“The presenters were very knowledgeable and passionate about their specialties. I would recommend Symposia Medicus to my colleagues.”
– D. Dubyna, MD

“I have been going to Symposia Medicus conferences since 2001 and have always been pleased. Great conference topics for my practice as a midwife. I will continue to attend.”
– G. McKenney, CNM

“Symposia Medicus continuously offers conferences that provide practical information that is easily applicable to clinical practice. The staff is extraordinarily friendly and the speakers are always approachable.”
– V. Thornton, MD

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Our 32nd Annual Spring Conference on High Risk Obstetrics is designed for physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals who face challenges in the care of the high risk pregnant patient. Covering a wide array of topics, our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based advancements in obstetric care, present emerging 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, 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 high risk obstetric situations.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

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

Counsel patients about future health risks of preeclampsia

Describe the signs and symptoms in various syndromes that are confused with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome

List the components of a comprehensive thrombophilic evaluation

Identify a systematic process to decrease time from cesarean decision to skin incision

Screen for cardiac risk factors related to poor pregnancy outcomes and aid in the risk stratification and risk mitigation for future cardiac events

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.

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 3.25 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

Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH, FACOG
Conference Co-Chair

Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Creighton University School of Medicine
Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology
University of Arizona
College of Medicine
Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine
Valleywise Health Center
Phoenix, Arizona

Maged Costantine, MD, FACOG
Professor & Division Director
Maternal Fetal Medicine
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio

Donna Dizon-Townson, MD,
CPHQ, FACOG

Conference Co-Chair
Intermountain Health
Associate Medical Director for Quality & Process Improvement in Obstetrics & Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Utah Valley Hospital
Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
University of Utah Health Sciences
Salt Lake City, Utah

Ronald Iverson, Jr., MD, MPH, FACOG
Associate Professor
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian
School of Medicine
Vice-Chair of Obstetrics
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Boston Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts

Loralei Thornburg, MD
James R. Woods, Jr., Professor of
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Division Director
Maternal Fetal Medicine
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York

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, March 12

1:00pm Registration & Check-In
1:45 Welcome & Introduction
Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH & Donna Dizon-Townson, MD
2:00 Complications of Pregnancies Concerned With Artificial Reproductive Technologies
(Rx = 5 minutes)
Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH
2:45 Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Loralei Thornburg, MD
3:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
4:00 Break
4:15 Building a Safety Culture
Ronald Iverson, Jr., MD, MPH
5:00 Opioid Use, Abuse, and Dependency During Pregnancy
(Rx = 35 minutes)
Donna Dizon-Townson, MD
5:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
6:15 Adjourn for the Day
6:30-7:30 Group Reception
(Faculty, Participants, and Guests)

Thursday, March 13

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 An Update on Gestational Diabetes
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Donna Dizon-Townson, MD
8:45 Cesarean Section & the 30-Minute “Rule”
Ronald Iverson, Jr., MD, MPH
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break
10:15 Clinical Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Obstetrics
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Donna Dizon-Townson, MD
11:00 Hypertension in Pregnancy: Goals & Management
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Maged Costantine, MD
11:45 Endocrinological Emergencies
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Loralei Thornburg, MD
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Adjourn for the Day

Friday, March 14

2:00pm High Risk Pregnancy Complications: A Window to Future Health
(Rx = 5 minutes)
Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH
2:45 Prevention of Preterm Delivery
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Maged Costantine, MD
3:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
4:00 Break
4:15 Second Stage Management
Ronald Iverson, Jr., MD, MPH
5:00 Postpartum Depression: More Common Than You Think
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH
5:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
6:15 Adjourn for the Day

Saturday, March 15

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 Why You Should Include an ACEs Score in the OB History
Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH
8:45 Fetal Growth Restriction
Maged Costantine, MD
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break (hotel check-out, if applicable)
10:15 Non-Obstetric Surgery During Pregnancy
Loralei Thornburg, MD
11:00 Imitators of Preeclampsia
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Maged Costantine, MD
11:45 Managing Autoimmune Diseases
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Donna Dizon-Townson, 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

Hawaii’s “Garden Island” awaits you—and it certainly lives up to its nickname. Marvel at the emerald valleys, tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, sharp mountain spires, and sheer cliffs. The majestic natural scenery of the island is humbling to behold.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Kauai, the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort is a Garden Island oasis of its own. Take in a glorious setting on golden sands, with opportunities to indulge in beachside spa treatments, four restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, and the largest single-level pool in Hawaii.

