15th Annual Focus on Pharmacology Conference

D7044

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The purpose of this activity is to provide pharmacology information in multiple areas, and to promote clinical excellence through improving the quality of care to patients.

The primary audience is nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and advanced practice clinicians; however, the program content is relevant to physicians and the broader health care community.

This activity includes two hours of opioid continuing education.

• 7:30 a.m. | Check-In/Continental Breakfast/Visit Exhibitors
• 7:55 a.m. | Welcome
  Carol Forsyth, MSN, CRNP, FNP-BC, Committee Chair
• 8 a.m. | Plenary Session
  Breaking Barriers, Building Immunity: Bridging Gaps in Care Across All Ages
  Deshaun Richards, PharmD, MBA

  Objectives

  • Review current CDC recommendations for adult and pediatric immunizations, including updates on schedules and guidelines for special populations.
  • Identify key social determinants of health that influence vaccine uptake and address barriers to immunization access in diverse populations.
• 9 a.m. | Move to Concurrent Session
• 9:05 a.m. | Concurrent Session 1
  

  1A Pediatric Track

  Review of Evaluation and Treatment Options for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  Eve May, MD

  Objectives

  • Review types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and key diagnostic features.
  • Describe current theories of why IBD occurs.
  • Outline the appropriate initial workup of IBD and review diagnostic tools.
  • Identify the common treatments used and treatment goals of IBD.

  1B Acute Care Track

  Riding the High – Management of Hypertension in the Acute Setting
  Katherine Pavlos, MSPAS, PA-C

  Objectives

  • Review different acute hypertensive scenarios.
  • Review treatment guidelines.
  • Review medications used for acute treatment of hypertension.

  1C Primary Care Track

  Symptom Management at End of Life
  Susan Glod, MD, MEd

  Objectives

  • Predict and proactively manage pain, nausea, and agitation in the last hours to days of life.
  • Describe pharmacologic management of pain, nausea, and agitation at end of life.
  • Review indications and contraindications for commonly used symptom focused medications.
• 10:05 a.m. | Break/Visit Exhibitors/Posters
• 10:20 a.m. | Plenary Session
  Opioids: An Update on the Epidemic and Overview of Prescribing and Weaning Strategies (Opioid)
  David Giampetro, MD

  Objectives

  • Discuss the changes in the opioid epidemic over the last 10 to 15 years and why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines needed to be revised.
  • Describe how to taper opioid therapy, recognize the risks of tapering opioids and list five signs/symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
  • Define buprenorphine and explain why it is probably the best choice of presently available opioids for chronic pain.
• 11:20 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch/Visit Exhibitors/Posters/Product Theater
• 11:50 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Product Theater (optional and not for CME credit)
  Understanding CRYSVITA (burosumab-twza), a Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) Targeted Therapy
  Courtney Reints, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC
  Blank Children’s Hospital
  Pediatric Endocrinology
• 12:30 p.m. | Move to Concurrent Session
• 12:35 p.m. | Concurrent Session 2
  

  2A Pediatric Track

  From Headache to Healing: Medication Management in Pediatric Concussion Care
  Samantha Willer, DO, MA

  Objectives

  • Discuss the role of medications in pediatric concussion management by identifying appropriate indications, contraindications, and potential side effects of medications commonly used in managing symptoms of pediatric concussion.
  • Formulate evidence-based treatment strategies by applying current guidelines and best practices to customize medication regimens for individual pediatric concussion patients, considering their symptom profiles and recovery goals.

  2B Acute Care Track

  The Preoperative Prescription Playbook: Managing Medications for Optimal Outcomes
  Lauren Zug, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C

  Objectives

  • Discuss the complexities of medication management in the perioperative setting for optimal patient outcomes.

  2C Primary Care Track

  Pediatric Infectious Diseases for the Generalist
  Patrick Gavigan, MD

  Objectives

  • Describe the presentation of common pediatric infections.
  • Discuss appropriate antibiotic treatment for common pediatric infections.
• 1:35 p.m. | Move to Concurrent Session
• 1:40 p.m. | Concurrent Session 3
  

  3A Pediatric Track

  Updates in the Treatment of Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis
  Laurie Krnjaic, CRNP

  Objectives

  • Recognize most recent updates in the biologic treatment options for pediatric patients.
  • Explain the mechanisms of action of janus kinase (JAK) and interleukin inhibitors, and identify the criteria for appropriate patient selection for these drugs.

  3B Acute Care Track

  Individualized Perioperative Pain Management
  Jennifer Nasser, MSPAS, PA-C

  Objectives

  • Explain how to assess pain medication safety concerns in relation to health history, chronic medications, and proposed level and length of perioperative pain needs.
  • Describe the perioperative pain medication options and how to dose and titrate them to fit each patient’s risks and needs.

