“The speakers were interesting, and the topics were appropriate and applicable to my practice. I highly recommend this course.”
– Tracy V.

“Symposia Medicus conferences are well-organized and their staff are very helpful. Half-day courses are more effective at maintaining participants’ attention and attendance.”
– Ilene O.

“Very reasonably priced, pertinent lecture topics, and great lecturers. Good variety of locations and conference topics.”
– Kelly P.

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 11th 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-related situations.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

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

Develop sensitive and effective plans for addressing sexual health issues in patients undergoing or recovering from breast cancer

Improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies for common vulvar conditions in children and adolescents

Use a structured communication framework, like the PLISSIT model, to address sexual health in diverse clinical settings

Discuss and differentiate the primary categories of female sexual dysfunction and explore tailored management options

Evaluate how pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal laxity influence sexual function and guide patients through treatment and decision-making processes

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 6 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 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. Visit General Travel Safety Suggestions for more information.

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

Barb Dehn, WHNP-BC, FAANP, MSCP
NurseBarb.com
Health reporter NBC’s California Live
Mountain View, California

Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
Conference Co-Chair

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

Jan Shepherd, MD, FACOG
Conference Co-Chair

Associate Clinical Professor
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Medical Director
Women’s Wellness Connection
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
Denver, Colorado

Joanna Stacey, MD
Vice Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Baylor Scott & White Memorial
Division Director, Gynecology
Associate Clinical Professor of OB/GYN
Baylor College of Medicine
Associate Clinical Professor of OB/GYN
Texas A&M College of Medicine
Temple, Texas

Christine Vaccaro, DO, FACOG
Urogynecology & Sexual Medicine
Associate Professor of Gynecologic Surgery & Obstetrics
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Medical Offices of Rachel Rubin, MD
Bethesda, Maryland

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 6

7:00am Registration & Check-In
During Continental Breakfast
8:00 Welcome & Introduction
Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH & Jan Shepherd, MD
8:15 Sexual Healthcare 101: Taking a Sexual History, Physical Exam, and Treatment
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Barb Dehn, WHNP-BC, MSCP
9:00 STIs in Women: Current Management Guidelines
(Rx = 45 minutes)
Jan Shepherd, MD
9:45 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:15 Break
10:30 Estrogen and the Brain
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Jan Shepherd, MD
11:15 Update on Long-Acting Reversible Contraception & Sexuality Impacts
(Rx = 40 minutes)
Joanna Stacey, MD
Noon The Lifecycle of Libido: A Deep Dive
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Barb Dehn, WHNP-BC, MSCP
12:45pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:30 Adjourn for the Day
5:30-6:30 Group Reception
Faculty, Participants, and Guests

Thursday, May 7

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 Case Studies in Sexuality
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
8:45 Adolescent Menstrual Issues: Regulation & Sexuality
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Joanna Stacey, MD
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break
10:15 My Partner Is Doing What?: Issues in Unconventional Sexuality
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
11:00 Female Sexual Dysfunction Dilemmas
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Jan Shepherd, MD
11:45 Texting, Sexting, and Vexing Internet Dilemmas
Joanna Stacey, MD
12:30pm Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
1:15 Adjourn for the Day

Friday, May 8

3:00pm Sexual Longevity
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Michael Krychman, MDCM, MPH
3:45 Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Sexual Complaints: Moisturizers, Lubricants, Dilators, Toys… Oh My!
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Barb Dehn, WHNP-BC, MSCP
4:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
5:00 Break
5:15 Case Studies in Sexual Healthcare
Faculty Panel
6:00 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
6:15 Adjourn for the Day

Saturday, May 9

7:30am Continental Breakfast
8:00 Hormone Therapy for Menopause & Perimenopause
(Rx = 45 minutes)
Jan Shepherd, MD
8:45 Testosterone Replacement for Women
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Christine Vaccaro, DO
9:30 Questions & Answers
Group Discussion

Faculty Panel & Audience
10:00 Break (hotel check-out, if applicable)
10:15 Urogynecological Surgery & Sexual Function
Christine Vaccaro, DO
11:00 All Things Vulvar: Adult & Pediatric Issues Including Lichen Sclerosus
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Joanna Stacey, MD
11:45 Stress Urinary Incontinence: Treatment & Sexual Function
Christine Vaccaro, DO
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

