“This was, by far, the best conference I have ever attended.”
– K. Garde, MD

“Wonderful balance of learning and relaxing.”
– M. Granado, CNM

“Symposia Medicus has well-organized, easy-to-navigate electronic materials with great topics and expert speakers to update us on relevant clinical issues.”
– T. Bilanzich, DO

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Our 29th 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…

List the steps that should be taken before, during, and after cesarean to reduce potential maternal and neonatal morbidity

Describe the screening recommendations for cervical disease

Discuss training opportunities for, and barriers to, operative delivery as well as their impact on the future of operative delivery

Discuss the drugs available to prevent breast cancer for pre and post-menopausal women

Differentiate between bipolar disorder and the mood swings that may occur during pregnancy and the perimenopausal period

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.

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.

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.

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 2.25 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.

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

Jay Goldberg, MD, MSCP
Professor
Vice Chairman
Director of Philadelphia Fibroid Center
Department of OB/GYN
Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mindy Goldman, MD
Conference Co-Chair

Clinical Professor Emeritus
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
University of California, San Francisco
Chief Clinical Officer
Midi Health
San Francisco, California

A. Dhanya Mackeen, MD, MPH
Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Geisinger Commonwealth
School of Medicine
Director of Quality & Safetry, GME
Assistant Chair of Research &
Academic Affairs
Women’s & Children’s Institute
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Geisinger
Danville, Pennsylvania

Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Oklahoma State University
Center for Health Sciences
Chief Medical Officer
Elocin Psychiatric Services
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Melissa S. Wong, MD, MDHS
Conference Co-Chair

Assistant Clinical Professor
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, 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 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, February 5

7:00am Registration & Check-In
8:00 Welcome & Introduction
Mindy Goldman, MD & Melissa S. Wong, MD, MDHS
8:15 Act FAST: An Evidence-Based Approach to Trauma in Pregnancy
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Melissa S. Wong, MD, MDHS
9:00 Screening & Prevention of Breast Cancer
Mindy Goldman, MD
9:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:15 Break
10:30 Peripartum Mental Health: Postpartum Depression, Baby Blues, and Postpartum Psychosis
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
11:15 Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
(Rx = 15 minutes)
A. Dhanya Mackeen, MD, MPH
Noon Uterine Fibroid Update
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Jay Goldberg, MD, MSCP
12:45pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

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

Thursday, February 6

8:00am HPV & Pap Smear: Current Guidelines
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Jay Goldberg, MD, MSCP
8:45 Nonpharmacological Management of Insomnia in the Pregnant Patient
Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break
10:15 Evidence-Based Cesarean Delivery: Pre-Op & Post-Op
(Rx = 15 minutes)
A. Dhanya Mackeen, MD, MPH
11:00 Burnout & Mental Health for OB/GYN Providers
Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
11:45 Evidence-Based Cesarean Delivery: From Skin to Skin
(Rx = 5 minutes)
A. Dhanya Mackeen, MD, MPH
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Adjourn for the Day

Friday, February 7

3:00pm Smaller Group Breakouts – Session One
. Artificial Intelligence in Obstetrics: Our Brave New World
Melissa S. Wong, MD, MDHS
. Mood Disorders During Pregnancy Including Bipolar Disorder & Depression
Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
. OB/GYN Risk Management: Case Studies
Jay Goldberg, MD, MSCP
. Work-Up of Breast Complaints & Masses
Mindy Goldman, MD
4:30 Break
4:45 Smaller Group Breakouts – Session Two
(Session One Topics Repeated)
6:15 Adjourn for the Day

Saturday, February 8

8:00am What Women’s Health Providers Need to Know About Breast Cancer
Mindy Goldman, MD
8:45 Tranexamic Acid, Tamponade, and Thromboprophylaxis: New Considerations for Postpartum Hemorrhage in 2025
Melissa S. Wong, MD, MDHS
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break (hotel check-out, if applicable)
10:15 Protecting the Pelvic Floor
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Jay Goldberg, MD, MSCP
11:00 Operative Vaginal Delivery: Quo Vadis
Melissa S. Wong, MD, MDHS
11:45 Hereditary Cancers: The Basics for Clinicians
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Mindy Goldman, MD
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

One of the most magnificent Caribbean islands, St. Maarten is surrounded by beautiful blue water and white sand beaches, making it the perfect tropical getaway. With its blend of French, Dutch, and Caribbean influences, this piece of paradise offers endless possibilities for adventures on both land and sea.

The smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between two different nations, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten has been shared by the French and the Dutch in a spirit of neighborly cooperation and mutual friendship for almost 350 years. Saint Martin on the French side is known for its outdoor markets and rich French and Indian Caribbean cuisine, while the Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewelry, exotic drinks, and plentiful casinos.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is located on the island’s southwest shore in the heart of St. Maarten, where you can find duty-free boutiques, a host of international restaurants, bars, cafes, and lounges to suit every palate, plus a bustling nightlife—including Casino Royale, the island’s largest casino and theatre. The property features a man-made beach, The Palms Beach (a private extension of Maho Beach), known for its famous plane spotting and is only a 10-minute walk from Mullet or Simpson Bay. For the adventurous, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunset dinner cruises, ATV and dune buggy tours, distillery tours, private charters, and more await. Or, if you’re looking for some R&R, enjoy the resorts’ signature well-being retreat within the peaceful walls of Serenity Spa, where you can quiet your thoughts, ease muscular tension, or reconnect with your mind, body, and soul.

