Contemporary Pharmacology Updates for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Dr. Zubin Damania (AKA ZDoggMD) is a UCSF & Stanford trained hospitalist who now produces viral videos that educate and entertain – with over a BILLION views worldwide! Through an emotionally inspiring, powerful presentation combining medical news and entertainment, Dr. Damania will examine the challenges of delivering compassionate, collaborative care in our overwhelmed healthcare system.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Zubin Damania is the founder of ZDoggMD Industries and has an employment relationship with UNLV. He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Zubin Damania has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Paul Langlois, APN, PhD, CCRN, CCNS, is a critical care clinical specialist in the surgical, medical, neurologic, burn, CCU, and trauma ICUs of Cook County Hospital, Chicago. Drawing on over 40 years of experience assessing and managing patients with life-threatening diseases, Dr. Langlois provides advanced-level training to nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, and physicians.

Dr. Langlois is committed to providing the highest quality of care to patients through advanced education. His presentations are evidence-based, timely, and go beyond content review to sharpen the clinical reasoning underneath it, using illness scripts, anticipatory thinking, and layered case studies to help experienced clinicians reason out loud rather than simply recall answers. As a bedside clinical nurse specialist, he has developed several institution-wide protocols for the multidisciplinary assessment and management of patients.

His presentations are enthusiastically delivered and offer highly practical tips that help make the most challenging concepts easy to understand, from cognitive-bias traps that shape a shift to the SBAR calibration that gets a "come now" call heard the first time. Linking knowledge to clinical practice is the goal of every educational program, and Dr. Langlois builds that link through near-miss scenarios and "what would you do?" cases designed to sharpen judgment, not just test it.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Paul Langlois has employment relationship with Cook County Hospital and Emergency Care Consultants. He receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Paul Langlois is a member of the American Nurses Association, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Dr. Eric Wombwell is a board-certified infectious diseases pharmacist and clinical associate professor for the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, School of Pharmacy. Eric completed his PharmD degree at the University of Missouri Kansas City, followed by an ASHP accredited pharmacy practice residency at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Following residency, he accepted a full-time non-tenured clinical faculty position at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, School of Pharmacy. His teaching responsibilities include infectious diseases topics throughout the curriculum. Eric also has a clinical appointment at Centerpoint Medical Center rounding with the infectious diseases consult team and supporting antimicrobial stewardship efforts at the facility.

Eric is regularly published in pharmacy and infectious diseases research and is frequently invited to deliver continuing education presentations locally and nationally to various health-professional audiences. He is recognized for excellence in teaching through various awards, including the “Missouri Pharmacist Association – UMKC Faculty Member of the Year”, and the “University of Missouri – Kansas City Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching”.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Eric Wombwell has an employment relationship with the University of Missouri. He receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and a consulting fee from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Eric Wombwell is a member of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists, the Missouri Pharmacists Association, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Centerpoint Medical Center.

Ebonye Green, MNSc, ACNPC-AG, CNRN, SCRN, APRN, FNCS, is an inpatient advanced practice registered nurse for the College of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2013. She previously worked as a staff nurse and as a travel nurse, working in some of the country’s top neurosurgical intensive units and Gamma Knife, including Washington Hospital Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Ebonye is passionate about contributing to her specialty and professional associations and organizations. She is a member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses and serves as a Director at Large on their Board of Directors, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Director at Large for Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, American Association of Neurosurgical Surgeons, Neurocritical Care Society, and is Co-Chair of the Women in Neurocritical Care Advanced Practice Leadership Committee and is also a Fellow of the Neurocritical Care Society. Ebonye is passionate about educating staff to grow their knowledge to better care for our patients and families.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Ebonye Green has an employment relationship with the University of Arkansas. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Ebonye Green is a member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Kelly A. Pickens, APNP, FNP-BC, ADC-C, is a family nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings. She is a certified Attention Deficit Consultant and owns a private practice in Madison, WI where she provides specialized care for women and girls with ADHD. She is deeply passionate about spreading awareness about and encouraging empathy for those who live with neurodivergence. And she has ADHD.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kelly Pickens maintains a private practice. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kelly Pickens is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Wisconsin Nurses Association, and the Alliance for Applied Therapeutic Humor.

Peter Buch, MD, AGAF, FACP, is a double board-certified clinical gastroenterologist with 35 years of experience, leads a team that treats all GI conditions, sits on editorial boards for numerous professional journals, is a highly sought-after international presenter, and hosts ReachMD GI Insights, a podcast that highlights the latest developments in gastroenterology. 
 

Dr. Buch has a passion for teaching. His style is case-based, practical, interactive, and evidence supported. Dr. Buch’s expertise has been shared with experienced clinicians and advanced-level students. He teaches at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Frank H Netter School of Medicine/Quinnipiac University. 

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Peter S. Buch has employment relationships with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Frank H Netter, MD School of Medicine. He receives compensation as a professional speaker and is a podcast host with ReachMD/GI Insight. Dr. Buch receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Peter S. Buch serves on the FDA and Patient Care Committees at the American College of Gastroenterology. He serves as an editor of peer-reviewed journals. He is a member of the International Association of Medical Science Educators, the AGA Academy of Educators, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGAF), the American College of Physicians (FACP), the Hartford County Medical Association, the American College of Gastroenterology (FACG), and the Connecticut State Medical Society.

