CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

A dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon, sexual health is closely linked to our overall health and quality of life. At the crux of our overall well-being, sexual health can affect many aspects of life including intimacy, reproductive health, disease prevention, clinical care, policy, advocacy, health equality, and the social determinants of health. Determining the etiology of sexual complaints is often a complex process. As such, healthcare providers must operate as cautious detectives, exploring medical, psychological, and even environmental issues.

Designed for physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals, our 9^th Annual Conference on Challenges in Sexual Healthcare takes place over the course of four days. Covering a wide array of topics, our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based advancements and innovations in sexual healthcare, present emerging clinical data, and provide skills and strategies for application and implementation into your practice. As you collaborate with your fellow healthcare providers, this course will allow you to share information and participate in insightful conversations about supporting and sustaining healthy sexuality. This educational activity aims to increase learner knowledge, improve the competence and performance of all attendees, and contribute to their ability to work together as part of a coordinated healthcare team.

Topics for this year’s conference have been selected based on the educational needs underlying identified professional practice gaps. The gaps were derived from a variety of sources including evaluations and outcomes data from past participants, clinical expert input, Symposia Medicus’ online survey, and other medical and nursing data such as current clinical guidelines, research findings, literature reviews, and patient safety considerations.

An outstanding faculty has been assembled for this conference. Each faculty member was selected based on their individual area of expertise and ability to communicate current, evidence-based, and practical information to participants.

The conference format includes didactic lectures, question and answer sessions, and case studies. Following a group of lectures, the question and answer sessions allow attendees to ask the faculty critical and challenging questions about caring for patients during various sexual healthcare situations.
 

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

As a result of participating in this conference, you should have increased knowledge and enhanced competence to…

• Apply current therapies for acute and chronic issues surrounding vaginitis
• Develop treatment paradigms for complex sexual dysfunction cases
• Offer a range of therapeutic options for the treatment of troubling menopausal symptoms that may interfere with sexual function
• Acknowledge how norms for sexuality vary across cultures and recognize the value of acceptance without judgement of the multitude of various physical and sexual experiences
• Explain the importance of hormone influence during menopause and its impact on sexual function

Enrollment for this conference is limited in order to provide the best possible learning environment.
Early registration is advised.

ATTENDEE REQUIREMENTS

After attending this conference, participants are entitled to a certificate of credit which will be available online. Successful completion of this activity is determined by attending the live activity, reviewing the educational session materials, and submitting the case studies test, evaluations, surveys, and verification of attendance form. Each participant should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 

ACCREDITATION

This accredited continuing education activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME and ANCC Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.

Symposia Medicus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Symposia Medicus is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

Physicians
Symposia Medicus designates this live activity for a maximum of 18 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This ACE activity was developed with standards to address California Assembly Bill (AB) 1195 cultural and linguistic competency (CLC) and CA AB 241 implicit bias (IB) to reduce health disparities. Please refer to the accreditation page on our website for resources.

ACOG
Application has been made with the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) for cognates, Formal Learning. Please check our website for updated credit information.

AAFP
Application for CME credit has been filed with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Determination of credit is pending. Please check our website for updated credit information.

Certified Nurse Midwives
The American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) accepts Category 1 CME approval from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Physician Associates
NCCPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician associates may receive a maximum of 18 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Nurse Practitioners/Nurses
The ANCC contact hours awarded for completion of this conference are 18.

Provider is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP2335, for 21.6 contact hours.

Pharmacists
The California Board of Pharmacy accepts as continuing professional education those courses that meet the standard of relevance to pharmacy practice and have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Pharmacotherapeutic CEUs for Nurses
This activity is designated for a maximum of 2 pharmacotherapeutic credits towards meeting the requirement for nursing pharmacology continuing education. Sessions awarding pharmacotherapeutic credits are denoted with an Rx in the schedule. Please contact your state’s Board of Nursing for specific educational requirements as they may vary state to state.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Consistent with ACCME and ANCC guidelines, it is the policy of Symposia Medicus to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. Prior to the planning of this educational activity, all individuals in a position to influence and/or control the content of continuing education activities have been asked to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the past 24 months. Symposia Medicus will also ensure that any and all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies will be mitigated before the conference commences. Beyond disclosure and mitigation of relevant financial relationships, faculty are required to disclose when they plan to discuss pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices that are not approved by the FDA and/or medical or surgical procedures that involve an unapproved or “off-label” use of an approved device or pharmaceutical. Symposia Medicus is committed to providing learners with commercially unbiased continuing education activities. This information is intended to assist learners in forming their own judgments about the content presented. Disclosure information will be included in the educational session materials for this activity and speakers will provide a disclosure slide for each presentation, which they will also disclose verbally on site.

CONFERENCE LODGING INFORMATION

Conference group rates have been arranged at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa. Rooms at our group rates are limited and on a first come, first serve basis. PLEASE RESERVE EARLY as rooms may sell out and/or room rates may increase. If you wish to extend your stay, group rates may be available three days before and three days after the conference.

