“This workshop is pertinent for every practicing rheumatologist in the country. The issues concerning infections, tuberculosis, vaccines, cancer rates were well presented and extremely helpful for any busy rheumatologist.”
—Gwenesta B. Melton, MD, practicing rheumatologist, Raleigh, NC

“I found this educational opportunity to be very well done and the presenters open todialogue and discussion, which is lacking at large meetings. I would recommend it to everyone.”
—Michael T. Stack, MD, PhD, practicing rheumatologist, Indianapolis, IN

Regional CME Workshops on Current Issues in Rheumatic Diseases

Sponsored by University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Produced by North American Center for Continuing Medical Education-Princeton CME

Mid-Week Programs: 6:00-6:30 pm – dinner/registration; 6:30-9:00 pm- educational workshop

Saturday Programs: 8:30-9:00 am – breakfast/registration; 9:00-11:30 am – educational workshop; Lunch following workshop

Target Audience

This activity is designed for rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals who manage the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other rheumatic diseases.

Activity Overview

The regional workshop CME activity will include highly interactive discussion and debate on current issues in rheumatic diseases, and 2 rheumatology faculty presenting case studies and current data. Participants will receive lecture slides and an evaluation form at the workshop. The following topics will be discussed:

1. Optimizing Biologic Therapy and Clinical Assessment to Improve Outcomes in RA
2. Effectively Managing the Patient with RA Amidst Safety Issues
3. Current Strategies for the Diagnosis, Management, and Assessment of the Spondyloarthropathies (SpAs)

To be eligible for documentation of credit, at the conclusion of the workshop, participants must complete and submit the evaluation form. All individuals who participate in the full workshop and complete and submit the evaluation form will receive documentation of credit

There is no fee associated with this activity.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, participants should be able to:

Describe the clinical evidence and potential impact of biologics in RA
Apply clinical measurement tools and imaging techniques to assess disease status in RA
Institute a plan for effective management of RA, including methods for switching biologics when necessary, to optimize patient outcomes

Summarize the various safety-related concerns surrounding the use of biologics
Describe methods for screening patients prior to initiating treatment with biologics
Recognize the potential impact of comorbidities in patients with RA

Explain the clinical presentation of the SpAs and outcome measures of disease activity
Describe the latest data on the benefits and limitations of biologics in the treatment of SpAs
Implement diagnostic and assessment strategies for the management of SpAs

**New Data from ACR and EULAR Included

CME Accreditation

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine requires that speakers disclose significant relationships with commercial companies whose product or services are discussed in educational presentations. Disclosures will be included in the activity booklet.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the North American Center for Continuing Medical Education-Princeton CME comply with the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the rules and regulations thereof. If any participant in this educational activity is in need of accommodations, please contact Kristen Jassin at 609-371-1137.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity University.

Grant Support

Supported by educational grants from Genentech, Inc and Biogen Idec Inc, Abbott Laboratories, Centocor, Inc, UCB, Inc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Amgen Inc and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

Representatives of the granting organization may not register on behalf of participants. 

CORE™ REGIONAL WORKSHOP PRESENTERS: