COURSE CREDITS & HOURS
16 ACPE Credits
16 ANCC Contact Hours
COURSE FEES
TARGET AUDIENCE
PROGRAM TOPICS
-
Heart Failure - 2 hours
- Define pathophysiologic mechanism of heart failure.
- Describe acute clinical signs and symptoms used to diagnose heart failure.
- Interpret diagnostic tests used in evaluation of heart failure, including natriuretic peptides, echocardiography, chest radiograph and ECG findings.
- Differentiate between heart failure preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), based on current ACC/AHA and the ESC classifications.
- Identify guideline-directed medical therapies for heart failure including beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, ARNIs, MRAs and SGLT2 inhibitors.
- Outline indications for advanced therapies such as cardiac resynchronization therapy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation.
- Discuss common approaches to common complications associated with heart failure to include hypotension, worsening heart failure, and worsening kidney function.
-
Syncope - 1 hour
- Define syncope and distinguish it from other causes of transient loss of consciousness.
- Describe the major pathophysiological categories of syncope, including reflex (neurally mediated), orthostatic, and cardiac causes.
- Identify high-risk features in the history, physical examination, and ECG that suggest a cardiac or life-threatening cause of syncope.
- Perform a focused evaluation of a patient presenting with syncope, including history-taking, orthostatic vital signs, and appropriate diagnostic testing.
- Interpret key diagnostic studies used in syncope evaluation, including ECG, prolonged electrocardiogram monitoring, echocardiogram, and tilt-table testing.
- Outline evidence-based management strategies for common syncope including vasovagal, orthostatic hypotension, and cardiac.
- Recognize red flags that warrant urgent evaluation.
-
Palpitations - 1 hour
- Define palpitations and describe common patient-reported symptoms and descriptors.
- Identify common etiologies of palpitations, including cardiac, psychiatric, metabolic, and substance-related causes.
- Differentiate life-threatening causes of palpitations from benign etiologies using clinical features and initial diagnostic testing.
- Outline evidence-based diagnostic approach to patients presenting with palpitations, including history, physical examination, ECG, ambulatory monitoring, and laboratory testing.
- Interpret common arrhythmias associated with palpitations.
- Develop individualized management plans based on underlying etiology, symptom burden, and risk stratification.
- Recognize red flags that require urgent or emergent referral.
- Incorporate recent advances and guidelines into the clinical evaluation and long-term management of patients presenting with palpitations.
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2025 Update on Hypertension and Evaluation of Severely Elevated Blood Pressure - 1 hour
- Discuss hypertensive terminology to include severe asymptomatic hypertension and hypertensive emergency.
- Identify key clinical features and signs of target-organ damage including neurologic, cardiac, renal, and vascular manifestation.
- Recognize high-risk presentations such as hypertensive encephalopathy, acute aortic dissection, acute pulmonary edema, and acute renal failure.
- Interpret relevant diagnostic studies to confirm target-organ damage.
- Discuss appropriate intravenous antihypertensive agents based on the clinical scenario and comorbidities.
- Discuss appropriate management of severe asymptomatic hypertension in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.
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ECGs Not to Miss - 1 hour
- Apply a systematic approach to ECG interpretation that enhances diagnostic confidence.
- Recognize high-risk ECG findings associated with life-threatening cardiac conditions.
- Detect arrhythmias with significant clinical implications.
- Recognize conduction system abnormalities.
- Distinguish ECG findings caused by non-cardiac conditions.
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Atrial Fibrillation - 1 hour
- Describe the pathophysiology and epidemiology of atrial fibrillation (AF), including key risk factors and disease progression.
- Review the classifications of AF.
- Recognize the clinical presentation of AF.
- Discuss initial management of AF and selection of rate control agents.
- Differentiate rate versus rhythm control strategies and apply evidence-based indications for each.
- Interpret and apply risk stratification tools to guide anticoagulation decisions.
- Compare pharmacologic efficacy and safety profiles of available oral anticoagulants, including warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
- Recognize and manage bleeding risk and complications associated with anticoagulation use.
- Evaluate perioperative and procedural anticoagulation management, including bridging strategies when necessary.
