In the twentieth episode of Pri-Med’s web series on COVID-19, approach one of the most common questions about COVID-19 during this time; is it safe to travel? This session will review the current data on in flight transmission and evaluate the efficacy of current travel restrictions. Faculty will also explore how telehealth uptake has boomed with the pandemic and how this has provided both improvements and drawbacks to the health care system and to patients.

In the twenty-second episode of Pri-Med’s web series on COVID-19, faculty will examine the concept of “herd immunity” and how it relates to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. They will not only explain the basics of herd immunity but take a deep dive into why herd immunity may or may not help to limit the spread of COVID-19. This session will also re-visit the COVID-19 vaccine pipeline, explaining where we stand with current vaccine trials and the outlook for vaccine development.

As we see more patients with cognitive impairment, understanding the real-world care for this population is vital. This lecture will review the most efficient means of assessing cognitive impairment, examine common issues in caring for the older adult with cognitive impairment, and discuss pharmacologic/non-pharmacologic means of treating patients. Dr. Lindquist will also address updates on what medications are useless/useful and what testing should be avoided. Polypharmacy is common among older adults and associated with adverse outcomes. This case-based session will review how to avoid inappropriate prescribing, recognize adverse drug events, and identify opportunities to deprescribe. Dr. Bradley will review recent literature updates that inform our prescribing practices including the 2019 AGS Beers criteria. Tips to enhance safe medication use will be shared. The updates will be followed by an “Ask the Expert” session with Drs. Lindquist and Bradley where they will review common questions and take questions from attendees.

Statins are widely used for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lowering atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. However, residual ASCVD risk in statin-treated patients is prevalent. Among the drivers of increased risk is persistent LDL-C elevation due to statin-associated side effects, which often leads to statin discontinuation or under-dosing. A survey of primary care practitioners revealed that recognizing residual risk and statin intolerance might be impediments to managing cholesterol levels in their patients. In-depth knowledge about the available and emerging non-statin adjunctive and alternative therapies, as well as understanding the guidance from national organizations about when they should be implemented, are the keys to improving patient care.

ver 500,000 Americans of all ages and increases the risk of mortality by 3-4 times that of the general public. Yet, primary care providers receive little training on the specific health risks that affect the homeless nor on how to evaluate and care for these individuals. Join Dr. Chuck Vega as he tackles this vital but oft overlooked topic from a primary care point of view.

Enjoy live and interactive sessions on primary care topics relevant to your daily practice. Register today for our latest virtual CME Conference.

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) first received emergency use authorization (EUA) in November 2020 for treating at-risk patients with COVID-19--and the field has continued to evolve ever since. This presentation provides an update in the latest evidence showing reduced severe illness and hospitalization in patients treated with neutralizing mAbs. The expert presenters will explain the science and practical issues of using mAbs to treat patients with COVID-19 in outpatient and skilled nursing facility settings while also answering your questions from their multidisciplinary perspectives. This educational activity includes: • Best practices for identifying appropriate patients for mAb infusions and connecting these patients with infusion therapy • Overview of clinical trial data for efficacy and safety of treatment with neutralizing mAbs alone and in combination with other mAbs • Frontline stories of establishing mAbs infusion programs, including preparing, administering, monitoring, and reporting • Discussion of issues identified through analysis of responses to a survey conducted with Pri-Med learners

Obesity is a serious chronic illness that requires long-term management; however, it is also drastically underdiagnosed and undertreated. Arm yourself with a concrete understanding of the physiologic factors that contribute to obesity so that you can effectively manage this disease and prevent comorbid conditions. Hear strategies for developing personalized treatment plans based on current and emerging pharmacotherapies. Most importantly, identify biases that may be hindering your care of patients with obesity.

Despite the array of products and minimal regulation, it is possible to find high quality dietary supplements and use them in a rational evidence-informed manner in the care of many primary care problems. Discussion goes beyond the management of so-called short latency deficiency syndromes taught in the past to current applications for a few common primary care problems such as anxiety, depression, emotional and physical exhaustion and insomnia. We will also identify those who may need adjuncts to their diet and useful databases to find more information.

Primary care patients who present with cognitive change represent a clinical challenge. Delirium must be differentiated from dementia, as delirium represents a medical emergency. Potential causes of delirium, Alzheimer disease and other leading causes of dementia will be reviewed. Clinical findings, screening tools, diagnostic studies and potential therapies will be discussed.

Fatty liver has emerged as a major health concern in the United States. It is now one of the leading causes of cirrhosis, risk factor for liver cancer and indication for liver transplantation. This session will help clinicians to understand the epidemiology and risk factors of fatty liver as well as how to tailor medical care in patients with underlying fatty liver disease.