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“Overall great conference! Very relaxed and engaging speakers. Lectures were just right in terms of length; we had enough time to recharge.”
– Jessica P. |
“I will always go back to Symposia Medicus conferences. They are relevant, fun, and well-run!”
– Michelle B. |
“Awesome conference! The location was great and the information provided rose to the same level. I highly recommend Symposia Medicus to anyone who takes care of kids.”
– Robert W.
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CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION
Our 42nd Annual Fall Conference on Pediatric Emergencies is designed for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals involved in the care of pediatric patients. Our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based advancements in pediatric emergency medicine, 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 pediatric emergency situations.
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
As a result of participating in this conference, you should have increased knowledge and enhanced competence to:
• Modify your approach to the under or unvaccinated patient
• Identify high-yield opportunities to expand ultrasound in daily pediatric emergency medicine practice
• Manage cyanotic heart disease in the newborn
• Make an initial diagnosis and manage common oropharyngeal injuries in young children
• Differentiate between infectious and inflammatory causes of joint pain
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 Essentials and Standards relating to continuing medical and nursing 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.
AAP
This continuing medical education activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is acceptable for a maximum of 18 AAP credits. These credits can be applied toward the AAP CME/CPD Award available to Fellows and Candidate Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
ACEP
Approved by the American College of Emergency Physicians for a maximum of 18 hour(s) of ACEP Category I credit.
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.
ACP
The American College of Physicians (ACP) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
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. PAs 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 2.75 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
Richard M. Cantor, MD, FAAP, FACEP
Conference Co-Chair
Professor Emeritus
Emergency Medicine & Pediatrics
Medical Director Emeritus
Upstate New York Poison Center
Golisano Children’s Hospital
Syracuse, New York
Kayla Dueland-Kuhn, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of Emergency Medicine
Department of Pediatrics
SUNY Upstate University Hospital
Syracuse, New York
Liza Kearl, MD, FAAP
Associate Professor
Clinical Emergency Medicine
Medical Director & Division Chief
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Department of Emergency Medicine
LA County & USC Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
Laura Y. Mercurio, MD
Assistant Professor
Emergency Medicine & Pediatrics
Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Brown University Health
Providence, Rhode Island
William B. Prince, MD, FAAP
Conference Co-Chair
Associate Director
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Clerkship
Clinical Associate Professor
Pediatrics
Department of Emergency Medicine
Seattle Children’s Hospital
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle, Washington
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, October 21
| 1:00pm |
Registration & Check-In |
| 1:45 |
Welcome & Introduction
Richard M. Cantor, MD & William B. Prince, MD |
| 2:00 |
The Young Infant: Critical Emergent Presentation Advances in Pediatric Emergency Care From a 25-Year Perspective
Richard M. Cantor, MD |
| 2:45 |
Pediatric Fever: When to Worry
(Rx = 10 minutes)
William B. Prince, MD |
| 3:30 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 4:00 |
Break |
| 4:15 |
And the Beat Goes On: The Critical Cardiac Child
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Liza Kearl, MD |
| 5:00 |
Pediatric Emergencies: Head, Ears, Nose, and Throat (HENT
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Laura Y. Mercurio, 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, October 22
| 7:00am |
Continental Breakfast |
| 7:30 |
Asthma—Take a Deep Breath: Tips for Better Breathing
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Liza Kearl, MD |
| 8:15 |
The Most Important Pediatric Emergency Articles From the Last 5 Years
Richard M. Cantor, MD |
| 9:00 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 9:30 |
Break |
| 9:45 |
Lost & Found: Foreign Bodies in Pediatric Emergency Care
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Kayla Dueland-Kuhn, MD |
| 10:30 |
Surviving Sepsis
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Liza Kearl, MD |
| 11:15 |
Mistakes Made & Lessons Learned in Emergency Medicine
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Richard M. Cantor, MD |
| Noon |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 12:45 |
