“Symposia Medicus conferences are well-run, organized, and located in beautiful settings.”
– D. Bennett, MD

“Great conference! The most well-organized conference I have been to. Very useful information.”
– T. Herrmann, CNM

“I was very impressed with the presenters. The topics were excellent. I will recommend Symposia Medicus conferences to colleagues without reservation. All of the lecturers provided information directly applicable to clinical practice.”
– M. Pippin, MD

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Our 38th Annual Fall Conference on High Risk Obstetrics is designed for physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals who face challenges in the care of the high risk pregnant patient. Covering a wide array of obstetric topics, our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based advancements in obstetric care, present emerging clinical data, and provide skills and strategies for application and implementation into your practice. This educational activity aims to increase learner knowledge, improve the competence and performance of all attendees, and contribute to their ability to work together as part of a coordinated healthcare team.

Topics for this year’s conference have been selected based on the educational needs underlying identified professional practice gaps. The gaps were derived from a variety of sources including evaluations and outcomes data from past participants, clinical expert input, Symposia Medicus’ online survey, and other medical and nursing data such as current clinical guidelines, research findings, literature reviews, and patient safety considerations.
           
An outstanding faculty has been assembled for this conference. Each faculty member was selected based on their individual area of expertise and ability to communicate current, evidence-based, and practical information to participants.

The conference format includes didactic lectures, question and answer sessions, and case studies. Following a group of lectures, the question and answer sessions allow attendees to ask the faculty critical and challenging questions about caring for patients during various obstetric situations.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

As a result of participating in this conference, you should have increased knowledge and enhanced competence to…

Discuss the impact of high risk pregnancy complications on long-term health in women

Apply surgical strategies to reduce the risk of preterm birth

Describe the goals of respectful maternity care and identify steps to put it into practice

Determine disease processes which carry the highest risk of maternal or fetal morbidity and mortality

Describe the systems and processes utilized to prepare for the high risk patient and obstetric emergencies

Differentiate between mental health diagnoses and common mood swings that occur during pregnancy

ATTENDEE REQUIREMENTS

After attending this conference, participants are entitled to a certificate of credit which will be available online. Successful completion of this activity is determined by attending the live activity, reviewing the educational session materials, and submitting the case studies test, evaluations, surveys, and verification of attendance form. Each participant should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ACCREDITATION

This accredited continuing education activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME and ANCC Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.

Symposia Medicus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Symposia Medicus is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT

Physicians
Symposia Medicus designates this live activity for a maximum of 19 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This ACE activity was developed with standards to address California Assembly Bill (AB) 1195 cultural and linguistic competency (CLC) and CA AB 241 implicit bias (IB) to reduce health disparities. Please refer to the accreditation page on our website for resources.

ACOG
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has assigned up to 19 cognate credits to this program.

Certified Nurse Midwives
The American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) accepts Category 1 CME approval from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Physician Associates
NCCPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician associates may receive a maximum of 19 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Nurse Practitioners/Nurses
The ANCC contact hours awarded for completion of this conference are 19.

Provider is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP2335, for 22.8 contact hours.

Pharmacists
The California Board of Pharmacy accepts as continuing professional education those courses
that meet the standard of relevance to pharmacy practice and have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Pharmacotherapeutic CEUs for Nurses
This activity is designated for a maximum of 2.5 pharmacotherapeutic credits towards meeting the requirement for nursing pharmacology continuing education. Sessions awarding pharmacotherapeutic credits are denoted with an Rx in the schedule. Please contact your state’s Board of Nursing for specific educational requirements as they may vary state to state.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Each registrant will have online access to educational session materials. The educational session materials will be available for download approximately one week prior to the conference (you’ll receive an email with instructions).

If you are unable to attend this conference, you may purchase an electronic copy of the educational session materials one week after the conference. Please email publications@symposiamedicus.org for more information.

HEALTH & SAFETY AWARENESS

We care about the health and safety of our conference attendees. As the event gets closer, Symposia Medicus will communicate any relevant health and safety policies and procedures implemented by us and/or the conference venue.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS / GROUND TRANSPORTATION

To receive additional information about the conference hotel, location, tours or nearby attractions, and ground transportation, please visit our website at www.symposiamedicus.org.

