Wednesday, November 5
10:00AM | Basic Laser EKG | Alan Heckman, DMSc, PA-C
Enhance your 12-lead EKG interpretation skills in this interactive workshop. Using laser pointers, participants will actively engage in the analysis and recognition of ischemia, conduction abnormalities, axis, and hypertrophy. This hands-on workshop will boost confidence and improve clinical decision-making for PAs in all specialties.
1:30PM | Disaster Operations Response for PAs | Alan Heckman, DMSc, PA-C
Prepare to respond effectively in disaster situations with this hands-on workshop. Through interactive case studies and simulations, participants will develop critical decision-making skills to operate within the incident command system and collaborate with emergency response teams. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to provide lifesaving care when it matters most.
3:30PM | Medical Spanish | Hoonani Cuadrado, MSPAS, PA-C
The reality for many physician assistants is that Spanish is the first language of a large percentage of the population served. Today’s PAs must adapt to meet the challenges that come with the growing demographic diversity in the health care population. Unsure of how to begin to learn medical Spanish? This introductory course will encourage beginners to incorporate Spanish into their medical practice and provide tips/resources for improving communication to Spanish speaking patients.
Thursday, November 6
7:00AM | Placement of Chest Tubes | TJ Berger, MS, PA-C, RPSGT
This dynamic and interactive workshop provides participants with a comprehensive review of all critical aspects related to chest tube management. Through a combination of in-depth instructional training, hands-on practice, and open discussion, attendees will gain practical skills and enhance their understanding of this essential medical procedure.
9:00AM | Beyond the Surface: The Depth of POCUS is your gain! | Patrick Heagey, MPAS, PA-C, Jordan Reed, MHS, PA-C
Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an essential part of a clinicians’ toolbox both from diagnostic and therapeutic perspective. Its utility has become the standard of care in many clinical settings in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This workshop aims to provide health care professionals and students alike with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the basic principles of ultrasound, and most importantly gain hands-on experience using POCUS through practical applications to enhance diagnostic accuracy and its utility for bedside procedures which can ultimately improve patient outcomes and access to care. Participants will engage in a short didactic curriculum followed by interactive demonstrations and practice sessions which will allow learners to gain confidence in the development of their own POCUS skill set and an a greater knowledge of its importance as an essential tool for rapid bedside use which can influence clinical decision making.
1:30PM | Ortho – Splinting | Sarah Atkins, PA-C
We will review common fracture patterns in all extremities. We will review common mechanisms of action for fracture patterns. Understanding the cause of injury can help understand the splinting application. We will practice splinting on each other. We will demonstrate appropriate technique and tips for improved comfort without compromising stability. We will review important physical exam components for fracture types to determine emergent findings. We will briefly discuss nutritional factors for healing.
3:30PM | What I Wish I Knew: Building a Sustainable Career in Medicine | Tracy Bingaman, MSPAS, PA-C
In this reflective workshop, Tracy Bingaman shares the lessons she learned the hard way, helping healthcare providers avoid common pitfalls and build careers they love. From setting boundaries to avoiding (or recovering from) burnout, this workshop will equip attendees (students, new graduates) with practical tips to sustain a long, rewarding career in medicine without sacrificing personal well-being.
Friday, November 7
7:00AM | Know Your Numbers: Tracking Productivity for Career Growth and Burnout Prevention | Tracy Bingaman, MSPAS, PA-C
This workshop will empower healthcare providers to recognize and demonstrate their value using data. Participants will learn actionable steps to track their productivity, align their metrics with employer priorities, and use these insights to improve compensation, patient care structures, schedules, and work-life balance. Attendees will leave equipped with tools to build sustainable systems for tracking, analyze their impact, and communicate their value to others effectively.
9:00AM | Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Clinical Practice and PA Education | Renee Hammoud
1:45PM | The Art of Suturing | Lisa Wetherhold, MS, PA-C, Matt Wetherhold, MS, PA-C
This hands-on workshop is designed for physician associates seeking to develop or refine their foundational suturing skills. Participants will be introduced to the principles of wound closure, including proper instrument selection, suture material choice, and basic closure techniques. Through guided practice on simulation models, attendees will learn and perform simple interrupted, running, and deep dermal sutures using appropriate aseptic and tissue-handling techniques. Whether preparing for surgical rotations, urgent care procedures, or closures in the OR, this session equips PAs with the practical skills necessary to perform effective and safe wound closure in a variety of clinical settings. Students welcome!