Adjourn for the Day |
Friday, October 23
| 2:00pm |
Probe Smarter, Not Harder: Ultrasound Tips & Tricks
Kayla Dueland-Kuhn, MD |
| 2:45 |
Pediatric GI Bleeding: Red Stools & Red Flags
(Rx = 15 minutes)
William B. Prince, MD |
| 3:30 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 4:00 |
Break |
| 4:15 |
Pediatric Abdominal Emergencies
Laura Y. Mercurio, MD |
| 5:00 |
Emergency Department Pearls & Case Studies
(Rx = 15 minutes)
William B. Prince, MD |
| 5:45 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 6:15 |
Adjourn for the Day |
Saturday, October 24
| 7:00am |
Continental Breakfast |
| 7:30 |
The Eyes Have It—Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Eye Injuries
Liza Kearl, MD |
| 8:15 |
Pediatric Joint Pain: Limping Towards the Diagnosis
(Rx = 15 minutes)
William B. Prince, MD |
| 9:00 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 9:30 |
Break |
| 9:45 |
What We’re All Afraid to Miss: Pediatric Oncologic Emergencies
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Laura Y. Mercurio, MD |
| 10:30 |
Tick, Tock—The Spectrum of Tick-Related Illnesses in Pediatrics
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Kayla Dueland-Kuhn, MD |
| 11:15 |
Renaisssance Diseases in PEM: Everything Old Is New Again
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Richard M. Cantor, MD |
| Noon |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 12:45pm |
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 this 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 guest room, with views of the ocean, gardens, or pool. And when you set out to explore, the natural beauty of Hanalei Bay and 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 42nd Annual Fall Conference on Pediatric Emergencies.

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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
August 12, 2026 |
REGULAR
If postmarked after
August 12, 2026 |
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| 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, 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 |
$437/night |
$467/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 |
$467/night |
$497/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 |
$497/night |
$527/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) |
$547/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 $42 plus tax, per room, per night is discounted to $25 plus tax, per room, per night.
The Resort Fee includes: Daily enhanced internet service, local & long distance domestic calls, two reusable water bottles with purified water stations, airport shuttle on demand, daily yoga and aqua fit classes (up to 2 people), guided sunrise walk, Hawaiian cultural activities (lei making, ukulele, and hula lessons), 24-hour access to fitness center, Keurig Coffee Maker with Kauai Coffee and tea in room, weekend entertainment at Royal Lanai, koi fish feeding demonstration, shuttle service to Hokuala Golf Course, 10% discount on merchandise at Pool Hut (excluding Maui Jim sales/purchases), and garden tours. 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):
• - 4.712% General Excise Tax (GET)
• - 11% Transient Accomodations Tax (TAT)
• - 3% Kauai (TAT)
• - $25 (plus 18.712% tax) resort fee (discounted from $42, plus tax)
• - $10 (plus 18.712% tax) per person mandatory round-trip porterage (bellman) gratuity
• - $2 per room, per day housekeeping gratuity (optional)
• Maximum guestroom occupancy is 4, regardless of age
• Mandatory third/fourth additional occupant charge (18 years & older) is $50 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 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 confirm your scheduled departure date with the hotel at check-in. An early departure fee equal to one night’s room and tax will be charged to any guest who checks out of the hotel before their confirmed departure date.
• Credit/Debit Card Policy: Upon check-in, the hotel requires a credit card or debit card to ensure that funds are available. Holds are placed on your account for your entire stay, 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 plus tax per day (subject to change) for conference guests. Valet is $40 plus tax per day
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 September 16, 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 August 19, 2026. Between August 20, 2026 and September 16, 2026, one night’s deposit is forfeited. After September 16, 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.
Travel Policies
• Registrants are strongly encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, travel delays, and other unexpected events. Symposia Medicus is not responsible for any costs incurred due to changes in travel plans or event modifications beyond our control.
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, 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 ECMO793 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. |
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:
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