“This was my first time attending this integrative practice conference. I got a lot of information and am hoping to apply all the alternative management and techniques to my practice.”
– C. Sanchez, MD

“Everyone was outstanding! Content was very relevant. Glad I came to this conference.”
– C. Johnson, WHNP-BC

“The conference was truly comprehensive and integrative. Being trained in traditional western American medicine, I will use so much of the information and resources I learned here for use on my everyday patients.”
– A. Bujor, MD

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Integrative Medicine focuses on the mind and body as a whole, as well as the importance of the practitioner-patient relationship. Our 24th Annual Fall Conference on Integrative Medicine in Women’s Health takes an in-depth look at how to achieve optimal health and healing for female patients through a variety of complementary alternative treatment modalities. Covering a vast assortment of topics, our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based integrative treatments and therapeutic options, present current clinical data, and provide skills and strategies for application and implementation into your practice. 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 integrative 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…

List several holistic and integrative solutions to improve sleep issues

Identify patients who are candidates for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)

Offer guidance to patients on possible causes and preventive measures for the most common vulvovaginal issues

Develop a personalized medicine approach to help manage type 2 diabetes

Compare dietary factors that have an impact on preventative medicine

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 educational 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.

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 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™

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

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.

HEALTH & SAFETY AWARENESS

We care about the health and safety of our conference attendees. As the event gets closer, Symposia Medicus will communicate any relevant health and safety policies and procedures implemented by us and/or the conference venue.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS / GROUND TRANSPORTATION

To receive additional information about the conference hotel, location, tours or nearby attractions, and ground transportation, please visit our website at www.symposiamedicus.org.

CONFERENCE FACULTY

Tirun Gopal, MD
OB/GYN, California Pacific Medical Center
Sutter Health
San Francisco, California
Certified in Ayurveda, Medical Acupuncture, Yoga, and Meditation
Executive Masters in Health Policy, Economics, and Management
London School of Economics
London, England

Sue Kagel, RN, BSN, HNB-BC, CHTP/I
Adjunct Faculty for the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona
Certified Healing Touch Practitioner
Holistic Nursing Certification
Past President, Healing Touch International
Certified Healing Touch Instructor
Tucson, Arizona

Paris Kharbat, DO, ABFM, ABOIM, AAMA, IFMCP
Founder, Simply Functional Medicine
Concierge Medicine & Virtual Services (Functional Medicine, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, Acupuncture, and Osteopathic Medicine)
Palm Springs, California

Artemis Morris, ND, MS, L.Ac
Conference Co-Chair

Founder & Medical Director
Artemis Wellness Center
Co-Academic Director, The Graduate Institute
Master in Integrative Health & Healing
Milford, Connecticut

Linda R. Olafson, MD, ABOIM, FAAFP
Conference Co-Chair

Founder & Medical Director
North Coast Integrative Medicine
Clinical Instructor of Family Medicine
University of California, San Diego
School of Medicine
San Diego, California

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 within the past 24 months. Symposia Medicus will also ensure that any and all relevant financial relationships 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.

faculty photo

 

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Wednesday, September 6

7:00am Registration & Check-In
8:00 Welcome & Introduction
Linda R. Olafson, MD & Artemis Morris, ND, MS, L.Ac
8:15 Therapeutic Nutrition: How to Eat to Prevent Chronic Diseases
Artemis Morris, ND, MS, L.Ac
9:00 Osteoporosis: Protecting & Strengthening Bones Naturally
Linda R. Olafson, MD
9:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:15 Break
10:30 Healing Touch & Energy Therapies for Women’s Health
Sue Kagel, RN, BSN, HNB-BC
11:15 An Integrative Approach to Influenza
Paris Kharbat, DO
Noon Balanced Living According to Ayurvedic Medicine
Tirun Gopal, MD
1:00pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:30 Adjourn for the Day
5:30-7:00 Grou[ Reception
(Faculty, Participants, and Guests)

Thursday, September 7

8:00am Guidelines for the Diagnosis & Treatment of Hypothyroidism
Linda R. Olafson, MD
8:45 A Functional Medicine Approach to Type 2 Diabetes
Paris Kharbat, DO
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break
10:15 Integrating Evidence-Based Nutritional Supplements & Herbal Medicines for Women’s Health in Clinical Practice
Artemis Morris, ND, MS, L.Ac
11:00 Everything You Wanted to Know About Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM)
Paris Kharbat, DO
11:45 Common Nutritional Supplement Misconceptions in Women’s Healthcare
Artemis Morris, ND, MS, L.Ac
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Adjourn for the Day

