CME Conference 2025

All times listed in Central Time (US & Canada).
Download event agenda (PDF)

Friday, March 7, 2025

• 7:00am - 7:30am

  Check-In, Registration and Breakfast

• 7:30am - 8:00am

  Opening Remarks, Housekeeping

  (M) denotes main conference room, (B1) denotes breakout room Manning, (B2) denotes second breakout room Lafayette, (S) denotes student session

• 8:00am - 9:00am

  Advancing Hepatitis C Treatment: Optimizing Care and Outcomes (M)

  Dr. Gabriella Douglass- PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP, BC-ADM, TTS, ACUE is the residency program director of the PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residency programs at ARcare. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy and completed a post-doctoral residency in ambulatory care through Harding University and ARcare. Dr. Douglass has practiced in community and primary care pharmacy settings for sixteen years. She maintains a practice site at ARcare, where she works closely with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians to provide comprehensive medication management services for people with or at risk for HIV and Hepatitis C. Dr. Douglass is a Board-Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist and is credentialed as an HIV Pharmacist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

  This presentation will explore the latest advancements in Hepatitis C treatment, focusing on evidence-based approaches to optimize patient care and improve treatment outcomes. Topics will include updated guidelines, the role of direct-acting antivirals, and the importance of interdisciplinary care in achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) and long-term patient wellness.

• 9:00am - 10:00am

  Female Hormonal Replacement Therapy Options (M)

• 9:00am - 10:00am

  Surgical Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (B1)

  Jamie Cannon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, in s Professor of Surgery at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Cannon received her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, AZ. She completed a general surgery residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC, and a fellowship in Colorectal Surgery at Georgia Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates in Atlanta, GA. She was previously at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she served as program director of the colorectal surgery fellowship as well as director of the colorectal cancer service line. Dr. Cannon’s primary clinical interests are colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and diverticular disease. She is a renowned robotic surgeon and teaches robotic colorectal surgery to other surgeons in the US and around the world.

  The management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease is constantly evolving. The continued introduction of new biologic therapies has provided gastroenterologists with more effective options in the medical management of this disease. However, a significant number of patients will still require surgery for complications of their disease, or for medically refractive disease. In this session we will review the indications for surgery, as well as the various surgical procedures performed.

• 10:00am - 10:30am

  Sponsored Snack Break & Exhibitor Break

• 10:30am - 11:00am

  Practical Conversations about Patient Privacy (B1)

  Dana H. Williams, MSHI, RHIA, CHP, CHC Qualifications: Mrs. Williams is a Registered Health Information Administrator and is certified in Healthcare Privacy both through the American Health Information Management Association. She is also certified in Healthcare Compliance by the Healthcare Compliance Association. Areas of Expertise: Mrs. Williams is the Privacy Officer for BAPTIST HEALTH in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has worked in the Corporate Compliance department in a variety of roles since 2009. Prior to this, Mrs. Williams held the position of Director of Medical Records/Admissions at BAPTIST HEALTH Medical Center-Heber Springs in Heber Springs, AR for 11 years. BAPTIST HEALTH is the largest integrated healthcare delivery system in Arkansas with 12 hospitals and over 75 clinics. She also serves as adjunct faculty for the Health Information Technology program at University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech. Mrs. Williams is a member of the Arkansas Health Information Management Association, the American Health Information Management Association, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and the Healthcare Compliance Association. Mrs. Williams is an active speaker on privacy and compliance issues. Personal Information: Mrs. Williams lives on a farm with her husband, Jeremy. They are the proud parents of two wonderful sons.

