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“I love that the topics are relevant, the speakers keep my attention well, and the lecture times allow us to do things with our families.” – Cindy G. |
“Symposia Medicus conferences are very organized and engaging with great lectures and easy-to-follow presentations.”
– Bianca M. |
“An excellent combination of fun and learning. These conferences
are good to attend with family!”
– Kalpana K.
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CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION
Our 38th Annual Spring Conference on Pediatrics is designed for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals involved in the care of pediatric patients. Covering a wide array of topics, 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 patients during various pediatric situations.
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:
• Discuss appropriate techniques and pharmacologic management of patients requiring closed reduction for a fracture or joint dislocation
• Develop a treatment plan for autistic patients across the lifespan using available resources
• Recognize and provide appropriate use of antibiotics for children with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and pneumonia, including atypical organisms
• Perform appropriate testing for the obese child with elevated transaminases and possible right upper quadrant pain
• Identify pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for substance use disorders in adolescents
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
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™.
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 3.5 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 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
Additional information regarding tours, nearby attractions, and ground transportation will be available on our website, www.symposiamedicus.org, approximately two months prior to the conference. |

CONFERENCE FACULTY
Marianne Gausche-Hill, MD, FACEP, FAAP, FAEMS
Conference Co-Chair
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine & Pediatrics
David Geffen School of Medicine
Harbor UCLA Medical Center
Department of Emergency Medicine
Senior Investigator, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, California
Corey McBrayer, DO, MPH, CPPS
Board Certified in Adolescent, Addiction, Obesity Medicine, and Pediatrics
Assistant Professor
Department of Adolescent Medicine
Marshall Health
Huntington, West Virginia
Niraj C. Patel, MD, MS, FAAP
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Allergy & Immunology
Duke University Medical Center
Duke Children’s Hospital
Durham, North Carolina
Michelle Pietzak, MD
Conference Co-Chair
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
University of Southern California
Keck School of Medicine
Los Angeles, California
Joel Shulkin, MD, MPH, FAAP
Assistant Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Board-Certified
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Institute for Brain Protection Sciences
St. Petersburg, Florida
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.
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, April 7
| 7:00am |
Registration & Check-In
During Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00 |
Welcome & Introduction
Marianne Gausche-Hill, MD & Michelle Pietzak, MD |
| 8:15 |
Orthopedic Injuries in Children: Distinguishing Use From Misuse
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Marianne Gausche-Hill, MD |
| 9:00 |
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Diagnosis, Theory, and Treatment
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Joel Shulkin, MD, MPH |
| 9:45 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 10:15 |
Break |
| 10:30 |
The Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease and the Use of Probiotics
Michelle Pietzak, MD |
| 11:15 |
Smarter Prescribing: Practical Antibiotic Updates for Pediatric Providers
(Rx = 45 minutes)
Niraj C. Patel, MD, MS |
| Noon |
Adolescent Substance Use & Addiction Medicine
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Corey McBrayer, DO, MPH |
| 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, April 8
| 7:30am |
Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00 |
Management of Febrile Seizures: Fact or Fiction?
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Marianne Gausche-Hill, MD |
| 8:45 |
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: From Measles to Mayhem!
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Niraj C. Patel, MD, MS |
| 9:30 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 10:00 |
Break |
| 10:15 |
Non-Traumatic Orthopedic Emergencies
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Marianne Gausche-Hill, MD |
| 11:00 |
De-Labeling Antibiotic Allergy: What Every Pediatric Provider Should Know
(Rx = 30 minutes)
Niraj C. Patel, MD, MS |
| 11:45 |
Nicotine Use Disorders in Adolescents
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Corey McBrayer, DO, MPH |
| 12:30pm |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 1:15 |
Adjourn for the Day |
Friday, April 9
| 3:00pm |
Smaller Group Breakouts – Session One |
| • |
Is It Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy, or Gluten Intolerance? Why a Diagnosis Matters
Michelle Pietzak, MD |
| • |
Challenging Cases in Pediatrics: When Children Require Immediate Care
Marianne Gausche-Hill, MD |
| • |
The Roblox Generation: Is Screen Time Okay or Not?
Joel Shulkin, MD, MPH |
| • |
Caring for Transgender Youth
Corey McBrayer, DO, MPH |
| 4:30 |
Break |
| 4:45 |
Smaller Group Breakouts – Session Two
(Session One Topics Repeated) |
| 6:15 |
Adjourn for the Day |
Saturday, April 10
| 7:30am |
Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00 |
Eosinophilic Esophagitis: More Than Just an Allergy
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Michelle Pietzak, MD |
| 8:45 |
ADHD: Are We Over-Focused on Focus?
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Joel Shulkin, MD, MPH |
| 9:30 |
Questions & Answers
Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience |
| 10:00 |
Break (hotel check-out, if applicable) |
| 10:15 |
Gastrointestinal Complications of Pediatric Obesity
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Michelle Pietzak, MD |
| 11:00 |
Sick Again?! When to Suspect an Immunodeficiency
(Rx = 5 minutes)
Niraj C. Patel, MD, MS |
| 11:45 |
Toxic Stress & Child Development
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Joel Shulkin, MD, 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
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CONFERENCE LOCATION
Paradise Island, Bahamas, is located in one of the most beautiful areas in the world, blessed with enchanting beaches and a tropical climate.
