CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

In the current era of spiraling medical costs, it has become increasingly important for primary care providers to become adept at evaluating and treating gynecologic issues. Taking place over the course of four days, our 31^st Annual Conference on Office Gynecology & Women’s Health for the Primary Care Provider will present practical, clinical updates on a full range of women’s health issues. Our expert faculty will provide you with skills and strategies for application and implementation into your practice as they address each of these topics. During the in-depth breakout sessions, you will refine your management of basic colposcopy, birth control pills, headaches, and office dermatology. 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, case studies, and small group breakouts. 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 women’s health situations.

The breakout sessions, designed to facilitate even greater interaction between faculty and participants, offer an opportunity to engage in group discussions on subjects relating to your particular area of interest. Please indicate your breakout session topic choices on the conference registration form in this brochure. Space is limited, so please reserve early.
 

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

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

• Discuss the pros and cons of menopause hormone therapy
• Evaluate and treat abnormal uterine bleeding in postmenopausal women and adolescents
• Diagnose migraine headaches and identify patient factors that guide treatment
• Explain risks and benefits of surgical obesity management
• Diagnose and manage common inflammatory skin disorders observed in women
• Offer non-medication options as first-line treatment of urinary incontinence

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

Due to strict security for non-hotel guests, please contact Symposia Medicus if you are not staying at Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort

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 19 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.

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.

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.

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 19 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Nurse Practitioners/Nurses
The ANCC contact hours awarded for completion of this conference are 19.

Provider is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP2335, for 22.8 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 5.25 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 Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort. Rooms at our group rates are limited and on a first come, first served 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.
 

GROUP RATES STATED BELOW ARE ALL-INCLUSIVE

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Group Rates below are for TWO adults (13 years and older)

TRIPLE OCCUPANCY Group Rates below are for THREE adults (13 years and older)

All suites are non-smoking and include: bath amenities, internet access, hair dryer, TV, air-conditioning, double vanities, daily refreshed mini-bar, coffee & tea maker, in-room safe, private balcony or terrace, and iron & ironing board.
 

Junior Suit Tropical View
Double Occupancy - $560/night
Triple Occupancy - $834/night
Located on floors four through seven in the Tropical View Tower, these rooms are 544 sq. ft. with either a king bed or two double beds. Rooms with king-sized beds also come with a sofa bed.

Junior Suite Partial Ocean View
Double Occupancy - $624/night
Triple Occupancy - $930/night
Located on the seventh floor, these rooms are 516 sq. ft. with either a king bed or two double beds. Rooms with a king-sized bed also come with a sofa bed.

^*Junior Suite Ocean Front
Double Occupancy - $722/night
Triple Occupancy - $1,077/night
Located in the center of the hotel on the second floor with either a king bed or two double beds and offers breathtaking sights of Banderas Bay. Rooms with a king-sized bed also come with a sofa bed.
 

Preferred Club Guests will receive the following additional amenities & services: Personalized check-in and check-out, upgraded mini-bar service, bathrobes & slippers, access to the Preferred Club Lounge which offers daily continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, desserts and fine liquors, as well as access to the Preferred Club bar and the Preferred Club rooftop infinity pool.

Preferred Club Junior Suite Panoramic View
Double Occupancy - $696/night
Triple Occupancy - $1,038/night
These rooms are 518 sq. ft. with either a king bed or two queen-sized beds located on the first, second and third floors of the Dreams Preferred Club Tower
 

All-inclusive rates include: all taxes, gratuities for bellman, daily maid services, and waiters, daily full breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, 24-hour room service, daily refreshed mini-bar including soft drinks, bottled water, juice, and beer, 9 dining options, unlimited domestic & international alcoholic beverages, unlimited natural fruit juices, soft drinks, water, tea, and coffee, wireless internet, daytime activities, nightly entertainment, theme nights, private beach, use of Pool/Beach chairs, towels and umbrellas, and a fully-equipped fitness center.

