“Symposia Medicus offers good-quality scientific information that is expertly and easily conveyed. These meetings are also affordable and accessible.”
– Alberto D.B.

“This was my 13th conference with Symposia Medicus and 2nd on Sexual Healthcare with them. Excellent topics, speakers, and locations keep me coming back!”
– Zoryana T.

“These conferences always have great presenters with thorough information!”
– Annie L.

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

A dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon, sexual health is closely linked to our overall health and quality of life. At the crux of our overall well-being, sexual health can affect many aspects of life including intimacy, reproductive health, disease prevention, clinical care, policy, advocacy, health equality, and the social determinants of health. Determining the etiology of sexual complaints is often a complex process. As such, healthcare providers must operate as cautious detectives, exploring medical, psychological, and even environmental issues.

Designed for physicians, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals, our 10th Annual Conference on Challenges in Sexual Healthcare takes place over the course of four days. Covering a wide array of topics, our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based advancements and innovations in sexual healthcare, present emerging clinical data, and provide skills and strategies for application and implementation into your practice. As you collaborate with your fellow healthcare providers, this course will allow you to share information and participate in insightful conversations about supporting and sustaining healthy sexuality. 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 sexual healthcare situations.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

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

Explain the underlying mechanisms of endometriosis and its common symptoms with an emphasis on how these symptoms can specifically impact sexual desire and function

Identify common medications used in sexual medicine to enhance sexual function and promote sexual wellness in older patients

Utilize practical strategies to deliver healthcare that respects and affirms the identities and experiences of LGBTQIA+ patients, including the use of inclusive language, understanding gender and sexual diversity, and creating a welcoming clinical environment

Outline therapeutic options from lifestyle changes to over-the-counter medications to prescription drugs (non-hormonal and hormonal) for each of the manifestations of perimenopause and menopause

Discuss the impact of breast cancer on sexuality and address these impacts with your patients

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 18 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
Application has been made with the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) for cognates, Formal Learning. Please check our website for updated credit information.

AAFP
Application for CME credit has been filed with the
American Academy of Family Physicians. Determination of credit is pending. Please check our website for updated credit information.

ACP
The American College of Physicians (ACP) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

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 18 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Nurse Practitioners/Nurses
The ANCC contact hours awarded for completion of this conference are 18.

Provider is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP2335, for 21.6 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 4 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 the educational session materials on our conference webpage. The educational session materials will also be available for download approximately one week prior to the conference. You will 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. It is important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations. For General Travel Safety Suggestions, visit https://symedblog.org/general-travel-safety-suggestions/.

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

John Kirk, MD, FACOG
Practicing Physician
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery
Sutter Health
Sutter Coast Community Clinic
Crescent City, California

Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
Conference Co-Chair

Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health & Survivorship Medicine
Clinical Health Professor
University of California Irvine Health
AASECT Certified Sexual Counselor
Newport Beach, California

Nisha McKenzie, PA-C, CSC, NCMP, IF
CEO & Founder
Women’s+ Health Collective
Affiliate Clinical Faculty
Grand Valley State University PA Program
Teaching Faculty
University of Michigan
Sexual Health Certificate Program
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Anita Nelson, MD
Conference Co-Chair

Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, California
Professor Emeritus
Obstetrics & Gynecology
David Geffen School of Medicine
at UCLA
Los Angeles, California

Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, FACOG
Gynecologist & Women’s Health
Former Chief Medical Officer
Verywell Health
Founder & CEO
Sanctum Med + Wellness
Baylor University Medical Center
Dallas, Texas

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
In accordance with ACCME and ANCC guidelines, Symposia Medicus maintains a policy to ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all educational activities. Prior to the planning of this educational activity, all individuals in control of content disclosed all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the past 24 months. Symposia Medicus will mitigate any and all relevant financial relationships before the conference begins. 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

