CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Our 29^th 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 high-risk obstetric 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

Enrollment for this conference is limited in order to provide the best possible learning environment.
Early registration is advised.

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.

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.

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.

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: here

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

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.
 

Single Occupancy Group Rates are for ONE adult (13 years & older)
Double Occupancy Group Rates are for TWO adults (13 years & older)
Triple Occupancy Group Rates are for THREE adults (13 years & older)
 

SONESTA MAHO BEACH RESORT, CASINO & SPA

Superior Room
Single Occupancy - $510/night
Double Occupancy - $570/night
Triple Occupancy - $825/night
These rooms are 440 sq. ft. with either one or two beds, ample closet space, and furnished balcony or patio.

Garden/Island View Room
Single Occupancy - $530/night
Double Occupancy - $590/night
Triple Occupancy - $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
Single Occupancy - $540/night
Double Occupancy - $600/night
Triple Occupancy - $870/night
These rooms are 440 sq. ft. with island-facing views, Maho Village or adjacent golf course and a furnished balcony.

Oasis Pool View Room
Single Occupancy - $555/night
Double Occupancy - $620/night
Triple Occupancy - $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
Single Occupancy - $575/night
Double Occupancy - $640/night
Triple Occupancy - $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
Single Occupancy - $755/night
Double Occupancy - $840/night
Triple Occupancy - $1,230/night
Spread out in 670 sq. ft. space 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)
Single Occupancy - $905/night
Double Occupancy - $1,010/night
Triple Occupancy - 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.

• 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 complementary (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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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 their website, 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
For discounts on United Airlines, please visit here 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.
 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION
 

TAXI

Taxis are available at the airport as well as the resort at all times. Approximate cost is $10/per person, with a maximum of two pieces of luggage per person.

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 mind, ease muscular tension, or reconnect with your mind, body, and soul.

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it in St. Maarten, at our 29^th Annual Winter Conference on Clinical Issues in OB/GYN.

HOTEL INFORMATION

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

• Hotel's Website

CONFERENCE CHECK-IN

Although you are already registered, you will need to check-in to get your badge.

Date – Wednesday, February 5
Location – Maho Foyer, located in Ocean Point. From the lobby, cross over the pool, go downstairs then cross over the roundabout and enter the lobby of Ocean Point. Once there, go up the stairs, turn right, walk in the direction of the two glass doors and Maho Ballroom is on the left.
Time – Begins at 7:00am
 

REGISTRANTS NOT STAYING AT THE SONESTA MAHO BEACH RESORT, CASINO & SPA

This property is a closed facility to the public. If you are not staying at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino, & Spa, upon arrival each day at the resort you will be met by security and escorted to our meeting room location. Please note that you must bring your passport with you so the hotel can make a copy.

You will then be given a bracelet (a different one for each day). This bracelet will grant you access to our conference meeting room. The bracelet does not give you access to the resort grounds (pool, beach, restaurants, bars, spa, etc.) You must wear the bracelet at all times while on property.

GENERAL SESSIONS

Main Room Location – Maho Ballroom, located in Ocean Point
Time – Begins at 8:00am on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday

If you are departing on Saturday, please keep in mind that the conference ends at approximately 1:15pm and hotel check-out is at noon. You can store your luggage with the hotel while we are still in session.
 

GROUP RECEPTION

Please join us for this fun event, as it is a great way to become better acquainted with faculty, other participants, and their guests.

Date – Wednesday, February 5
Time – Begins at 5:30pm and concludes at 7:00pm
Location – Royal Pavilion
 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

The breakouts that you pre-selected will be printed on your badge. If you would like to change, we can accommodate you on-site as long as space is available.

Time - Begins at 3:00pm & 4:45pm on Friday, February 7.
 

Artificial Intelligence in Obstetrics: Our Brave New World
Melissa S. Wong, MD, MDHS
Location: Maho Ballroom

Mood Disorders During Pregnancy Including Bipolar Disorder & Depression
Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
Location: Royal Pavilion

OB/GYN Risk Management: Case Studies
Jay Goldberg, MD, MSCP
Location: Royal Islander A

Work-Up of Breast Complaints & Masses
Mindy Goldman, MD
Location: Royal Islander B
 

QUESTION & ANSWER / GROUP DISCUSSION SESSIONS

During our meeting sessions, following a series of lectures, there is a Question and Answer/Group Discussion session. Please write down any questions or comments for the faculty on the yellow question cards placed in participant badge. These cards are collected and given to the appropriate speaker for response during these sessions.
 

MEETING ROOM COURTESY

As a courtesy to all, please place your electronic communication devices on “vibrate,” or “silent.” Also, in consideration to others, children and spouses are not permitted in the meeting rooms.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Internet Access – Wireless internet access is complimentary in the meeting rooms.

Currency – The Dutch side's official currency is the Antillean guilder (ANG), while the official currency of the French side is the euro (EUR). However, the American dollar is widely used and accepted, as are most major credit cards.

Resort Map –Explore the Sonesta Resorts in St. Maarten before you arrive with our resort map. View the amenities, activities, and restaurants so you can plan your trip today! https://core.rlhco.com/sites/default/files/2022-02/sonesta_sxm_resort_map.pdf

Clothing – Although formal attire is not required during our conference, some of the hotel restaurants do have dress codes. Please see the hotel’s website for more information. We suggest you bring a sweater or jacket to wear during our meeting sessions, as meeting rooms are sometimes cool.

Recording – Participants, speakers, etc. must receive prior approval from Symposia Medicus to record lectures or any other educational sessions. For more information and/or questions, please e-mail us at info@symposiamedicus.org.

Temperatures – The temperatures in the St. Maarten area in February usually range from the high 80’s during the day to the low 70’s during the evening

Time Zone– St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean is in Atlantic Standard Time Zone

General Travel Safety Suggestions – http://www.symedblog.org/travelsafety/

Take Our Survey – Be entered to win an Amazon gift card at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/symedsurvey24
 

QUESTIONS?
Email us at info@symposiamedicus.org.

SPA INFORMATION

The Serenity Spa, at the resort is offering a 15% discount on all spa treatments of 50 minutes or more booked in advance (prior to the group arrival) for our group. You can book your appointment by emailing serenityspa@sonestastmaarten.com. When booking your appointment, please let the receptionist at the spa know that you are with the Symposia Medicus conference to receive the discount.

Reservations are recommended 24-48 hours advance.
 

TOURS/ACTIVITIES

The Sonesta Maho Resort has a tour company on property, Nexus Tours, which offers various excursions that may pique your interest:

• ATV tour around the island
   
  
• Catamaran trips (snorkeling)
   
  
• Daytrips to our neighboring islands (Anguilla, Saba, St. Barths, etc.)
   
  
• Ziplining from the highest peak on the Dutch side of the island
   
  
• Sunset cruises

• Website: https://www.nexustours.com/
   
  
• Email: tourdesk@sonestastmaarten.com
   
  
• On Arrival: The Nexus Tour Desk is located in the resort lobby in front of the elevators and is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm (Atlantic Time)