Conference Description

December 6, 2008
Omni Jacksonville Hotel
245 Water Street
Jacksonville, FL

Tell a friend about this conference

Release Date: December 6, 2008

Expiration Date: December 6, 2008

CME Credits: 4.0*

Estimated Time To Complete CME Activity: 4.0 Hours

Medium/Method: Live Conference

Hardware/Software Requirements: None

Nonrefundable registration fee: $0.

Target Audience: Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants treating patients with rheumatic diseases.

Program Summary:
This educational activity is designed to provide physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other providers treating patients with rheumatic diseases the opportunity to learn about new biologics for treatment of RA and lupus, safety issues in biologic therapy, and treatments for osteoporosis and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

In planning this CME activity, the National Association for Continuing Education (NACE) performed a needs assessment. A literature search was conducted, national guidelines were reviewed, survey data was analyzed, and experts in each therapeutic area were consulted to determine gaps in practitioner knowledge, competence or performance.

Learning objectives (see below), linked to identified gaps, were developed and will be addressed by each presenter. This multidisciplinary program will utilize a variety of educational techniques incorporating the various aspects of Adult Learning Principles. There will be emphasis on audience participation utilizing interactive case-based presentations to deliver educational material. Participants will be asked to engage in pre and post testing to collect data for outcome studies and to uncover unmet needs for future programming. Each participant will be provided with a syllabus containing presentations, clinical tools, and practical guidelines at the start of the program to be used for future reference.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this program, participants should be able to:

1. Explain the immunological process involved in rheumatic diseases
2. Describe basic immunology as it applies to current therapies for rheumatic diseases
3. List various biologic therapies undergoing clinical development
4. Discuss the mechanisms of action of emerging biologic therapies
5. Evaluate potential consequences of treatment with new biologic agents
6. Describe the risks versus benefits of biologic agents in rheumatic diseases
7. Discuss current data on adverse effects of biologic agents and safety issues
8. Discuss and implement current guidelines for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Osteoporosis and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
9. Explain the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of osteoporosis therapies

Agenda:

7:15-7:45 am		Registration and Continental Breakfast
7:45-8:00		Welcome Remarks Alan Brown, MD
8:00-9:00		Mechanistic Insights Into New Biologics for the Treatment of RA and Lupus Gary Gilkeson, MD
9:00-10:00		Emerging Biologic Therapies for RA: Efficacy and Safety Alan Brown, MD
10:00-10:15		Break
10:15-11:15		An Update in Treatments for Osteoporosis and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Yvonne Sherrer, MD
11:15-12:00		Interactive Panel and Case Discussion

Faculty:
Alan Brown, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Rheumatology and Immunology
Vice Chairman for Education
Department of Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC

Gary Gilkeson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair for Research
Department of Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina
Staff Physician, Ralph H. Johnson VAMC
Charleston, SC

Yvonne Sherrer, MD
Medical Director/Director of Clinical Research
Center for Rheumatology, Immunology and Arthritis
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Course Directors: Alan Brown, MD

Activity Director: Michelle Frisch, MPH

*Continuing Education Information
The National Association for Continuing Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The National Association for Continuing Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Policy on Faculty and Provider Disclosure: It is the policy of the National Association for Continuing Education to ensure fair balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all activities. All faculty participating in CME activities sponsored by the National Association for Continuing Education are required to present evidencebased data, identify and reference off-label product use and disclose all relevant financial relationships with those supporting the activity or others whose products or services are discussed. Faculty disclosure will be provided in the activity materials.

This program was supported through educational grants from the following companies: Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Centocor, Genentech and Biogen Idec, Lilly, UCB, Wyeth.