Wednesday, May 7

7:00am Registration & Check-In
During Continental Breakfast
8:00 Welcome & Introduction
Anita Nelson, MD
8:15 The Psychology of Pleasure & Its Effects on Sexual Intimacy
Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA
9:00 Impacts of Endometriosis Treatment on Sexual Function
(Rx = 15 minutes)
John Kirk, MD
9:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:15 Break
10:30 Healing With Pride: Integrating LGBTQIA+ Perspectives in Healthcare
Nisha McKenzie, PA-C
11:15 HPV: Vaccine, Disease Burden, STI Issues, and Counseling
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Anita Nelson, MD
Noon Breast Cancer & Sexuality
Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA
12:45pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:30 Adjourn for the Day
5:30-6:30 Wine & Cheese Reception
(Faculty, Participants, and Guests)

Thursday, May 8

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 Highlights of Lifecycle Sexuality: A Focus on Chronic Illnesses
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
8:45 Robotic Gynecologic Surgery & Its Impact on Sexual Function
(Rx = 5 minutes)
John Kirk, MD
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break
10:15 Sex & Pelvic Pain: Gynecologic Conditions
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA

11:00

Silent Struggles: Understanding & Managing Sexual Pain in Women
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Nisha McKenzie, PA-C
11:45 Sextech & Femtech: Unveiling the Sexual Revolution Through Technology
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Adjourn for the Day

Friday, May 9

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 A Recipe for Sexual Longevity in the Face of Andropause & Menopause
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
8:45 Practical Treatments of Perimenopause & Menopause
(Rx = 30 minutes)
Anita Nelson, MD
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break
10:15 Case Studies in Sexual Healthcare: Stump the Professor
Faculty Panel
11:00 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
11:15 Adjourn for the Day

Saturday, May 10

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 What’s New in Contraception & What Are the Sexuality Impacts?
(Rx = 35 minutes)
Anita Nelson, MD
8:45 Urinary Incontinence & Its Impact on Sexual Function
(Rx = 15 minutes)
John Kirk, MD
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break (hotel check-out, if applicable)
10:15 Everything Libido & Testosterone
(Rx = 30 minutes)
Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
11:00 Beyond the Diagnosis: Cultivating Trauma-Informed Practices in Medical Care
Nisha McKenzie, PA-C
11:45 Compulsive & Internet Sexuality: Issues & Answers
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Conference Adjourns

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

CONFERENCE LOCATION

California’s wine country offers scenic countryside views, great wines, and superb restaurants. With over 450 wineries offering a variety of wines for all tastes, it’s no wonder that the Napa Valley is considered the heart of the American wine industry. Located approximately 60 miles north of San Francisco, there is much more to Napa than just its grapes—you can also enjoy hot-air ballooning, horseback riding, mountain biking, or golfing.

Find incredible discounts on your favorite brand names at the Napa Premium Outlets or visit Old Town Napa for unique shopping. Visit the recently restored Napa Valley Opera House for headliners from jazz to country music. Although wine comes to mind when thinking of the Napa Valley, the food in this region is equally as tantalizing with world-renowned restaurants in the area such as The French Laundry, Bottega, and Morimoto.

There is so much to do in this abundant valley. But if the Napa Valley isn’t enough to keep your interest, San Francisco, with Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the city’s famous cable cars, is just an hour away—or the kid inside you will love the excitement of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom located just 20 minutes away, or Safari West wildlife preserve just 45 minutes away.

The Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa combines modern convenience with traditional comfort. If you are looking for a refreshing escape, just head over to the hotel’s all new resort-style pool and courtyard. They’ll provide the towels, sunscreen, lounge chairs, and umbrellas—all you have to do is relax and enjoy every moment.

Sip on specialty cocktails or your favorite Napa Valley wines complemented by creative small bites from Little Summer’s innovative kitchen, the hotel’s indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar. Start the day with morning yoga sessions on the pool deck, or just unwind with a cocktail on the pool patio under a gorgeous California sunset after a long day spent touring vineyards or teeing off on Napa’s famous golf courses!

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it in Napa, at our 10th Annual Conference on Challenges in Sexual Healthcare.

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 and receive conference lodging group rates 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
February 26, 2025
REGULAR
If postmarked after
February 26, 2025
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 the educational session materials on our conference webpage, continental breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, and break refreshments for conference registrants. Tuition also includes a group reception for faculty, registrants, and their guests.

Conference registration will be confirmed via email

CONFERENCE LODGING INFORMATION

Conference group rates have been arranged at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa. Rooms at our group rates are limited and on a first come, first served basis. PLEASE RESERVE EARLY as rooms may sell out and/or room rates may increase. If you wish to extend your stay, group rates may be available three days before and three days after the conference.

