Primary Care Update: Geriatrics, Neurology and Pain Management
Oct 16, 2026 – Oct 18, 2026
Dollywood/Pigeon Forge/Great Smoky Mountains Ntnl Park - Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, HeartSong Lodge & Resort at Dollywood offers a warm, inviting retreat where relaxation and adventure come together. Inspired by the natural beauty and musical heritage of the region, the resort blends rustic elegance with modern comfort, creating a peaceful home base just moments from Dollywood and the attractions of Pigeon Forge. Guests can unwind in thoughtfully designed gathering spaces, enjoy mountain views, or explore nearby hiking trails and outdoor adventures throughout the national park. Families will appreciate easy access to world class entertainment, seasonal festivals, and endless activities, while couples and solo travelers can savor quiet moments, regional flavors, and the welcoming spirit that defines the Smoky Mountains. At HeartSong, every stay is designed to feel both restorative and connected to the rich culture and landscape that make this destination so special.
(Find theme park information, conference attendee discounts and ticket purchase links in the Additional Travel Information section below)
Tuition Discount
Past Attendees Save $50: Past MCE Conferences attendees (within the previous three years) automatically receive a $50 discount at checkout.
Bring a Friend or Colleague and Save $50: If you are attending with another healthcare professional you are eligible for a $50 discount.
Overview & Agenda
Primary Care Update: Geriatrics, Neurology and Pain Management
12 Credits
This program includes 3.0 hours of content intended to meet the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act requirements for DEA license renewal.
Overview
This conference is designed to provide primary care practitioners with up-to-date, evidence-based information on commonly encountered issues in Geriatrics, Neurology and Pain Management, while suggesting pragmatic approaches to clinical management. The discussion-based format of the conference will encourage audience participation through dynamic lectures, case-based studies, and hands-on workshops. Keynote speakers will present and critically assess recent advancements and industry updates in Geriatrics, Neurology and Pain Management, to enhance the knowledge-base and core competence of attendees. The successful completion of this interactive program diagnosing, treating, and prescribing the most effective courses of treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.
Target Audience
All Physicians and other Healthcare Professionals seeking clinical information about issues in Geriatrics, Neurology and Pain Management.
Speakers
Our presenting national faculty speakers make it their professional goals to enhance the training of primary care clinicians. This Continuing Medical Education program promises to help you learn the most current, best medicine, and techniques for making the diagnosis easier during a 20-minute office visit.
Schedule
Friday, October 16th
Cognitive Impairment 101
Objectives: 1) Discuss targeted questions in history taking in patients with suspected cognitive decline 2) Review the elements of a mental status examination and relevant supporting elements of the neurological exam 3) Highlight the utility of telemedicine in the evaluation of patients with cognitive impairment
Part 1: Cognitive Impairment 102 – How Do We Evaluate Older Adults?
Objectives: 1) Review important and necessary labs & imaging 2) Identify patterns of cognitive impairment 3) Highlight system improvements for older adults, such as age-friendly, annual wellness visit, and social determinants of health screening
Assessment of Low Back Pain
Objectives: 1) Discuss how multiple structures in the lumbar spine may serve as pain generators, including the disc, facet joint, myofascial, and ligamentous structures 2) Review, demonstrate, and practice basic physical exam techniques used for assessing spine-related pain conditions 3) Differentiate lumbar radiculopathy signs and symptoms from other causes of low back pain, including facet-mediated, soft tissue, and sacroiliac joint pain
Management of Fibromyalgia
Objectives: 1) Become familiar with recent pathophysiology related to mechanisms of fibromyalgia 2) Discuss recent clinical criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia in a primary care setting 3) Identify a multidisciplinary approach that can be applied to patients with chronic widespread pain
Saturday, October 17th
Overview of Opioid Pharmacology, Assessment, and Management
Objectives: 1) Highlight pharmacologic differences between various opioids used for chronic pain management 2) Describe risk factors that may help to predict problematic opioid use, including addiction and misuse 3) Review validated screening tools used to help identify possible aberrant behaviors related to long-term opioid use 4) Review and utilize patient provider agreements (PPAs) and prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), as a means of improved monitoring of patients using opioid products
Rational Polypharmacy for Chronic Pain Management
Objectives: 1) Apply new pathophysiologic understanding to treating pain 2) Determine mechanisms of action for the various muscle relaxers and anticonvulsants commonly used to treat various chronic pain states 3) Use case examples to better understand titration and adjustment of adjuvant analgesics
Part 2: Cognitive Impairment 102 – Fountain of Youth: An Evidence-Based Approach to Healthy Aging
Objectives: 1) Discuss differential diagnostic strategies 2) Recognize geriatric syndromes, as well as cognitive impairment by using evidence-based pathways
All Dementia Is NOT Created Equal: Atypical Dementia Presentations
Objectives: 1) Recognize common risk factors for dementia 2) Discuss causes of atypical dementia 3) Identify sub-phenotyping and/or classification of dementia 4) Frame several treatment decisions around case-based scenarios
Sunday, October 18th
Sometimes It Is the Zebra You Are Hearing: Stroke Basics and Stroke Mimickers
Objectives: 1) Recognize common stroke syndromes and review imaging 2) Review the neurological examination of paroxysmal disorders that can mimic stroke 3) Highlight the red flags associated with secondary headaches 4) Explore secondary headache syndromes and how to improve your history taking in the primary care visit
Too Much of a Good Thing or Not Enough? Vitamin Deficiencies and Excess
Objectives: 1) Review the neurological manifestations of vitamin deficiencies 2) Recognize case-based scenarios of vitamin excess or deficiency 3) Identify the pathophysiological pathways of vitamin excess and deficiency 4) Review laboratory and imaging data clues to these disorders
Individualized Pain Treatments Demystified
Objectives: 1) Determine best practices for tapering and weaning patients off opioids safely 2) Formulate an approach for converting patients between adjunctive analgesics 3) Discuss updates in non-opioid pain pharmacology, including advanced combination therapies
Approaching Difficult Conversations about Chronic Pain
Objectives: 1) Discuss the best approach in addressing the patient who is resistant to change 2) Describe a strategy for treating patients with anxiety around pain therapy 3) Characterize patients with clear addiction 4) Manage patients who are angry or upset in the office 5) Discuss the approach to patients who have lost self-control
Please Note: Content is subject to change without notice. Please refer to this activity website for the most current information.
