


“Spectacular conference, speakers, content, collaboration, and planning with attendees in mind. Refreshments were great, location choice and resort were awesome! Thank you, Symposia Medicus!”
– Ann N. |
“Great quality lectures with amazing travel opportunities! The learning and family time are appreciated.”
– Natalie J. |
“A terrific conference with up-to-date information provided in a gorgeous environment.”
– Kathleen M. |

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION
Our 33rd Annual Summer Conference on Obstetrics & Gynecology is designed for physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals who manage preconception, pregnant, postpartum, and menopausal patients. Our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based advancements in both obstetric and gynecologic 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, 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:
• Identify best practices for prescribing Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
• Highlight evidence-based strategies to enhance natural fertility
• Outline preconception and antenatal counseling recommendations for patients with obesity
• Review normal physiology of the second stage of labor
• Discuss fundamental ultrasound data on labor and delivery that helps manage pregnant patients
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.
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 3 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 the educational session materials on our conference webpage. The educational session materials will be available for download approximately one week prior to the conference. You will 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. It is important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations. Visit General Travel Safety Suggestions for more information.
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
G. Wright Bates Jr., MD
Professor & Grimes Family
Endowed Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor Scott & White Health
Temple, Texas
Helen Feltovich, MD, MS
System Medical Director
Obstetric Services
North Memorial Hospital
Maple Grove, Minnesota
Ronald Iverson, MD, MPH, FACOG
Conference Co-Chair
Member of the Faculty
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Harvard Medical School
Vice Chair Quality, Safety, and
Outcomes Equity
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Beth Israel Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts
Caroline Nguyen, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine
Department of Medicine
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Los Angeles, California
Jan Shepherd, MD, FACOG
Conference Co-Chair
Associate Clinical Professor
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Medical Director
Women’s Wellness Connection
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
Denver, Colorado
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
In accordance with ACCME and ANCC guidelines, Symposia Medicus maintains a policy to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. Prior to the planning of this educational activity, all individuals in control of content disclosed all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the past 24 months. Symposia Medicus will mitigate any and all relevant financial relationships before the conference begins. 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.
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, July 22
7:00am |
Registration & Check-In |
8:00 |
Welcome & Introduction
Ronald Iverson, MD, MPH & Jan Shepherd, MD |
8:15 |
Current Concepts in Chronic Pelvic Pain
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Jan Shepherd, MD |
9:00 |
How Can Ultrasound Help You With Labor & Delivery?
Helen Feltovich, MD, MS |
9:45 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
10:15 |
Break |
10:30 |
Care in the Second Stage of Labor
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Ronald Iverson, MD, MPH |
11:15 |
The Annual Exam: Redefining the Standard of Care
G. Wright Bates Jr., MD |
Noon |
Beyond Weight: Hormonal & Metabolic Optimization for Obesity in Pregnancy
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Caroline Nguyen, MD |
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, July 23
8:00am |
Enhancing Fertility, the Old-Fashioned Way
(Rx = 15 minutes)
G. Wright Bates Jr., MD |
8:45 |
Management of the Growth-Restricted Fetus
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Helen Feltovich, MD, MS |
9:30 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
10:00 |
Break |
10:15 |
Cesarean Deliveries: Improving Decision to Incision Time
Ronald Iverson, MD, MPH |
11:00 |
Endometriosis: The Ultimate Enigma
(Rx = 15 minutes)
G. Wright Bates Jr., MD |
11:45 |
Hemorrhage Evaluation & Management
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Ronald Iverson, MD, MPH |
12:30pm |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
1:15 |
Adjourn for the Day |
Friday, July 24
3:00pm |
Smaller Group Breakouts – Session One |
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• Developing a Culture of Safety
Ronald Iverson, MD, MPH |
4:30 |
• Gynecologic Case Studies: Expect the Unexpected
G. Wright Bates Jr., MD |
5:15 |
• Hormone Therapy for Menopause: Current Data
Jan Shepherd, MD |
4:30 |
Break |
4:45 |
Smaller Group Breakouts – Session Two
(Session One Topics Repeated) |
6:15 |
Adjourn for the Day |
Saturday, July 25
8:00am |
Thyroid Function in Pregnancy: Too Much or Too Little & Why It Matters
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Caroline Nguyen, MD |
8:45 |
Management of Female Sexual Dysfunction
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Jan Shepherd, MD |
9:30 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
10:00 |
Break (hotel check-out, if applicable) |
10:15 |
Gynecologic Cancers: Prevention & Early Detection
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Jan Shepherd, MD |
11:00 |
From Preconception to Postpartum: Managing Diabetes in Pregnancy
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Caroline Nguyen, MD |
11:45 |
Like It or Not, Artificial Intelligence Is Here to Stay: Are You Ready?
Helen Feltovich, MD, MS |
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
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica, a paradise renowned for its stunning biodiversity, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. From vibrant wildlife to breathtaking landscapes, this Central American gem offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences. Explore the enchanting Arenal Volcano, stroll through the lush paths of Monteverde Cloud Forest, or unwind on the sun-kissed shores of the Pacific Coast. With its warm climate and friendly locals, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure, catering to every traveler’s dream.
Indulge in the ultimate getaway at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, where luxury meets the beauty of nature. Nestled along the Mansita Beach in Hacienda Pinilla, this exquisite resort boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, world-class amenities, and a serene atmosphere. Guests can unwind at the lavish spa, savor gourmet cuisine at on-site restaurants, play a round on a championship golf course, enjoy the equestrian center and trot through miles of beach and countryside trails, find balance with a yoga class, or take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
With easy access to nearby attractions like local wildlife tours and within driving distance to the town of Tamarindo, the JW Marriott is the perfect base for exploring Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes while enjoying unparalleled comfort and service. Experience the magic of Costa Rica and create memories that will last a lifetime!
During conference breaks, you can also venture out of the resort and experience other various activities such as fishing, touring national parks, river floating, canoeing, snorkeling, ATV riding, scuba diving, and zip-lining through the canopies of the rain forest. Costa Rica truly is a paradise for those who are in search of a combination of beauty, history, culture, and both land and water sports.
Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it in Costa Rica, at our 33rd Annual Summer Conference on Obstetrics & Gynecology.