- Review of Top Influential Clinical Trials - 1 hour
Dr. Martin's Topics
- My Errors in Medicine Can Help You.
- Chief Complaint of Chest Pain, So Now How Do I Work It Up?
- A "Breathtaking Lecture," Asthma and COPD Updates.
- "Stop Coughing on Me!" Pneumonia and Bronchitis Updates.
- Does Patient Experience Matter?
- Is it ONLY a Skin and Soft Tissue Infection?
- "THIS is COVID Jeopardy!"
- Applying Leadership Literature to Medicine
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Faculty
Robert Gauer, MD
Daniel R. Martin, MD, MBA, FACEP, FAAEM
Accreditation
Cruise Itinerary
| DATE | PORT OF CALL | ARRIVE | DEPART |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat Apr 25 | Miami, Florida |
- | 4:30 pm |
| Sun Apr 26 | *At Sea - Cruising Lectures 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
- | - |
| Mon Apr 27 | *At Sea - Cruising Lectures 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
- | - |
| Tue Apr 28 | Philipsburg, St. Maarten |
8:00 am | 6:00 pm |
| Wed Apr 29 | Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. |
7:00 am | 2:30 pm |
| Thu Apr 30 | *At Sea - Cruising Lectures 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
- | - |
| Fri May 01 | Coco Cay, Bahamas |
8:30 am | 5:00 pm |
| Sat May 02 | Miami, Florida |
6:00 am | - |
Ports of Call
Miami, Florida
The Neighborhoods: A Study in Contrasts - Miami is a collection of distinct enclaves, each with a unique personality. Understanding the geography is key to a successful visit, as traffic can be significant.
- South Beach (The Art Deco District): This is the Miami of popular imagination. While Ocean Drive can be crowded and tourist-centric, its architectural significance is genuine. The Art Deco Historic District contains the world's largest concentration of 1930s resort architecture. Our honest advice: Visit in the early morning (before 10:00 AM). The light is perfect for photography, the streets are quiet, and you can appreciate the pastel geometry without the overwhelming crowds. For the beach itself, head to the "South of Fifth" area for a more refined, quieter experience, or north to Mid-Beach for wider sands.
- Little Havana: Just west of downtown, this neighborhood is the emotional heart of the Cuban diaspora. While tour buses frequent Calle Ocho, the area retains an authentic soul. The experience here is sensory: the slap of dominoes at Máximo Gómez Park, the scent of tobacco, and the omnipresent music. Do not look for fine dining here; look for authenticity. Order a *cortadito* (sweetened espresso with steamed milk) from a *ventanita* (walk-up window) and watch the neighborhood wake up. It is a simple, inexpensive ritual that connects you to the local culture better than any guided tour.
- Wynwood & The Design District: These adjacent neighborhoods represent Miami's rapid evolution. Wynwood, formerly a warehouse district, is now an open-air museum of street art. The Wynwood Walls are the curated center, but the surrounding streets offer blocks of stunning, large-scale murals. Just north lies the Design District, a sharp contrast of ultra-luxury retail and modern architecture. Even if you aren't shopping for high-end fashion, the area is worth a walk for its public art installations and some of the city's best chef-driven restaurants.
- Coconut Grove & Coral Gables: For those seeking a break from the high energy, these southern neighborhoods offer lush canopies of banyan trees and historic charm. Coral Gables, built in the 1920s, feels like a Mediterranean dream with its plazas and fountains. The Venetian Pool, carved from a coral rock quarry, is a unique historic swimming hole worth seeing.
If you visit only one paid attraction, make it the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Built by industrialist James Deering in 1916, this Italian Renaissance-style villa on Biscayne Bay is a stunning preservation of the Gilded Age. The interiors are opulent, but the formal gardens—fighting back the encroaching mangroves—are the true highlight. It provides a serene counter-narrative to the modern glass skyline.
For nature lovers, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables offers a world-class collection of rare tropical plants. It is a sprawling, peaceful expanse that feels miles away from the urban core.
The Culinary Landscape - Miami’s food scene has matured significantly, recently earning its first Michelin Guide.