Program Schedule
Date
Location
Description
Time
October 16, 2026
Dollywood HeartSong Resort
Conference - Day 1
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
Check-In Opens at 7:15 AM
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
October 17, 2026
Dollywood HeartSong Resort
Conference - Day 2
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
October 18, 2026
Dollywood HeartSong Resort
Conference - Day 3
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
Accreditation
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education – ACCME
MCE Conferences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
MCE Conferences designates this live activity for a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
ABIM MOC Recognition
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 12 (part II) MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credits claimed for the activity. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
American Academy of Family Physicians – AAFP
MCE Conferences continuing medical education programs are organized by primary care healthcare professionals who are leaders in their field, and MCE Conferences plans to apply for American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) credit for all of its courses prior to the program date.
The College of Family Physicians of Canada – CFPC
The AAFP and the CFPC have a bilateral reciprocal certification agreement whereby: CME/CPD activities held across the Canada – U.S. border are certified according to the nationality of the primary target audiences regardless of where the providers are located. CFPC members who complete any CME/CPD activity certified by the AAFP for Prescribed credit can claim the equivalent number of Mainpro+ Certified or Mainpro+ Certified Assessment credits.
American Osteopathic Association – AOA
The AOA automatically recognizes AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ as AOA Category 2 credit.
American Nurses Credentialing Center – ANCC
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for recertification and continuing education credits. One AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ is equivalent to one contact hour for registered nurses or one advanced practice CNE for nurse practitioners.
Nurse Practitioners
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certified Program (AANPCP) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Physician Assistants
PAs may claim a maximum of 12 Category 1 credits for completing this activity. NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.
Pharmacology Credits
This course is being reviewed and will be acceptable for up to 12 CME credits; please verify with your Medical Board which hours may be applied toward Pharmacology credit.
Hotel Accommodations
Lodging Reservations – To make your lodging reservation, please Click Here (LINK COMING SOON!). If you need assistance, please contact our office at info@mceconferences.com.
Please note: Room categories are based on availability at the time of request.
Accommodations and Amenities – Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers a warm, nature-inspired retreat designed for comfort, convenience, and connection to the Smoky Mountains. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, a resort-style pool, family-friendly dining options, and cozy lounge areas that reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With complimentary transportation to Dollywood parks, exclusive guest benefits, and easy access to nearby attractions, HeartSong provides a relaxing home base for both adventure and downtime.
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers a variety of charming rooms featuring modern amenities with views of the Smoky Mountains. Our standard rooms are perfect for solo travelers, couples and families with features including mini-refrigerators, 42″ flat screen TVs and more.
- King with Sleeper Sofa – $299 Per Room Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees)
- Double Queen – $299 Per Room Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees)
Exclusive Privileges For Dollywood Resort Guests (subject to change at Hotel’s Discretion):
- Priority Access
- Complimentary TimeSaver Passes
- Complimentary Door-to-Door Transportation
- Complimentary Package Delivery
- Daily Golden Hour Participation
- Complimentary wi-fi will be available throughout the guest rooms, lobby, common areas, meeting space, and poolside for all guests.
- Complimentary self-parking is available to all registered resort guests including overnight guests; as well as for local/offsite guests driving in for the program for conference days and hours ONLY.
Additional Lodging Information:
Taxes and Fees: A total tax rate currently 12.25% applies to room reservations, which includes 7% state sales tax, 2.75% county/local tax, 2.5% Sevier County lodging tax, and 3% Pigeon Forge city occupancy tax, all applied on top of the nightly rate. (Subject to change)
Check-in/Check-out times: Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and Check-out time is at 11:00 a.m. Every effort is made to accommodate guests arriving before the check-in time; however, rooms may not be immediately available.