  HIPAA overview, how to use the Notice of Privacy Practices to your advantage, hot topics - reproductive health and substance use disorder

• 10:30am - 11:00am

  Set Yourself Up for Success and Good Patient Outcomes, Not a Lawsuit (M)

  Theresa Morris currently has a private law practice in Little Rock. In addition to her three primary areas of focus—criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning—she also includes time for consulting and/or representing PAs in reviewing employment contracts and representing them in issues involving the State Medical Board. During the first half of 2025, she will be adding Veterans Law and Social Security Disability Law to her areas of practice. Issues arising at the intersection of law and medicine impacting patient care and outcomes are of particular interest. Her professional legal background includes serving as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Pulaski County and an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Little Rock. She continues volunteering through the Arkansas Access to Justice Free Legal Answers program, which allows her to work with law students while helping those in need. Theresa also volunteers her time through pro bono and low-bono representation of clients from marginalized communities—the primary motivation for pursuing a law degree. Theresa graduated from the University of Arkansas William H. Bowen School of Law in 2022. Formerly on faculty and inaugural faculty at the UAMS PA Program and at her alma mater, South University PA Program in Savannah, Georgia, Theresa has not lost her love of medicine and especially of being around PAs – students or those in PA education and clinical practice! Theresa lives in Little Rock with her spouse Judy and her fur babies Max, Ozzie, Lucy, Baxter, and Mozart.

  This talk will address the type of legal liability cases in which PAs have been involved in Arkansas over the last twenty years and the outcomes of a sampling of cases. Also, I will touch on the primary reasons for actions taken against PAs by the State Medical Board. The idea is to provide how a PA would run afoul of sound practices and into legal jeopardy and provide common-sense suggestions on the best ways to avoid trouble.

• 11:00am - 11:15am

  Networking Break

• 11:15am - 12:15pm

  HIV PrEP & Doxy PEP (M)

  Casey Messer DHSc, PA-C, AAHIVS earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and graduate certificate in Gerontology from the University of Kentucky. After several years in clinical practice, he earned a Doctorate of Health Sciences from A.T. Still University. PA Messer’s research interests include HIV, LGBTQ health equity, and health disparities affecting communities in the Deep South of the United States. He has authored articles in multiple medical journals, including JAAPA. Casey has applied a servant leadership approach to various appointments and advisory roles at the local, state, and national levels. Currently, PA Messer is an HIV Specialist and Health Programs Director for Palm Beach County government in West Palm Beach, FL. Casey prefers he/him/his pronouns.

  Southern states, including Arkansas, are disproportionately impacted by HIV and STIs. As leaders in preventive medicine, PAs must stay up to date with the newest clinical guidelines for HIV & STI prevention. HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and doxycycline as bacterial STI post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy PEP) can curb the increasing incidence of HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. PAs can incorporate these evidence-based and patient-centered approaches into their clinical practice in a multitude of settings.

• 11:15am - 12:15pm

  A Hidden Epidemic: Complications of Insufficient Feeding in Healthy Term Breastfed Newborns (B1)

  Dr. Christie del Castillo-Hegyi is a Board-Certified Emergency Physician, Cofounder of the Fed Is Beat Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing neonatal brain injury and long-term disabilities from complications of inadequate feeding while exclusively breastfeeding. Dr. del Castillo-Hegyi studied the effects of glucose on neonatal brain injury at Brown University where she attended as an undergraduate. She subsequently studied HIV Immunology at the National Institutes of Health, where she co-developed and co-patented a novel therapeutic agent against HIV. She then attended medical school at the University of California, San Francisco and trained in Emergency Medicine at the University of New Mexico. She studies the scientific literature on brain injury from jaundice, dehydration, hypernatremia, and hypoglycemia related to failed and delayed breast milk production and insufficient infant feeding. Her organization provides families and health professionals with inclusive, evidence-based, judgment-free support to practice safe infant feeding with human milk, formula, or a combination of both. She is a Member of the Global Development Disability Research Collaborators, which has published data on global rates of neurological and developmental disabilities in children. She leads a group of parents, physicians, nurses, and lactation consultants who support the Foundation’s work to provide infant feeding education and patient safety recommendations through social media (with almost a million followers) and the Foundation’s website at fedisbest.org. She has published on and spoken nationally and internationally on the subject of brain injury from inadequate feeding including at the NIH U.S. Task Force for Pregnant and Lactating Women and the USDA Dietary Guidelines Committee meeting and continues to advocate for reforms in hospital policies to ensure safe and adequate infant feeding. She has also coauthored the book, “Fed Is Best: The Unintended Harms of the ‘Breast Is Best’ Message and How to Find the Right Approach for You and Your Baby.”

