A virtual bridge to the AAPA’s annual conference
These state-of-the-art sessions weren’t left in San Francisco
 If you prefer to view this article in PDF form, click here.
David Hathcox Photography
 At the 34th Annual Physician Assistant Conference, held May 27 to June 1, 2006, in San Francisco, Calif, six state-of-the-art lectures were presented as part of the Knowledge PArtner Program. These cutting-edge updates, delivered by speakers who are nationally known in their fields, focused on broad clinical and professional issues of interest to PAs in all specialties. Each session was electronically captured and will be accessible through the AAPA Web site for the next 12 months. PAs may receive AAPA Category 1 CME credit by reviewing the sessions at www.aapa.org and submitting a short CME quiz.
 New thoughts on CV risk management
Session title: Noninvasive cardiovascular risk
management: Pathways to the future
An emerging trend in managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the use of a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges its multifactorial etiology. Historically, risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia have been treated as separate entities. However, a growing body of evidence shows that CVD is most often caused by a group of risk factors that can be easily measured and modified. This session examines the benefits of simultaneously targeting all coexisting risk factors in a patient at risk for CVD with a combination of pharmacologic treatment and lifestyle changes. The presenter discusses how current guidelines and clearly defined treatment goals help meet the challenges of managing CVD. He also offers successful therapeutic strategies to help patients and discusses possible future treatment modalities.
The presenter is Roy C. Blank, MD, an internist with Southern Piedmont Primary Care in Monroe, NC.
 Equality and health care for all
Session title: Beyond the data: How you can
have an impact on health disparities
Over the past few decades, the overall health of Americans has improved. However, not all Americans have benefited from these improvements. One goal of Healthy People 2010, a public health initiative managed by the US Department of Health and Human Services, is to eliminate health disparities in the United States. This session focuses on the role of the PA in addressing the disparities faced by patients. The presenter discusses the current status of health disparities and how to spot potential health disparities in your practice. The session provides techniques to measure health outcomes and reviews tools, including the annual National Healthcare Disparities Report, available from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, that help clinicians understand and address health disparities in their practices. The session also presents ways to integrate cultural competencies into continuing education programs and how to implement programs and partnerships that ensure equity and equality in everyday patient encounters.
The presenter is Carolyn M. Clancy, MD, Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Md.
 A proactive approach to diabetes management
Session title: Aggressive therapy for diabetes: Removing barriers and dispelling myths
The rationale for aggressive therapy in patients with diabetes, including a review of the data on the disease and its effect on risk factors for cardiovascular and other disease, is the focus of this session. The advantages and disadvantages of the various insulin formulations and oral diabetes drugs are discussed, including how to formulate an individualized management plan that can improve glycemic control and enhance quality of life for patients. The presenter also addresses the barriers to, and myths about, insulin use.
The presenter is Steven Edelman, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Fellowship Program Director, Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of California, San Diego.
 Looking beyond BPH in male LUTS
Session title: Male LUTS—It’s not all benign
prostatic hyperplasia
This session reviews male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including etiology, natural course, and treatment options. The session also reviews the prevalence, symptoms, pathophysiology, and workup of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The presenter details the various treatment options such as medication, minimally invasive office techniques, hospital-based laser procedures, and the traditional transurethral resection of the prostate. He also discusses some new concepts of male LUTS as it relates to storage symptoms and the overlap with overactive bladder.
The presenter is David O. Sussman, DO, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Surgery and Department of Urology, and Section Head, Female Urology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford.
Tackling OAB in the male patient
Session title: Overactive bladder (OAB) is not
just for women
More commonly known as a woman’s problem, overactive bladder (OAB) can plague men as well. This session focuses on the prevalence and epidemiology of OAB and its economic impact from this perspective. The presenter gives an overview of the diagnostic tools and a treatment algorithm for OAB, including the side-effect profiles and safety of current medications for its treatment. He also discusses newer treatment modalities and the changing paradigm of male lower urinary tract symptoms. The presenter is David O. Sussman, DO, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Surgery and Department of Urology, and Section Head, Female Urology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford.
 A clear view of Alzheimer’s disease
Session title: Alzheimer’s disease: Is there a cure
on the horizon?
While expectations are high for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, clinicians need to understand the disease and the current treatment guidelines, including the need for early diagnosis and treatment. This session looks at practical and efficient methods of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. The presenter reviews the diagnostic criteria and current therapies and discusses current research findings. The session also looks at state-of-the-art methods of diagnosis as well as approaches to prevention and possible cures.
The presenter is Patrick Gillette, MD, Director, Mood and Memory Center of Southern Oregon, and Senior Staff Physician at the Clinical Research Institute of Southern Oregon. Dr. Gillette is also Assistant Medical Director of the Providence Medford Medical Center Hospice, all in Medford, Ore.
| 
