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St Petersburg, Florida 33703
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Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Endocrinology, and Diabetes

7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
Round-trip Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
March 09 - 16, 2025
<em>Celebrity Ascent</em>
Celebrity Ascent

COURSE CREDITS & HOURS

16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
16 ACPE Credits
16.0 Contact Hours
3.5 Hours of Pharmacology for Nurse Practitioners

COURSE FEES

$995.00 for Physicians, Psychiatrists, Pharmacists, & Attorneys
$795.00 for Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners
$595.00 for Nurses, Students & Others

TARGET AUDIENCE

Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists

PROGRAM PURPOSE

  1. Diabetes Medication Updates Primary care clinicians need to understand the differences between different types of diabetes medications and secondary clinical outcomes with many of the pharmacologic categories
    • Compare medication options for treating diabetes including secondary clinical outcomes
  2. CKD: Using Cystatin C for eGFR calculation
    • Incorporate new strategies for early detection of chronic kidney disease
    • Understand background and support for the use of cystatin C
  3. Dementia Diagnosis in Primary Care
    • Discuss types of dementia and typical clinical features
    • Understand appropriate diagnosis and treatment options
  4. Hospice Referral Criteria Overview
    • Reduce confusion in regards to the specific criteria for hospice eligibility
    • Discuss hospice philosophy and benefits. Outline disease-specific criteria for hospice qualification
  5. Risk Adjustment Opportunities in Clinical Documentation
    • Discuss background and basics of risk adjustment. Review clinical documentation pearls
  6. Weight Loss Medications
    • Discuss weight loss options including medical and surgical options
    • Discuss clinical outcomes, benefits, and risks of medications
  7. Major Depression for PCPs
    • Outline specific diagnostic criteria for major depression
    • Discuss medication classes and clinical outcomes
  8. Personality Disorders in Primary Care
    • Discuss screening tools and diagnosis of personality disorders
    • Discuss clinical characteristics manifested in primary care
  9. Hypertension in African Americans
    • Describe the current state of hypertension in African AmericansReview evidence-based practices to improve blood pressure control and reduce health inequities among African Americans
    • Discuss key actions that clinicians can take to make significant progress in getting hypertensive patients to control
  10. Hyperaldosteronism - Not Just for Specialists!
    • Improve the confidence of primary care clinicians in recognizing hyperaldosteronism in clinical settings
  11. Management of Hypertension in the Frail Elderly
    • Provide a framework for clinicians to consider all factors before recommending treatment, and understand where approaches are similar and different than in younger patients
  12. Pre-Operative Assessment for Non-Cardiac Surgery
    • Discuss current guidelines for cost-effective and evidenced-based testing to assess risk before surgery
  13. Heart Disease in Women - An Update
    • Develop awareness of the various presentations of heart disease in women, and gain an appreciation for limitations of current tests to detect CHD
  14. Can Digital Health Literacy Improve Patient Outcomes?
    • Identify gaps in knowledge regarding DHL and empower clinicians to identify their low literacy patients
  15. Hypertension Update - New Clinical Trials, and What They Mean for Clinicians
    • Equip the clinician with new approaches to the management of the hypertensive patient
  16. Q & A: Anemia in the Hospitalized Patient
    • Discuss the principles of management and diagnosis of the hospitalized patient with anemia using an interactive approach

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise through Continuing Education, Inc.. This ensures our company can provide full conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Note also, that participants' family and friends are welcome to book within our group to take advantage of our typically excellent cruise rates. Thank you for your cooperation.
BIAS FREE CME - No Commercial Support was provided for this CME activity.

Faculty

Kevin Astle, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, AAHIVP, CDCES

Kevin Astle, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, AAHIVP, CDCES

Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Research
University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy

Kevin Astle, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, AAHIVP, CDCES is an assistant professor with the University of Taneja College of Pharmacy in the department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Clinical Research. He joined USF in July 2022 from his previous institution, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy in Mobile AL. Dr. Astle graduated from pharmacy school at the University of Florida in 2016 and completed a PGY-1 ambulatory care pharmacy residency with Auburn University Clinical Health Services in 2017.

Dr. Astle’s clinical practice and research interests are in the treatment and prevention of HIV, addressing health disparities in the LGBTQIA+ community, and prevention of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV. Dr. Astle is passionate about advocacy and policy change regarding healthcare access for sexual and gender minorities and expanding access to healthcare for transgender patients. He is a Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, HIV Pharmacist, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. In 2021, Dr. Astle was a founding member of RxSHARE, an international collaborative of pharmacists with the mission of improving health care access and education regarding sexual and gender minorities.

