Primary Care for Advanced Practice Clinicians: Latest updates on GI, ENT, Endocrine, Pain and more
CE Information
33.0 CE credits (9.5 pharmacology)Completion Time
34 hours, 4 minutesAvailable Until
December 30, 2025Posted By
PESI

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Overview
Specialties
Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Pain ManagementClinical Topics
Diabetes, Diagnosis, Pediatrics, and Primary CareEvery day in primary care feels like juggling fire: evolving guidelines, chronic conditions, medication updates, and patients counting on your expertise. This course helps you stay ahead—with 16 leading clinicians delivering real-world strategies for diabetes, kidney disease, pain, thyroid issues, and more. You’ll master the latest in pharmacology (earn up to 9.5 hours), decode complex diagnoses, and know when to treat vs. refer. From ENT to endocrine to LGBTQIA+ care, this training is packed with actionable insight you can use the very next day. The 33 CE hours? That’s just icing on the clinical cake. Whether you're prescribing, diagnosing, or creating care plans, you'll walk away energized and ready to elevate your practice. All for just $299.99—far less than its $2,159 value. We’ll bring the experts. You bring the impact.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key indicators of kidney health and apply appropriate screening tools for early detection in primary care practice.
- Demonstrate proficiency in interpreting kidney function lab results and utilizing imaging modalities for accurate diagnosis and assessment.
- Apply evidence-based lifestyle interventions and medication management strategies to promote kidney health and mitigate the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Effectively communicate with interdisciplinary teams, engage patients in kidney health education, and integrate emerging trends and innovations into primary care practice for optimal patient outcomes.
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- Accurately identify and differentiate between at least three common ENT presentations in primary care.
- Identity appropriate diagnostic criteria and studies for ENT issues.
- Apply evidence-based management interventions for varying ENT diagnoses.
- Appropriately apply referral criteria by correctly identifying and justifying the need for ENT specialist.
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- Explain the most current diabetes management guidelines and their application in the primary care setting, ensuring up-to-date and evidence-based care for patients.
- Select the most appropriate diabetes medications, understanding their mechanisms of action, and tailoring treatment regimens to patients’ specific clinical profiles.
- Analyze the latest glucose monitoring techniques and digital tools, empowering them to recommend and educate patients on effective self-monitoring and technology-assisted management of their condition.
- Counsel patients on the crucial role of lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, in diabetes management, enabling them to guide patients toward healthier choices and behavior changes.
- Create patient-centered diabetes management plans, considering each patient’s unique needs, preferences and comorbidities to optimize their treatment outcomes.
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- Describe the basic premises of concierge healthcare.
- Discuss pros/cons of moving to a concierge healthcare model.
- Analyze legal and compliance aspects of transitioning to a concierge model.
- Discuss Medicare regulations and compliance for concierge healthcare.
- Determine next steps to transition to a concierge healthcare model.
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- Proficiently assess and diagnose IBS in the primary care setting, incorporating key symptoms and diagnostic studies.
- Develop effective strategies for initial treatment, ongoing monitoring, and collaboration with gastroenterology, enhancing their ability to manage IBS comprehensively in the primary care setting.
- Confidently navigate mediation options, potential reactions, and co-morbidity considerations in IBS management, ensuring a holistic and patient-centered approach.
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- Thoroughly assess various orthopedic conditions and select appropriate imaging modalities for orthopedic assessments, enabling accurate diagnosis and interpretation of diagnostic studies in primary care settings.
- Identify when splinting and immobilization is necessary for optimal patient comfort and injury management within a primary care context.
- Differentiate between cases requiring referral to orthopedic specialists and those amenable to non-operative management, equipping you to provide effective, patient-centered care for common orthopedic conditions in primary care practice.
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- Identify at least two considerations in the clinical evaluation of dementia.
- Differentiate between at least two types of dementia.
- Identify at least three nonpharmacologic care considerations for the client with dementia.
- Identify at least three pharmacologic care considerations for the client with dementia.
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- Describe thyroid function and common thyroid disorders that may present in primary care.
- Correctly identify and diagnose common thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer based on clinical symptoms and laboratory results, as evaluated through case-based assessments.
- Develop an evidence-based treatment plans for hypothetical patients with thyroid disorders.
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- Develop an approach for providing comprehensive primary care to young male patients.
- Recognize and accurately assess at least two signs of depression and anxiety in young male patients.
- Initiate a discussion about substance use disorders in young male patients
- Initiate discussions about crime and gun violence
- Create new strategies to encourage young male patients to engage in their diet and exercise
- Know when to monitor, treat, and refer common young male genital problems
- Describe the significance of creating a safe and inclusive healthcare environment for diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.
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- Analyze the diverse healthcare needs within the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing specific challenges and disparities across different identities.
- Identify communication strategies and tools to foster an inclusive environment in primary care settings for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Identify and address mental health disparities affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals, and integrate culturally competent approaches into mental health support.
- Address specific healthcare needs, including sexual and reproductive health, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming care, to enhance comprehensive and inclusive primary care for LGBTQIA+ patients.
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- Complete a comprehensive pain assessment using subjective and objective measures.
- Critically evaluate and select appropriate non-pharmacological interventions and integrative approaches for pain management.
- Apply responsible opioid prescribing practices by demonstrating an understanding of guidelines, assessment tools, treatment, monitoring strategies, and referral.
- Collaborate effectively with other disciplines to provide team-based care for pain management.
- Identify and address ethical considerations in pain management practices, showcasing an understanding of ethical dilemmas and strategies for ethical decision-making.
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- Analyze antibiotic resistance in the US and worldwide.
- Discuss antibiotic pharmacology.
- Use the local antibiogram to make prescribing decisions.
- Determine how to manage penicillin allergy.
- Describe the dangers of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.
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- Outline treatment guidelines for common pediatric respiratory infections.
- Determine treatment guidelines for common skin infections.
- Determine treatment guidelines for urinary tract infections.
- Outline treatment guidelines for eye infections.
- Prescribe antibiotics for treatment of gonorrhea and chlamydia.
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- Evaluate the pharmacology of the most common antiseizure medications.
- Choose the most appropriate first line antiseizure medication for focal onset seizures.
- Plan for the most common side effects of antiseizure medications.
- Determine which antiseizure medications require therapeutic monitoring.
- Assess the impact of pregnancy on seizure frequency.
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- Evaluate signs and symptoms of commonly encountered dermatological presentations in the primary care setting.
- Initiate evidence-based treatment for various dermatologic conditions.
- Assess the risk of differential diagnosis’ and when referral is needed.
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- Differentiate between and determine treatment approaches for reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal motility disorders.
- Formulate a treatment plan for obesity/insulin resistance.
- Determine assessment/diagnostic(s) and treatment approaches for GERD/Obesity.
- Develop a lifelong disease management plan, including evolving treatment(s), surveillance and follow up for various GI disorders.
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- Analyze burden of alcohol use disorder and options for screening.
- Implement outpatient and inpatient detox protocols and determine what is the appropriate level of care.
- Formulate medications used for assisting with maintenance of sobriety.
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- Determine the medications used in the treatment of asthma, their mechanism of action, and adverse effects
- Describe different inhaler techniques used by patients with asthma.
- Recognize the most appropriate device for delivery of asthma medication based on patient’s condition. .
- Discuss emerging therapies for asthma, specifically the role of biologic agents, including guideline recommendations and supporting clinical evidence.
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Speakers

