Friday, December 18, 2026
 
8:15 AMOffice Management of Common Rashes & Bumps
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Libby Edwards, MD
 
9:00Pain Management Through the Eyes of a Toxicologist: Complications, Interactions, Off-Target React
(Rx = 20 minutes)
Robert Hoffman, MD
 
10:00Questions & Answers / Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience
 
10:30Secrets to Caring for Your Elderly Patients
Douglas Paauw, MD, MACP
 
11:15Chronic Genital Itching & Pain
Libby Edwards, MD
 
12:00 PMQuestions & Answers / Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience
 
2:00Interventions for Stress & Anxiety as Preventative Health
David Leopold, MD, DABFM, DABOIM, DipIABLM
 
2:45Detection & Management of Mood Disorders in Adults
(Rx = 30 minutes)
Heidi Combs, MD, MS
 
3:30Evaluation & Treatment of Thyroid Disease
(Rx = 15 minutes)
Douglas Paauw, MD, MACP
 
4:15Questions & Answers / Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience
 
Saturday, December 19, 2026
 
8:00 AMMedical Mythology: Debunking Common Medical Myths
(Rx = 25 minutes)
Douglas Paauw, MD, MACP
 
8:45Renaissance Diseases in PEM: Everything Old Is New Again
(Rx = 10 minutes)
Richard M. Cantor, MD, FAAP, FACEP
 
10:00Questions & Answers / Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience
 
10:30Food, Mood, and the Microbiome: Harnessing Lifestyle Change to Optimize Mental Wellness
David Leopold, MD, DABFM, DABOIM, DipIABLM
 
11:15Social Determinants of Health & Their Impact on Patient Outcomes
Heidi Combs, MD, MS
 
12:00 PMCognitive Decline & Memory Issues in Midlife & Menopause
(Rx = 5 minutes)
Kamilia Smith, MD
 
12:45Questions & Answers / Group Discussion
Faculty Panel & Audience
 
 
Rx = Pharmacotherapeutic CEUs for nurses will be granted for these sessions
 

CONFERENCE DESCRIPTION

Our 3rd Annual Conference on Clinical Issues in Primary Care is designed for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients. Covering a wide array of topics, our expert faculty will discuss the latest evidence-based advancements in primary care, 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, 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 primary care situations.
 

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

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

  • Distinguish the rash of measles from other common pediatric rashes
  • Discuss the impact social determinants of health have on patient health outcomes
  • Recognize differences in the evaluation and treatment of chronic vulvovaginal symptoms compared with acute vulvovaginal conditions
  • Prevent life-threatening drug interactions when prescribing commonly used pain therapies
  • Examine the safety, effectiveness, and applicability of non-pharmacologic approaches to symptoms commonly associated with stress and anxiety
  • Develop an evidence-based management plan for patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism
  • Recognize common cognitive challenges associated with menopause, including memory concerns, brain fog, and potential increased risk for neurodegenerative disease

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.
 

TUITION PRICING
 
  EARLY
If postmarked by
October 9, 2026
 REGULAR
If postmarked after
October 9, 2026
 
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, continental breakfast on Friday and Saturday mornings, and break refreshments for conference registrants
 

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 12 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.

AAFP
The AAFP has reviewed 3rd Annual Conference on Clinical Issues in Primary Care and deemed it acceptable for up to 12.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from 12/18/2026 to 12/19/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ACOG

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has assigned up to 12 cognate credits to this program.

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 12 hours of Category 1 credit for completing this program.

Nurse Practitioners/Nurses
The ANCC contact hours awarded for completion of this conference are 12.

Provider is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP2335, for 14.4 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.
 
Richard M. Cantor, MD, FAAP, FACEP
Professor Emeritus, Emergency Medicine & Pediatrics; SUNY Upstate Medical University; Medical Director Emeritus, Upstate New York Poison Center; Syracuse, New York
 
Heidi Combs, MD, MS
Professor, Vice Chair of Education, University of Washington Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Stern Endowed Chair for WWAMI Faculty Development Seattle, Washington
 
Libby Edwards, MD - Conference Co-Chairperson
Director, Southeast Vulvar Clinic, Mid-Charlotte Dermatology & Research; Charlotte, North Carolina
 
Robert Hoffman, MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine & Medicine; New York University Grossman School of Medicine; Attending Physician Bellevue Hospital Center; New York City, New York
 