David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, FACP

David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, FACP

Professor of Medicine
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine

Dr. David S. Kountz is a Professor of Medicine for the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Co-Chief Academic Officer for Hackensack Meridian Health. He earned his AB at Princeton, MD at SUNY/Buffalo School of Medicine, and MBA at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. He completed training in Internal Medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. 

A board-certified internist, Dr. Kountz has had progressive responsibilities in academic medicine as Associate Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. 

Dr. Kountz's research interests include hypertension treatment and guidelines in underserved populations, health literacy, pipeline programs and leadership development. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, editorials and abstracts, and is a frequent speaker within and outside of his health network on a variety of topics in primary care. 

Accreditation

 Joint Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea® is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education

Credit Designation for Physicians: Continuing Education, Inc. designates this live activity for 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

Osteopathic Physicians: This program is eligible for Category 2 credit with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

US or Canadian Family Physicians: Please let us know if you require AAFP Prescribed Credits.

 

ANCC

Credit Designation for Nurses:  Continuiung Education, Inc. designates this continuing nursing education activity for 16 contact hours.
Accredited status does not imply endorsement by Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea® or ANCC of any commercial products displayed or used with an activity.

Nurse Practitioners: Can claim either ANCC Contact Hours or AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM as needed.   Pharmacology credits are identified on individual activities.

ROYAL COLLEGE MOC

 

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada:
Through an agreement between the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical practitioners participating in the Royal College MOC Program may record completion of accredited activities registered under the ACCME’s “CME in Support of MOC” program in Section 3 of the Royal College’s MOC Program.

ROYAL COLLEGE MOC

 

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) has a reciprocal credit reporting agreement with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Prescribed credits can be claimed as the equivalent number of certified credits, and Elective credits can be claimed as the equivalent number of non-certified credits.

Members of the CFPC may claim up to 50 credits per five-year cycle from Physician's Recognition Award (PRA) Category 1 credits. Any additional credits are eligible as non-certified credits.

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education


Credit Designation for Pharmacists: This knowledge-based activity is approved for 16 hours of pharmacy continuing education credit.

ITINERARY

DATE PORT OF CALL ARRIVE DEPART
Sun Mar 09 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - 3:30 pm
Mon Mar 10 Bimini, Bahamas 8:00 am 5:00 pm
Tue Mar 11 At Sea - Cruising
Meetings 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM*
- -
Wed Mar 12 Georgetown, Grand Cayman 8:00 am 6:00 pm
Thu Mar 13 At Sea - Cruising
Meetings 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM*
- -
Fri Mar 14 Falmouth, Jamaica 7:00 am 3:00 pm
Sat Mar 15 At Sea - Cruising
Meetings 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM*
- -
Sun Mar 16 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 7:00 am -
*Tentative course schedule, actual class times may differ.

PORTS OF CALL

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard, or adventure to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

Bimini, Bahamas - For such a tiny isle, Bimini packs a huge adventure punch. Alice Town buzzes with a low-key vibe, while sugary sands lead to scuba diving and snorkeling in bright-blue waters filled with shipwrecks. This is a small-island paradise for sun-seekers and anglers. Here you can check out Bimini Museum exhibits, hike the Bimini Nature Trail, or soak up fresh-from-the-sea Bahamian seafood.

At Sea - Cruising - Cruising

Georgetown, Grand Cayman - Grand Cayman is where the high life meets island life. Snorkel with stingrays in Stingray City. Treat your inner foodie at eateries established by acclaimed top chefs like Michael Schwartz, or chow down on conch fritters by the seashore. You can even soak up some rays at one of the beaches voted best in the world, Seven Mile Beach. And do it all in the same day.

Falmouth, Jamaica - Step off the ship and step back in time. You might not think so at first glance but little Falmouth was an economic and shipping powerhouse and center for dramatic social change during the English Colonial Period. Founded and named Martha Brae Point in 1769 by local English planter, Thomas Reid, Falmouth became the transshipment hub for the sugar plantations covering the hills of the North Coast of Jamaica. Edward Barrett, a wealthy English planter, strongly influenced the early development of Falmouth. From the wharfs of Falmouth, sugar, molasses, rum and coffee were sent to England while ships carrying African slaves and all the necessities of 18th century colonial life dropped anchor in the bustling port town. You'll return with sun kissed skin, timeless memories as well as interesting historical tidbits to share with friends, like this one: Falmouth received piped water before New York City.

Celebrity Ascent

PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise through Continuing Education, Inc.. This ensures our company can provide full conference services and complimentary social amenities to all meeting participants and their guests. Note also, that participants' family and friends are welcome to book within our group to take advantage of our typically excellent cruise rates. Thank you for your cooperation.