Friday, September 8

3:00pm Smaller Group Breakouts – Session One
. Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM) Demonstration: A Hands-On Experience
Paris Kharbat, DO
. Healing Touch & Energy Therapy: Best Uses in Clinical Settings
Sue Kagel, RN, BSN, HNB-BC
. The World of Nutritional Supplements & Essential Oils in Women’s Health
Artemis Morris, ND, MS, L.Ac
. Mind, Body, and Spirit Interactive Yoga
Tirun Gopal, MD
4:30 Break
4:45 Smaller Group Breakouts – Session Two
(Session One Topics Repeated)
6:15 Adjourn for the Day

Saturday, September 9

8:00am Hormones 101: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Linda R. Olafson, MD
8:45 Sleep Issues & Solutions: A Holistic & Energy Approach
Sue Kagel, RN, BSN, HNB-BC
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break (hotel check-out, if applicable)
10:15 Conventional & Complementary Methods of Managing Vulvovaginal Issues
Tirun Gopal, MD
11:00 Self-Care for Life: Building Resilience
Sue Kagel, RN, BSN, HNB-BC
11:45 Breast Cancer Risk Reduction: An Integrative Approach
Linda R. Olafson, MD
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Conference Adjourns

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Twelve thousand years ago, Tucson was a Native American village by the name of “stukshon.” Loosely translated, it means “springs from the foot of the black hill.” Situated along the banks of the Santa Cruz River and bordered by both the Sonoran Desert and the Santa Catalina Mountains, Tucson owes much of its powerful allure to its ancient land, heritage, and spirituality.

Famous for its dramatic beauty, the Sonoran Desert covers this region with spectacular cacti—including the giant saguaro, a symbol of the American Southwest. But don’t be fooled by the term “desert,” because mountain ranges in all directions offer scenic vistas. Tucson’s legendary year-round sunshine and saguaro-and-sunset landscape have romanced visitors for decades.

Relax and recharge at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, a top choice among Arizona luxury resorts. Named by USA Today as one of the 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Tucson, 10 Best Romantic Hotels in Tucson, and 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Tucson, Loews Ventana is the perfect place to come back to after visiting historic downtown Tucson or exploring the great outdoors on the resort’s beautiful nature trails.

Enjoy a delicious meal at the Flying Bar & Grill, featuring dishes from Executive Chef Ken Harvey, Food Network’s Chopped (2019) winner and grand finalist. Escape everyday distractions and discover a haven for rejuvenation, restoration, and indulgence at the Lakeside Spa & Fitness Center. Or relax and take in the panoramic views of the Santa Catalina Mountains at the resort’s two heated pools and Jacuzzi.

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it in Tucson, at our 24th Annual Fall Conference on Integrative Medicine in Women’s Health.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, LODGING & TRAVEL INFORMATION

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

You can register and receive conference lodging group rates in the following ways:

Online via our website, www.symposiamedicus.org; OR

Call (925) 969-1789 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm (Pacific Time), with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover; OR

By mail; make check payable to Symposia Medicus and send along with registration form to:
399 Taylor Blvd, Suite 102, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-2287

Please visit www.symposiamedicus.org or call (925) 969-1789 for additional questions or information.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION

TUITION: EARLY
If postmarked by
June 28, 2023
REGULAR
If postmarked after
June 28, 2023
Physicians $795 $895
Residents, Nurses, PAs, & All Others $695 $795

Discounts are available for retired healthcare providers, active U.S. military, and groups of three or more. For more information, please contact Symposia Medicus prior to registering.

Tuition includes continuing education, online access to educational session materials, and break refreshments for conference registrants. Tuition also includes a group reception for faculty, registrants, and their guests.

Conference registration will be confirmed via email

CONFERENCE LODGING INFORMATION

Symposia Medicus has conference group rates at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

These special rates will only be available until Friday, August 11, 2023 and will only be available after that date on a space and rate available basis. We recommend you reserve your lodging as soon as possible, as rooms at the conference group rates are limited and on a first come, first served basis. Rooms may sell out and/or room rates may increase prior to the release date.

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 N. Resort Drive
Tucson, AZ 85750
Direct: (520) 299-2020

To make your reservations please call (800) 234-5117
You must refer to the group code SYM903 to receive conference group rates.

To make your reservations online, please visit
https://www.loewshotels.com/ventana-canyon/group-24th-annual-fall-conference

The conference group rates will also be available three days before and three days after the conference
(based on availability) if you wish to extend your stay in Tucson.

GROUP RATES STATED BELOW INCLUDE DAILY BUFFET BREAKFAST FOR ADULT OCCUPANTS

Room Type/View SINGLE
OCCUPANCY
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY TRIPLE OCCUPANCY QUAD OCCUPANCY Description
Standard – king bed
(View of hotel grounds)
$184/night $219/night $279/night N/A Rooms differ by view, are approximately 450 sq. ft. and include one king or two queen beds, mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker, work desk, arm chair(s) and/or couch, bath amenities, granite vanity, oversized tub and shower, hair dryer, flat-screen TV, and a furnished balcony or patio.
Standard – 2 queen beds
(View of hotel grounds)
$184/night $219/night $279/night $339/night
Ventana Patio – king bed
(Limited view of desert landscape)
$199/night $234/night $294/night N/A
Ventana Patio – 2 queen beds
(Limited view of desert landscape)
$199/night $234/night $294/night $354/night
Skyline/Mountain View – king bed
(Partial views of Santa Catalina Mountains or Tucson skyline)
$214/night $249/night $309/night N/A
Skyline/Mountain View – 2 queen beds
(Partial views of Santa Catalina Mountains or Tucson skyline)
$214/night $249/night $309/night $369/night
Grand Skyline/Mountain View – king bed
(Best views of Santa Catalina Mountains or Tucson skyline)
$229/night $264/night $324/night N/A
Grand Skyline/Mountain View – 2 queen beds
(Best views of Santa Catalina Mountains or Tucson skyline)
$229/night $264/night $324/night $384/night
The Resort Fee includes high-speed internet access, unlimited local telephone calls, access to the Lakeside Spa with use of the lockers, fitness studio, dry sauna and steam room, Lakeside Spa tennis, yoga and aerobics classes, 24-hour shoe shine service, nightly turndown service upon request, daily tennis court access (one hour per day, based on availability), shuttle service to Sabino Canyon, bottled water in the main lobby, daily guided hike (weather permitting), and stargazing with University of Arizona Sky School (select nights). Items above are subject to change.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Hotel Policies

A credit or debit card is required upon making your reservation

Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
- 12.05% tax
- $29 (plus tax) resort fee

Maximum guestroom occupancy is three in a room with a king bed and four in a room with two beds, regardless of age

Mandatory charges (below) for children include daily buffet breakfast, taxes, and gratuities:
- Children 4 years & under are FREE
- Children 5 to 12 years old are $25/person, per night
- Children 13 to 17 years old are $35/person, per night

Rollaway beds are available at an additional cost of $25 per night (subject to availability and change)

Cribs are available on a complimentary basis (subject to availability and change)

Check-in time is 4:00pm 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.

Early Departure Fee: Please notify the hotel at check-in if you have last minute changes to your scheduled departure date, as an early departure fee equal to 50% of your room rate, for each night you are departing early, will be charged to any guest who checks out prior to their confirmed departure date

Credit/Debit Card Policy: Upon check-in, the hotel requires a credit card or debit card to ensure that funds are available. Holds are placed on your account for your entire stay; however, the amount may be immediately deducted from your account. The length of time for which these holds remain on your credit or debit account varies from bank to bank.

Parking: Self-parking is complimentary. Overnight valet parking is $25 plus tax for conference guests.

Hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel at least 72 hours prior to your confirmed arrival date or you will be charged a cancellation fee equal to one night’s room rate and tax

Cancellation Policies

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 August 2, 2023; however, tuition, less a 10% processing fee, may be applied to a future Symposia Medicus conference.

All cancellations must be emailed to registrar@symposiamedicus.org by the date 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.

AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION

The closest airport to the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is Tucson International Airport (TUS); however, lower fares can sometimes be found by flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Tucson is approximately a 40-minute drive to the hotel, while Phoenix is approximately a 2-hour drive. 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 below.

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 ECME468 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 NMVXF 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 ZMA2992670 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

For conference discounts, Symposia Medicus has made arrangements with AVIS and Budget Car Rentals. Reservations can be made by phone; please refer to the conference code 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