KAPA 2025 Heart of America - On Demand CME Activity

The educational design of this activity addresses the needs of PAs involved in the treatment of patients in a primary care setting.

KAPA 2025 CME – Learning Objectives by Presenter

Sleep Apnea Update - Clarissa Horton, PA-C

• Recap Pathophysiology
• Review Sleep Testing and Screening Tools
• Discuss treating sleep apnea and innovations in treatment 
• Optimzing patient management

Leveraging AI in Healthcare - Kayur Patel, MD    Audio recording unavailable; slides and materials available

• Wide scope of AI applications in enhancing patient care across clinical specialties.
• Reclaim Time - AI can reclaim 2 hours a day serving as a time management tool.
• High-Reliability Systems - AI supports the development of high-reliability care environments by minimizing systemic failures and reducing medical errors.

Kansas Academy of Physician Associates Update - Seth Metzler, PA-C, Kerstin Stephens, PA-C and Doug Smith    Audio recording unavailable; slides and materials available

• Gain an understanding of the current professional issues faced by PAs at both state and national levels.
• Comprehend proposed policy changes aimed at eliminating barriers for physician assistants practicing in Kansas.
• Gain insight into the impact of politics on healthcare policy process.
• Identify various avenues for advocacy and learn effective strategies for PAs to advocate on public policy.

Staying Ready: High-Yield ACLS Review for Any PA and WSU program update - Stephen Lewia PA-C

• Review key ACLS guideline updates that impact cardiac arrest management in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Reinforce high-yield principles of CPR quality, defibrillation timing, and medication sequencing.
• Identify common pitfalls for resuscitation teams in any setting.
• Apply practical strategies to maintain confidence and clinical readiness during infrequent but critical cardiac arrest events.

Hip or Back Pain: How to Differentiate between the two - Tanner Speake PA-C

• Understand basic anatomy
• Understand why this is important
• Understand what can cause hip pain and back pain
• How to differentiate the etiology of the pain based on history
• How to differentiate the etiology of the pain based on exam
• Know which tests to use to evaluate hip vs back pain
• Case studies

The Glutamate Era - David Wichman, MD

• Explain the basic roles of the glutamate signaling pathway within the brain
• Explore how Glutamate targets are revolutionizing psychiatric care
• Review available glutamate medications on the market and their use in psychiatry

KTRACS update - Tessa Moren, Assistant Director of K-TRACS

• Apply best practice recommendations for using K-TRACS to improve patient outcomes.
• Use K-TRACS to identify scenarios in which greater patient care coordination is needed.
• Discuss current controlled substance prescribing trends.

• Recognize when a simple diagnosis isn’t so simple
• Encourage critical thinking and need to reevaluate current plans and treatment
• Become more comfortable in your knowledge base and resetting the treatment plan based on your examinations and evaluations

Dermatology Essentials for the Practicing PA: From Common Skin Diseases to Skin Cancer Management - Matthew Shaffer, MD

• Understand the presentation and management of common dermatologic diseases.
• Review of skin cancers with a focus on clinical features, diagnostic strategies, and management options.
• Discuss current and emerging treatment approaches for non-melanoma skin cancers, including surgical and nonsurgical therapies.

Beyond the Bedside: PAs in Administration - Charlene Bui, PA-C, Deanna Parsons, PA-C and Brad Rea, PA-C    Video unavailable; audio available

• Recognize the importance of PAs in administrative and leadership roles within healthcare organizations.
• Explore career pathways and motivations for PAs pursuing administrative and leadership positions.
• Evaluate how PA education, clinical experience, and additional training contribute to effective leadership and administrative success.
• Identify common barriers to PA advancement in administration and strategies to overcome them.
• Apply lessons from PA leaders to personal career development by identifying effective habits, resources, and professional networks.

Asking for Help is Wise: Addressing Unmet Non-Medical Needs of Patients and Caregivers/Ottawa program update - Amy Steinhour PA-C

• Identify the unique non-medical needs impacting Kansas patients and caregivers—such as rural healthcare access, financial strain, and caregiver burden—and recognize their clinical significance.
• Examine data on the prevalence and outcomes of unmet support needs, with attention to rural health disparities and socioeconomic challenges.
• Apply practical strategies and digital tools to connect Kansas patients with local and statewide support resources, ensuring efficient care coordination.
• Promote a cultural shift among healthcare providers by normalizing patient and caregiver requests for help through empathetic communication.
• Advocate for the integration of holistic support services into care plans to improve patient outcomes and reduce disparities across Kansas communities.