The Atlantis Resort features Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park, including the iconic Mayan Temple’s Leap of Faith water slide, Lazy River, 11 incredible pools, five miles of magnificent beaches, a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole, oceanfront golf course, the Atlantis Casino, and the world’s largest open-air, marine habitat!
The resort, located on a white sand beach, also features a lagoon for snorkeling, a fitness center, and tennis courts. You can work out at the fitness center and then enjoy the saunas, massage treatments, and steam baths in the Mandara Spa.
Younger resort guests (ages 3-12) are invited to choose their own adventure within themed spaces designed specifically for their Atlantis imagination at AKA Kids Club, and teens (ages 13-17) can gather and hang out in their own 14,000 sq. ft. nightclub and internet lounge, CRUSH. The resort has several superb restaurants, lounges and entertainment venues, and a large shopping area with several specialty shops.
During conference breaks, you are sure to enjoy several outdoor activities like swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, sailing, golfing, or taking an exhilarating helicopter ride over the pristine blue waters of the Caribbean. Venture out of the resort and experience duty-free shopping, local art, live music, and festivals.
Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be sure to find it in the Bahamas, at our 38th Annual Spring Conference on Pediatrics.

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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 208, 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
January 27, 2027 |
REGULAR
If postmarked after
January 27, 2027 |
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| 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 Atlantis Resort. 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 (based on availability).
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
Both Towers are conveniently located near entertainment, including the casino, full service spa, nightclub, Dolphin Cay, pools, waterslides, and restaurants. |
Coral Tower
Run-of-House
(Terrace or water view) |
$378/night |
Each guest room is 253-297 sq. ft. and features one king-size or two queen-size beds and a full sit-out balcony overlooking the lush Atlantis landscape or the sparkling blue ocean waters, sitting area, flat-screen TV, shower/tub combination, safe, in-room coffee & tea, and mini bar. |
Coral Tower
Water View
(Ocean view) |
$398/night |
Royal Tower
Run-of-House
(Terrace, harbor, or water view) |
$458/night |
Each guest room is 400 sq. ft. and features one king-size or two queen-size beds, French step-out balconies with terrace, harbor, or water views, sitting area, flat-screen TV, shower/tub combination, safe, in-room coffee & tea, and mini-bar. |
| Royal Tower
Water View
(Ocean view) |
$478/night |
The Daily Resort Fee of $70 plus VAT taxes has been DISCOUNTED to $28 plus VAT taxes per night. The Resort Fee includes: two refillable water bottles, in-room coffee & tea, unlimited local phone calls, internet access in rooms and lobby areas (up to four devices per room), casino lessons, resort shuttle service (between the towers), access to Aquaventure water park, fitness center access for up to two people, per room (use of cardio studio, universal & free weights; all other facilities such as tennis, fitness classes, and personal trainer at an additional cost), and access to the Atlantis movie theater. Complimentary self and valet parking are also included when booking with Symposia Medicus.
Items listed are subject to change. |
Rooms may also be available in the Cove and Reef Towers; please call us for availability and rates. The resort is a cashless property. They accept room charges and credit cards only; a stay-wide hold is required upon arrival.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Hotel Policies
• Conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
• - 10% Value Added Tax (VAT)
• - 11.62% tourism development levy and promotion board levy (billed as PITDA & NPIPD)
• - Daily Resort Fee $28 plus 10% VAT tax (discounted from $70 plus tax)
• - $10 (per person, per night, 12 years & older) mandatory gratuity
• - $8 (per person, 12 years & older) one-time bellman gratuity
• Early Departure Fee: Please confirm your scheduled departure date with the hotel at check-in. An early departure fee equal to one night’s room and tax will be charged to any guest who checks out of the hotel before their confirmed departure date.
• Maximum guestroom occupancy is four, regardless of age (5th occupant allowed if 3 years or younger – no exceptions)
• Mandatory third and fourth additional occupant charge (12 years & over) is $50 per person, per night (plus taxes, fees, and gratuities as stated above)
• Children 11 years & under are complimentary – not to exceed stated maximum occupancy
• 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 and only allowed in rooms with a king bed (based on availability and subject to change)
• Check-in time is 4:00pm - Anyone arriving earlier than 4:00pm will be checked in as soon as rooms become available but are not guaranteed check-in prior to 4:00pm. Additional fees may be charged for early check-in, based on availability.
• Check-out time is 11:00am - Anyone checking out after 11:00am will be charged an automatic late check-out fee of $150. Late check-outs can only be confirmed by the front desk on the date of departure.
• 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 (including taxes, fees, anticipated use of facilities, and $150 per day for 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 and valet parking are complimentary for conference guests
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 March 3, 2027; 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 February 3, 2027. Between February 4, 2027 and March 3, 2027, one night’s deposit is forfeited. After March 3, 2027, no hotel refunds can be made.
• 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.
Travel Policies
• Registrants are strongly encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, travel delays, and other unexpected events. Symposia Medicus is not responsible for any costs incurred due to changes in travel plans or event modifications beyond our control.
AIR TRAVEL INFORMATION
You will fly into Nassau International Airport (NAS), which is approximately 10 miles from the Atlantis Resort. 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 NY4VF 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 ZSJ7339506 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. |
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