David Leopold, MD, DABFM, DABOIM, DipIABLM
Network Medical Director, Integrative Health & Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health, Assistant Professor of Medicine; Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine; Co-Director & Clinical Lead, Nutrition, Metabolism, and Digestion, Human Dimension, Community Engaged Master Educator; Red Bank, New Jersey
 
Douglas Paauw, MD, MACP - Conference Co-Chairperson
Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Seattle, Washington
 
Kamilia Smith, MD
Founder & Owner; Charleston House Gynecology; Clinical Professor of OB/GYN; Baylor University Medical Center; Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Dallas, Texas

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.

Symposia Medicus values the well-being of our attendees, faculty, and staff and collaborates with the conference venue to ensure the safety and protection of all on-site participants.

In recognition of the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, proof of vaccination and/or face mask use requirements may change from the time of conference announcement and your registration, until the conference takes place. Current policies and attendance requirements for this conference are provided here, and we encourage you to refer to this information as needed, particularly as it gets closer to your on-site date, so that you can take any action you feel appropriate to be in compliance.

At this time, the following is in effect for on-site attendance:

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. For general travel safety suggestions, visit https://symedblog.org/travelsafety/.

 

CONFERENCE LODGING INFORMATION

Symposia Medicus has conference group rates at the New York Hilton Midtown.

These special rates will only be available until Thursday, November 26, 2026 and will only be available after that date on a space and rate available basis. We recommend you reserve your lodging as soon as possible, as rooms at the conference group rates are limited and on a first come, first served basis. Rooms may sell out and/or room rates may increase prior to the release date.

NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6078
(Located on 6th Avenue between West 53rd & West 54th Streets)
Phone: 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667)

Hotel accommodations are in high demand in New York City during the holiday season
RESERVE EARLY – HOTEL ROOMS AT CONFERENCE GROUP RATES SELL OUT FAST!

To make your reservation, please use this link: https://book.passkey.com/gt/221296771?gtid=69755e66d36d22ec9172291d74a6d34a
Or you can call (800) 445-8667. YOU MUST REFER TO group code SMM26 TO RECEIVE CONFERENCE GROUP RATES.

These group rates will also be available three days before and three days after the conference (based on availability) if you wish to extend your stay.
 

City Room (Single/Double) - $411/night
(Floors 21-33)
Features a single king or two double beds, 55-inch television, on-demand entertainment, spacious work area, one phone with voicemail, and in-room Wi-Fi capabilities.

Skyline Rooms (Single/Double) - $451/night
(Floors 34-43)
(Very limited, please reserve early)
Skyline Rooms are on higher floors of the hotel and include the same features as the City Rooms as well as upgraded bath amenities and access to the Executive Lounge, located on the lobby level. The lounge features daily continental breakfast, continuous coffee and tea throughout the day, mid-day cookies, and hot hors d’oeuvres in the evening.
 

By booking your lodging using the Symposia Medicus group rates, the following items are included: Complimentary guestroom internet, complimentary access to the fitness center, and a 15% discount at Herb n’ Kitchen in the hotel.

  • A deposit equal to one night’s room & tax is due to the hotel with major credit card upon making your reservation. Each guestroom must have at least one registered guest 21 years of age or older.
     
  • 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.
     
  • Conference group rates are per room, per night and do not include the following (subject to change):
    - 8.875% New York State Sales Tax
    - 5.875% City Tax
    - $2.00 Occupancy Tax
    - $1.50 Javits Center Fee
     
  • Maximum guest occupancy, regardless of age:
    - up to 4 guests with two double beds
    - up to 3 guests with king (with sofa bed)
     
  • Mandatory 3rd & 4th additional adult charge (19 years & older) is $20 each, per night and will be added to the nightly room rate
     
  • Children 18 years & younger are complimentary in room with an adult – not to exceed stated maximum occupancy
     
  • Bed Type Requests: You can select one or two beds; however, requests cannot be guaranteed until check-in
     
  • Rollaway Beds & Cribs: Rollaway beds are not offered as all king-bedded rooms include a sofa bed. Cribs are complimentary (subject to availability and change).
     