 

Content Disclosure:

Dr. Buch references the use of antidepressants for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and the controversial use of Fibrotest to evaluate patients with fatty liver disease who may have fibrosis of the liver. Dr. Buch indicates he wishes to present a fair and balanced approach to practitioners regarding such practices.

 

 

Steven Atkinson, PA-C, MS, is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in Geriatric Internal Medicine. He practices medicine in the greater Minneapolis area. In addition to his private practice, he has been on the faculty at the University of Utah since 1994 and has been involved in medicine for over 30 years.

Steven is the co-founder of Twin Cities Physicians, which serves older adults at nearly all levels of their care. He has presented nationally for over 15 years, primarily speaking about geriatric-related syndromes.

Steven is the author of Geriatric Pharmacology: The Principals of Practice & Clinical Recommendations, Second Edition, and also sits on several boards whose purpose is to elevate the level of care in medicine for the patients they serve. Steven has been described as a “dynamic” educator and one of the most engaging presenters around.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Steven Atkinson is the founder and co-owner of Twin Cities Physicians and Midwest Geriatrics Services, and he is the owner of Mindful Geriatrics, LLC. He provides legal counseling services to medical professionals and receives compensation. Steve Atkinson receives compensation for course development from Executive Links. He is adjunct faculty at the University of Utah. Steve Atkinson receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He formerly owned stocks/shares in Moderna, Inc. He is a stock holder with Eli Lilly. All relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies have been mitigated.
Non-financial: Steven Atkinson is a member of the board for MDMA. He is a member of AMDA/PALTC, GMPA, and others. For a complete list, please contact info@pesi.com.

Tracey Long, PhD, MS, MSN, RN, APRN-BC, CDCES, CCRN, CNE, COI, has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in endocrinology, critical care, and primary care, earning degrees from Brigham Young University, Purdue University and UNLV. Dr. Long is an award-winning educator who presents on a range of topics reflecting her expertise, including medical Spanish, cultural competency, diabetes education, and critical care.

 

Her certifications span both diabetes and critical care specialties: she is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), a Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN), and a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). She teaches a diabetes educator certification course and serves as a critical care clinical instructor, translating her credentials directly into hands-on training for other nurses.

 

Having lived in Spain and served as a health welfare missionary in Colombia, South America for 18 months, international work remains central to her career. Bringing nurses and healthcare professionals to international medical clinics in Central and South America is one of her favorite activities. As an international speaker, she continues to share her expertise across borders.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Tracey Long has employment relationships with Utah Body and Soul, College of Southern Nevada, Chamberlain College, and Travelers Education Group. She receives compensation as a freelance writer and editor. Tracey Long receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Tracey Long is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the American Diabetes Association, the National Certified Diabetes Educator Association, and the American Nurses Association. She is on the editorial board of the Journal of Medical Education Development and is a contributing editor Yangtz Journal of Medicine.

Susann Varano, MD, is a Yale University-trained physician who is double board certified in internal medicine and geriatric medicine. Her expertise is sought currently as a geriatric consultant for medically complex residents/patients and as an adjunct professor teaching geriatric coursework to physician assistant students. Additionally, Dr. Varano is the principal investigator at Clinical Research Consulting. As such, she has completed over 200 clinical trials, has presented findings at numerous national/international conferences and her written articles have been featured in US News and World Report.

Dr. Varano has served as geriatrics course director and lecturer for the Yale University School of Medicine Physician Associate Program. Additionally, she was selected to work in the Yale University Hospital Affiliated Program, a position where she would give the prestigious Medical Grand Round Lectures to medical staff as well as community physicians.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Susann Varano is the principal clinical investigator with Clinical Research Consulting, LLC, and a geriatrician consultant with Maplewood Senior Living and Hamden Health and Candlewood Valley Rehabilitation. Dr. Varano receives a consulting fee, speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Susann Varano has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Stacie R. Ward-Santangelo, RN, MS, APN, CHFN, CCNS, works as an advanced practice nurse in cardiology and heart failure with Community Physicians. Additionally, she is charged with working with various facilities, and her esteemed colleagues, developing ‘skilled heart units’ in nursing and rehab facilities across the Chicagoland area.

Stacie is board-certified in advanced heart failure and cardiology. She has extensive experience working in respected and growing cardiac programs in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. She is responsible for the program development of cardiac transplantation and mechanical support programs, which are successful and viable today.

Stacie had received many awards and honors during her career. She received Nurse of the Year at University of Chicago, Volunteer of the Year for the American Heart Association, “Stand Out Amongst Your Peers” award from Abbott for her work in cardiovascular research, Patient Satisfaction Award for consistently being in the 99th percentile for patient satisfaction at Northwestern Medicine, and most recently, elected to be on a national committee “ Thought Leaders Forum” for research in advanced heart failure. She publicly speaks at national and local meetings.

