Catalog

In the United States, overweight and obesity are highly prevalent, with 70% of American adults affected by either condition. Overweight and obesity are associated with multiple potential medical complications, including metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular complications, among others. Recognition of the potential complications of overweight and obesity, along with respectful, nonstigmatizing discussion and implementation of novel management strategies, are crucial to improving outcomes for patients. Join experts Karli Burridge, PA-C, MMS, FOMA, Deborah B. Horn, DO, MPH, FOMA, Javier Morales MD, FACP, FACE, and Erin D. Michos, MD, MHS for a CME-accredited activity on diagnosis, management, and respectful discussion of the medical implications of overweight and obesity.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) is revolutionizing primary care by restoring patient-centered medicine while eliminating administrative burdens. PAs were originally established to address physician shortages, and today, we can continue to lead in bridging the care gap throughout our country. This session will explore the foundations of DPC, the practical steps to start a practice, and the impact PAs can have in reshaping healthcare accessibility. Attendees will leave empowered with the knowledge and confidence to explore DPC as a viable, rewarding career path.

The landscape of nicotine use has evolved dramatically beyond traditional cigarettes, presenting new challenges for PAs in primary care and specialty settings. This comprehensive session examines current epidemiological trends in nicotine usage across adult and teenage populations in the United States, providing essential data to inform your clinical practice and patient education strategies. Participants will explore the expanding array of nicotine products available in today's market, from traditional tobacco to emerging alternatives like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and novel nicotine delivery systems. Understanding these options is crucial for conducting thorough patient assessments and addressing the full spectrum of nicotine dependence in your practice. The session emphasizes evidence-based cessation strategies, reviewing FDA-approved pharmacologic therapies including nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, and bupropion, while addressing practical implementation strategies for both adult and adolescent populations.

Break through traditional career boundaries and explore the entrepreneurial pathway of PA practice ownership. This groundbreaking session demystifies the concept of PA ownership, examining various models from direct primary care practices to specialty clinics and innovative healthcare delivery platforms. Discover the compelling advantages of practice ownership, including clinical autonomy, financial independence, and the ability to shape healthcare delivery in your community. Learn practical steps to transition from employee to owner, including business planning, regulatory compliance, financing options, and navigating state-specific scope of practice regulations. This session provides a roadmap for PAs ready to take move into PA practice ownership.

Master the complexities of managing hematologic malignancy and bone marrow transplant survivors in the primary care setting. This essential session addresses the unique challenges these patients face, from immunosuppression management to long-term survivorship care. Learn critical pearls for early detection and intervention of infectious complications, including appropriate diagnostic workups and prophylactic strategies. Understand post-transplant vaccination schedules, cancer screening modifications following chemotherapy, and when to initiate specialist referrals for complications like hypothyroidism, psychological trauma, and fertility concerns. You'll develop confidence in coordinating care with oncology specialists while providing comprehensive primary care that optimizes both survival and quality of life for this vulnerable population.

Explore the revolutionary non-invasive treatment option transforming mental health care. This session demystifies TMS technology, its similarities to MRI imaging, and its targeted approach to treating depression and anxiety through stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. Understand critical safety considerations, including absolute contraindications like ferrous metal implants, patient selection criteria, and treatment protocols. Gain practical knowledge to appropriately counsel patients, identify suitable candidates, and integrate TMS referrals into your mental health treatment algorithms.

Move beyond CPAP to address the 30-50% of OSA patients who cannot tolerate traditional therapy. This practical session explores alternative treatment modalities including mandibular advancement devices and hypoglossal nerve stimulation, detailing mechanisms of action, patient selection criteria, and expected outcomes. Learn to implement comprehensive conservative management strategies including supervised weight loss programs, positional therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Understand when to recommend these alternatives, how to coordinate care with sleep specialists and dentists, and how to monitor treatment efficacy. Leave equipped to offer hope and effective solutions to your CPAP-intolerant patients.

An Update on Osteoporosis Management and Fracture Prevention Strategies | Diagnosis and Management of Axial Spondyloarthritis

Liver disease care is evolving—NAFLD and NASH are now MASLD and MASH, reflecting the critical link between liver health and metabolic dysfunction. Stay ahead with expert-led education on diagnosis, treatment strategies, and emerging therapies to improve patient outcomes.