- Stone Crabs: If you are visiting between mid-October and mid-May, Florida Stone Crab is the regional delicacy. Joe’s Stone Crab in South Beach is the institution. It does not take reservations for the main dining room, and wait times can be excessive. Tip: Go for lunch to avoid the longest queues, or visit Joe’s Take Away next door for the same food in a casual setting (and take it to the beach).
- Cuban & Latin: Beyond the famous Versailles (which is great for the atmosphere), try Sanguich de Miami on Calle Ocho for an elevated take on the classic Cuban sandwich. The city also boasts exceptional Peruvian cuisine; look for fresh ceviche and *lomo saltado* in the Brickell or Wynwood areas.
This two-day plan focuses on quality over quantity, minimizing cross-town traffic.
- Day 1: The Mainland Mix (Culture & Art)
- Morning: Start in Little Havana. Grab a coffee and a *pastelito* (guava pastry) at a walk-up window. Walk Calle Ocho to see the Domino Park and cigar rollers.
- Late Morning/Lunch: Take a ride-share to Wynwood. Walk the mural-lined streets. Have a casual lunch at a taco spot or Asian food hall in the area.
- Afternoon: Head north to the Design District. Browse the architecture and public art. If you enjoy museums, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is here and free to enter.
- Evening: Dinner in Brickell or Downtown. Enjoy the skyline views by the Miami River.
- Day 2: Coastal History & Elegance
- Morning: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Arrive right at opening (9:30 AM) to beat the heat and crowds. Spend 2-3 hours exploring the house and grounds.
- Lunch: Head to Coconut Grove for a relaxed lunch under the tree canopy. It’s a short drive from Vizcaya.
- Afternoon: Transit to South Beach. Walk the Art Deco district. If you want beach time, rent a chair and umbrella South of Fifth.
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner in the South of Fifth neighborhood, which offers excellent dining without the chaotic noise of central Ocean Drive.
- Transportation: Miami is a sprawling car city. Public transit (Metrorail/Metromover) is useful only within the downtown/Brickell core. For everywhere else, Uber or Lyft are essential. If you are staying in South Beach, you can walk locally, but you will need a car to reach the mainland.
- Traffic: Traffic can be severe, particularly crossing the causeways between Miami Beach and the mainland during rush hour. Always pad your travel time by 20-30 minutes.
- Weather: It is tropical. Sudden, intense rain showers are common, especially in summer and fall. They usually pass quickly. Pack breathable fabrics and a compact umbrella.
- The Brightline: If you are combining your cruise with a stay in Orlando, West Palm Beach, or Fort Lauderdale, the Brightline high-speed train is a game-changer. It connects these cities directly to downtown Miami in comfort, avoiding the stress of I-95.
At Sea - Cruising
Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Philipsburg itself is the commercial engine. Front Street is lined with duty-free jewelry and electronics stores; while convenient for shoppers, it can feel somewhat manufactured. For a more relaxed immediate option, the boardwalk along Great Bay offers decent beach bars and a view of the ships, though the water clarity here lags behind the rest of the island.

To experience the island's true charm, cross the border to the French side (St. Martin). The atmosphere shifts perceptibly in the capital of Marigot, with its open-air markets and colonial architecture. For the sophisticated traveler, the village of Grand Case is the highlight. Known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, it features exceptional French-Creole cuisine in open-air "lolos" (local barbecue stands) and high-end bistros alike.
Regarding beaches, you have distinct choices:
- Maho Beach offers the famous, adrenaline-fueled spectacle of jumbo jets landing just overhead at Princess Juliana International Airport—it is noisy, crowded, and absolutely unique.
- For a classic European beach day, head to Orient Bay on the French side for white sand and upscale beach clubs.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.


Most visitors are here for the water. Magens Bay is the headline attraction—a heart-shaped, protected cove that is visually stunning but often packed with fellow cruisers. For a more relaxed experience with superior snorkeling, we recommend Sapphire Beach or the pristine, protected sands of Smith Bay Park (Lindquist Beach). If your ship docks at Havensight, the Skyride to Paradise Point offers the classic Caribbean vista and a convenient spot for a local Bushwacker cocktail.
