Free Primary Care CME

Primary care clinicians and endocrinologists play a critical role in identifying and managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) before it progresses. Results from a Med-IQ survey, however, revealed that approximately half of the respondents screen only 50% or fewer of their patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Patients with these conditions or other risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, or elevated liver enzymes, should be screened using noninvasive tools like FIB-4, transient elastography (FibroScan), ELF, or VCTE.

Although lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone of treatment, pharmacologic options such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, pioglitazone, and resmetirom may be appropriate based on individual risk profiles. Most patients can be effectively managed in primary care or endocrinology settings, with hepatology referral recommended for patients with a high risk of advanced fibrosis.

In this online, self-learning activity:

Since the discovery and development of vaccines, historical leaps have been made on public health, contributing to longevity and reduced burden of infectious diseases. Ever since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Expanded Program on Immunization in 1974, 154 million deaths from smallpox, tuberculosis, measles, and other infectious diseases have been avoided, especially in children under the age of 5. Between 2000 to 2019, immunization has expanded its reach in infectious targets and helped prevent about 37 million deaths from 10 vaccine-preventable deaths. Despite vaccines being a cost-effective method for reducing severe consequences of infection and high-cost treatments, vaccination rates have been decreasing amongst the general public, failing to meet national and global goals. The cause is multi-factorial and complex, requiring understanding in human behavior, internal biases, and external circumstances to explore how an individual navigates the process of deciding whether or not to be vaccinated.

In this accredited activity, expert faculty, Adjoa Anyane‐Yeboa, MD, MPH, and Ugo Iroku, MD, MHS, dive into the issue of healthcare disparities in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Healthcare disparities disproportionately affect minoritized and low-income groups, contributing to poor health outcomes. Patient-provider distrust, knowledge gaps, and lack of shared decision making contribute to health disparities in these patient groups and influence disease outcomes. It is critical for clinicians to understand the social determinants of health impacting IBD patient care and develop strategies to reduce disparities. In addition, implicit bias significantly affects clinician-patient interaction, as well as diagnosis and treatment decisions. Once clinicians are made aware of their implicit biases, they must work to overcome them and foster open communication with patients to reduce disparities and improve patient care.

Includes six online, self-learning activities: 

• Getting to what’s behind the itch: exploring the root causes and treatment strategies for atopic dermatitis – (1 hr CE) ACCME ACPE MOC 
• Tackling a sore subject: best practices in the identification and management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) – (1 hr CE) ACCME ACPE MOC
• A critical appraisal of present and emerging management approaches to moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults: going beyond skin-deep –  (1.25 hr CE) ACCME ACPE MOC
• Spotlight on actinic keratosis: updates in practice and treatment optimization – (1 hr CE) ACCME ACPE MOC
• Recognition and management of epidermolysis bullosa: what the clinician needs to know – (1 hr CE) ACCME ACPE MOC
• Present and novel approaches in the medical management of generalized pustular psoriasis: balancing out the therapeutic landscape  (1 hr CE) ACCME ACPE MOC

Target Audience: Physicians focusing on Allergy, Dermatology, Rheumatology

In this 1-hour presentation, Dr. Charles Vega discusses the science behind multicancer early detection (MCED) testing and explores the benefits and limitations of MCED tests available for clinical use and undergoing investigation in clinical trials. Faculty also share practical clinical information on integrating MCED testing in current workflows, including identifying patients who are appropriate candidates for MCED testing, addressing patient concerns, and interpreting results. A guide to discussing MCED testing with patients is also provided.

Target Audience: Neurologists

In this accredited CME/CNE activity, cardiologist Dr. Matthew Martinez reviews key considerations and updates in the diagnosis and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Specifically, he explores the disease burden and the dire consequences of undiagnosed HCM, the difficulty in diagnosing HCM including lack of symptoms or presence of nonspecific symptoms, best practices for ordering echocardiograms, and guideline recommendations for treatment, including mavacamten. The informational session also discusses communicating with patients and caregivers/families.