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it on St. Maarten, at our 29th 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 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 27, 2024
REGULAR
If postmarked after
November 27, 2024
Physicians $895 $995
Nurses, PAs, & All Others $795 $895

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, 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

Due to strict hotel security for non-hotel guests, please contact Symposia Medicus
if you are not staying at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa.

CONFERENCE LODGING INFORMATION

Conference group rates have been arranged at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa.

These special rates will only be available until Thursday, December 19, 2024 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.

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.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, 1 Rhine Road
Maho Village Maho Beach, Sint Maarten
Direct: (721) 545-2115

To make your reservations online, please visit:
https://be.synxis.com/?Chain=5157&Dest=SN_SM_SXM&locale=en-US&arrive=2025-02-04&depart=2025-02-08&adult=2&child=0&group=SYMFEB25

To make your reservations by phone, please call (721) 545-2115
You must refer to the group code SYMFEB25 to receive conference group rates.

GROUP RATES STATED BELOW ARE ALL-INCLUSIVE

ROOM TYPE SINGLE OCCUPANCY
Group Rates below are for ONE adult (13 years & older)
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Group Rates below are for TWO adults (13 years & older)
TRIPLE OCCUPANCY
Group Rates below are for THREE adults (13 years & older)

Description

All rooms and suites include: private balcony with outdoor furniture, energy efficient in-room climate control, flat screen TV, iron & ironing board, in-room safe, coffee maker with coffee and tea, mini-fridge with water and sodas, hair dryer and bath amenities.

Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa
Superior Room $510/night $570/night $825/night These rooms are 440 sq. ft. with either one or two beds, ample closet space, and a furnished balcony or patio.
Garden/Island View Room $530/night $590/night $855/night These rooms are 440 sq. ft. with either one or two beds with a semi-private patio or balcony with views of the resort’s lush gardens.
Signature Island View Room $540/night $600/night $870/night These rooms are 440 sq. ft. with island-facing views of Maho Village or adjacent golf course, and a furnished balcony.
Oasis Pool View Room $555/night $620/night $900/night These rooms are 440 sq. ft. with a furnished balcony overlooking the resort’s lush gardens and the Oasis Pool.
Signature Ocean View Room $575/night $640/night $930/night These rooms are 440 sq. ft. with a furnished balcony overlooking the expansive views of the Oasis Pool and Maho Beach.
One-Bedroom Garden View Suite $755/night $840/night $1,230/night Spread out over 670 sq. ft., the space is divided into a primary bedroom and a spacious living area with a balcony overlooking the resort’s lush gardens.
Sonesta Ocean Point Luxury Adults Only Resort
Junior Suite King (Ocean Point) $905/night $1,010/night N/A These suites are 460 sq. ft. and feature an ocean view, furnished private terrace or balcony, and living area. They are available only with a king bed and sleep 2 adults. Please note this suite is in the adults-only area.

All-inclusive rates include all taxes, all food and beverage (including alcohol), and full use of all facilities, activities, and entertainment programs as provided by the Resort(s). Food options either include à la carte or buffet meal service, depending on the schedule of the Resort(s). Beverage selection includes brands as defined by the Resort.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Hotel Policies

A two-night deposit is due to the hotel upon booking at the time of reservation

Final payment for the remaining stay is due on Sunday, December 22, 2024, (45 days prior to event). The hotel will charge the credit card on file (used for the deposit) for the remaining balance.

Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
- Dry cleaning/laundry
- Phone charges
- Store purchases
- Salon & spa services
- Tours & transportation

Maximum guestroom occupancy is:
- Three adults (13 years old & over are considered an adult), or
- Two adults and two children (children are 12 & under)
‡ Children 6 to 12 years old are $45 per child, per night
‡ Children five years or younger are free of charge

Bed Type Requests: You can select one or two beds; however, requests cannot be guaranteed until check-in

Rollaways & Cribs: Rollaway beds and cribs are both complimentary (based on availability)

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: Please notify the hotel of any changes to your scheduled departure date at least 30 days prior to your check-in date. Any changes made within 30 days of your arrival, including changes made at the conference hotel, may be charged the full original length of stay.

Credit/Debit Card Policy: Upon check-in, the hotel requires a credit card to place a hold for the room, resort (resort tax is included in the group rates, see above), and estimated incidentals ($50 per night) for the entire stay. The same policy will apply with debit cards; however, the amount will be immediately deducted from your account and any extra funds will not be released back into your account for approximately 10 business days after departure, depending on your financial institution.

Parking: Self-parking is included for all guests; valet is $5 per day

Hotel Cancellations must be made directly with the hotel at least 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date. Any cancellations after this date will be charged the original reserved stay. Please contact the hotel for further information.

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 January 1, 2025; 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

You will fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which is less than 5 minutes from Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa. Please note that taxicabs are plentiful and the best option to get to the resort. For more information on ground transportation, please visit our website.

Symposia Medicus has arranged for discount fares with 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.

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 NY3B8 in the “Meeting Code” box. For questions, please call the Delta Airlines Convention Desk at (800) 328-1111.
United Airlines Discount code was not available at the time of printing this brochure.
Airlines Please check our website for updated information once available.