Crucial Logistics: St. Thomas has two distinct cruise piers: Havensight (closer to town/Skyride) and Crown Bay (further west). Be sure to check your docking location, as it dictates your walking options. Traffic in Charlotte Amalie can be gridlocked in the afternoons; always pad your return time. Getting around is best done via "safari" taxis—converted open-air trucks. They are efficient and affordable, but confirm the fare before boarding. For those who have visited St. Thomas before, the ferry to neighboring St. John offers a quieter, more natural escape, though it requires careful time management.
Coco Cay, Bahamas

For adrenaline seekers, the upcharge Thrill Waterpark houses North America's tallest waterslide, Daredevil's Peak, alongside massive wave pools. If you want a lively, complimentary resort-pool atmosphere, head to Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean's largest freshwater pool, complete with a swim-up bar and DJ.

If you prefer a traditional beach day without additional fees, Chill Island and South Beach provide ample loungers, umbrellas, and calm, clear waters. Complimentary dining is available throughout the island at venues like Skipper's Grill and the Chill Grill.
For a more sophisticated experience away from the crowds, two premium upcharge areas stand out. The Coco Beach Club offers an oceanfront infinity pool, elevated dining, and the Bahamas' first overwater cabanas. Alternatively, Hideaway Beach is an adults-only (18+) zone featuring a private cove, heated pool, and dedicated dining venues like Slice of Paradise.
The island features a deep-water pier, meaning no tender boats are required—you can walk right off the ship. Shipboard Wi-Fi and beverage packages seamlessly extend to the island, making logistics effortless.
Browse pre-bookable shore excursions for this cruise →
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.
PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise accommodations through University at Sea®. This ensures we can provide full conference services and complimentary social amenities to meeting participants and guests. Participants' family and friends are welcome to book within our group allotment and take advantage of our typically excellent rates.
Request a Quote online or by voice at 800-525-9696 (US/Can) or direct/int'l tel +1-727-526-1571.
Prices below are for the full cruise including meals and evening entertainment
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Before & After Your Cruise
Hotels
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton - Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon
A Stone's Throw from Miami's Airport
777 NW 57th Ave, Miami, FL 33126 — Miami
InterContinental Miami, an IHG Hotel
Miami's Bayfront Icon
100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131 — Miami
Protect Your Trip with Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can give you flexibility and support when your trip doesn’t go quite as planned. From unexpected flight issues to covered trip cancellations, travel emergencies, and more, travel insurance can help you manage unforeseen events that may impact your trip—giving you peace of mind from the moment you book your trip through your return home.
For an instant quote:
- Simply provide a few short details about your trip
- Review the available protection plans
- Enjoy the peace of mind you deserve
Why Protect your Trip?
Whether you’re planning your next trip or you recently booked one, travel insurance can help smooth over many unexpected travel glitches—while putting your mind at ease, knowing you’re off the hook for covered expenses that could arise from them.
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can provide you benefits and professional support when a covered situation comes up before or during your trip. The following examples may qualify for benefits:
- Cancelling your trip after unexpectedly becoming too sick to travel
- Taking care of a sick or injured traveling companion
- Having to end your trip early due to a family emergency
- Dealing with a flight delay or cancellation
- Needing to buy personal items if your luggage is lost or stolen
- Missing your cruise departure after a covered flight delay
You also can contact our travel protection partner Allianz Global Assistance’s 24/7, award-winning customer service for on-the-go assistance with issues like a medical emergency, replacing your lost passport, or making reservations around the world. To be eligible for a time-sensitive waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusions, purchase your travel insurance plan within 14 days of initial trip deposit (other purchase requirements and conditions apply). Specific plan benefits may vary. Please review your plan details for more information.
What Can Travel Insurance Help Protect?
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can protect you before and during your trip—keeping you, your loved ones, and your travel budget safer. Benefits vary by plan, and these are brief descriptions. Please read your plan documents for details.
