VMIMR Primary Care Clinic Didactics

Reviewing current evidence, guidelines and laws in Washington state surrounding use of medical cannabis and attestations as well as side effects and harm reduction recommendations for recreational cannabis use

Reviewing what to do next in the primary care setting in regard to medication management for depression that is not responding to the first or second SSRI or SNRI trialed.

Reviewing a comprehensive approach to fatigue in the primary care setting including evaluation with history, exam and labs, tips on patient communication and expectation setting for evaluation and management as well as diagnosing ME/CFS and treatment recommendations.

Reviewing the basics of caring for transgender patients in primary care including a review of starting and monitoring gender affirming hormone therapy and guidelines for preventative care screenings

Reviewing evaluation for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) in the primary care setting, indications for Rheumatology referral and current recommendations for management, including monitoring for long-term complications and side effects of therapy.

Reviewing timing of and general framework and phrasing for having early goals of care discussions with patients in the primary care setting

Reviewing diagnosis, treatment and prevention guidelines for management of shingles and HSV infections in primary care

Reviewing current options for contraception, both regular use and emergency use, for discussion with patients in primary care including how to review the options, anticipatory guidance and how to help patients pick what options work best for them along with review of handling specific cases where options are affected by medical conditions like hypercoagulability and weight loss medications and surgery.

For healthcare professionals education only: Review of medication and surgical abortion for the primary care provider. Brief review of current federal and Washington state law as of September, 2025

Reviewing how to assess for secondary headaches and diagnosis and treatment for tension type headaches, cluster headaches and medication overuse headaches in the outpatient setting