Additional Room Occupants: Rates listed above are for single/double occupancy. Each extra adult sharing a room (after two) may be charged an additional fee based on Hotel policy. Please contact hotel for confirmation on additional occupant fees.
Hotel Parking – Complimentary self-parking is available to all registered resort guests including overnight guests; as well as for local/offsite guests driving in for the program for conference days and hours ONLY.
Lodging Deposit – A deposit equal to one (1) night’s stay plus tax is required and will be charged for each individual’s reservation.
Lodging Cancellations – Terms and conditions as per MCE’s room allotment agreement with the conference lodging venue:
- Cancellation made 31 days or more prior to arrival: A full refund will be issued.
- Cancellation 30 days or less prior to arrival: No refunds will be issued.
- No-shows and early departures are considered a cancellation: No refunds will be issued.
All lodging cancellations must be made directly with the lodging venue. Please refer to your lodging confirmation for contact information and policies.
Register & Book Your Lodging Early! The MCE reduced room rates will be available to registered attendees up until September 1, 2026 (based on availability). Our allotment for reduced room rates may sell out before this date. We urge you to secure your lodging reservation as early as possible. Reduced rates will also be offered for 3 nights pre and post-program dates (based on availability).
Room Reservation Guidelines – The lodging reservation link has been created for the MCE Conference continuing medical education program, and only guests that are registered for this CME conference are eligible to use this site in order to access discounted rooms and/or theme park tickets (if applicable).
- Attendees must register within (7) seven days of booking MCE discounted lodging to avoid cancellations or increased nightly rates (depending on Hotel/Resort policy).
- We allow a maximum of 2 room reservations per registered attendee, based on availability and rates at the time of booking.
- Rooms and/or tickets (if applicable) cannot be purchased for the purpose of, or with the intention of being resold.
- All reservations must be made under the registered attendee’s name, as all reservations and ticket orders (if applicable) will be audited against the CME program registration list. Should it be necessary, we reserve the right to contact you to request proof of registration. If it is discovered that the reservation and/or ticket order is not for an MCE Conferences participant, the reservations and/or ticket order may be canceled or modified based on the Hotel/Resort policy, and deposits may not be eligible for a refund.
Please note: In order to provide a quality and interactive CME program, MCE Conferences will limit the number of registrations per conference.
Additional Travel Information
Airport Information – Most visitors to Dollywood fly into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, just 38 miles (1 hour) away and the most convenient option. For broader flight options, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is 215 miles (3.5–4 hours) away, and Charlotte Douglas (CLT) is about 190 miles (3.5 hours). Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is also a nearby choice at 95 miles (2 hours) from the resort.
Car Rental – To make your discounted car rental reservation, please click on the following links (please note: car rental company availability may differ based on airport/ destination)
- AVIS – Click Here and enter G028287 in the “AWD Number” box to receive the Group Discount.
- Budget – Click Here
- Enterprise – Click Here and enter XZB6145 to receive the Group Discount.
- Hertz – Click Here and check the “Enter a Discount or Promo Code” and “I am a Corporate Customer” boxes. Enter 2086989 in the “Discount/CDP/Club Code” box to receive the Group Discount.
- Alamo – Click Here and enter 7014125 under Contract ID to receive the Group Discount.
- National – Click Here and enter XZB6145 under Contract ID to receive Group Discount.
Dollywood Resort Ticket Link – To purchase specially-priced MCE discounted Resort Park tickets, please Click Here!
HeartSong Lodge & Resort at Dollywood offers several exclusive on-property guest benefits designed to enhance your visit to Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country (subject to change, please verify current inclusions directly with the resort):
• Preferred Dollywood Resort Guest Perks: Enjoy added value such as early park entry on select days and access to seasonal offerings reserved for Dollywood resort guests.
• Complimentary Resort Transportation: Relax with convenient shuttle service between HeartSong Lodge & Resort, Dollywood, and Dollywood’s Splash Country, allowing easy access without the need for daily park parking.
• Convenient Park Access: Resort guests may take advantage of dedicated drop-off locations for a smooth arrival experience.
• Priority Access to Festivals & Events: Dollywood resort guests often receive advance opportunities for select seasonal experiences and special offerings.
Benefits are subject to change. Please visit the resort website for the most up-to-date details. Click here to learn more about Dollywood’s amazing parks and resorts.
Special Assistance – MCE’s policy is to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special arrangements are necessary for an individual with a disability to attend a conference, please contact our office at 1-888-533-9031.
Please Note: MCE is not associated with the third party services listed herein and shall not be liable for any services of such third party providers.
What Are You Waiting For?
Register Early! In order to provide a quality and interactive CME program, MCE Conferences will limit the amount of registrations per conference. Some conferences may have a lower registration limit due to the destination logistics and lodging availability.