Register your interest and receive a full quote at 800-422-0711 (US/Can) or direct/int'l tel: +1-727-526-1571 or by registering online.
STATEROOM DETAILS
PRICING PER PERSON

Prices below are for the full cruise including meals and evening entertainment

Balcony

Concierge Class Stateroom, C2 Concierge Class Stateroom (C2)
Enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, a welcome lunch, and dedicated service throughout your journey. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda. 
Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.
Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, E2 Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (E2)
An innovative design that merges inside and outside space, Infinite Verandas allow you to enjoy open-air access to the sea. Bring the outside inside with the touch of a button. Two double beds convertible to King. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda. 
Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.
AquaClass Stateroom, A2 AquaClass Stateroom (A2)
A fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Dine at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, fitness amenities, and more. 243 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda. 
Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.
Prime AquaClass Stateroom, A1 Balcony Prime AquaClass Stateroom (A1)
A fully immersive, next-level wellness experience, located on the most desirable locations on the ship. Dine at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the SEA Thermal Suite, a spa concierge, fitness amenities, and more. Sleeps 2. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing
Prime Concierge Class, C1 Balcony Prime Concierge Class (C1)
Meticulously thought-out, these staterooms feature services, amenities, and exclusive events. Prime Concierge Class Staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most desirable locations on the ship. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing
Prime Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda, E1 Balcony Prime Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (E1)
An innovative design that merges inside and outside space, Infinite Verandas allow you to enjoy open-air access to the sea. Bring the outside inside with the touch of a button. Two double beds convertible to King. 201 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing
Edge Single Stateroom w/ Infinite Veranda, ES Balcony Edge Single Stateroom w/ Infinite Veranda (ES)
Sized for solo travelers, but with a full-size veranda. 142 sq. ft. with 42 sq. ft. veranda.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing
Deluxe Porthole View w/ Veranda, P1 Balcony Deluxe Porthole View w/ Veranda (P1)
Centrally-located stateroom with floor-to-ceiling porthole view and private veranda. 201 sq. ft. with 40 sq. ft. veranda.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing
Deluxe Porthole View w/ Veranda, P2 Balcony Deluxe Porthole View w/ Veranda (P2)
Centrally-located stateroom with floor-to-ceiling porthole view and private veranda. 201 sq. ft. with 40 sq. ft. veranda.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing
Sunset Veranda, SV Balcony Sunset Veranda (SV)
The most spacious of all Edge verandas, the Sunset Veranda class is located at the aft of the ship, allowing for stunning sunset views. Two double beds convertible to King. 228 sq. ft. with 89 sq. ft. veranda.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Outside

Ocean View Stateroom, O2 Ocean View Stateroom (O2)
Take in the stunning views while you relax in your luxurious stateroom. Two double beds, convertible to King. 200 sq. ft.  
Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom, DO Outside Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (DO)
With ample living space, bigger bathrooms, and more drawer space, Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms will become your home away from home while on board. 238 sq. ft.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing
Prime Ocean View Stateroom, O1 Outside Prime Ocean View Stateroom (O1)
Staterooms with a large window and sitting area where you can kick back and relax. Prime Ocean View Staterooms are located in the most-desirable locations on the ship. 200 sq. ft.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing
Panoramic Oceanview Stateroom, PO Outside Panoramic Oceanview Stateroom (PO)
Enjoy ever-changing vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows, plus more space than a standard Ocean View Stateroom. Located forward and mid-ship. 212 sq. ft.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Inside

Deluxe Inside Stateroom, DI Deluxe Inside Stateroom (DI)
With ample living space, bigger bathrooms, and more drawer space, Deluxe Inside Staterooms will become your home away from home while on board. 202 sq. ft.  
Call: 800-422-0711
and we'll find the best value for you.
Inside Stateroom, I2 Inside Inside Stateroom (I2)
Two double beds convertible to King, with plentiful storage space in your bathroom and wardrobe. 181 sq. ft.
Call
800-422-0711
for Pricing

Because this program is sailing soon, full payment of the fare is due at time of booking.

3rd/4th in Stateroom - Please call to secure the best possible pricing

Cruise pricing is presented per person, based double occupancy of the stateroom, following industry practice. Pricing presented above is listed accordingly to allow easy comparison for the stateroom categories displayed. Our agents always provide 'total cost' pricing disclosing all particulars before you make any commitment.

