CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Our 6^th Annual Fall Conference on Clinical Updates in Pediatrics is designed for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals involved in the care of pediatric patients. Our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based advancements in pediatrics, 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, case studies, and small group breakouts. Following a group of lectures, the question and answer sessions allow attendees to ask the faculty critical and challenging questions about caring for pediatric patients.

The breakout sessions, designed to facilitate even greater interaction between faculty and participants, offer an opportunity to engage in group discussions on subjects relating to your particular area of interest. Please indicate your breakout session topic choices on the conference registration form in this brochure. Space is limited, so please reserve early.
 

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

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

• Address common misconceptions and fears about vaccines with parents
• Properly utilize x-rays and MRI studies for a pediatric patient who presents with an acute sports injury
• Develop management plans to achieve and maintain good asthma control
• Identify characteristics of the normal cardiovascular physical examination in toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents, including the finding of an innocent heart murmur
• Recognize pitfalls in and recommend best treatment options for common infections and infestations in children

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 this website (unless otherwise directed) 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

Conference registration will be confirmed via email

Please call (925) 969-1789 for additional questions or information.
 

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.

AAP
This continuing medical education activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is acceptable for a maximum of 18 AAP credits. These credits can be applied toward the AAP CME/CPD Award available to Fellows and Candidate Members of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

AAFP
The AAFP has reviewed 6th Annual Fall Conference on Clinical Updates in Pediatrics and deemed it acceptable for up to 18.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from 10/21/2026 to 10/24/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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

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. PAs 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 2 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.

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.

CONFERENCE LODGING INFORMATION

Conference group rates have been arranged at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef (the conference hotel) and Morningstar Buoy Haus at Frenchman’s Reef, Autograph Collection.

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.
 

GROUP RATES STATED BELOW INCLUDE DAILY BUFFET BREAKFAST FOR TWO PEOPLE FOR ALL DAYS OF THE RESERVATION
 

THE WESTIN BEACH RESORT & SPA AT FRENCHMAN’S REEF

Garden View (Single/Double) - $399/night
Enjoy views of the resort, gardens, and tropical foliage. Each room offers a king bed or two queen beds. Room does not have a balcony. All rooms come equipped with a clothing steamer (iron/ironing board available upon request), hair dryer, coffee maker, and in-room safe along with a bath/shower combination or shower. Handicap and accessible rooms are not offered in this category.

Partial Ocean View (Single/Double) - $438/night
Enjoy partial views of the ocean. Each room offers a king bed or two queen beds. Relax on the patio or balcony. All rooms come equipped with a clothing steamer (iron/ironing board available upon request), hair dryer, coffee maker, and in-room safe along with a shower or bath/shower combination.

Ocean View (Single/Double) - $488/night
Enjoy full ocean views. Each room offers a king bed or two queen beds. Relax on the patio or balcony. All rooms come equipped with a clothing steamer (iron/ironing board available upon request), coffee maker, and in-room safe along with a shower or bath/shower combination.
 

MORNINGSTAR BUOY HAUS AT FRENCHMAN’S REEF

Garden View* (Single/Double) - $690/night
Enjoy views of the resort, gardens, and tropical foliage. Each room offers a king bed. Room does have a balcony or patio. All rooms come equipped with a clothing steamer (iron/ironing board available upon request), hair dryer, coffee maker, and in-room safe along with a bath/shower combination or shower.

Ocean Front* (Single/Double) - $899/night
Enjoy full ocean views. Each room offers a king bed. Relax on the patio or balcony. All rooms come equipped with a clothing steamer (iron/ironing board available upon request), hair dryer, coffee maker, and in-room safe along with a bath/shower combination or shower.
 

By booking your lodging with Symposia Medicus, the Resort Fee is discounted to $45 per room, per night (normally $75 per room/per night at The Westin and $85 per room/per night at Morningstar Buoy Haus).

The Resort Fee includes: enhanced Wi-Fi, non-motorized watersports, beach chairs & umbrellas, snorkeling gear & pool toys, paddle board lessons, yoga & Pilates classes, local & long-distance phone calls, and in-room refillable water bottles. Please note items are subject to change prior to group arrival.

*Units at Morningstar Buoy Haus are VERY limited; please call Symposia Medicus for availability at (925) 969-1789

• Changes to reservations, regardless of reason, made within 25 days of arrival (including changes made onsite at the conference hotel) will be charged the total original reserved stay. If changes are made before 25 days, no penalty will be assessed. Please notify Symposia Medicus of any changes.
   
  
• Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
  - 12.5% State & Local Taxes
  - 2.5% State Cost Recovery Fee
  - $45 Resort Fee (discounted from $75 and $85)
   
  
• Suggested porterage & housekeeping gratuities are up to individual discretion (not mandatory):
  - $6 per room, per day housekeeping gratuity is suggested
  - $12 per person, roundtrip porterage (bellman) gratuity is suggested
   
  
• Maximum guestroom occupancy is four, regardless of age (no exceptions)
   
  
• Mandatory additional occupant charge (18 years & over) is $36 per person, per night at The Westin and $50 per person, per night at Morningstar Buoy Haus; children 17 years & under are complimentary with an adult in the room
   
  
• Mandatory additional breakfast charges are $20 for children 4-15 years old and complimentary for children 3 & under at The Westin, and $34 per person, per day (over 2 people in the room), regardless of age at Morningstar Buoy Haus
   
  
• Rollaway beds are not available at either hotel; however, cribs (pack-n-plays) can be rented for $20 per day (based on availability and subject to change)
   
  
• 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 requires a credit or debit card to ensure that funds are available. Holds are placed on your account for your entire stay; 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: Valet parking is $35 per night; self-parking is not available at either resort

• 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 September 16, 2026; 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 August 19, 2026. Between August 20, 2026 and September 16, 2026, one night’s deposit is forfeited. After September 16, 2026, 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.