The important role of PAs in patient care continues to grow. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic inflammatory diseases that can substantially undermine the functional abilities and quality of life of affected individuals. Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States, affecting more than 8 million Americans. The most common subtype is plaque psoriasis, which accounts for 80% to 90% of cases. Patients with psoriasis may find it difficult to perform usual activities of daily living, particularly when psoriatic lesions are present on the hands and feet. In spite of the marked impact of psoriasis and PsA on patients’ lives, these conditions continue to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. PAs have pivotal opportunities to improve the care of patients with psoriasis and PsA through improved knowledge of clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and management of comorbidities.

This educational presentation designed to simplify electrocardiogram interpretation for clinicians outside of cardiology. It introduces the basics of cardiac conduction, lead placement, and axis interpretation, while guiding learners through rhythm identification, rate calculation, and recognition of common arrhythmias. The session highlights key diagnostic patterns such as AV blocks, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and ST-segment changes in acute coronary syndromes. With practical examples and clear explanations, it equips providers with foundational tools to confidently approach EKGs in clinical practice.

In the age of antibiotic stewardship, "red ears" in children and ear pain in adults are often over diagnosed as otitis media and antibiotics are still prescribed by default. This presentation discusses many of the different (and sometimes more common) causes of these presentations and recommendations on what to do about them from an ENT perspective.

No matter the specialty, everyone has had an anxious patient in their practice. Anxiety in patients can lead to worse health outcomes, less adherence, and comorbid health conditions. The WHO has targeted anxiety and panic disorders as priority conditions due to their negative impact on health. But if psychiatry or behavioral health is hard to access in your area, how can you make an impact? This presentation aims to give practical interventions to assist non-psychiatry providers in implementing interventions to assist their patients. Case studies, data, and sample treatment plans to empower PAs in anxiety treatment are included.

As we look to reverse the surge of overdose deaths in the U.S., and with relaxed regulations for prescribing buprenorphine, more patients are initiating treatment with buprenorphine products. Buprenorphine Precipitated Opioid Withdrawal (BPOW) is the primary concern with the initiation of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid withdrawal. With knowledge of the treatment of this rare syndrome in your back pocket, you can better prepare yourself and your patient for this potential complication. We will review cases, ranging from simple precipitated withdrawal to complex cases. We will review a simple ED guideline and discuss adjunct medications. We will engage in a small interactive session to interact with participants and discuss management of BPOW in the ED and hospital setting.

The important role of PAs in patient care continues to grow. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic inflammatory diseases that can substantially undermine the functional abilities and quality of life of affected individuals. Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States, affecting more than 8 million Americans. The most common subtype is plaque psoriasis, which accounts for 80% to 90% of cases. Patients with psoriasis may find it difficult to perform usual activities of daily living, particularly when psoriatic lesions are present on the hands and feet. In spite of the marked impact of psoriasis and PsA on patients’ lives, these conditions continue to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. PAs have pivotal opportunities to improve the care of patients with psoriasis and PsA through improved knowledge of clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and management of comorbidities.

Multiple myeloma remains an incurable disease, characterized by high relapse rates and a disproportionate impact on patients of African ancestry. Emerging B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) offer promising therapeutic potential in addressing this challenging landscape. This series features interactive cases led by expert faculty. Developed by Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine in collaboration with the American Academy of Physician Associates, the Association of PAs in Oncology, HealthTree Foundation, and Med-IQ.

The CDC estimates that the proportion of U.S. antibiotic prescribing by PAs and NPs has doubled in less than a decade, today representing about two out of five antibiotic prescriptions. Improving outpatient antibiotic use is critical to combatting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. PAs can facilitate and lead improvements in antibiotic prescribing through identifying high-priority conditions, setting standards for antibiotic prescribing, and by implementing evidence-based frameworks for quality improvement such as CDC’s Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship. This presentation will share the latest data from CDC on PA and NP antibiotic prescribing, describe a systematic approach to identifying high-priority conditions for improvement, review evidence-based strategies for improving outpatient antibiotic use, and review common myths about outpatient antibiotic use.

Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS) on Demand 2025 includes recorded content from the 2025 Leadership and Advocacy Summit that you can access online anytime. LAS on Demand is designed to expand your approach to leadership and advocacy for the PA profession through sessions highlighting legislative trends, licensure compacts, reimbursement modernization, and storytelling for effective advocacy. Learn how to strengthen your impact, lead with purpose, and shape the future of the PA profession at every level.

Happy PA Week! Celebrate with AAPA President Todd Pickard as he shares how PAs make connections and relationships that drive forward access, quality, innovation, advocacy, and ultimately patient care. We will learn about our professions' advances over the past year and get a sneak peak at what is to come.

This session equips PAs in OB/GYN settings with essential knowledge on HIV screening, prevention, and treatment, emphasizing the importance of routine opt-out testing and familiarity with key medications.