  The most common causes of hospital readmissions for previously healthy term neonates are for complications of insufficient feeding while exclusively breastfeeding, namely jaundice, dehydration, and hypoglycemia. This talk reviews the most recent evidence on the incidence of these complications and how to improve monitoring of breastfed neonates to prevent these brain-threatening complications of inadequate feeding.

• 11:15am - 12:15pm

  Injection Workshop (Sign Up through Registration- limited space)

  Frank Caruso began his career in 1983 as a PA in emergency medicine and orthopedics. He worked in a variety of medical centers and health maintenance organizations in New York City. In 1994, he was offered a position as Chief PA for the department of orthopedic surgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Since that time the department has grown from six faculty physicians and six PA’s to 60 faculty physicians and nearly 50 Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in 19 locations. Dr. Caruso presently serves as Manager of the department of orthopedic surgeries satellite APP’s and Co-Director of the Orthopedic PA Fellowship and precepts students from a number of Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner programs throughout the state. In the state of North Carolina, Dr. Caruso has served on several committees for the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) and is a Director at Large for the Piedmont Association of Physician Assistants. Nationally, he is the Chairperson for the Disaster Association of Physician Assistants which is a Special Interest Group sponsored by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Dr. Caruso is a recognized local, state and national speaker on numerous musculoskeletal and disaster medicine topics. In 2015 he was invited to the White House to represent AAPA and to work on the “Stop the Bleed Program” sponsored by the National Security Council. In 2015 he was a member of a workgroup that wrote the National Healthcare Disaster Certification Exam (NHDP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. As adjunct faculty Frank teaches in the post-graduate PA program for the State of New York at Stony Brook and at Lenoir-Rhyne Doctoral Nursing Program in Hickory NC. Most recently adjunct faculty, University of Lynchburg – Disaster Medicine. In NC Frank is an active member of the local fire department, church and civic club. Frank has been involved in the fire and EMS service since 1974 and has held the rank of Captain in the Fire Department and Lieutenant of the Rescue Squad, he still maintains his NC paramedic certification. On a national level he serves as Deputy Commander for NC-1 a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) which is part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). On the state Level he is a member of State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT). On a local level he is EMT instructor for Clemmons Fire Department and is certified to teach Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and International Life Support (ITLS) courses. On personal level Frank enjoys boating, hiking, spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, and playing the accordion. He presently resides in Clemmons NC with his wife and two rescue dogs.
  1.0 CE Credit

  Learning Objectives:
  Understand when, why and how to initiate injection therapies for the adult skeletal system for musculoskeletal conditions
  Review evidence-based medicine guidelines for injection therapies
  Presentation of pearls about landmarking and giving injections into the adult skeletal system
  Practice on landmarking on each other and hands on practice on injection models for injection therapies

• 12:15pm - 1:15pm

  Sponsor Lunch

• 1:15pm - 2:15pm

  Taking Action on Suspicious Lung Nodules (B1)

  Katlin Brower, MSPAS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. Ms. Brower earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Harding University. Ms. Brower began her career as a PA in Hospital Medicine at Corewell Health. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new cities and finding new hiking trails.

  Lung cancer is the third most common cancer and leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Early detection is necessary in reducing the mortality of these individuals. As healthcare providers, it is imperative to know when intervention is warranted. This session will help providers take the necessary steps to work up suspicious nodules, understand the various types of non-small cell lung cancer, and familiarize themselves with the various surgical techniques used in removal of lung nodules.

