Optional Hands-On Workshops

GAPA is featuring a wide array of hands-on workshops being presented by the best instructors in their respective fields. To provide an intimate learning environment, participation is limited.

GAPA´s 2010 Winter CME Conference and exhibition features over 25 educational sessions and 10 hands-on workshops, including ACLS Recertification and GAPA’s new specialty intensive “Skin & Bones” boot camp. CME credit is now also available to Nurse Practitioners and Athletic Trainers. All sessions and workshops are presented by the best instructors in their respective fields.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Re-Certification
This course is for participants with a current ACLS course card. It will cover the skills and didactic information necessary to treat a cardiac arrest patient. Participants who successfully complete this class will receive their ACLS course completion card. Please bring copy of your current card.
Thurs., 3:15 - 8:15 pm
Tony Fullard
WORKSHOP CANCELLED

Basic Dermatology Procedures & Management of Common Skin Lesions
Provide a broader range of services to your patients by learning basic dermatology procedures! This hands-on workshop will provide an opportunity to learn basic skin procedures and treatment options for common skin lesions. This workshop is rapidly becoming one of our most popular.
Wed., 10:15 am - 12:15 pm
Davina Braselton, PA-C

Basic EKG - Rhythm Review
This is a BASIC course that provides a review of the basic principles for analysis of cardiac rhythm strips and dysrhythmias. It begins with an interactive discussion of your basic EKG rhythms, including atrial/junctional arrhythmias, ventricular dysrhythmias, and AV blocks, identify all QRS complex components, heart rate calculation, and rhythm identification, and then covers the basics of the 12-lead EKG.
Wed, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Ben Taylor, PhD, PA-C

Chest X-rays For Dummies
Everything you always wanted to know about a CXR, but were afraid to ask! This hands-on workshop will provide you with the tools necessary for interpreting CXRs in a primary care setting. Review radiographic images along with a brief case study, and expand your knowledge of reviewing CXRs and making the appropriate diagnosis.
Thurs., 1 - 3 pm
Christy Wilson, PA-C

Documentation & Coding For Optimal Reimbursement
Just when you think you´ve got it figured out, something changes! This workshop will help you gain a better understanding of how documentation effects the coding of the services you provide. Come and learn skills that will ensure revenue enhancement, legally and compliantly, including documentation and coding guidelines, along with rules and regulations.
Thurs., 9:15 – 11:15 am
Instructor TBA
WORKSHOP CANCELLED


EKG 12 Lead Interpretation
After reviewing the principles of the basic ECG criteria, the focus turns to the interpretation of a 12-lead ECG. At the conclusion of this session you will be able to recognize a properly performed 12 -Lead ECG; determine the mean QRS axis and state the common causes of axis deviation (LAD, RAD, IAD); describe 12-Lead ECG features of ischemia, injury, infraction; chamber enlargement, bundle branch blocks, hemiblocks, pericarditis, electrolyte and drug effects; you also interpret 3 (three) 12-Lead EKGs and identify the pathological condition causing the abnormality.
Wed., 3:45 - 5:45 pm
Brad Schwarz, MS, PA-C

Joint Injections & Aspirations
This workshop provides guidelines for methods and materials, patient preparation, equipment needed, procedures, follow up, pitfalls and complications for the common joint injections and aspirations. You will learn to describe nociceptive pain, discuss injections, and demonstrate techniques to perform shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and trigger point injections. This is your opportunity to become more comfortable with these procedures under the guidance of a skilled orthopedic physician assistant.
Thurs., 7 - 9 am
Mary Vacala, ATC, MSPAS, PA-C

Orthopedic Exam for the Primary Care Practitioner: Knee, Ankle, Shoulder & Elbow
Hone your orthopedic exam skills with an experienced orthopedic PA. The workshop will place emphasis on the knee and shoulder with elbow and ankle exam techniques also discussed. The curriculum will cover the basics for a quick orthopedic exam as well as advanced techniques for specific pathology. Participants are requested to wear proper attire.
Wed., 7 – 10 am
Jeff Chambers, PA-C, ATC

Procedural Potpourri in Acute Care
Literally from head to toe, this workshop will cover a multitude of skills necessary for treating conditions encountered in the acute care setting. Skills such as fishhook removal, ring removal,body piercing jewelry removal, abscess/felon/paronychia drainage, central line placement, chest tube placement, lumbar puncture and various nerve blocks will be covered in this lecture. You will have hands on practice in lumbar puncture, central line placement and chest tube placement. Equipment will be available to have hands-on practice of other skills (should time allow) but emphasis will be given to the skills most often requested in the past. Individual instruction will be provided and everyone will have the opportunity to practice on life-like models.
Wed., 7 – 10 am
Jim Gordon, MPAS, PA-C

Suturing Techniques: Basic & Advanced
This workshop will cover wound care, suture material selection, anesthesia, and basic and advanced closure techniques. These techniques include simple interrupted, corner stitch (Half-buried Horizontal), vertical mattress, horizontal mattress, running lock stitch, subcuticular stitch, bevel flap stitch and irregular edge correction and repair. Each of these will be covered in lecture and demonstration when necessary. Everyone will have the opportunity for individual instruction and to adequately practice all techniques on artificial skin or pig feet.
Fri., 1 – 4 pm
Jim Gordon, MPAS, PA-C
WORKSHOP CLOSED