^*Junior Suite Ocean Front rooms are VERY limited. Please reserve early or call Symposia Medicus for availability at (925) 969-1789.

• Changes to reservations, regardless of reason, made within 25 days of arrival, will be charged the total original reserved stay. If changes are made before 25 days, no penalty will be assessed. Please notify Symposia Medicus of changes.
   
  
• Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
  • 16% Value Added Tax (VAT)
  • (Meetings and Conventions are exempt of this tax after completing a simple procedure, we will need a copy of the immigration card and a copy of the passport of each participant)
  • Premium wine (list available at restaurants and bars)
  • Spa and/or salon services
  • Telephone calls to Cellular phones, 1 800 / 877 / 866 / 855 / 844, or any other toll-free numbers and rest of the world calls
  • Business center
  • Laundry & dry cleaning services
  • Medical services
  • Airport transfers
  • Additional gratuities at your discretion
  
   
  
• Maximum guestroom occupancy is (NO EXCEPTIONS):
  - Three adults (13 years & older), or
  - Three adults (13 years & older) and one child (12 years & under), or
  - Two adults (13 years & older) and two children (12 years & under)
   
  
• Mandatory additional child charge (3-12 years old) is $60 per child, per night (all-inclusive), not to exceed stated maximum occupancy
   
  
• Children 2 years & under are complimentary – not to exceed stated maximum occupancy
   
  
• Bed Type Requests: You can select one or two beds; however, requests cannot be guaranteed until check-in
   
  
• Rollaway beds are not available in the entire property
   
  
• Cribs are complimentary, however, available in Dreams section only (based on availability and subject to change)
   
  
• Check-in time is 3:00pm and check-out time is noon. 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.
   
  
• Credit/Debit Card Policy: Upon check-in, the hotel requires a credit card or debit card and will charge your full stay (even if you have pre-paid). If using a debit card, the amount may be immediately deducted from your account. Upon check-out, the hotel will charge the credit card for your incidental charges. The length of time for which the unused funds will be released back on your credit or debit account varies from bank to bank.
   
  
• Parking: Self-parking and valet are complimentary
   
  

• 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 January 10, 2023; 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 December 13, 2023. Between December 14, 2023 and January 10, 2024, one night’s deposit is forfeited. After January 10, 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

You will fly into Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), which is approximately 20 miles from Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort. Depending on traffic and road conditions, travel time from the airport to the hotel can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a little over an hour. 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 ECME990 in the “Discount Code” box, located at the right hand side of the page.
Beginning Travel Date: February 9, 2024
Last Travel Date: February 20, 2024
Blackout Dates: February 15-20, 2024

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.
 

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Puerto Vallarta is defined by the natural charm of its beaches embraced by the Sierra Madre mountains, the essence of its culture, gastronomy and traditions, and the warmth and hospitality of being welcomed like a friend. This magical destination has an authentic Mexican taste and spirit.

North of Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita is the lovely beachfront village perfectly nestled on the north end of gorgeous Banderas Bay and surrounded on three sides by nearly 10 miles of clear, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and beautiful coves such as Litibu Bay. Known for its surfing and surf towns, the name, Punta Mita, itself comes from the Aztec word “mictlan” which means “gateway to paradise.”

Come stay at Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort where golden sand beaches marry mountaintop views with luxurious suites and exciting daily activities for your ideal family-friendly, all-inclusive resort. Designed by famous architect Sordo Madaleno, this eco-friendly resort is in a breathtaking location perfectly situated on Banderas Bay.

Choose from nine delightful dining experiences: six à la carte restaurants, a buffet, pool-side grill and snacks, along with a 24-hour café that are all-inclusive! Enjoy any number of beach resort activities including kayaking, surfing lessons, or golf—or relax at the Marietas Island inspired Secrets Spa by Pevonia®.

Puerto Vallarta’s paradise setting, combined with our exciting 31^st Annual Conference on Office Gynecology & Women’s Health for the Primary Care Provider, make this an opportunity you won’t want to miss!