PSPA Workshops for 2019 CME Conference

Advanced EKG Interpretation and Treatment – Speaker: Alan Heckman, MSPAS, PA-C

This workshop is designed to advance participants’ knowledge of EKGs by identifying and properly treating various cardiac arrhythmias, wall changes, and ischemic events.  This interactive learning experience is intended to build competence in quickly and accurately recognizing serious cardiac conditions and appropriately managing them in the emergent and non-emergent settings, both in- and outpatient. After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Accurately and rapidly interpret EKG and cardiac monitor tracings
• Identify and differentiate the EKG findings from the following types of conditions:
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Cardiac wall changes
  • Myocardial ischemia
• Initiate appropriate therapy for the above emergent and non-emergent cardiac conditions

Art of Suturing – Speakers: Lane Bower, MHSc, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA and Matthew Wetherhold, MS, PA-C

This workshop will cover the basics of suturing materials, preparation, and proper techniques for obtaining that perfect closure. A brief overview of the different types of available suture material and the proper application in various situations will be discussed. There will be plenty of hands-on experience to practice your newly learned basic suturing skills including basic interrupted, continuous, subcutaneous, and mattress technique closures. After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Discuss the history/development of suture materials/needles
• Illustrate the proper use of surgical instruments relating to suturing
• Demonstrate the performance of a basic interrupted closure and a basic continuous closure on a simple incision
• Perform an interrupted/continuous subcutaneous closure with buried knots
• Perform a simple closure using a mattress stitch
• Perform a compound closure on a jagged incision wound under tension using both interrupted and continuous closure

Basic Laser-Guided EKG Interpretation – Speaker: Alan Heckman, MSPAS, PA-C

The Basic Laser-Guided EKG Workshop is designed to give participants an interactive learning experience while having fun. Through the use of laser pointers and interactive instruction, you are certain to have a good time! We will review the basics of acquiring a proper 12-lead EKG and its interpretation. By the end of this workshop, you will be more confident in your interpretation of EKGs and be able to recognize “badness” in your patients. After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify and recognize proper lead placement for a 12-lead electrocardiogram
• Determine abnormalities that require emergency intervention
• Identify axis deviation, hypertrophy, and lead reversal
• Identify ischemic changes in a static EKG
• Discuss conditions and tracings that mimic myocardial infarctions on an EKG

Essentials of Medical Spanish – Speaker: Nani Cuadrado, MSPAS, PA-C

This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the world of medical Spanish. Beginning with an in-depth examination of the Hispanic culture as it relates to medical care, one will gain knowledge in the development and identification of basic medical Spanish as well as the ability to formulate and interpret the composition of basic medical phrases.  This will allow for an enhanced communication and understanding between your patients and yourself. After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Understand the importance of communicating in Spanish to your Spanish-speaking patients
• Appreciate a basic introduction to Spanish pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary
• Identify basic Spanish phrases to communicate with your patients
• Encourage further training in Spanish language instruction

The Eye Exam – Speaker: John Wetherhold, OD

This workshop is designed for the practicing physician assistant who needs the ability to perform a basic eye evaluation and recognize various ocular conditions.  The workshop will review common traumatic and non-traumatic eye emergencies and describe the diagnostic findings associated with them. Appropriate treatment and management will be discussed  along with when these conditions should be referred to a specialist. In addition, you will learn the indications, contraindications, common complications and necessary material to novice level competence in the examination of the eye.  After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Understand the testing during a routine eye exam and why it is performed
• Become familiar with various eye emergencies and the proper management of these conditions
• Participants will have the opportunity to use ophthalmic equipment during the lecture to become more comfortable in evaluating a patient’s ocular health

Neuro Examination – Speaker: Lorraine Novinger, PA-C and Jean Denion, PA-C

This workshop is designed to allow participants to review and practice the fundamental skills of the neurological examination.  Participants will work through possible differential diagnoses for common neurologic complaints, learn how a thorough neurological exam will guide you in making the diagnosis, practice techniques of the exam, and discuss case studies that correlate with these skills.  After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Recognize basic neuroanatomy
• List the main functions of the major areas of the CNS
• Describe findings of upper and lower motor neurological deficits on physical exam
• List and perform the components of the complete neurological exam
• Review and analyze neurological case studies and formulate a diagnosis by interpreting the physical exam findings.

Orthopedic Radiology – Speaker: Alexander Piczon, PA-C

This workshop will teach participants the most common orthopedic radiology findings.  Participants will learn the proper use and indications for different types of radiology studies while learning the proper techniques to read the study that was ordered.  The course will also allow participants to identify variances and abnormal findings on the basic radiology studies. After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify common Orthopedic radiological findings
• Review appropriate ordering of imaging
• Discuss common fractures and management
  • Upper extremity
  • Lower extremity
• Review types of splints and materials

Sports Medicine Exam – Speaker: Gregory Carolan, MD

The primary purpose of this workshop is to provide an interactive, hands-on, clinically relevant approach to examination of common orthopedic complaints with attention to the shoulder and knee. Participants will perform examination maneuvers in small groups through structured clinical case scenarios. After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Review relevant anatomy of the affected joints
• Perform appropriate physical examination and special tests of the affected joint
• Utilize case based scenarios to perform case specific appropriate exam

Suturing with the Masters – Speakers: Lane Bower, MHSc, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA and Matthew Wetherhold, MS, PA-C

This workshop is designed to advance participants’ skills and knowledge regarding more complex suturing techniques.  With a low student to instructor ratio, the participant will get a unique opportunity to work directly with the instructor to help “master” the various techniques of suturing. After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Discuss proper techniques of suturing for complex closures
• Gain knowledge of advance suturing techniques
• Perform complex suturing with direct individual guidance from instructor

Wellness – Speaker: Eric Tetzlaff, PA-C

Burnout is a physical and mental response to stressors that arise and persevere over an extended period of time and can have a negative impact on provider wellness, quality of patient care, workforce shortages and financial strain on the healthcare system.  Participants in this workshop will learn about the risk factors for the development of burnout and the skills such as mindfulness, journaling, and microtasks to improve provider wellness. The workshop will also focus on practical skills and techniques to promote career development, improve job fit, and finding meaning in work. After this workshop, the attendee will be able to:

• Identify the factors associated with the development of burnout in healthcare providers.
• Describe the impact of burnout on healthcare providers and patient care.
• Describe strategies to prevent burnout and promote provider wellness at the organizational and the individual level.