Guest: Michael D. Ezekowitz, MBChB, DPhil, FRCP, FACC

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, affecting an estimated 2.7 million Americans. Warfarin has been the mainstay for stroke prevention in AF for decades; however, 2 classes of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) were recently FDA approved to prevent strokes. This activity will provide clinicians with practical information on how best to identify patients with nonvalvular AF who are most likely to benefit from timely initiation of NOAC therapy, present an overview on the risks and benefits of current and emerging NOACs for patients with nonvalvular AF at risk for stroke, and to indicate how emerging NOACs and reversal therapies may affect the treatment landscape for this condition.

CME credits: 0.25

Valid until: 30-07-2019

Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/role-fetal-fibronectin-identifying-risk-of-preterm-labor/9685/

Drs. Eugene Chang and Stephanie Costa will talk about how to better appreciate the prevalence, burden, and consequences of preterm birth and more confidently adopt ACOG and SMFM guidance for use of diagnostic tests, such as fetal fibronectin. Fetal Fibronectin, or FFN, is a clinical test performed between 22 and 34 weeks completed gestation. Additionally, they will also discuss how to incorporate appropriate patient disposition strategies into one’s clinical practice when assessing a women’s risk for preterm birth.

Guest: Samjot Dhillon, MD. FCCP, FAASM

In this discussion, Dr. Dhillon attempts to provide clinicians with a better understanding of the types and growth of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules, and the strategies for treating and managing them. This activity is the sixth in a series of eight in-depth discussions with oncology thought leaders at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, targeting Primary Care and Family physicians. This series was made possible through the generous support of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.

Guest: Carl D. Morrison, MD, DVM

In this segment, Dr. Morrison will discuss how Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a sound technological process with highly accurate results as well as describe the NGS annotation process, including relevant questioning. This activity is the fifth in a series of eight in-depth discussions with oncology thought leaders at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, targeting Primary Care and Family physicians. This series was made possible through the generous support of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.

Guest: Ronald A. Alberico, MD

In this segment, Dr. Ronald Alberico will talk about what percutaneous vertebral augmentation techniques exist, and the differences between them as well as Identify patients who may benefit from this type of treatment. He will also demonstrate an understanding of the preoperative work-up and postoperative expectations for vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty patients. This activity is the fourth in a series of eight in-depth discussions with oncology thought leaders at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York, targeting Primary Care and Family physicians. This series was made possible through the generous support of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.

Host: Marin H. Kollef, MD, FACP, FCCP

Guest: Thomas M File, Jr. MD MSc MACP FIDSA FCCP

In this interview, Dr. File will be discussing the spectrum of infections caused by Gram-Positive Bacteria (GPB). He will also talk about the factors that go into the available treatment options for patients with GPB infection and review the changing pattern of antibiotic resistance in GNB as well as risk factors for the MRSA infection. Dr. File is currently Chair of the Infectious Disease Division as well as a Professor of Internal Medicine; Master Teacher and Chair of the Infectious Disease Section at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio.

Guest: Gary Bradt

Over the past decade there have been significant technological advances in blood banking – these advances have primarily emphasized the quality and safety of blood products. Every advance has required change in the immunohematology lab, in terms of staffing, equipment, policies and procedures. Understanding how to manage change in the professional setting, as well as in their personal lives, allows individuals to be better able to accept change, and to most effectively and efficiently function.

Host: Renée Simone Yolanda Allen, MD, MHSc., FACOG

Guest: Mark Spitzer, MD

There continues to be much debate around cervical cancer screening and the benefits of co-testing with respect to the risk:benefit:harm ratio. This interview will review the numerous guidelines and pertinent study data as applicable to cervical cancer screening in clinical practice. Join Dr. Mark Spitzer as he reviews the information and helps to apply it to the patients in your practice.

Host: Thomas M File, Jr. MD MSc MACP FIDSA FCCP

Guest: Marin H. Kollef, MD, FACP, FCCP

In this interview, Dr. Kollef will be discussing the importance of appropriate antibiotic therapy for infections due to gram-negative bacteria (GNB). He will also talk about the factors that go into antibiotic selection for patients with GNB infection and review the changing pattern of antibiotic resistance in GNB. Dr. Kollef is Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Virginia E. and Sam J. Golman Chair in Respiratory Intensive Care Medicine, as well as Director of Critical Care Research and Respiratory Care Services at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Guest: Howard L. Kaufman, MD, FACS

Dr. Kaufman will discuss the basic concepts of immunology, including its key features, how they function, as well as antibody structure and function, antibody classes and activity, the three major t-cell categories, and molecules and receptors of the immune system. Dr. Howard L. Kaufman is Chief Surgical Officer and Associate Director for Clinical Sciences at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey as well as a Professor in the Department of Surgery, also at Rutgers, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.