CONFERENCE FACULTY

Mark Alanis, MD, MSCR, FACOG
Assistant Clinical Professor
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
UCHealth Memorial Hospital
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Jessica Brumley, CNM, PhD
Associate Professor
Director, Division of Midwifery
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Morsani College of Medicine
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida

Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH, FACOG
Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Creighton University School of Medicine
Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology
University of Arizona
College of Medicine
Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine
Valleywise Health Center
Phoenix, Arizona

Cornelia R. Graves, MD, FACOG
Conference Co-Chair

Professor, University of Tennessee
Medical Director
Tennessee Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Director of Perinatal Services
St. Thomas Health Systems
Clinical Professor, Vanderbilt University
Adjunct Professor
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, Tennessee

Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
Conference Co-Chair

Co-Owner & Nursing Director
Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics, LLC
Nashville, Tennessee

Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Oklahoma State University
Center for Health Sciences
Chief Medical Officer
Elocin Psychiatric Services
Tulsa, Oklahoma

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Consistent with ACCME and ANCC guidelines, it is the policy of Symposia Medicus to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. Prior to the planning of this educational activity, all individuals in a position to influence and/or control the content of continuing education activities have been asked to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the past 24 months. Symposia Medicus will also ensure that any and all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies will be mitigated before the conference commences. Beyond disclosure and mitigation of relevant financial relationships, faculty are required to disclose when they plan to discuss pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices that are not approved by the FDA and/or medical or surgical procedures that involve an unapproved or “off-label” use of an approved device or pharmaceutical. Symposia Medicus is committed to providing learners with commercially unbiased continuing education activities. This information is intended to assist learners in forming their own judgments about the content presented. Disclosure information will be included in the educational session materials for this activity and speakers will provide a disclosure slide for each presentation, which they will also disclose verbally on site.

faculty photo

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 3

7:00am Registration & Check-In
During Continental Breakfast
8:00 Welcome & Introduction
Cornelia R. Graves, MD &
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
8:15 Prediction & Prevention of Preterm Birth in 2024
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Mark Alanis, MD, MSCR
9:00 Hypertension in Pregnancy
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
9:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:15 Break
10:30 Substance Use Disorder: The Changing Landscape
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Cornelia R. Graves, MD
11:15 Psychopharmacology Review
(Rx = 45 minutes)
Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
Noon Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
12:30pm Lunch Break (on your own)
1:45 High Risk Pregnancy Complications: A Window to Future Health
Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH
2:30 Respectful Maternity Care
Jessica Brumley, CNM, PhD
3:15 Preparing for the High Risk Patient
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
4:00 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
4:45 Adjourn for the Day

Friday, October 4

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 Infectious Diseases Including COVID-19: What Do We Tell Our Pregnant Patients?
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Cornelia R. Graves, MD
8:45 EFM in the High Risk Patient
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break
10:15 Risks of & Antenatal Care for Extreme Maternal Obesity
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Mark Alanis, MD, MSCR
11:00 Racism in Black Maternal Health
Jessica Brumley, CNM, PhD
11:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
12:15pm Lunch Break (on your own)
1:30 Mood Disorders During Pregnancy Including Bipolar Disorder & Depression
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
2:15 Deep Venous Thrombosis: New ACOG Guidelines
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Cornelia R. Graves, MD
3:00 Complications of Pregnancies Concerned With Artificial Reproductive Technologies
Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH
3:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
4:30 Adjourn for the Day

Saturday, October 5

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 VBAC in 2024
Mark Alanis, MD, MSCR
8:45 Promoting Physiologic Birth in the High Risk Patient
Jessica Brumley, CNM, PhD
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break (hotel check-out, if applicable)
10:30 Domestic Violence: A Public Health Crisis
Linda R. Chambliss, MD, MPH
11:15 Burnout & Mental Health for Obstetric Providers
Nicole B. Washington, DO, MPH
Noon Lessons Learned From the Courtroom
Suzanne McMurtry Baird, DNP, RN
12:45pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:30 Conference Adjourns

Rx = Pharmacotherapeutic CEUs for nurses
will be granted for these sessions

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, New Orleans is one of the United States’ most mesmerizing cities. Its Old-World European charm, rich cultural fabric, and intriguing history have made it one of the world’s top travel destinations. Visit this amazing city and experience world-class cuisine, inspired jazz, and boutique shopping in a place that is steeped in history. Whether it’s music, food, or the arts you love (or all of the above), you’ll want to join in as New Orleans lets its hair down and declares, “laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll)!

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel is located in the heart of this exhilarating city, with a spectacular riverfront New Orleans location. The hotel is connected to the Riverwalk outlets in New Orleans’ central business district, and is just a block away from Harrah’s Casino. Plus, the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Aquarium of the Americas are located nearby!

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside provides an unparalleled escape–dine at one of their six restaurants, enjoy spectacular views of the Mississippi River and New Orleans skyline, or take a short walk to the beautiful French Quarter or always exciting Bourbon Street. There is no better place to stay in New Orleans than the Hilton. 

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it in New Orleans, at our 38th Annual Fall Conference on High Risk Obstetrics.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, LODGING & TRAVEL INFORMATION

Enrollment for this conference is limited in order to provide the best possible learning environment. Early registration is advised.

You can register in the following ways:

Online via our website, www.symposiamedicus.org; OR

Call (925) 969-1789 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm (Pacific Time), with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover; OR

By mail; make check payable to Symposia Medicus and send along with registration form to: 399 Taylor Blvd, Suite 102, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-2287

Please visit www.symposiamedicus.org or call (925) 969-1789 for additional questions or information

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION

TUITION: EARLY
If postmarked by
July 25, 2024
REGULAR
If postmarked after
July 25, 2024
Physicians $895 $995
Nurses, PAs, & All Others $795 $895

Discounts are available for retired healthcare providers, active U.S. military, residents, and groups of three or more. For more information, please contact Symposia Medicus prior to registering.