Early identification of atypical motor patterns is crucial for timely intervention and optimizing developmental outcomes in infants. A simple yet effective method for assessing these patterns involves observing the baby during a 30-second, 4-position exam. This examination includes careful observation of the infant in the following positions:

* Supine: Note posture, spontaneous movements, and interaction with the environment.

* Horizontal Suspension: Observe head control, trunk extension, and limb movements against gravity.

* Pull to Sit: Assess head lag, trunk activation, and ability to assist with the movement.

* Prone: Evaluate head lifting, weight-bearing through the arms, and early mobility attempts. Gain valuable insights and download resources through this complimentary CME/CE course

In this 1-hour (chapter-based) presentation, join a primary care practitioner and an obesity specialist as they navigate real-world conversations about weight management. Explore effective pharmacologic options and gain confidence in initiating weight loss discussions.

Activity Description / Statement of Need:
In this online, self-learning activity:

Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is an umbrella term for four types of acute porphyria, the most severe of which is acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). An estimated 80% of AHP cases are AIP, which is an inherited autosomal dominant condition that results from mutations of the third enzyme of heme synthesis, porphobilinogen deaminase. In the Western countries, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 2000 individuals are carriers of the relevant mutated genotype, although the majority have latent AIP and are clinically asymptomatic. Acute attacks occur in less than 10% of the at-risk population, reflecting the role of environmental factors, such as alcohol use, infections, and hormonal changes, among others. AHP symptoms are believed to be caused by ALAS1-mediated accumulation of ALA and PBG in the liver and bloodstream, leading to neurotoxicity.

Target Audience:
The following HCPs: hematologists and gastroenterologists; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists who practice in any of the aforementioned areas of specialties; and any other healthcare professionals with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with AHP.

Activity Description:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is an enzyme that plays a major role in a metabolic pathway integral to the production of ATP, and a deficiency in the enzyme (PKD) is one of the most common enzyme-related glycolytic defects in a pathway integral to the production of ATP. It is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait and is caused by mutations in the PKLR gene on chromosome 1, and over one hundred eighty of these mutations have been associated with PKD. While PKD affects approximately five people of European descent per 100,000 (data in other patient populations are lacking), it is one of the more frequent causes of chronic hemolysis. Anemia arising from the condition may range from mild and fully compensated to life-threatening in severity.

Target Audience:

HCPs including: hematology; nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists who specialize in hematology; and those with an interest in or may clinically encounter patients with PKD.

Target Audience: Physicians focusing on Allergy or Dermatology

In this online, self-learning activity:

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare form of early-onset epilepsy syndrome affecting between 1:16,000 and 1:46,000 and is associated with pleomorphic seizure activity, cognitive decline, motor, and behavior abnormalities. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is the cause of death in nearly half of the deaths in patients with DS, with the mean age of death 8.7 years old and 73% of deaths occurring before age 10. Seizures typically begin in the first year of age, with most occurring between months 5 and 8, and it is usually a prolonged, tonic-clonic (accounting for 52% of first seizures) or hemiclonic (35%) seizure. Environmental triggers or events, such as fever, acute stress, and physical exercise may precipitate seizures, and at least 85% of those who are clinically diagnosed with DS have variations in the SCN1A gene. Unfortunately, diagnosis is not uncommonly delayed until a patient 3 years of age or older, prior to which antiseizure medication selection may be suboptimal or ineffective, which may lead to seizure exacerbation, an increased risk of status epilepticus, and worse cognitive outcomes.

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Hemophilia is a genetic disease caused by mutation of one of the genes for coagulation proteins leading to dangerous, uncontrolled bleeding. In hemophilia B, a mutation in the gene for factor IX (FIX) leads to an endogenous deficiency in the clotting factor. The incidence of hemophilia B is the same across race and ethnic groups, affecting approximately 1 out of every 30,000 male births.

Target Audience:

HCPs including but not limited to: hematologists, internists, and pediatricians; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists who practice in hematology, and other HCPs who practice in hemophilia treatment center; and any other clinicians with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with hemophilia B.

Target Audience: Healthcare professionals specializing in colon and rectal surgery, family medicine, internal medicine, gastroenterology, oncology, pain management, palliative care, primary care, proctology, and other clinicians who treat patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders.