“Symposia Medicus provides an excellent conference with clinically-relevant lectures and take-home points to utilize immediately for patient care. The location is excellent for both adults and families. Quality accommodations!”
– D. LaRochelle, MD

“The education was evidence-based, current, and significant to my practice.”
– S. Rehberg, CNM

“Timely topics, good lectures, and nice locations!”
– S. Carpto, MD

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Our 28th Annual Winter Conference on Clinical Issues in OB/GYN is designed for physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals who manage preconception, pregnant, and postpartum patients. 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 OB/GYN 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…

Outline an appropriate workup for hematuria according to new guidelines

Identify sexual dysfunctions related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Appropriately evaluate the pregnant patient for cardiac disease

Review available evidence of critical aspects of cesarean delivery including pre-op and post-op care

Outline proactive initiatives to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality

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
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has assigned up to 18 cognate credits to this program.

AAFP
The AAFP has reviewed 28th Annual Winter Conference on Clinical Issues in OB/GYN and deemed it acceptable for up to 18.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 01/31/2024 to 02/03/2024. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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.

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.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION / TOURS

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

Laurie Birkholz, MD, NCMP
Founder & President
Laurie Birkholz, MD & Associates
Holland, Michigan

Curtis Cook, MD
Associate Clinical Professor
Creighton University, Phoenix
Clinical Associate Professor
University of Arizona, Phoenix
Medical Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Dignity Health Medical Group, East Valley
Phoenix, Arizona

Alexandria Hill, MD, FACOG
Clinical Assistant Professor
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Texas A&M University College of Medicine
College Station, Texas
MFM Physician
Ouma Health
Austin, Texas

Gretchen Lentz, MD
Conference Co-Chair

Professor Emeritus
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Division of Urogynecology
Adjunct Professor of Urology
University of Washington
School of Medicine
Seattle, Washington

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
Conference Co-Chair

Co-Owner & Nursing Director
Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics, LLC
Nashville, Tennessee

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.

faculty photo

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Wednesday, January 31

7:00am Registration & Check-In
During Continental Breakfast
8:00 Welcome & Introduction
Gretchen Lentz, MD & Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
8:15 Common Disorders in Pregnancy
Alexandria Hill, MD
9:00 What’s New in UTIs, Recurrent UTIs, and Hematuria
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Gretchen Lentz, MD
9:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:15 Break
10:30 Sepsis in Pregnancy
Alexandria Hill, MD
11:15 Obesity: Management of Labor
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Curtis Cook, MD
Noon Sexual Health Is General Health
Laurie Birkholz, MD, NCMP
12:45pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:30 Adjourn for the Day
5:30-6:30 Group Reception
(Faculty, Participants, and Guests)

Thursday, February 1

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 Cancer & Sex: How to Help Patients Navigate the Changes & Challenges
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Laurie Birkholz, MD, NCMP
8:45 Maternal-Fetal Physiology & Medical Problems in Pregnancy
Alexandria Hill, MD
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break
10:15 Menopause 101: Terminology, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Laurie Birkholz, MD, NCMP
11:00 Congenital Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy
Alexandria Hill, MD
11:45 Keys to Managing Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Gretchen Lentz, MD
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Adjourn for the Day

Friday, February 2

3:00pm Smaller Group Breakouts – Session One
. Bladder Problems for Women Besides UTIs
Gretchen Lentz, MD
. Female Sexual Dysfunction 101
Laurie Birkholz, MD, NCMP
. In Defense of Nurses & Physicians: Legal Issues in OB/GYN Practice
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
. Non-Obstetrical Surgery on the Pregnant Patient
Curtis Cook, MD
4:30 Break
4:45 Smaller Group Breakouts – Session Two
(Session One Topics Repeated)
6:15 Adjourn for the Day

Saturday, February 3

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 Hypertension in Pregnancy
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
8:45 Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy & Postpartum
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Curtis Cook, MD
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break (hotel check-out, if applicable)
10:15 Amniotic Fluid Embolism
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
11:00 Reducing the Initial Cesarean
Curtis Cook, MD
11:45 Maternal Morbidity & Mortality: Stopping the Trends
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Conference Adjourns

Rx = Pharmacotherapeutic CEUs for nurses
will be granted for these sessions

CONFERENCE LOCATION

A rare gem of a destination, the Turtle Bay Resort is truly an iconic Hawaiian landmark. The only resort of its kind anywhere on the north shore of Oahu, this idyllic place is the perfect base to get fully immersed in the authentic island experience. Situated on a majestic outcropping with panoramic views of the breathtaking shoreline, this resort is a true standout among island destinations anywhere in the world.

The resort has just completed a major renovation—every aspect of the hotel experience has been transformed to immerse guests into this dramatic landscape, from the stunning, redesigned lobby and pool deck to the locally inspired dining concepts.

Located on the North Shore of Oahu, the unequivocal surf capital of the world, Turtle Bay Resort is conveniently located near legendary surf breaks like Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and the big wave mecca that is Waimea Bay. A fifteen-minute drive north takes you to historic Haleiwa, which provides eclectic shopping, fantastic Hawaiian shaved ice, and restaurant options that include everything from shrimp trucks to fine dining.

Paddle out at sunrise for a dawn patrol surf session. Snap a photo of a honu (green sea turtle) while snorkeling. Launch off “Jump Rock” at Waimea Bay. Discover deserted white sand beaches while trekking up to Ka’ena Point. You can also enjoy whale watching, as this is the perfect time of year to see these beautiful creatures in Oahu’s warm waters. The list of what to see and do during your stay at this Oahu resort never ceases to amaze!