Tuition includes continuing education, online access to educational session materials, continental breakfast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, and break refreshments for conference registrants

Conference registration will be confirmed via email

CONFERENCE LODGING INFORMATION

Symposia Medicus has conference group rates at Hilton New Orleans Riverside, located in the heart of New Orleans.

This special rate will only be available until Sunday, September 8, 2024 and will only be available after that date on a space and rate available basis. We recommend you reserve your lodging as soon as possible, as rooms at the conference group rates are limited and on a first come, first served basis. Rooms may sell out and/or room rates may increase prior to the release date.

Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Two Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 561-0500

To make your reservations please call 800-445-8667.
You must refer to the group code HRC to receive conference group rates.

To make your reservations online, please visit https://book.passkey.com/e/50731187

Please note the website may show your room rate as an average, based on the number of nights reserved.

The conference group rate will also be available three days before and three days after the conference (based on availability) if you wish to extend your stay in New Orleans.

Room Type Group Rates
(Single/Double Occupancy)
Description
Standard Room $279 Rooms are approximately 320 sq. ft. and feature a king or two queen beds, hairdryer, coffeemaker, LCD TV, iron/ironing board, mini-fridge, and safe. Basic wireless internet is also included during your stay.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Hotel Policies

A deposit equal to one night’s room and tax is due to the hotel with major credit card upon making your reservation

Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
- 14.45% Sales Tax
- 1.75% Statutory Tourism Support Assessment
- $3.00 Occupancy Tax

Mandatory additional occupant charge is $30 per person, per night

Rollaway beds and cribs are available on a complimentary basis (subject to availability and change)

Check-in time is 4:00pm and check-out time is 11:00am. An early departure fee of $125 will be charged to those who check-out earlier than their reserved departure date. Please advise the hotel prior to or during check-in if you have a change to your length of stay.

Credit/Debit Card Policy: Upon check-in, the hotel requires a credit card or debit card to ensure that funds are available. Holds are placed on your account for your entire stay, plus estimated incidentals; however, the amount may be immediately deducted from your account. The length of time for which these holds remain on your credit or debit account varies from bank to bank.

Parking: Self-parking is discounted 50% from $44 per night to $22 per night for conference attendees. Valet parking is $49 per night (subject to change).

Hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel at least 72 hours prior to your confirmed arrival
date or you will be charged a cancellation fee equal to one night’s deposit and tax

Cancellation Policies

Conference cancellations must be made in writing (via email) to Symposia Medicus and a refund, less a 10% processing fee, will be given. No refunds will be made if cancellation is received after August 29, 2024; however, tuition, less a 10% processing fee, may be applied to a future Symposia Medicus conference.

All cancellations must be emailed to registrar@symposiamedicus.org by the date stated above.

In the unlikely event of conference cancellation by Symposia Medicus, full tuition refunds will be made.
Symposia Medicus will not be responsible for refunding travel or any other expenses.

AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION

You will fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), which is approximately 30 minutes from Hilton New Orleans Riverside. For information on ground transportation, please visit our website.

Symposia Medicus has arranged for discount fares with Alaska, Delta, and United Airlines for this conference. Reservations can be made either through your travel agency or through the airlines at the website or Convention Desk numbers listed below.

In order to receive the discounted rate, you or your travel agent must refer to the Symposia Medicus Group ID number listed here.

Alaska Airlines For discounts on Alaska Airlines flights, please book online at www.alaskaair.com and click on the link “Use Discount Code” located at the bottom of the “Book Flights” box. Once you click on this link, another page will appear. On this page, you will need to insert ECMK303 in the “Discount Code” box, located at the right hand side of the page.
Delta Airlines For discounts on Delta Airlines, please visit www.delta.com, enter in your travel plans and then click on the “Advanced Search” link located below the “Passenger” box. Once you click on this link, a panel will appear and you will need to insert NY35Z in the “Meeting Code” box. For questions, please call the Delta Airlines Convention Desk at (800) 328-1111.
United Airlines For discounts on United Airlines, please visit www.united.com and click on Advanced Search, located on the bottom left corner of the “Book Travel” box. Once you click on this link, another page will appear. At the bottom of this page, you will insert ZNQA939938 in the “Promotions and Certificates” box at the end of the page. For questions, please call the United Airlines Convention Desk at (800) 426-1122.

CAR RENTAL DISCOUNT

For conference discounts, Symposia Medicus has made arrangements with AVIS and Budget Car Rentals. Reservations can be made online or by phone; please refer to the conference code and the conference/airport location when making your reservations. Please see below:

AVIS www.avis.com 800-331-1600 AWD # B766625
Budget www.budget.com 800-772-3773 BCD # U076767