Becky Hodgkins Ness, PA-C, MPAS, FNK is a physician assistant with Mayo Clinic Health Systems, where she manages dialysis patients, inpatient and outpatient, runs a CKD clinic, sees outpatient hospital follow ups, rounds and consults on inpatients and runs an outreach CKD clinic in a satellite site. She is an assistant professor of medicine for the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and the immediate past chair for the Council of Advanced Practitioners (CAP) for the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Becky is an active member of the Minnesota Association of Physician Assistants where she has served in various board roles.

Maria Colandrea, DNP, NP-C, CORLN, FAANP, FFNMRCSI, is an otolaryngology nurse practitioner at the Durham Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, with a practice focus on general outpatient otolaryngology since 2012. She has contributed to the publication of two clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology on Meniere’s disease and adult patients with a neck mass. Her practice focuses on general outpatient otolaryngology. Dr. Colandrea is the co-chair of the AANP Otolaryngology SPG.

Family Nurse Practitioner at Utah Body and Soul
Tracey Long, PhD, MS, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, CDCE, CCRN, CNE, COI, has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in endocrinology, critical care, and primary care, earning degrees from Brigham Young University, Purdue University and UNLV. Dr. Long is a critical care clinical instructor, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, has developed diabetes education programs and teaches a diabetes educator certification course. She has a passion for active learning and is an international speaker and award-winning educator.

Sameer Berry, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer of Oshi Health, a venture-backed, virtual care clinic that provides GI care to patients at no cost. He is active in the GI digital healthy ecosystem, and consults for startups and large payors, and he is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Dr. Berry conducts grant-funded clinical research and is currently funded by the University of California, San Francisco to study the impact of multidisciplinary GI care on outcomes, utilization, and patient experience. Dr. Berry completed the gastroenterology and hepatology fellowship program at the University of Michigan. He completed his residency training at Cedars-Sinai and spent additional time training in interventional IBD at the Cleveland Clinic. He received a medical degree from the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and an MBA from Duke University.

Dennis Rivenburgh, MS, ATC, PA-C, DFAAPA, is a physician assistant who provides medical care to patients in the outpatient setting. Have provided first assist in surgery, with a specialty in orthopedics and sports medicine. Dennis has been a Certified Athletic Trainer for over 30 years. He also serves as an expert witness, both in defense and plaintiff cases.

Professional Speaker/ Nurse Practitioner

Treston Clark-LaRue, MSPH, PA-C, is a public health physician assistant in a North Carolina rural health department supporting a variety of services including pediatrics, family planning, prenatal, employee health, and STD treatment. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Campbell University. He is passionate about men’s health and engaging men in their own health at a young age. Treston presents to an after-school program on topics suc has sexual health and personal hygiene, and is an actice preceptor for the Campbell University PA program.