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it on Oahu, at our 28th Annual Winter Conference on Clinical Issues in OB/GYN.

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
November 22, 2023
REGULAR
If postmarked after
November 22, 2023
Physicians $795 $895
Nurses, PAs, & All Others $695 $795

Discounts are available for retired healthcare providers, active U.S. military, residents, 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, continental breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, 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

Conference group rates have been arranged at the Turtle Bay 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.

Turtle Bay Resort is newly renovated

Type of Room

Group Rates
(Single/Double)

King Bed

Group Rates
(Single/Double)

Two QueenBeds

Description

All rooms have mini-fridge and Lavazza coffee machines

Ocean
View

$419/night
(Limited number of rooms available at this rate; once sold, rate will increase to $599/night)

Max. Occupancy: 3

$439/night
(Limited number of rooms available at this rate; once sold, rate will increase to $619/night)

Max. Occupancy: 4

Located on the 2nd to 5th floors in the main building and are 478 sq. ft. Most rooms have a private lanai or Juliet balcony and look out to the ocean or rooftop garden. Rooms on the 2nd floor in the East and South wings overlooking Kuilima Cove do not offer a balcony. Bathroom offers double vanities and walk-in showers.
Premium
Ocean View

$699/night

Max. Occupancy: 3

N/A Located on the 6th floor in the main building, rooms are 478 sq. ft. guaranteeing direct ocean views. Most rooms have a private lanai or Juliet balcony. Bathroom offers walk-in showers, plush robes, and slippers.

*Ocean View Suite

(Must call
Symposia Medicus
for availability)

$859/night

Max. Occupancy: 3

$879/night

Max. Occupancy: 4

Located at the end of each wing in the main building, suites are 725 sq. ft. and offer sweeping views of the ocean. Most suites have a private lanai or Juliet balcony. Suites on the 2nd floor in the East and South wings overlooking Kuilima Cove do not offer a balcony. The suite has an open spacious sitting area and bedroom. Bathroom offers soaking tub and walk-shower.

*Ocean
Bungalow

(Must call
Symposia Medicus
for availability)

$1,321/night

Max. Occupancy: 4

$1,371/night

Max. Occupancy: 5

The waters in front of these bungalows are a globally recognized refuge for sea turtles, whales and seals.The 740 sq. ft. cottage features towering 15-foot ceilings tucked away from the main resort. Offering extra privacy and added comfort. The bungalows are arranged in clusters of six at the water’s edge, and are contained within a very private paradise.
By booking your lodging with Symposia Medicus, the Resort Fee charge of $49.00 plus 17.962% tax, per room, per night is discounted to $25.00 plus tax, per room, per night. The Resort Fee includes: Arrival lei greeting, two refillable PATH water bottles with refill stations located throughout the resort, use of Business Center facilities, unlimited toll-free local & 60-minute domestic long-distance telephone calls, high-speed Wi-Fi access in guest room and public areas, use of resort cruiser bikes (45-minutes per day/per guest, 2 cruisers per room, based on availability), use of beach toys & boogie boards at Kuilima Cove (based on availability), use of beach umbrellas & chairs at Kuilima Cove (based on availability), daily basket of range balls (after 12:00pm), admission to Nalu Fitness Center with a fitness lesson of the day, use of Go Pro Camera for up to 24-hours, one-hour pickle ball court usage, 45-minute photo session (images available for purchase), complimentary use of Beats Pill Speaker (based on availability), and self-parking. Items listed are subject to change.

*Suites & Bungalows are VERY limited.
Please reserve early; call Symposia Medicus for availability at (925) 969-1789.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Hotel Policies

Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
- 17.962% state & local taxes
- $25.00 (plus 17.962% tax) resort fee (discounted from $49.00, plus tax)

Suggested porterage & housekeeping gratuities (not mandatory):
- $14.50 (plus 4.712% tax) per person (18 years & older) porterage (bellman) gratuity is suggested
- $3.00 (plus 4.712% tax) per room, per day housekeeping gratuity is suggested

Mandatory additional adult charge (18 years & older) is $50.00 per person, per night (includes taxes & gratuities) – not to exceed stated maximum occupancy

Children 17 years & under are complimentary – not to exceed stated maximum occupancy

Rollaway beds are NOT available. An air mattress can be requested (subject to availability), which is normally $50.00 per night, plus tax; however, this fee is waived when booking through Symposia Medicus. Only one air mattress is allowed in a room with a king bed.

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

Check-in time is 3:00pm 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.

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, plus $100/day for incidentals; 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. As you charge more to your room, the hold will increase.

Parking: Self-parking is included in the Resort Fee (and complimentary during the conference for conference attendees not staying at the hotel). Valet is available at $35.00 plus tax, per day (subject to change) for hotel and non-hotel guests.

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 December 27, 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 November 29, 2023. Between November 30, 2023 and December 27, 2023, one night’s deposit is forfeited. After December 27, 2023, 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.

AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION

You will fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL), which is approximately 1-½ hours from the Turtle Bay Resort. For information on ground transportation, please visit our website.

Symposia Medicus has arranged for discount fares with Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, 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 ECME937 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.
Hawaiian Airlines For discounts on Hawaiian Airlines flights, please book online at https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/affiliate?affcode=SYMPOSIAMED
and insert SYMPOSIA MED into the “Preferred Affiliate Program Code” box, located at the right hand side of page.
United Airlines Discount code was not available at the time of printing this brochure. Please check our website for updated information.

CAR RENTAL DISCOUNT

For conference discounts, 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 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