• 1:15pm - 2:15pm

  Injection Workshop (Sign Up through Registration- limited space)

  Frank Caruso began his career in 1983 as a PA in emergency medicine and orthopedics. He worked in a variety of medical centers and health maintenance organizations in New York City. In 1994, he was offered a position as Chief PA for the department of orthopedic surgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Since that time the department has grown from six faculty physicians and six PA’s to 60 faculty physicians and nearly 50 Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in 19 locations. Dr. Caruso presently serves as Manager of the department of orthopedic surgeries satellite APP’s and Co-Director of the Orthopedic PA Fellowship and precepts students from a number of Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner programs throughout the state. In the state of North Carolina, Dr. Caruso has served on several committees for the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) and is a Director at Large for the Piedmont Association of Physician Assistants. Nationally, he is the Chairperson for the Disaster Association of Physician Assistants which is a Special Interest Group sponsored by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Dr. Caruso is a recognized local, state and national speaker on numerous musculoskeletal and disaster medicine topics. In 2015 he was invited to the White House to represent AAPA and to work on the “Stop the Bleed Program” sponsored by the National Security Council. In 2015 he was a member of a workgroup that wrote the National Healthcare Disaster Certification Exam (NHDP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. As adjunct faculty Frank teaches in the post-graduate PA program for the State of New York at Stony Brook and at Lenoir-Rhyne Doctoral Nursing Program in Hickory NC. Most recently adjunct faculty, University of Lynchburg – Disaster Medicine. In NC Frank is an active member of the local fire department, church and civic club. Frank has been involved in the fire and EMS service since 1974 and has held the rank of Captain in the Fire Department and Lieutenant of the Rescue Squad, he still maintains his NC paramedic certification. On a national level he serves as Deputy Commander for NC-1 a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) which is part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). On the state Level he is a member of State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT). On a local level he is EMT instructor for Clemmons Fire Department and is certified to teach Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and International Life Support (ITLS) courses. On personal level Frank enjoys boating, hiking, spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, and playing the accordion. He presently resides in Clemmons NC with his wife and two rescue dogs.
  1.0 CE Credit

  Learning Objectives:
  Understand when, why and how to initiate injection therapies for the adult skeletal system for musculoskeletal conditions
  Review evidence-based medicine guidelines for injection therapies
  Presentation of pearls about landmarking and giving injections into the adult skeletal system
  Practice on landmarking on each other and hands on practice on injection models for injection therapies

• 1:15pm - 2:15pm

  Not All Itching is Yeast (M)

  Dr. White is an Arkansas native, who graduated from UAMS Medical School in 2013 and went on to pursue an OBGYN residency from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. She returned to UAMS as faculty in 2017 and is now the Director of the UAMS Vulvar Clinic and a member of the International Society for the Study of Vulvo-Vaginal Disorders. She is also a Certified Menopause Provider through the North American Menopause Society, and offers a Geriatric Gynecology clinic at the Thomas Lyon Longevity Center at UAMS.

  Vulvovaginal itching can be a very isolating and uncomfortable condition for many women. Prolonged itching is often over diagnosed as fungal, while, hormonal or dermatologic conditions are often missed. The goal is to provide a thorough skin exam of the vulva, while we delve into other causes of itching and irritation, and prevent over-prescribing of anti-fungal medications.

• 2:15pm - 3:15pm

  Pharmacotherapy for Nicotine Dependence (B1)

  Liz Underwood, PharmD, BCPS- Originally from Memphis, TN, Liz completed her undergraduate studies at Auburn University in 2006 then graduated with her Pharm.D. from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy in 2010. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN from 2010-2011. As a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, she served as a Residency Program Director and Clinical Pharmacist in the inpatient setting before starting at ARcare in November of 2022. She sees patients for pharmacy consults both in clinic in the rural central Arkansas area and via telehealth to all over the state based on provider referral for a variety of chronic disease states. She is passionate about serving the underserved and currently lives in Searcy, AR with her husband and three kids.