  3C Primary Care Track

  Diabetes Medications: Beyond Glycemic Control
  David Bradley, MD

  Objectives

  • Review the available therapeutic options for Type 2 diabetes.
  • List the non-glycemic benefits of Type 2 diabetes medications, including their effects on cardiovascular health, kidney function, weight loss and others.
• 2:40 p.m. | Break/Visit Exhibitors/Posters
• 3 p.m. | Plenary Session
  Drugs of Addiction and Medications to Treat Addiction (Opioid)
  Donald Dissinger, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP

  Objectives

  • Describe the substances currently being seen in Central PA drug supply.
  • Describe one treatment modality for each of the above substances.
• 4 p.m. | Adjournment

Carol Forsyth, MSN, CRNP, FNPBC
Committee Chair
Family Nurse Practitioner
Penn State Bone and Joint Institute

Directed and Supported by the Advanced Practice Advisory Board

Betsy Avinash, MSN, CRNP, FNPC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Department of Urology
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

David Brinton, MSN, CRNP, FNPBC, AGACNPBC
Manager Advanced Practice Providers
Department of Surgery
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Suzanne Frazier, MS, CRNP, CHFN, NPC
Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner, Heart Failure Disease Management Program
Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute

Rachel Fultz, MSPAS, PAC
Physician Assistant
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

David Giampetro, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
Associate Professor, Department of Neurology
Director of Inpatient and Outpatient Opioid Stewardship
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State College of Medicine

Jaime Halin, MHS, PAC
Physician Assistant
Penn State Bone and Joint Institute

Robin Kingston, MSN, CRNP, CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Home Ventilator Program
Penn State Children’s Hospital

Marnie ODonnell, MS, PAC
Children’s Heart Group, Physician Assistant
Pediatric Electrophysiology
Penn State Children’s Hospital

Bonnie Wilson, MS, CRNP, AGACNPBC, ANPC
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

David Bradley, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Director of Diabetes, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State College of Medicine

Donald Dissinger, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State College of Medicine Instructor

Patrick Gavigan, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State College of Medicine

David Giampetro, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
Associate Professor, Department of Neurology
Director of Inpatient and Outpatient Opioid Stewardship
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State College of Medicine

Susan Glod, MD, MEd
Professor, Department of Medicine
Division of General Internal Medicine, Section of Palliative Medicine
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State College of Medicine

Laurie Krnjaic, CRNP
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Department of Dermatology
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Eve May, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State College of Medicine

Jennifer Nasser, MSPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Department of Orthopaedics, Spine Surgery
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Katherine Pavlos, MSPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurosurgery
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Deshaun Richards, PharmD, MBA
Healthcare Administration
Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacist
CVS Health

Samantha Willer, DO, MA
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn State College of Medicine

Lauren Zug, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Anesthesia Preoperative Evaluation Clinic
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Please note: Recordings of the concurrent sessions will be available for two weeks following the activity for registered participants only. To receive the maximum credits, 12 hours, you must attend or view all the sessions listed on the agenda within the two-week time frame. The plenary sessions will not be recorded and must be attended in person.

AMA

Penn State College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Penn State College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

• Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)
• Recorded sessions – 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)

Nurse practitioners, please note: This program includes a maximum of 12 hours of pharmacology continuing education as required for certification renewal by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). All presentations qualify for pharmacology education.

• Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 6 hours of pharmacy continuing education
• Recorded sessions – 6 hours of pharmacy continuing education

Opioid

This program includes a maximum of 2 hours of identification of addiction or the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids as required for certification renewal by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Please see the agenda for presentations marked with (opioid).

Nurses using AMA credit

Nurses will receive a certificate from Penn State College of Medicine verifying their participation in approved continuing medical education. Continuing education activities which are approved by accredited institutions of higher education and that are relevant to patient care or professional nursing meet the requirements of mandatory continuing education for registered nurses in Pennsylvania, as required by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The Board of Nursing recommends that nurses retain their certificates for a period of at least five years. Additional information is available through the State Board of Nursing.

These credits meet the criteria set by the ANCC, American Nurses Credentialing Center as contact hours that are acceptable for renewal certification. Additional information is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The fee is $195 per person and includes the cost of instruction, meals and online handout materials.

APP Student Fee: $135 per person

To receive the APP student fee, email verification of student status to ContinuingEd@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

Registrations received after Friday, April 4, 2025 will incur a $25 late fee.

Cancellations received after Saturday, March 29, 2025, will be assessed a $25 processing fee.

No refunds will be made for cancellations received after Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Accommodations are the responsibility of the activity participant.

Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey
4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111

April 4-5, 2025 – $123 reduced rate per night

Deadline: March 21, 2025

Reservations can be made at 717-939-7841, toll-free at 800-637-4817 or online at Penn State Focus on Pharmacology.

Join us in Hershey

Hershey is conveniently located in central Pennsylvania, just 90 minutes from Baltimore and Philadelphia, two hours from Washington, D.C., and three hours from New York City.

• Harrisburg-Area Attractions
• Hershey Attractions
• Tanger Outlets in Hershey
• Historic Gettysburg
• Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish Country

A completed evaluation is required in order to receive a certificate for attending this activity. Please complete and submit the evaluation within the specified time frame.

The University reserves the right to cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund any program registration fees paid but cannot be held responsible for any related costs, charges or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Program registrants who are experiencing illness or have been exposed to anyone who is ill should contact the Continuing Education office before attending any in-person activities.

Content and speakers for all programs are subject to change. Registrants will be notified of any significant updates.

On-campus educational activities provided by Penn State College of Medicine Continuing Education are required to follow healthcare facility guidelines. Off-campus events provided by Penn State College of Medicine Continuing Education follow the COVID-19 requirements of that venue. We ask that all participants respect that some attendees may still choose to wear masks for activities. Check the venue website for the latest requirements and recommendations. Please do not attend this activity if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. By attending the activity, you attest that you do not have any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, which may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste, loss of smell or any other sign of illness.

Penn State encourages people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Participants who anticipate needing any type of special accommodation or who have questions about the physical access provided should contact the Continuing Education office at least one week in advance of participation or visit.

It is Penn State policy to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all educational activities. Penn State has a process in place to mitigate any relevant financial relationships with commercial companies disclosed by faculty, course directors and planning committee members. Complete disclosure information will be provided to participants at the beginning of the activity.

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