The GLPs, The GIPs, and us as PCPs - Summer Snowden PA-C

• Explain the role of GLP-1 and GIP in glucose regulation
• Illustrate how GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists influence the body's insulin/glucagon pathways and appetite regulation
• Identify examples of available medications on the market
• Discuss indications for use in primary care settings and the role of therapies in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, obesity, and considerations in other special populations
• Interpret the clinical efficacy in key clinical trials. 
• Identify common side effects and safety considerations of these medication
• Explore future directions in research and clinical applications.

Nephrolithiasis Treatment/Prevention Nephrology Perspective - Lisa Weber, MD

• Identify nephrolithiasis
• Diagnose the etiology
• Learn how to prevent stones
• Identify how to treat stones

Alpha-Gal Syndrome - Beth Northern PA-C

• Explain the immunologic mechanism underlying Alpha-gal Syndrome, including IgE sensitization following tick exposure.
• Identify the major tick vectors (e.g., Amblyomma americanum) and describe regional epidemiologic trends in AGS prevalence.
• Recognize the variable and delayed onset of clinical manifestations, including urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, and gastrointestinal symptoms occurring after mammalian meat ingestion.
• Differentiate AGS from other food-induced and idiopathic anaphylactic reactions using key clinical clues and laboratory testing (e.g., alpha-gal–specific IgE, total IgE, skin testing).
• Develop an evidence-based approach to diagnosis, including appropriate use and interpretation of serologic testing.
• Formulate individualized management plans, incorporating dietary avoidance, cross-reactivity counseling (e.g., gelatin, dairy, medications), and tick-bite prevention strategies.
• Counsel patients on risk reduction and emergency preparedness, including the use of epinephrine auto-injectors and symptom monitoring.
• Discuss current evidence, controversies, and emerging therapies or prevention approaches in AGS.

Walk like an Egyptian, Think like a Cardiologist: An interactive Journey - Gilbert Katz, MD    Audio only; no presentation slides.

• Learn critical thinking in regards to common cardiac problems.
• Review case studies and discuss appropriate treatments
• Discuss cardiac questions from your practice. 

Medication Safety Issues: Strategies and Solutions - Janine Ohler Pharm D

• Why medication safety still matters
• Medication safety issues and clinical pearls
• Quick wins: focused safety practices
• Resources and references

Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine - Sara Cox PA-C

• Describe the differences between Conventional Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Functional and Integrative Medicine. 
• Define the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. For each pillar demonstrate a basic understanding of the rationale and implementation/recommendations. Discuss the evidence. 
• Demonstrate how Lifestyle Medicine can reduce professional burnout and improve the health outcomes of patients. 
• Identify the why and how PAs and other healthcare professionals can become certified in Lifestyle Medicine. 

Updates in Pediatric Obesity: Living in an Obesogenic Environment - Amy Seery, MD

• Attendees will identify modern approaches to counseling families with children impacted by obesity
• Attendees will compare medicinal and surgical options that may benefit children impacted by obesity as supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Attendees will discern environmental and urban planning impacts on increasing rates of obesity
• Attendees will develop advocacy steps to advance health-promoting changes to their hometowns/cities

Updates in Pediatric Obesity: Urban Planning, Our Daily Environment and Advocacy for Pediatric Health - Amy Seery, MD

Caring for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What Every Clinician Should Know - Shadi Hamdeh, MD

• Recognize key clinical features and red flags that suggest inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Differentiate IBD from common gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, infections, and anorectal disorders.
• Outline the initial evaluation and when to refer for specialized care.
• Identify extra-intestinal manifestations and their impact on patient health.
• Incorporate strategies to support patients with IBD, including preventive health, vaccinations, mental health awareness, and multidisciplinary coordination.

This activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 20 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. Approval is valid from 10/16/2025 to 10/18/2025. AAPA reference number: CME-2014434

The program also includes an education module designed to meet Kansas Board of Healing Arts Category III requirements.

Unless otherwise noted, we have no reported or disclosed relationships of a financial, professional or personal nature with ineligible companies or information about off-label use of a product for a purpose other than that for which it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).