  • Check-in time is 3:00pm and check-out time is 12:00pm. Guests arriving prior to 3:00pm may be accommodated as rooms become available; however, early check-in is not guaranteed and is based on availability. Early check-in fees apply as follows: arrivals before 9:00am will incur a full day charge, and arrivals between 9:00am-1:00pm will incur a $100 fee.
     
  • A 30-minute break has been allotted in our conference schedule on the last day for those of you who need to check-out
     
  • 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 $100 per day for your entire stay 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: The hotel only offers valet parking at $95/sedan and $115/SUV and oversized vehicles, with full in/out privileges. There are other parking garages within walking distance of the hotel (prices may vary). All rates are subject to change.
     
  • Hotel Cancellation Policy: Hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel at least 72 hours prior to your confirmed arrival date. After this date, the deposit of one night plus tax will be forfeited.
     
  • All cancellations must be emailed to registrar@symposiamedicus.org by the date 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 November 13, 2026; however, tuition, less a 10% processing fee, may be applied to a future Symposia Medicus conference.
     
  • 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.
     

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 can fly into LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which is approximately 25 minutes from the hotel; John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), which is approximately 45 minutes from the hotel; or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which is approximately one hour from the hotel.

Symposia Medicus has arranged for discount fares with Alaska, 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.
 

Alaska Airlines
For discounts on Alaska Airlines flights, please book online at www.alaskaair.com and click on the link “Use Discount Code,” located at the bottom of the “Book Flights” box. Once you click on this link, another page will appear. On this page, you will need to insert ECMQ037 in the “Discount Code” box, located at the right hand side of the page.
Blackout dates: December 16-21, 2026

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.
 

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.

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Manhattan is exciting at any time of the year, but in December, when the holiday season activities are at their peak, it is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Few places in the world have the magnetism and thrilling pace of New York City, and our conference will be held right in the heart of it all. Conveniently located in midtown Manhattan, the New York Hilton Midtown is just a short walk away from Broadway theaters, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Diamond District, Times Square, and Central Park. Our beautiful hotel makes this weekend in New York appealing, and the outstanding theater, opera, and other live performances throughout the holiday season make it even more enticing.

Come visit The Big Apple, where you are sure to enjoy our exciting 3rd Annual Conference on Clinical Issues in Primary Care in the exhilarating surroundings of New York City.

We have a limited number of theater tickets for the Broadway shows listed below.

To order your tickets, or if you have any questions, please call us at (925) 969-1789. We recommend that you place your order as soon as possible, as tickets do sell out.

Please note: you must be registered for the conference before you can purchase tickets. To register for the conference, please visit http://www.symposiamedicus.org or call us at (925) 969-1789.

For show descriptions, please visit http://www.broadway.com and http://www.rockettes.com/christmas

You will pick-up your tickets at our conference check-in desk on Friday, December 18th. Tickets cannot be mailed to you.
 

ALL TICKETS BELOW ARE BASED ON AVAILABILITY

Galileo (7:00pm, 12/18)
Theater: Shubert Theatre
Seating: Orchestra
*Price per ticket: $170

Operation Mincemeat (7:30pm, 12/18)
Theater: John Golden Theatre
Seating: Orchestra
*Price per ticket: $190

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (7:00pm, 12/18)
Theater: Radio City Music Hall
Seating: Orchestra
*Price per ticket: $199

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (7:00pm, 12/18)
Theater: Radio City Music Hall
Seating: Prime Orchestra
*Price per ticket: $265

Schmigadoon! (7:00pm, 12/18)
Theater: Nederlander Theater
Seating: Orchestra
*Price per ticket: $235
 

Galileo (7:00pm, 12/19)
Theater: Shubert Theatre
Seating/Price per ticket: ***

Operation Mincemeat (7:30pm, 12/19)
Theater: John Golden Theatre
Seating/Price per ticket: ***

Schmigadoon! (7:00pm, 12/19)
Theater: Nederlander Theater
Seating/Price per ticket: ***

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (7:00pm, 12/19)
Theater: Radio City Music Hall
Seating/Price per ticket: ***
 

*Prices above include a service charge; however, it is less than the service charge you would pay through other ticket sellers, such as Broadway.com, Ticketmaster, etc. We also order our tickets early in the year to get the best seating.

***Please call us at 925-969-1789 to add your name to the wait list. Tickets will be purchased based on demand, with pricing and availability confirmed prior to purchase.
 

Please visit the theater’s website for more detailed information: