The stark reality is that soon there will not be enough clinicians to care for our citizens sufficiently. Instead of relying on the more traditional and already overburdened one-to-one model, we must adopt technology that enables one-to-many care delivery models. In particular, artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies allow for outsourcing of routine tasks to machines, creating space in the schedule for human interaction between clinician and patient. With increasing application of these technologies comes greater associated risks, which range from privacy and security to the ethical use of a growing pool of personal health data. As AI and other telehealth tools intersect with care delivery, how can we minimize the risks while improving care delivery, patient and clinician satisfaction, and clinical outcomes?

Confused about new treatments for asthma? Wondering if your patient even has asthma? In this talk, you will learn to be confident in your diagnosis of asthma and recognize if it is well controlled or out of control. The faculty will discuss how to fit new treatments into the guidelines-based stepped treatment scheme and select among the many choices at each level.

Syncope is defined as a transient loss of consciousness due to cerebral hypoperfusion with spontaneous return to baseline function without intervention. It is a common chief complaint of patients presenting to the emergency department. The differential diagnosis for syncope is broad, and the management varies significantly depending on the underlying etiology. A thorough history and certain physical exam findings can assist in evaluating for life-threatening diagnoses. Risk-stratifying patients into low, moderate, and high-risk groups can assist in medical decision-making and help determine the patient’s disposition. Advancements in ambulatory monitoring have made it possible to obtain prolonged cardiac evaluations of patients in the outpatient setting. This talk will focus on the diagnosis and management of the various types of syncope.

Individualized care is crucial to successful type 2 diabetes (T2DM) management. The emergence of newer oral therapies that not only help to improve glycemic control but also reduce cardiovascular and other risks has dramatically changed the landscape of diabetes care. Understanding when and how to intensify treatment with this expanded toolbox is challenging for clinicians. By reviewing the latest guidelines and clinical data, participants will receive practical strategies to maximize and combine oral therapies, increase adherence, and individualize care in the treatment of diabetes.

Get your questions answered by expert faculty in Cardiology. You ask: we listen. You will learn practical solutions to common clinical challenges and tips to apply the latest knowledge in practice.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a systemic disease. Not only is HCV the one the most important causes of cirrhosis, liver cancer and indication for liver transplantation, it is also associated with a number of extra-hepatic manifestations. There is significant enthusiasm and genuine excitement about the possibility of eliminating hepatitis C. This is remarkable considering that this would be the first infection eliminating not by immunization but by antiviral therapy. The biggest barrier to curing and eventually HCV is not the costs of drugs but identifying who is infected. Diagnosis HCV infection is straightforward and based on laboratory tests. However, barriers occasionally exist for linkage of care.

The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is the single most famous test in rheumatology; yet, it is frequently misused and misinterpreted. This talk will discuss the different ways the test is performed and interpreted, and how it can be properly applied to the diagnosis of lupus and other autoimmune diseases. The speaker will show how antinuclear antibodies can cause tissue damage and result in the clinical features of lupus. Then, learners will review the many non-rheumatic conditions, including healthy individuals, who may have a positive ANA and how we should sort them.

This talk will discuss venous anatomy, the pathophysiology of venous disease and the modern treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Special attention is also given to the treatment of venous ulceration, as well as issues related to venous disease and the elderly.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common disorder seen and treated by gastroenterologists. Despite this, many physicians have difficulty making a definitive diagnosis and approximately 75% of the general population with IBS symptoms remains undiagnosed. Part of this stems from the fact that there are currently no diagnostic studies which conclusively confirm IBS. As such, it has been and continues to be considered a diagnosis of exclusion when in reality newer diagnostic criteria and minimal diagnostic testing can lead to a diagnosis with 98-99% accuracy. A better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of this disorder has also let to more accurate treatment strategies. In this discussion we will dispel many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding this syndrome.

Everyone knows that exercise is important for general health. However, most of us are strapped for time. The goal of this presentation is to present current evidence for the health benefits of high intensity exercise training. Practical tips and updated resources will be covered, including ideas to assist you and your patients on integrating exercise into daily life.

Experts in psychiatry and psychology have long believed that our personalities are essentially set from early childhood and remain consistent throughout life. However, new compelling evidence indicates that we can change our personalities - either on our own, with the help of a therapist, or a combination of the two - and meaningful personality change can be achieved as quickly as 30 days. The ability of someone to change their personality can have an impact on their lives. Numerous studies indicate that personality traits influence our relationships, career success, health outcomes, and even life expectancy. This presentation will review scientific evidence and practical strategies on how personality can change and impact outcomes.

Research and advancement increase the capability of medicine to provide complex care. Technology can keep patients alive in states that they might not desire. Today, clinicians are responsible for (1) anticipating future care needs and (2) guiding treatments as patients become more ill and less functional. An essential tool in the clinician armamentarium, advance care planning is a skill set that must be honed to ensure that patients receive care both consistent with their informed preferences and appropriate to their prognosis. Advance care planning includes serial discussion with patients about clinical circumstances and prognosis, incorporates specific tools, requires coordination among the team of clinicians caring for a patient across venues of care, and may be facilitated by advance care planning structures. Sometimes the process also requires setting limits and addressing maladaptive coping. Building strong relationships with patients and families, and a consistent focus on goals of care is key to high quality treatment for the complex patient and achieving optimal end of life care.