  Review the pharmacotherapy available for nicotine dependence and how to incorporate Clinical Pharmacists into your practice as Tobacco Treatment Specialists.

• 2:15pm - 3:15pm

  New KDIGO Chronic Kidney Disease Guidelines (M)

  Kim Zuber, PA-C spends her time traveling and teaching 'all things kidney' with over 400 oral presentations, 64 peer-reviewed articles, 8 guest editorships. She volunteers clinically as a consultant for a senior citizen group and is the past executive editor for PA Clinics. Kim graduated from UCSD with a bachelor’s in molecular biology, picked up a teaching credential at San Diego State University and taught high school for many years. Deciding that medicine had to be easier than teaching teenagers, Kim attended the St. Louis University PA program. Kim is an AAPA Distinguished Fellow and was selected as both the Renal Professional of the year and Outstanding PA of the Year in 2014

  New KDIGO Chronic Kidney Disease guidelines! How exciting is this?! Not really but it is important to identify (using a new race-neutral eGFR calculator) those with CKD because we can make a difference. We can SLOW progression of CKD. When was the last time you found out you could change outcomes for your patients?! There are new HTN goals, new testing and management of albuminuria, new diabetes guidelines, and new CKD medications. One in 3 of your patients is at risk for CKD; do you know who they are? CKD is the most common comorbidity and kidney patients often die of CV disease. Kidney Disease kills more people than breast cancer, leukemia or prostate cancer. Come to CKD in 2024 to learn how to identify and manage CKD in the 21st century!

• 2:15pm - 3:15pm

  PA-Student Session

• 3:15pm - 3:45pm

  Sponsored Snack Break & Exhibitor Break

• 3:45pm - 4:45pm

  Leadership Insights: Shaping the Future of PAs in Arkansas (M)

  This panel will feature key leaders from the Arkansas Academy of Physician Assistants (ARAPA), including members of ARAPA’s Board of Directors (BOD) and Chairs of the Legislative Committee, Communications and Outreach Committee, and CME Conference Planning Committee. The panel will provide insights into the evolving role of PAs in Arkansas, the advocacy efforts that shape the profession, and how continuing education is integral to career advancement and patient care.

• 4:45pm - 5:00pm

  Closing Remarks & Housekeeping

• 7:30pm - 10:30pm

  Social Event

  Please join ARAPA at DustBowl 730 PM-1030 PM.
  Appetizers, two drinks & bowling provided with registration!

Saturday, March 8, 2025

• 7:15am - 8:00am

  Check In & Breakfast

• 7:30am - 8:00am

  Opening Remarks, Housekeeping

  (M) denotes main conference room, (B1) denotes breakout room Manning, (B2) denotes second breakout room Lafayette, (S) denotes student session

• 8:00am - 9:00am

  Pain Medicine (M)

• 9:00am - 9:15am

  Networking Break

• 9:15am - 10:15am

  Narrative Medicine: Bearing Witness to the Story (B1)

  Actively practicing Nurse Practitioner for 42 years (in 2025) and dually certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Obtained MS/FNP from State University NY Stony Brook and doctorate degree (DNP) from Duke University Presently completing Narrative Medicine program (2025) at Columbia University, Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Division of Narrative Medicine Associate Professor, Director of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, Carson-Newman University; expertise in curriculum development, presently developing a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practititoner Program at Carson Newman University Published author on a variety of topics including DNP models of quality improvement scholarly project development, pediatric asthma, and ADHD Personal: Married over 40 years (to a PA :), 3 children, 6 grandchildren, professional pianist and choir director

  1. Understand basic pedagogy of Narrative Medicine
  2. Understand the technique of close reading of a text and other aesthetic modalities that promote “the case for narrative medicine”
  3. Participate in prompted writing

• 9:15am - 10:15am

  Lumps and Bumps: Evaluation and Management of Lymphadenopathy (M)

  Jaime Turner is a native of Northwest Arkansas graduating from Rogers high school in 2006. She attended the University of Arkansas where she earned her biology degree. Jaime attended Harding University for her masters in Physician Assistant Studies where she did an elective rotation in otolaryngology with Dr. Cashman. In 2014 Jaime started work at the ENT & Allergy Center after graduation. Jaime is passionate about teaching otolaryngology and allergy to others and has been a speaker for both the Arkansas Academy of Physician Assistants and well as the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck PAs CME conference. She enjoys mentoring PA students and helping her patients better understand their diagnosis. Jaime enjoys trail running, gardening and being in nature with her husband, daughter Ella and 2 pups!