Stacie is considered an expert amongst her peers and physicians colleagues alike in general cardiology, advanced heart failure, mechanical circulatory support, and cardiac transplantation. She is highly motivated and has a keen interest in research, guideline-directed therapies, and the education of practitioners, students, and patients/families.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Stacie Ward-Santangelo has employment relationships with Community Physicians, Saint Xavier University, and Healthcare Consultants, LTD. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Stacie Ward-Santangelo has no relevant non-financial relationships.

Laurie Klipfel, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, CDCES, WCC®, has been a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist for over 20 years managing both inpatient and outpatient care for patients with diabetes. She has managed several hospital ADA-recognized diabetes education programs, is a Board-Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in endocrinology, and has a certification in wound care.

Laurie is a member of the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists and past president of her local chapter. She is a certified insulin pump trainer and has published articles on use of insulin pumps for hospitalized patients. Her practical patient experiences, supported by clinical knowledge, provide a blend of information on how to treat diabetes today.
 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Laurie Klipfel has employment relationships with the VA-St. Louis and the Diabetes & Endocrinology Specialists, Inc. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Laurie Klipfel is a member of the St. Louis Nurses in Advanced Practice.

Filissa M Caserta, MSN, ACNP-BC, CNRN, is certified as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Neuroscience Registered Nurse who works in endovascular neurosurgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. She has worked in the field of neurosciences, specifically neuro-critical care and endovascular neurosurgery in various capacities for most of her 34-year nursing career. In addition to her role as a Nurse Practitioner, Filissa has held positions as nurse manager, adjunct faculty at The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, and program director for nursing practice.

She instituted the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program for The Johns Hopkins Hospital Neuroscience Critical Care Unit. Filissa has contributed to a wide variety of academic publications on neurocritical care and advanced practice nursing. She has shared her specialty expertise through national and international lectures.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Filissa Caserta has employment relationships with John Hopkins University and AnitCancer 360, LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-Financial: Filissa Caserta is a member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

With over 25 years in the medical field, Dr. JeanAnne Johnson Talbert is a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that specializes in pharmacological treatment of mental illnesses.

JeanAnne graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, with a master’s degree in nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She later received her doctorate in healthcare administration and a post-doctorate in psychiatric mental health from Rush University in Chicago, IL. She is board certified as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, a Family Nurse Practitioner, and an Addictions Nurse Practitioner. She holds a master psychopharmacology certificate and is currently in training for precision psychiatry and functional medicine certification.

JeanAnne is known for her many jobs – currently providing psychiatric services to over 14 clinics and facilities that treat mental illnesses across the lifespan, substance use disorders, and criminogenic programs. She has been a national speaker for PESI, Inc, educating healthcare providers on psychopharmacology and substance use. In 2019, she published her first book entitled I Can Do Hard Things: Tools to Manage Anxiety When Medication Isn’t Enough.

In her spare time, JeanAnne spends time with her two fantastic children, and enjoys the outdoors: hiking, camping, running, biking, skiing, swimming, and beaching. She is a cancer survivor and an animal lover.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: JeanAnne Johnson maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with Functional Harper Clinic, JTC Advanced Practice, LLC., Maple Mountain Health and Wellness, Reflections Recovery Center, Mountain View Hospital, Alliance Youth Centers, Come About Youth Center, and Live for Life Youth Centers. She receives compensation as a consultant. JeanAnne Johnson receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: JeanAnne Johnson is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the International Nurses Society on Addictions, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the Association for Addiction Professionals, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Oncology Nursing Society, the National Consortium of Breast Centers, and the Association of Community Cancer Centers.

Vanessa Ruiz, ND, RN-BSN is a dedicated Naturopathic Physician and Registered Nurse, renowned for her holistic approach to mental health and chronic diseases. With a doctorate from Sonoran University in Tempe, AZ, and honors in nursing from Stony Brook University in NY, Dr. Ruiz blends evidence-based practices with natural treatments to provide comprehensive care for her patients. Her multifaceted background includes clinical research and extensive training in therapeutic modalities such as Homeopathy, Neurofeedback, and Mayan Medicine.

Dr. Ruiz utilizes her expertise in functional nutrition to address chronic illness and the impact of toxic stress on aging. She is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for older adults by tailoring nutrition and lifestyle strategies to enhance longevity and well-being. Her personalized approach to healthcare empowers patients to take control of their health and thrive as they age.

A national speaker on integrative health and resiliency, Dr. Ruiz has trained thousands of healthcare professionals on integrative and functional medicine, known for her ability to distill complex ideas into simple, easy-to-understand concepts for her audience. In this talk, she will share insights into the transformative power of nutrition in promoting healthy aging and managing chronic conditions.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Vanessa Ruiz maintains a private practice and has employment relationships with AZ Trauma Institute, Essential Therapy Training, and Nurses for Natural Health. She is the president of Integrative Wellness Strategies and a consultant with Integrative Mental Health. Dr. Ruiz receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She serves on the advisory board for Evergreen Certifications. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Vanessa Ruiz has no relevant non-financial relationships.