Two nights’ deposit (room rate only) must accompany your reservation. The balance of your lodging, hotel fees as stated below, and all incidental charges are due to the hotel. The hotel accepts most major credit cards.

Type of Room Group Rates Description
Run-of-House Room
(view of perimeter and exterior of hotel)
$334/night

All rooms are non-smoking and approximately 375 sq. ft. and feature either one king bed or two double beds. Rooms also include air conditioning, deluxe bedding, luxurious bathrobes, spa-quality bath essentials, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers with complimentary coffee, flat screen TVs with plug-in high-tech panel, premium movie
channels, and pay-per-view movie access.

Due to strict fire codes, rollaway beds and cribs are not permitted in a room with two beds. Only one rollaway or crib is permitted in a room with a king bed.

Garden View Room
(view of hotel’s courtyard)
$364/night

Patio Room With M-Club Access
(view of hotel’s courtyard)

M-Club access includes complimentary continental breakfast, daily midday snacks, hors d’oeuvres and dessert, non-alcoholic beverages, and business services.

$384/night
By reserving your lodging with Symposia Medicus, the Destination Fee of $20 per room, per night is waived. The fee includes: coffee/tea in the lobby, purified water stations throughout the hotel, daily yoga class, complimentary fitness center access, one-hour complimentary electric bike rental (per stay, per guest), daily homemade s’mores kits, nightly wine hour with local wineries, and wireless high-speed internet access. Inclusions are subject to change.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Hotel Policies

Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
- 12% tax
- 0.24% California Tourism Assessment Fee
- 3% Tourism Business Improvement District Assessment

Maximum guestroom occupancy is four people and cannot be exceeded due to fire codes

There is no additional charge for 3rd and 4th guests in room

Bed Type Requests: You can select one or two beds; however, requests cannot be guaranteed until check-in

Rollaways & Cribs: Rollaway beds and cribs are complimentary (based on availability and subject to change). Please note: Due to strict fire codes, rollaway beds and cribs are not permitted in a room with two beds. Only one rollaway or crib is permitted in a room with a king bed.

Check-in time is 4:00pm and check-out time is 11:00am. A late check-out can only be confirmed on the date of departure by the front desk. Late check-outs are based on availability and additional charges may apply.

Credit/Debit Card Policy: Upon check-in, the hotel will require a credit card and will place a hold for any estimated incidental charges during your stay. Please be aware that if you use a debit card instead of a credit card, the funds will be immediately removed from your account (even if you have prepaid your stay). The amount will be based on the average length of your stay, plus an estimate of incidental charges. These funds will not be released back into your account for up to 10 business days after you check out.

Early Departure Fee: Please notify Symposia Medicus of any changes to your scheduled departure date at least 30 days prior to your check-in date. Any changes made within 30 days of your arrival, including changes made at the conference hotel, may be charged the entire original length of stay.

Parking: Self-parking is complimentary; valet parking is not available at this hotel

Cancellation Policies

All cancellations must be emailed to registrar@symposiamedicus.org by the dates stated below

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 April 2, 2025; however, tuition, less a 10% processing fee, may be applied to a future Symposia Medicus conference.

Per our hotel contract, hotel reservation cancellations must be made in writing to Symposia Medicus and you will receive a full refund if emailed by March 5, 2025. Between March 6, 2025 and April 2, 2025, one night’s deposit is forfeited. After April 2, 2025, no hotel refunds can be made. 

In the unlikely event of conference cancellation by Symposia Medicus, full tuition and, if reservation was made with Symposia Medicus, hotel deposit refunds will be made. Symposia Medicus will not be responsible for refunding travel or any other expenses.

AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION

The closest airport to the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa is Oakland International Airport (OAK); however, lower fares can sometimes be found by flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), or San Jose International Airport (SJC). Oakland is approximately 50 miles from the hotel, while San Francisco and Sacramento are approximately 60 miles, and San Jose is approximately 85 miles. 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 ECMK720 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 NY3B8 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 ZPT8594284 in the “Promotions and Certificates” box at the end of the page. For questions, please call the United Airlines Group 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