  There are several potential causes of lymphadenopathy, ranging from infectious, autoimmune, malignant, and lymphoproliferative. While a majority of lymphadenopathy will have a benign etiology, many patients experience a great deal of anxiety over the problem because of the association with dangerous etiologies. The variability in causes of lymphadenopathy can often present diagnostic challenges to clinicians. To reduce confusion and to improve diagnostic accuracy, it is important to develop a systematic approach to the evaluation and management of lymphadenopathy. This presentation will provide a framework for physicians to use in the evaluation and management of lymphadenopathy.

• 10:15am - 10:45am

  Sponsored Snack Break & Exhibitor Break

• 10:45am - 11:45am

  Colorectal Cancer in the Elderly (B1)

  I am a native of South Korea who immigrated to the United States at age 12. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with minors in Spanish and Psychology at Whitworth University in Spokane, WA. My medical degree is from Creighton University in Omaha, NE where I met my wife, Julie, who is a geriatrician at the Reynolds Institute at UAMS. After completing a 5-year general surgery residency in Cincinnati, I completed an additional fellowship training in colorectal surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I am double board-certified in general and colorectal surgery and have interests in surgical education, healthcare disparities, and cancer care.

  Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality and morbidity. As our population gets older, the treatment algorithm becomes more nuanced. The goal of the session is to briefly discuss pathophysiology of cancer and explore various options available to treat colon and rectal cancers.

• 10:45am - 11:45am

  Disaster Medicine (M)

  Frank Caruso began his career in 1983 as a PA in emergency medicine and orthopedics. He worked in a variety of medical centers and health maintenance organizations in New York City. In 1994, he was offered a position as Chief PA for the department of orthopedic surgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Since that time the department has grown from six faculty physicians and six PA’s to 60 faculty physicians and nearly 50 Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in 19 locations. Dr. Caruso presently serves as Manager of the department of orthopedic surgeries satellite APP’s and Co-Director of the Orthopedic PA Fellowship and precepts students from a number of Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner programs throughout the state. In the state of North Carolina, Dr. Caruso has served on several committees for the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) and is a Director at Large for the Piedmont Association of Physician Assistants. Nationally, he is the Chairperson for the Disaster Association of Physician Assistants which is a Special Interest Group sponsored by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Dr. Caruso is a recognized local, state and national speaker on numerous musculoskeletal and disaster medicine topics. In 2015 he was invited to the White House to represent AAPA and to work on the “Stop the Bleed Program” sponsored by the National Security Council. In 2015 he was a member of a workgroup that wrote the National Healthcare Disaster Certification Exam (NHDP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. As adjunct faculty Frank teaches in the post-graduate PA program for the State of New York at Stony Brook and at Lenoir-Rhyne Doctoral Nursing Program in Hickory NC. Most recently adjunct faculty, University of Lynchburg – Disaster Medicine. In NC Frank is an active member of the local fire department, church and civic club. Frank has been involved in the fire and EMS service since 1974 and has held the rank of Captain in the Fire Department and Lieutenant of the Rescue Squad, he still maintains his NC paramedic certification. On a national level he serves as Deputy Commander for NC-1 a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) which is part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). On the state Level he is a member of State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT). On a local level he is EMT instructor for Clemmons Fire Department and is certified to teach Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and International Life Support (ITLS) courses. On personal level Frank enjoys boating, hiking, spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, and playing the accordion. He presently resides in Clemmons NC with his wife and two rescue dogs.

