, St. Maarten
8:00 am 6:00 pm
Fri Mar 28 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sat Mar 29 *At Sea - Cruising
- -
Sun Mar 30 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.

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

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.

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.

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®