Make yourself at home in your stylish, modern guestroom, with views of the ocean, gardens, or pool. And when you set out to explore, the natural beauty of Hanalei Bay and the Waimea Canyon State Park are sure to fill your days in paradise with enchantment.

There are so many outdoor adventures to choose from. Kayak the Wailua River, snorkel on Poipu Beach, hike the trails of Kokee State Park, or zip-line above Kauai’s lush valleys. Or make island-time your time and relax at the resort and enjoy the small town settings and Hawaiian culture.

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it on Kauai, at our 32nd Annual Spring Conference on High Risk Obstetrics.

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
January 1, 2025
REGULAR
If postmarked after
January 1, 2025
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, continental breakfast on 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 Royal Sonesta Kauai 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.

Type of Room Group Rates
(Single/Double)

King Bed
Group Rates
(Single/Double)

Two Queen Beds
Description

Garden View

$402/night

$432/night

Wake up to tranquil views of the hotel gardens, admiring the lush tropical greenery. Spacious guest rooms feature island-inspired décor with details that reflect the tranquil, tropical surroundings. Each room offers 1 king bed (with sofa bed) or 2 queen beds, complimentary coffee, tea, bath amenities, in-room safe, flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, and balcony.
Pool View

$432/night

$462/night

Enjoy sweeping views of the resort through floor-to-ceiling windows, overseeing tropical resort grounds and Hawaii’s largest single level swimming pool. Spacious guest rooms feature island-inspired décor with details that reflect the tranquil, tropical surroundings. Each room offers 1 king bed (with sofa bed) or 2 queen beds, complimentary coffee, tea, bath amenities, in-room safe, flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, and balcony.
Ocean View

$462/night

$492/night The ocean view guest room will get you one step closer to the warm Pacific breeze and breathtaking views of Mount Haupu. Spacious guest rooms feature island-inspired décor with details that reflect the tranquil, tropical surroundings.
Each room offers 1 king bed (with sofa bed) or 2 queen beds, complimentary coffee, tea, bath amenities, in-room safe,
flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, and balcony.

Preferred
Ocean View

(Very limited,
must call Symposia Medicus to reserve)

$512/night

N/A

Get inspired or enjoy quiet contemplation in the tropical oasis overlooking Kalapaki Beach and pool. This room offers 1 king bed, complimentary coffee, tea, bath amenities, in-room safe, flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, sofa bed, and balcony.

By booking your lodging with Symposia Medicus, the Resort Fee charge of $40.00 plus tax, per room, per night is discounted to $25.00 plus tax, per room, per night.
The Resort Fee includes: Daily enhanced internet service, local & long distance domestic calls, airport shuttle on demand, daily fitness classes (alternating Yoga and Aqua Fit, up to 2 people), cultural classes, 24 hour access to fitness center, one (1) appetizer or dessert in Kukui’s Restaurant per room, per stay, and two (2) complimentary Mai Tais at Kukui’s Restaurant per room, per stay. Items listed are subject to change.

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 $40.00, plus tax)

Suggested porterage & housekeeping gratuities (not mandatory):
- $10.00 (plus 17.962% tax) per person porterage (bellman) gratuity round-trip
- $2.00 per room, per day housekeeping gratuity

Maximum guestroom occupancy is 4, regardless of age

Mandatory third/fourth additional occupant charge (18 years & older) is $50.00 per night, plus tax – not to exceed stated room maximum occupancy

Guests 17 years of age and younger are complimentary – not to exceed stated room maximum occupancy

No rollaway beds available; sofa pulls out to a double bed in king-bedded rooms

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

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: An early departure fee equal to one night’s room and tax may be charged to guests who check out prior to their scheduled departure date without notifying the hotel at check-in.

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 discounted to $20.00 plus tax per day (subject to change) for hotel and non-hotel guests. Valet is $40.00 plus tax per day.

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 February 5, 2025; 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 January 8, 2025. Between January 9, 2025 and February 5, 2025, one night’s deposit is forfeited. After February 5, 2025, 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 Lihue Airport (LIH), which is approximately one (1) mile from the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort. A courtesy resort shuttle is available 24 hours a day to and from the airport for resort guests.

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 ECMK615 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 NY3B8 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
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 ZPT8594284 in the “Promotions and Certificates” box at the end of the page. For questions, please call the United Airlines Group 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 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