  Understand the organization and structure of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS)
  Be able to differentiate between Emergency Medicine and Disaster Medicine as a discipline in medicine
  Learn about the opportunities to become more resilient as a health care provider to all disasters (all hazards) that impact local, state, national and global communities
  Learn about opportunities as a PA/NP for disaster medicine training, "just in time education" and deployments to communities impacted by both natural and man-made disasters

• 11:45am - 12:45pm

  Hope for Heart Failure, Part 2 (M)

  Wes Hall is a certified PA practicing in the field of Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, which includes the use of mechanical circulatory support devices such as LVADs, Impellas and ECMO. The first 30 years of his career were in business, mostly in Investment Banking and Mortgage Finance. After selling his company to PNC Bank of Pittsburgh Wes felt a compelling attraction to medicine, despite having no science training. He completed a Biology degree at UALR and then graduated from the Harding University Physician Assistant Program in 2014. Wes’ roles for the Baptist Health Heart Failure and Transplant Institute in Little Rock are clinical, inpatient and administrative. In addition to being a provider, Wes coordinates Baptist Health’s relationships with cardiology practices and hospitals throughout the state. He is the Principal Investigator for a multi-year clinical trial known as the Arkansas Cardiogenic Shock Network, which is a protocol-driven patient registry involving 18 cardiologists at 7 hospitals who are working together to lower mortality from cardiogenic shock across Arkansas.

• 11:45am - 12:45pm

  Vascular Update (DVT) (B1)

  Dr. Zubin Balsara completed his residency in radiology and a fellowship in Body Imaging at the US Naval Hospital San Diego. He served as a radiologist in Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. He has spent the last 30 years at Mercy Fort Smith as a Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist.

  Clinical and Imaging work up of patients with carotid and peripheral arterial disease. Evaluation and management of DVT.

• 11:45am - 12:45pm

  Pre-PA Student Session

• 12:45pm - 1:45pm

  Sponsor Lunch

• 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  The Good, The Bad and the Iatrogenic: Renal Med Dosing (M)

  Marissa Miller, PA-C, spends her free time training her dogs, drawing dogs, and all things dogs. She enjoys multiple types of arts and crafts as well as watching professional sporting events. Marissa graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Exercise Science. She then worked as an Exercise Physiologist for 4.5 years in North Texas before being accepted to PA school at UAMS, where she graduated with a MPAS in 2020. She decided to stay in Arkansas because the need for medical professionals was higher. She enjoys the more laid back pace, abundance of nature, and lack of traffic here in Central Arkansas. She was the first PA in Arkansas to join the American Academy of Nephrology PA’s (AANPA). Marissa has been working with Nephrology Associates, P.A., for 3 years. Specializing in In-Center Hemodialysis, she enjoys being able to see her patients every week and building a relationship with them. Recently she has started seeing patients in CKD clinic and teaching the “Kidney Smart” class to patients diagnosed with CKD who want to prevent disease progression. Kim Zuber, PA-C spends her time traveling and teaching 'all things kidney' with over 400 oral presentations, 64 peer-reviewed articles, 8 guest editorships. She volunteers clinically as a consultant for a senior citizen group and is the past executive editor for PA Clinics. Kim graduated from UCSD with a bachelor’s in molecular biology, picked up a teaching credential at San Diego State University and taught high school for many years. Deciding that medicine had to be easier than teaching teenagers, Kim attended the St. Louis University PA program. Kim is an AAPA Distinguished Fellow and was selected as both the Renal Professional of the year and Outstanding PA of the Year in 2014

  Polypharmacy is a common issue: medications from multiple practitioners, OTC medications and supplements can combine to cause reactions, known side effects and sometimes hospitalization and death. And often this could have been avoided. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) lists medication errors as the number 1 preventable issue in medicine. Using a collection of true-life stories collected from the National Kidney Foundation PAs and NPs nationwide, we present ‘The Good, the Bad and the Iatrogenic’. Come and learn from your colleagues! Will include OTC and medical marijuana examples