Marco Island is the largest of Florida’s famous 10,000 islands on the southeast coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It is graced with miles of white-sand beaches, beautiful weather, sumptuous restaurants, illustrious shopping, and engaging entertainment. Recreational activities, ranging from boating and fishing to golf and tennis, are set amid the stunning subtropical beauty that is unique to southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa is in the premiere location for fun and relaxation. Guest rooms at the Hilton feature private, furnished balconies overlooking lush, tropical landscaping or the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The resort is host to a multitude of recreational activities—whether you want to relax by the pool or on the white-sand beach or take part in sailing, parasailing, kayaking, or unique Eco Tour and shelling excursions, the options are unlimited.

Enjoy a rejuvenating spa day and visit The Spa at Marco Island, offering serenity and wellness inspired by the exotic cultures of the Mediterranean. Taste fresh, local flavors at the completely reimagined signature restaurant, The Deck at 560. At The Bar at 560, you’ll find craft cocktails made with fresh Florida citrus juices and draft brews from local breweries. These are best enjoyed at the pool by the fire pits or looking out over the serene gulf. The Marco Walk Plaza is directly across from the resort, featuring a great variety of shops and restaurants, plus a movie theater.

Just a short drive away is Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Tour the park with a ranger, photograph birds, take an afternoon hike, spot alligators bathing in the sun, or canoe through the mangroves!

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it on Marco Island, at our 11th 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 25, 2026
REGULAR
If postmarked after
February 25, 2026
register now
Physicians $990 $1,240
Nurses, PAs, & All Others $890 $1,140

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, 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 Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & 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
(Single/Double)
Description
Partial Ocean View $399/night Rooms vary by view only; all feature a furnished balcony, luxurious Hilton Serenity bed(s) with LED lighting for bedside reading, 55” LCD flat panel TV, Cuisinart single-cup coffeemaker, sofa bed, in-room safe, refrigerator, and work desk with a digital panel that allows guests to connect and charge several devices at once. The bathroom features a separate granite vanity area, Peter Thomas Roth bath amenities, and a bathtub with deluxe showerhead.
Ocean View $432/night
Deluxe Ocean View $455/night
The Resort Fee of $40 per room, per night has been DISCOUNTED to $35 per room, per night. The Resort Fee includes the following and is subject to change: complimentary guest room and conference space high-speed internet, two bottles of water (replenished daily), two beach chairs & towels, 10% discount off spa retail, 10% off non-motorized beach equipment, in-room coffee & tea, and 1-800 and local phone calls. Conference group rates also include unlimited fitness center admission.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Hotel Policies

Above conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
- 12% state & local taxes
- $35 resort fee (discounted from $40)

Gratuities of $5 per person for bellman and $4 per room, per day for housekeeping are at the guest’s discretion

Maximum guestroom occupancy is four, regardless of age

Children 12 years & under are complimentary in room with adults (not to exceed stated maximum occupancy)

Mandatory additional occupant charge for third and fourth guests (13 years & over) is $20 per person, per night

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

Cribs are complimentary & rollaway beds are not available (based on availability & 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.

Early Departure Fee: An early check-out fee of $100 is applicable to any guests who check out of the hotel before their stated departure date. Departure needs to be confirmed at check-in.

Credit/Debit Card Policy: Upon check-in, the hotel will require a credit card and will place a hold for your room and tax plus $125/day for 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 pre-paid your stay). As you charge more to your room, the hold with increase. The length of time for which these holds remain on your credit or debit account varies from bank to bank.

Parking: Self-parking, normally $38/day, is discounted to $32/day for conference guests. Valet parking is
available at $38 per day.

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 1, 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 March 4, 2026. Between March 5, 2026 and April 1, 2026, one
night’s deposit is forfeited. After April 1, 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.

AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION

The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa is located 30 minutes from Naples Airport (APF) and 45 minutes from Ft. Myers/Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and is served by most major airlines. Miami (MIA) and Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) International Airports are 90 minutes away. For information on ground transportation, please visit 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 here.

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 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 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.

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