Each registrant will have online access to the educational session materials on our conference webpage. The educational session materials will 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.

AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION

You will fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT), which is approximately 20 minutes from The Westin (and Morningstar Buoy Haus) at Frenchman’s Reef. Information on ground transportation will be sent to registrants and available online at our website.

Symposia Medicus has arranged for discount fares with 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 below.
 

Delta Airlines
For discounts on Delta Airlines, please visit http://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 NY42K 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 http://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 ZR7P576699 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.
 

CONFERENCE LOCATION

The U.S. Virgin Islands are blessed with powder-soft sand beaches and sun-drenched weather. Because of its location, The Westin is the perfect place to soak up brilliant Caribbean sunsets.

St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of the Virgin Islands. The scenic and historic capital city, Charlotte Amalie, has been the center of international trade since the 1600s. Its deep-water harbor, once teeming with four-masted trading ships, now plays host to visiting cruise ships and a fleet of sailboats and power yachts. It’s also the duty-free shopping mecca of the Caribbean.

Our conference resort, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, offers a thoughtfully-crafted Virgin Islands experience with everything you need to enjoy your stay. Rest well in plush bedding with scenic views and locally-inspired décor. Savor Caribbean cuisine in an outdoor setting at Isla Blue and unwind with drinks by the ocean at Sugarfin. Enjoy the resort’s outdoor pool and fitness center. Relax, renew, and refresh with facials, massages, and more in their full-service spa.

Explore St. Thomas during your visit to Charlotte Amalie, Coral World Ocean Park, and more attractions near the resort. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it on St. Thomas, at our 6^th Annual Fall Conference on Clinical Updates in Pediatrics.

HOTEL INFORMATION

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef
5 Estate Bakkeroe, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Phone: 340-249-0100

• Hotel's Website
• Dining
• Experiences
   
  

CONFERENCE CHECK-IN

Although you are already registered, you will need to check-in to get your badge.

Date – Wednesday, October 21
Location – Harbor Foyer, located on the third floor of the main building
Time – Begins at 7:00am
 

CONFERENCE BREAKFAST

Those who have reserved a room at the Westin through Symposia Medicus will receive daily buffet breakfast for two guests. Additional occupant charge (16 years & older) is $36 per person, per day and includes daily buffet breakfast. Children’s breakfast (ages 15-4 years old) will be $20 per child, per day; children 3 years and under are complimentary.

If you are not staying at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman's Reef OR did not book your lodging through Symposia Medicus hotel and would like to have breakfast, please notify the Symposia Medicus staff when you check in for the conference. A breakfast ticket will be given to you. Breakfast tickets are for conference participants only and can only be used on the mornings we are in conference (Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday).
 

GENERAL SESSIONS

Main Room Location – Harbor Ballroom, located on the third floor of the main building
Time – Begins at 8:00am on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday

If you are departing on Saturday, please keep in mind that the conference ends at approximately 1:15pm and hotel check-out is at 11:00am. You can store your luggage with the hotel while we are still in session.
 

GROUP RECEPTION

Please join us for this fun event, as it is a great way to become better acquainted with faculty, other participants, and their guests.

Date – Wednesday, October 21
Time – Begins at 5:30pm and concludes at 6:30pm
Location – Sea Cliff Terrace, located on the fourth floor of the main building
 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

The name of your breakout that you have pre-selected will be printed on your badge.

Time – Begins at 3:00pm & 4:45pm on Friday, October 23
 

BREAKOUTS

Asthma Paraphernalia: Office Spirometry & Inhalation Devices
John M. Kelso, MD
Harbor 1

Cases in Pediatric Cardiology: You Make the Diagnosis
William Lutin, MD, PhD
Harbor 2

Physical Examination of the Knee, Ankle, and Shoulder
Heidi Combs, MD, MS
Harbor 3

Social Media Use: Pediatric & Adolescent Well-Being
Cora Collette Breuner, MD, MPH
Harbor 4

QUESTION & ANSWER / GROUP DISCUSSION SESSIONS

During our meeting sessions, following a series of lectures, there is a Question and Answer/Group Discussion session. Please write down any questions or comments for the faculty on the yellow question cards placed in participant badge. These cards are collected and given to the appropriate speaker for response during these sessions.
 

MEETING ROOM COURTESY

As a courtesy to all, please place your electronic communication devices on “vibrate,” or “silent.” Also, in consideration to others, children and spouses are not permitted in the meeting rooms.
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Internet Access – Wireless internet access is complimentary in the meeting rooms.

Participant Photos – We sometimes take photographs of our participants during conference sessions/activities (never pool pictures) to use in future brochures and on our website. If you would NOT like to appear in any individual or group candid photos, please notify the Conference Director.

Clothing – Formal attire is not required anywhere in the hotel or during our conference. We suggest you bring a sweater or jacket to wear during our meeting sessions, as meeting rooms are sometimes cool.

Recording – Participants, speakers, etc. must receive prior approval from Symposia Medicus to record lectures or any other educational sessions. For more information and/or questions, please e-mail us at info@symposiamedicus.org.

Temperatures – The temperatures in St. Thomas in October usually range from the high 80’s during the day to the high 70’s during the evening

Time Zone – St. Thomas is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone

General Travel Safety Suggestions – https://symedblog.org/travelsafety/

Take Our Survey – Be entered to win an Amazon gift card at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/symedsurvey25
 

QUESTIONS?
Email us at info@symposiamedicus.org.