Two nights’ deposit (room rate only) must accompany your reservation. The balance of your lodging, hotel fees as stated below, and all incidental charges are due to the hotel. The hotel accepts most major credit cards.
 

Partial Ocean View (Single/Double) - $375/night

Ocean View (Single/Double) - $400/night

Deluxe Ocean View (Single/Double) - $420/night
 

Rooms only vary by view and all feature luxurious Hilton Serenity bed(s) with LED lighting for bedside reading, 55” LCD flat panel TV, Cuisinart single-cup coffeemaker, sofa bed, in-room safe, refrigerator, and work desk with a digital panel that allows guests to connect and charge several devices at once. The bathroom features a separate granite vanity area, Peter Thomas Roth bath amenities, and a bathtub with deluxe showerhead.

The Resort Fee of $40.00, per room, per night has been DISCOUNTED to $35.00 per room, per night. The Resort Fee includes the following and is subject to change: complimentary guest room and conference space high-speed internet, two bottles of water (replenished daily), two beach chairs & towels, 10% discount off spa retail, 10% off non-motorized beach equipment, in-room coffee & tea, and 1-800 and local phone calls. Conference group rates also include unlimited fitness center admission and complimentary newspaper (Monday-Friday) available at the front desk.

• Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
  - 12% tax
  - $35.00 resort fee (discounted from $40.00)
  - Gratuities are at the guest’s discretion of $5.00 per person for bellman handling and $4.00 per room, per day for housekeeping
   
  
• Maximum guestroom occupancy is four, regardless of age
   
  
• Children 12 years & under are complimentary in room with adults (not to exceed stated maximum occupancy)
   
  
• Mandatory third or fourth additional occupant charge (13 years & over) is $20.00 per person, per night
   
  
• Bed Type Requests: You can select one or two beds; however, requests cannot be guaranteed until check-in
   
  
• Cribs are complimentary (based on availability and subject to change)
   
  
• Check-in time is 4:00pm and check-out time is 11:00am. A late check-out can only be confirmed on the date of departure by the front desk. Late check-outs are based on availability and additional charges may apply.
   
  
• Early Departure Fee: An early check-out fee of $100.00 is applicable to any guests who check out of the hotel before their stated departure date. Departure needs to be confirmed at check-in.
   
  
• Credit/Debit Card Policy: Upon check-in, the hotel will require a credit card and will place a hold for your room and tax plus $125.00/day for incidental charges during your stay. Please be aware that if you use a debit card instead of a credit card, the funds will be immediately removed from your account (even if you have pre-paid your stay). As you charge more to your room, the hold with increase. The length of time for which these holds remain on your credit or debit account varies from bank to bank.
   
  
• Parking: Self-parking is discounted to $30.00 per day for conference guests.
   
  

• Conference cancellations must be made in writing (via email) to Symposia Medicus and a refund, less a 10% processing fee, will be given. No refunds will be made if cancellation is received after April 3, 2024; however, tuition, less a 10% processing fee, may be applied to a future Symposia Medicus conference.
   
  
• Per our hotel contract, hotel reservation cancellations must be made in writing to Symposia Medicus and you will receive a full refund if emailed by March 6, 2024. Between March 7, 2024 and April 3, 2024, one night’s deposit is forfeited. After April 3, 2024, no hotel refunds can be made.
   
  
• All cancellations must be emailed to registrar@symposiamedicus.org by the dates stated above.
   
  
• In the unlikely event of conference cancellation by Symposia Medicus, full tuition and, if reservation was made with Symposia Medicus, hotel deposit refunds will be made. Symposia Medicus will not be responsible for refunding travel or any other expenses.

Each registrant will have online access to educational session materials. The educational session materials will be available for download approximately one week prior to the conference (you’ll receive an email with instructions).

If you are unable to attend this conference, you may purchase an electronic copy of the educational session materials one week after the conference. Please email publications@symposiamedicus.org for more information.

AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION

The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa is located 30 minutes from Naples Airport (APF) and 45 minutes from Ft. Myers/Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and is served by most major airlines. Miami (MIA) and Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) International Airports are 90 minutes away. For information on ground transportation, please visit our website.

Symposia Medicus has arranged for discount fares with Alaska, Delta and United Airlines for this conference. Reservations can be made either through your travel agency or through the airlines at the website or Convention Desk numbers listed below.

In order to receive the discounted rate, you or your travel agent must refer to the Symposia Medicus Group ID number listed here.
 

Alaska Airlines
For discounts on Alaska Airlines flights, please book online at www.alaskaair.com and click on the link “Use Discount Code,” located at the bottom of the “Book Flights” box. Once you click on this link, another page will appear. On this page, you will need to insert ECMG059 in the “Discount Code” box, located at the right hand side of the page.

Delta Airlines
For discounts on Delta Airlines, please visit www.delta.com, enter in your travel plans and then click on the “Advanced Search” link located below the “Passenger” box. Once you click on this link, a panel will appear and you will need to insert NY35Z in the “Meeting Code” box.
For questions, please call the Delta Airlines Convention Desk at (800) 328-1111.