TRIP CANCELLATION
Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason, such as you, a family member, or traveling companion experiencing a covered illness or injury. Examples include:
- A doctor says you or a traveling companion is too sick to fly
- Your parent or child requires hospitalization
- You need to attend the birth of a family member’s child
- You have a traffic accident (not breakdown) on the way to the airport
- A storm shuts down your airport for 24 hours or more
TRIP INTERRUPTION
Reimburses your unused, non-refundable travel expenses and increased transportation costs during your trip if you have to return home early due to a covered reason, for instance when a family member has a qualifying medical emergency and needs your care. Examples include:
- You have a covered illness or injury and a doctor says you must return home
- A family member has a qualifying injury and needs your care
- A covered emergency, like a fire or flood, makes your home uninhabitable
TRAVEL DELAY
If you have a covered delay while traveling, travel insurance can reimburse you for meals, accommodations, and transportation expenses when your trip is delayed for a minimum number of consecutive hours for a covered reason. Minimum number of hours varies by plan.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE
Reimburses your expenses related to covered medical and dental emergencies* that might occur on your trip. This benefit can be especially helpful if you have a covered emergency outside the United States, as most health insurance policies won’t cover you outside the country. Examples include:
- You slip and break your ankle while sightseeing
- You get food poisoning while sampling the local cuisine
- You lose a filling and need immediate dental treatment*
*A sublimit and maximum apply for this benefit. Check your plan documents for details.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
Arranges and pays for medically necessary transportation following a covered injury or illness to the nearest appropriate medical facility to receive care and get you home after treatment.
BAGGAGE LOSS, DAMAGE, or THEFT
Reimburses the replacement of your lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and personal items while traveling.
BAGGAGE DELAY
Reimburses essential items purchased during your trip if your baggage is delayed for a minimum number of hours (varies by plan).
CHANGE FEE
Reimburses fees if you need to change your flight itinerary due to a covered reason.
24-HOUR ASSISTANCE
Provides around-the-clock support during your trip. Allianz Global Assistance’s staff of multilingual problem solvers can help you with medical, legal, and travel-related emergencies whenever they happen. Medical assistance may include, but is not limited to:
- Medical triage with referrals to local prescreened medical providers
- Ongoing medical monitoring
- Payment guarantee
- Emergency medical transportation
Additional services for travel-related emergencies can help with:
- Missed connecting flights
- Lost/stolen travel documents
- Pre-trip information
- Prescription replacements
Our Promise to You
When you purchase any Allianz Travel Insurance plan, you automatically get 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to review your policy documents. Within that period, you can cancel your plan for a full refund if you’re not satisfied, as long as you haven’t filed a claim or departed on your trip.
Need Help Along the Way?
Contact Allianz Global Assistance’s award-winning team of travel experts. Call anytime for assistance navigating travel mishaps overseas or in the U.S.—or help with everything from reporting lost baggage to locating emergency medical treatment. They can also help you replace passports, refer you to legal assistance, secure cash from home in case of emergency, and guarantee payment when you need to be admitted to a hospital, in some instances.
Contact Allianz Global Assistance
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File a ClaimIf you need help filing a claim or understanding the claims process, visit the Allianz Global Assistance Claims Center.
Update Your Plan
If you need to update your travel insurance plan, such as adjusting the dates of your plan to reflect itinerary changes, please contact us or manage your plan online so your plan reflects your entire itinerary and provides the right amount of protection for your travels.
Manage My PlanAbout Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz Global Assistance is a world leader in travel insurance and assistance, helping millions of travelers across the globe every year. Allianz Global Assistance is owned by Allianz SE, the world’s largest diversified insurance company. For over 100 years, Allianz SE has helped protect important milestones in American history, insuring the Wright Brothers’ first flight and Golden Gate Bridge construction.
Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply including for pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.
Shore Excursions
Browse pre-bookable shore excursions for this sailing through our partner, Shore Excursions Group. Their listings cover most of our ports of call with options for guided tours, transfers, private experiences, and self-guided activities — typically priced lower than the cruise line's equivalent excursions.
Note: shore excursions through this partner are operated independently of those offered by the cruise line, and the link below opens on shoreexcursionsgroup.com.
Browse Shore Excursions (opens in new tab on shoreexcursionsgroup.com)
