The agenda for the 14th Annual Advanced Practice Provider Conference features national and local speakers providing timely topics of interest to nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

7:15 a.m. 

Registration/Breakfast/Exhibitors/Posters

7:45 a.m. 

Welcome

8-9 a.m.

Keynote: Spin the AI Wheel: Productivity Meets Patient Care
Andy Beatman, Microsoft AI Product Leader

Objectives:

  • Identify practical ways AI can improve personal productivity in health care settings
  • Explore real-world examples of how organizations are using Microsoft AI to save time and enhance patient care
  • Apply simple, actionable AI tools and strategies to everyday workflows
  • Engage with interactive demos and discussions that spark ideas for individuals and teams

9:10-10:10 a.m.

MASH and Fatty Liver: “Steatotic Liver Disease”
Michelle DiPasquale, AGACNP-BC, and Brittany Morris, FNP-BC, Riverside Gastroenterology Specialists

Objectives:

  • Discuss disease progression and anatomy of hepatic steatosis as well as new nomenclature regarding different disease states
  • Identify at-risk patients and recognize diagnostic tools to help with risk stratification
  • Discuss role of advanced practice providers in managing comorbid conditions and assisting with lifestyle management
  • Discuss pharmacological management strategies for hepatic steatosis

10:10-10:30 a.m.

Break/Exhibitors

Breakout Sessions 

10:30-11:15 a.m. - Acute Care Breakout Session #1

Palliative Care
Carrie Fisher, D.O.
Jenny Tucker, MSN, FNP-C, ACHPN
Riverside Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Objectives:

  • Differentiate specifics of palliative care versus hospice care
  • Identify resources for palliative care and hospice care
  • Identify appropriate surrogate decision makers if patient does not have capacity
  • Select appropriate patients that would benefit from palliative care consultation
  • Initiate basic goals of care conversations

11:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m. - Acute Care Breakout Session #2

Physiologic Impacts of Vaping
Som Chalise, M.D., FCCP
Riverside Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Objectives:

  • Review the mechanics and components of vaping
  • Identify clinical manifestation of vaping use
  • Understand mechanism of organ dysfunction with vaping

12:05-12:45 p.m.

Lunch/Exhibitors/Posters - 12:45-1:30 p.m. Networking Session for APP students (location to be determined)

12:45-1:30 p.m. - Acute Care Breakout Session #3

Pain Management: A Lesson in Mixology
Megan Johnson, MS, APRN, FNP-C
Riverside Trauma and Acute Care Surgery

Objectives:

  • Differentiate between acute and chronic pain
  • Develop an evidence-based multimodal pain management regimen tailored to individual needs
  • Identify non-pharmacologic pain relief strategies
  • Examine special considerations for pain management in select populations

1:35-2:20 p.m. - Acute Care Breakout Session #4

Ischemic Limb Identification and Management
Megan Cobb, PA-C, AGACNP-BC
Riverside Vascular Specialists

Objectives:

  • Review ischemic limb pathophysiology
  • Differentiate acute from chronic limb ischemia
  • Discuss diagnostic workup and interpretation to include guideline directed treatment strategies
  • Identify pearls and pitfalls related to management

 

10:30-11:15 a.m. - Primary Care Breakout Session #1

Pediatrics Update
Patrice Pennyfeather, DNP, CPNP
Louis Everett, RN, Certified Health Coach
Riverside Primary Care Mercury West

Objectives:

  • Compare AAP and CDC immunization schedules
  • Identify recent drivers of measles outbreak
  • Gain practical NP talking points relative to vaccination recommendations
  • Identify state pharmacy vaccine availability
  • Identify strategies to combat pediatric obesity in the primary care setting

11:20 a.m.-12:05 p.m. - Primary Care Breakout Session #2

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
John Waite, FNP-C
Riverside Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Objectives:

  • Review the incidence and risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Describe the health consequences and morbidity associated with untreated OSA
  • Compare current treatment options for OSA, including oral appliances, CPAP, and hypoglossal nerve stimulation
  • Discuss the role of weight loss interventions, GLP-1 receptor agonists, in OSA management

12:05-12:45 p.m. 

Lunch/Exhibitors/Posters - 12:45-1:30 p.m. Networking Session for APP students (location to be determined)

12:45-1:30 p.m. - Primary Care Breakout Session #3

Dizziness vs. Vertigo: an ENT Perspective
Evenel Pierre, PA-C
Riverside Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons

Objectives:

  • Define and differentiate between dizziness and vertigo using clinical terminology and patient-reported symptoms
  • Classify types of dizziness (e.g., presyncope, disequilibrium, psychogenic) based on history and physical exam findings
  • Apply diagnostic frameworks such as the HINTS exam to evaluate patients presenting with dizziness or vertigo
  • Perform and interpret bedside maneuvers including the Dix-Hallpike and Epley maneuvers for diagnosing and treating BPPV
  • Identify red flags that suggest central causes of vertigo requiring urgent referral or imaging 

1:35-2:20 p.m. - Primary Care Breakout Session #4

Echo in the OPT Setting
Erin Satterfield, FNP-BC
Riverside Cardiology Specialists

Objectives:

  • Identify valvular abnormalities on echocardiograms that warrant surgical evaluation versus surveillance
  • Interpret findings of ascending aortic dilation including size thresholds that indicate concerns and recommended follow up
  • Recognize common echocardiographic diagnoses that prompt referral to cardiology
  • Determine indications for referral of pulmonary HTN patients

2:20-2:30 p.m.

Break/Exhibitors/Posters

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Optimizing Diabetes Care
Nebretta Blount, FNP-C
Riverside Endocrinology and Diabetes Specialists

Objectives:

  • Develop evidence-based strategies for managing uncontrolled diabetes in pre- and post-operative settings
  • Compare and contrast traditional insulin delivery methods with advanced systems, including insulin pumps and continuous-glucose monitoring
  • Apply appropriate guidelines to achieve optimal glycemic control for surgical patients
  • Develop individualized care plans incorporating modern insulin delivery technologies to improve patient outcomes

3:30 p.m.

Closing and Raffles