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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
May 13, 2026 |
REGULAR
If postmarked after
May 13, 2026 |
 |
Physicians |
$990 |
$1,240 |
Nurses, PAs, & All Others |
$890 |
$1,140 |
• 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 the educational session materials on our conference
webpage, 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 JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa. Rooms at our group rates are limited and on a first come, first served basis. PLEASE RESERVE EARLY as rooms may sell out and/or room rates may increase. If you wish to extend your stay, group rates may be available three days before and three days after the conference.
Two nights’ deposit (room rate only) must accompany your reservation. The balance of your lodging, hotel fees as stated below, and all incidental charges are due to the hotel. The hotel accepts most major credit cards.
GROUP RATES STATED BELOW INCLUDE DAILY BUFFET BREAKFAST FOR TWO PEOPLE
Type of Room |
Group Rates (Single/Double) |
Description |
Deluxe Garden View |
$360/night |
All rooms are 556 sq. ft. and feature either a king bed or two double beds. Guest rooms offer a closet, bathroom, high-speed internet access, 32” flat screen TV, iPod docking station, Marriott´s luxury bedding, minibar, iron & ironing board, in-room safe, work desk, hair dryer, coffee maker, voice messaging, 24-hour room service, three telephones per room, and a terrace or balcony. Rooms only differ by view and floor. |
Deluxe Pool View |
$385/night |
Deluxe Ocean View |
$410/night |
Deluxe Ocean Front |
$460/night |
By booking your lodging with Symposia Medicus, you will receive the following on a complimentary basis: in-room and resort-wide internet access, self and valet parking, use of the fitness center, nightly turndown service, complimentary access to Dynamic Exercise, volleyball, and giant chess. |
The resort has a daily resort fee and some items are not included in our group rate. Upon check-in, you may choose to pay the resort fee to receive the additional resort amenities (subject to change). For more information regarding the resort fee, please contact the hotel. |
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Hotel Policies
• Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
• - 13% sales tax
• - $7.00 mandatory housekeeping charge per room, per day
• - $9.00 mandatory one-time bellman fee per person (13 years & older)
• Maximum guestroom occupancy is four, regardless of age (no exceptions)
• Mandatory additional occupant charge (13 years & older) is $45.00 per person, per night (includes daily buffet breakfast & taxes)
• Children 12 years & under are complimentary when sharing with parents (includes daily buffet breakfast & taxes)
• Rollaways & Cribs: Rollaway beds & cribs are both complimentary (based on availability and subject to change) Note: Rollaways only available in king-bedded rooms
• Check-in time is 3:00pm and check-out time is noon. A late check-out can only be confirmed on the date of departure by the front desk. Late check-outs are based on availability and additional charges may apply.
• Early Departure Fee: Please notify Symposia Medicus 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 will require a credit card and will place a hold for your total room & tax charges, plus $100/day for incidental charges, for your entire stay. Please be aware that if you use a debit card instead of a credit card, the funds will be immediately deducted from your account (even if you have prepaid your stay). The amount will be based on the average length of your stay, plus an estimate of incidental charges. The length of time for which these holds remain on your credit or debit account varies from bank to bank.
• Parking: Both valet and self-parking are complimentary for all conference guests
Cancellation Policies
• All cancellations must be emailed to registrar@symposiamedicus.org by the dates stated below
• 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 June 17, 2026;
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 May 20, 2026. Between May 21, 2026 and June 17, 2026 one
night’s deposit is forfeited. After June 17, 2026, no hotel refunds can be made.
• 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 JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is located in Guanacaste, in the northwest area of Costa Rica. You can fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR - known as Liberia International Airport), which is an approximate 1.5 hour drive (depending on traffic) to the hotel.
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 ECMO619 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 NY42K 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 ZR7P576699 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. |
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