Deanna Bridge Najera, MPAS, MS, PA-C, DFAAPA, completed her PA education at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. She attended the University of Maryland for her undergraduate degree and also obtained a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University. She currently splits her time between a suburban emergency department and a county health department. Additionally, she provides limited outpatient psychiatric services at a community mental health agency and a local college. She is a regular speaker on the state and national level and has served in multiple leadership capacities.

Jennifer Bidey, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Her current role is as a nurse practitioner and medical director of the LGBTQIA+ Affirming Practice at Haddonfield Primary and Specialty Care, Jefferson East. She specializes in gender affirming care, gender affirming hormone treatment, PrEP, and primary care.

Professor and Director of Nursing at Saint Martin's University
Teri Moser Woo is Professor and Director of Nursing at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington. She completed her BSN, MSN and Post Masters PNP Certificate at Oregon Health Sciences University, and her PhD in Nursing at University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing. She is an AANP Fellow, with expertise in NP prescribing, and lead author of Pharmacotherapuetics for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers 5th edition (2020). She served on the NAPNAP Board as a Member at Large from 2017 to 2021 and currently serves on the PNCB Pharmacology CE committee. Dr. Woo practices as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Urgent Care.

Dr. Macia Drummond, holding a PhD in nursing from Molloy University, is an experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner based in Brooklyn, NY. Her praxis spans over twenty years, encompassing roles as director of weekend operations at a large nonprofit home care agency. Her diverse expertise intertwines clinical acumen with a profound understanding of administrative leadership. This merger aims to reform norms in medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction and enhance clinical provider and emergency room practices in assessing, treating, and referring individuals with opioid use disorder. Her research focus extends to policy restructuring, advocating for innovative strategies such as “OUD algorithms” to facilitate transitions beyond addiction. Dr. Drummond’s steadfast commitment to patient-centered care underscores enduring positive outcomes, driven by meticulous data assessments. Her approach emphasizes not only clinical excellence but also systemic improvements, ensuring a holistic transformation in opioid addiction care pathways.

Filissa M Caserta, MSN, ACNP-BC, CNRN, is certified as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Neuroscience Registered Nurse who works in endovascular neurosurgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. She has worked in the field of neurosciences, specifically neuro-critical care and endovascular neurosurgery in various capacities for most of her 34-year nursing career. In addition to her role as a Nurse Practitioner, Filissa has held positions as nurse manager, adjunct faculty at The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, and program director for nursing practice. She instituted the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program for The Johns Hopkins Hospital Neuroscience Critical Care Unit. Filissa has contributed to a wide variety of academic publications on neurocritical care and advanced practice nursing. She has shared her specialty expertise through national and international lectures.

Mikala Riddlesworth, PA-C, MMS, has been a certified physician assistant for over 15 years. She has spent her career practicing primary care and dermatology. Additionally, she has worked as a professor at several physician assistant programs. Mikala has spoken professionally at multiple education conferences teaching providers about skin conditions and treatment options as well as documentation and billing.

Melissa S. Dyrdal, MSN, RN, APRN, FNP-BC, is an experienced nurse practitioner and the Clinical GERD/Bariatric Program Supervisor at Minnesota Reflux & Heartburn Center at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC). She is responsible for patient assessment, education, and development of treatment plans. She is certified in the execution, analysis, and full interpretation of high-resolution manometry (HRM) & ambulatory pH/pH impedance studies. She is the GI lab supervisor, ensuring program development & maintenance, data entry, and quality control. Melissa is research certified, currently the study coordinator at CRMC for the US Regent 1 trial, an endoscopic procedure for the treatment of DMII, and actively involved in peer and community education.

Damien Fisher, PharmD, AE-C, graduated from Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy with Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2004. He prolonged his studies and completed an American Society Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) accredited residency with an emphasis on community and ambulatory care at the University of Tennessee. He became intrigued in academia, during his career has held three Clinical Assistant Professor positions at Hampton University School of Pharmacy and University of Houston College of Pharmacy, as well as South University School of Pharmacy. His passion in the ambulatory care world is within the areas of pulmonary and dermatology. He is currently ce4rtified as an asthma educator and is heavily involved with the American Lung Association (ALA) as a national presenter. He extended his oratory skills to other organizations such as Georgia Pharmacist Association, National Pharmacist Association, and the Better Breathers Club. He serves as a board member to the National Association Certified Asthma Educator Board and as clinical consultant to the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) advocating for asthma educators’ opportunities. Damien is currently working at University of Texas Medical (UTMB) as an outpatient pharmacy clinical practice specialist within the specialty of pulmonology, dermatology, and allergy. As a patient advocate in this position, Damien ensures his patients achieve healthy outcomes from biologic or nonbiologic medications.

Doris Dike, Esq., is a healthcare attorney with years of experience in compliance, contracts, and trademarks. She is the founder and principal of Dike Law Group, a firm that represents healthcare providers, entrepreneurs, investors, and others interested in healthcare business.
CE Information
This activity offers 33.0 CE credits (9.5 pharmacology) to attendees.
Accredited by ANCC.
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