• 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Kidney Stones 101

  Allen Childers, PA-C, is currently a physician assistant at Arkansas Urology with 7+ years of urology experience. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Southern Arkansas University. After obtaining this degree, Allen attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Cardio-Pulmonary Science. He then worked as a registered respiratory therapist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for 2+ years. Allen then decided to pursue a career as a physician assistant. He attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where he obtained a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and graduated with high honors. Allen developed a passion for urology during PA school and immediately started practicing at Arkansas Urology upon graduation. He initially practiced in Little Rock but in late 2018 he transferred to Arkansas Urology’s clinic in El Dorado to provide urological care in the region of the state he grew up. Allen currently lives in El Dorado with his wife Taylor and their two children Colleen (CC) and Shepard (Shep). Allen is a member of the AAPA and the current Southeast Director At Large in ARAPA. In his spare time, Allen enjoys reading, hunting/fishing and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks in any sport.

  At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
  1. Define kidney stones.
  2. Explain what kidney stones are and how they develop.
  3. Distinguish between different types of kidney stones.
  4. Identify risk factors for kidney stones such as dietary habits, genetics, medications, and medical conditions.
  5. Discuss and outline common symptoms associated with kidney stones.
  6. Discuss diagnostic evaluation for kidney stones including radiologic imaging, labs, and 24 hour urine work ups.
  7. Review treatment options for kidney stones such as medical and surgical management.
  8. Explore preventative strategies for kidney stones. Discuss lifestyle and dietary changes.
  9. Identify potential complications of kidney stones.

• 1:45pm - 2:45pm

  Pre PA Student Session

• 2:45pm - 3:45pm

  Ankle Breaking Decisions: To Fix or Not to Fix? (M)

  Dr. Parham is an Arkansas native and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle conditions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Colorado College before attending the UAMS College of Medicine where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) society and graduated with an Honors in Research. Dr. Parham completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at UAMS, earning the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Resident Scholar Award and the UAMS Orthopaedics 2023 Resident Educator of the Year award. He further advanced his training with a fellowship at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City under the tutelage of Dr. Charles Saltzman and his partners. Dr. Parham provides a patient-centered approach for treating arthritic conditions, sports injuries, fractures and deformities. He utilizes cutting-edge surgical techniques, including minimally invasive procedures and total ankle replacements. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arkansas Orthopaedic Society and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. He sees patients at the UAMS Health Orthopaedic Clinic on Shackleford Road in Little Rock, the UAMS Health Orthopaedic & Spine Clinic in North Little Rock and the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital, as well as at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital.

  Determining when operate on an ankle fracture is a tricky decision. There are multiple radiographic examination techniques described to help the provider make this decision. I will review the current literature to help guide everyone with their decision making.

• 2:45pm - 3:45pm

  ADHD (B1)

  Actively practicing Nurse Practitioner for 42 years (in 2025) and dually certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Obtained MS/FNP from State University NY Stony Brook and doctorate degree (DNP) from Duke University Presently completing Narrative Medicine program (2025) at Columbia University, Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Division of Narrative Medicine Associate Professor, Director of Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, Carson-Newman University; expertise in curriculum development, presently developing a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practititoner Program at Carson Newman University Published author on a variety of topics including DNP models of quality improvement scholarly project development, pediatric asthma, and ADHD Personal: Married over 40 years (to a PA :), 3 children, 6 grandchildren, professional pianist and choir director

  1. Understand the prevalence and clinical course of ADHD throughout the lifespan
  2. Identify the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD
  3. Identify tools used in the diagnostic process
  4. Explain appropriate evaluation and management strategies (pharmacologic and non pharmacologic) for ADHD
  5. Discuss case study presentations

• 3:45pm - 4:00pm

  Closing Remarks, Housekeeping