COMPETITIVE PRICING PROMISE: We will match any price currently offered by the cruise line; this promise includes their short-term, promotional rates. As a value-added organizer of meetings at sea, however, we do not seek to compete with 'cruise discounters,' 'travel clubs,' or 'distressed inventory' sales operations.
PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE: Because this sailing is departing soon, no fares are displayed above; Call us to request a quote of current, market rate fares. Those fares, the same as offered directly by the cruise line, are subject to change at any time until held with a deposit or full payment of the fare. Market rates are capacity and revenue controlled, do fluctuate, and can be withdrawn without notice.
CANCELLATION PENALTY POLICY WILL APPLY: We recommend Travel Insurance to protect your investment from unexpected, late cancellations.
Cruise Cancellation Policy:Late Cancellation policies vary by cruise line, itinerary and length of cruise. When reserving your stateroom, please congirm the policy applicable to this cruise with one of our agents.
Course Fee Cancellation Policy: 30+ days before sailing date - 75% Refund ; 7-29 days before sailing date - 50% Refund; Less than 7 days before sailing date - No Refund
FUEL SUPPLEMENT: During periods of unusual oil price volatility, cruiselines may implement a fuel surcharge at any time prior to sailing.

Chubb Travel Protection Overview

Please note, this insurance protection is available to the residents of the United States only,
that coverage limits are per person and that limits can vary by State.

Standard Plan Benefits Travel Basics Travel Essentials Travel Choice
Trip Cancellation 100% of Trip Costs
($100,000 maximum)
100% of Trip Costs
($100,000 maximum)
100% of Trip Costs
($100,000 maximum)
Trip Interruption 100% of Trip Costs
($100,000 maximum)
150% of Trip Costs
($150,000 maximum)
150% of Trip Costs
($150,000 maximum)
Trip Interruption - Return Air Only $500 $750 $1,000
Trip Delay $500 ($100 per day) $750 ($150 per day) $1,000 ($200 per day)
Missed Connection NA $250 $500
Baggage & Personal Effects $750 ($50 deductible) $1,000 $2,500
Baggage Delay $200 $300 $500
Accident & Sickness Medical Expense* $15,000 ($50 deductible) $25,000 $50,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation of Remains $150,000 $500,000 $1,000,000
Accidental Death & Dismemberment NA $10,000 $50,000
Assistance Services Included Included Included
Additional Benefits (if purchased within 15 days of Initial Trip Payment; Day 1 is the date the Intial Trip Payment is made)
Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver Included Included Included
Trip Cancellation/ Interruption due to Financial Default Included Included Included
Accident Sickness Medical Expense Excess Coverage Primary Coverage Primary Coverage
Baggage & Personal Effects Excess Coverage Excess Coverage Primary Coverage
Flight Accident $25,000 $50,000 NA
Missed Connection NA Additional $250 Included in base plan
Optional Benefits (if selected byt the Applicant and required premium is paid)
Medical Coverage Upgrade Included in base plan Included in base plan Additional $50,000
including Emergency Evacuation* Additional $150,000 Additional $500,000 Included in base plan
Car Rental Collision Coverage $35,000 ($250 Deductible) $35,000 ($250 Deductible) $35,000 ($250 Deductible)
Flight Accident Amount selected up to $500,000 Amount selected up to $500,000 NA
*Coverage, pricing and availability may vary by state
*Additional Benefits change not available for CA, CO, KS, MN, MO, MT, NH, NY, PA, TX or WA residents at this time.


500

Before and After your cruise

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

525 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Sophisticated Style and Energy in a Celebrated Vacation Destination

Discover a modern reflection of the classic yacht club lifestyle. With a prime beachfront address, the Four Seasons brings unrivaled style and service to Fort Lauderdale. Moments away, experience this next-generation coastal city’s best shops, restaurants, marinas and entertainment – surrounding you with the spirit of one of the world’s top yachting locales.

https://www.fourseasons.com/fortlauderdale/

Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club

1700 S Ocean Ln, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Family Owned and Operated for Sixty Excellent Years

The Fort Lauderdale beachfront resort that is decidedly, and purposefully, different. Understated, not loud. Gracious, not pretentious. Deferential, not presumptuous. In short, Lago Mar is a sophisticated retreat where you can appreciate the enduring traditions of genuine hospitality.

https://lagomar.com/

The Victoria Park Hotel

855 NE 20th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Where Comfort and Relaxation are Everything

A serene property located just minutes away from the beach, the Victoria Park Hotel employs a staff that is happy to accommodate your wishes to ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.

https://www.thevictoriaparkhotel.com/

Before and After your cruise

Things To Do in Fort Lauderdale

Known as the “Venice of America” for its intricate canal system, Fort Lauderdale is host to some of the Sunshine State’s most beautiful beaches. However, visitors who look no further than the beach are doing themselves a disservice - there’s a wide variety of fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale. Here are just a few great activity options:

Questions?
Call us at 800.422.0711 (US & Canada)
Or +1-727-526-1571
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.

Contact Our Travel Agents to Book Now.

800.422.0711 Request a Quote Email Us