United Airlines
For discounts on United Airlines, please visit www.united.com and click on Advanced Search, located on the bottom left corner of the “Book Travel” box. Once you click on this link, another page will appear. At the bottom of this page, you will insert ZNQA939938 in the “Promotions and Certificates” box at the end of the page. For questions, please call the United Airlines Convention Desk at (800) 426-1122.
 

CAR RENTAL DISCOUNT

Symposia Medicus has made arrangements with AVIS and Budget Car Rentals. Reservations can be made online or by phone; please refer to the conference code below and the conference/airport location when making your reservations. Please see below:

AVIS
www.avis.com
800-331-1600
AWD # B766625

Budget
www.budget.com
800-772-3773
BCD # U076767
 

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Marco Island is the largest of Florida’s famous 10,000 islands on the southeast coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It is graced with miles of white-sand beaches, beautiful weather, sumptuous restaurants, fine dining, shopping, and entertainment. Recreational activities, ranging from boating and fishing to golf and tennis, are set amid the stunning subtropical beauty that is unique to southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa is in the premiere location for fun and relaxation. Guest rooms at the Hilton feature private, furnished balconies overlooking lush, tropical landscaping or the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The resort is host to a multitude of recreational activities—whether you want to relax by the pool or on the white-sand beach, or take part in sailing, parasailing, kayaking, or unique Eco Tour and shelling excursions, the options are unlimited.

Enjoy a relaxing spa day and visit The Spa at Marco Island, offering serenity and wellness inspired by the exotic cultures of the Mediterranean. Taste fresh, local flavors at the completely reimagined signature restaurant, The Deck at 560. At The Bar at 560, you'll find craft cocktails made with fresh Florida citrus juices and draft brews from local Florida breweries. These are best enjoyed at the pool by the fire pits or looking out over the serene gulf. The Marco Walk Plaza is directly across from the resort, featuring a great variety of shops and restaurants, plus a movie theater.

Just a short drive away is Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Tour the park with a ranger, photograph birds, take an afternoon hike, spot alligators bathing in the sun, or canoe through the mangroves!

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it on Marco Island, at our 9^th Annual Conference on Challenges in Sexual Healthcare.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa
560 S Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: 239-394-5000

• Hotel's Website
• Local Area Information
• Dining Information
   
  

CONFERENCE CHECK-IN

Although you are already registered, you will need to check-in to get your badge.

Date – Wednesday, May 8
Location – Island Foyer, located on the lobby level
Time – Begins at 7:00am

CONFERENCE BREAKFAST

Continental breakfast will be served (for conference participants and faculty only) beginning at 7:00am on Wednesday and 7:30am on Thursday and Saturday in the Island Foyer, located on the lobby level.
 

GENERAL SESSIONS

Main Room Location – Island Ballroom, located on the lobby level
Time – Begins at 8:00am on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Friday sessions begin at 3:00pm.

If you are departing on Saturday, please keep in mind that the conference ends at approximately 1:15pm and hotel check-out is at 11:00am. You can store your luggage with the hotel while we are still in session.

GROUP RECEPTION

Please join us for this fun event, as it is a great way to become better acquainted with faculty, other participants, and their guests.

Date – Wednesday, May 8
Time – Begins at 5:30pm and concludes at 6:30pm
Location – Event Lawn

QUESTION & ANSWER / GROUP DISCUSSION SESSIONS

During our meeting sessions, following a series of lectures, there is a Question and Answer/Group Discussion session. Please write down any questions or comments for the faculty on the yellow question cards placed in participant badges. These cards are collected and given to the appropriate speaker for response during these sessions.

MEETING ROOM COURTESY

As a courtesy to all, please place your electronic communication devices on “vibrate,” or “silent.” Also, in consideration to others, children and spouses are not permitted in the meeting rooms.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Internet Access – Wireless internet access is complimentary in the meeting rooms.

Participant Photos – We sometimes take photographs of our participants during conference sessions/activities (never pool pictures) to use in future brochures and on our website. If you would NOT like to appear in any individual or group candid photos, please notify the Conference Director.

Clothing – Formal attire is not required anywhere in the hotel or during our conference. We suggest you bring a sweater or jacket to wear during our meeting sessions, as meeting rooms are sometimes cool.

Recording – Participants, speakers, etc. must receive prior approval from Symposia Medicus to record lectures or any other educational sessions. For more information and/or questions, please e-mail us at info@symposiamedicus.org.

Temperatures – The temperatures in Marco Island during May usually range from the low 80’s during the day to the low 70’s during the evening.

Time Zone – Marco Island is in Eastern Standard Time Zone

General Travel Safety Suggestions – https://symedblog.org/travelsafety/

Take Our Survey – Be entered to win an Amazon gift card at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/symedsurvey24
 

QUESTIONS?
Email us at info@symposiamedicus.org