Endocrinology and Rheumatology for Primary Care
Mar 06, 2026 – Mar 08, 2026
St. Pete/Clearwater/Tampa Bay - Opal Sands Resort & Spa
Clearwater, Florida, is the perfect blend of sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm. Known for its award-winning beaches and year-round sunshine, it’s a paradise for beach lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike. Spend your days lounging on Clearwater Beach, strolling the vibrant Pier 60 with nightly sunset celebrations, or exploring nearby Caladesi Island State Park for a touch of untouched beauty. From fresh Gulf seafood and lively waterfront bars to dolphin-watching cruises and water sports, Clearwater offers something for every traveler looking to relax, recharge, and make unforgettable memories.
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
Endocrinology and Rheumatology for Primary Care
12 Credits
Overview
This conference is designed to provide primary care practitioners with up-to-date, evidence-based information on commonly encountered issues in Endocrinology and Rheumatology 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 Endocrinology and Rheumatology, with the goal of enhancing the knowledge-base and core competence of attendees. The successful completion of this interactive program will help you in 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 Endocrinology and Rheumatology.
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, March 6th
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM:
Clinical Aspects and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Objectives: 1) Recognize the prevalence, symptoms and physical findings of patients with RA 2) Discuss the diagnosis of RA and risk assessment for potentially severe disease outcome 3) Strategize on the use of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, including biologic and synthetic agents with a treat-to-target approach 4) Review the timing of medication use and vaccination schedule for COVID-19
8:30 AM – 8:35 AM ~ BREAK
8:35 AM – 9:35 AM:
How Do I Identify and Treat Lupus and Other Autoimmune Diseases
Objectives: 1) Recognize the features of an autoimmune disease and make a definitive diagnosis of lupus 2) Develop a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of lupus as an immune-complex disease 3) Properly order laboratory studies and kidney biopsy to diagnose and manage lupus 4) Effectively treat lupus and instruct the patient on self-management
9:35 AM – 9:45 AM ~ BREAK
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM:
Diabetes: Workup and Update
Objectives: 1) Identify the newest data on the identification of patients at risk for Type 2 diabetes 2) Discuss strategies to prevent or delay the disease process 3) Review the new guidelines and practice recommendations for nutrition and physical activity 4) Discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment programs for patients with diabetes
10:45 AM – 10:50 AM ~ BREAK
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM:
Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease
Objectives: 1) Incorporate an interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with thyroid disease 2) Evaluate screening methods for thyroid disease 3) Recognize when to treat subclinical thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis 4) Determine whether the incidence of thyroid disease is increasing at disproportionate rates for different races and ethnicities
Saturday, March 7th
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM:
Obesity
Objectives: 1) Recognize that obesity is caused by an interaction of environmental and genetic factors 2) Identify medical risks and complications with obesity 3) Review pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options
8:30 AM – 8:35 AM ~ BREAK
8:35 AM – 9:35 AM:
Osteoporosis
Objectives: 1) Recognize and consider the incidence and burden of osteoporosis 2) Discuss current clinical guidelines for identification and treatment of osteoporosis 3) Consistently screen and assess patient risk for development of osteoporosis 4) Educate patients on prevention strategies 5) Make therapeutic decisions based on the latest clinical trial findings 6) Identify patients at greater risk of fragility fractures due to probable osteoporosis, and increase index of suspicion in patients based on age and gender
9:35 AM – 9:45 AM ~ BREAK
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM:
Crystal Disease: Gout Pseudogout & Others
Objectives: 1) Describe the presentations for gout, pseudogout and calcific tendonitis syndromes 2) Review the pathophysiology of crystal arthritides 3) Determine the differences in managing acute and chronic gout
10:45 AM – 10:50 AM ~ BREAK
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM:
Osteoarthritis: A Practical Guide
Objectives: 1) Identify the features that are typical for primary osteoarthritis and those that may be a consequence of a different disease 2) Properly order imaging studies to aid in diagnosis and management 3) Manage treatment by using nonpharmacologic measures, such as weight reduction and exercise, supplements, cannabis for pain control, as well as medications for relieving joint symptoms 4) Discuss when to refer to surgery
Sunday, March 8th
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM:
Back Pain
Objectives: 1) Differentiate causes of back pain using history and physical exam 2) Select appropriate imaging based on clinical presentation 3) Evaluate treatment plans for acute and chronic back pain
8:30 AM – 8:35 AM ~ BREAK
8:35 AM – 9:35 AM:
Dryness
Objectives: 1) Identify when dryness warrants further evaluation in older patients 2) Perform an appropriate evaluation and initiate evidence-based symptomatic management strategies 3) Identify features of dryness in older adults that suggest systemic or serious underlying disease 4) Determine when specialty referral or disease-directed management is indicated
9:35 AM – 9:45 AM ~ BREAK
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM:
Female and Male Hormone Potpourri
Objectives: 1) Discuss the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome and amenorrhea 2) Discuss diagnosis of male hypogonadism and testosterone replacement therapy
10:45 AM – 10:50 AM ~ BREAK
10:50 AM – 11:50 AM:
Common Pituitary and Adrenal Conditions Encountered by Primary Care Providers
Objectives: 1) Review pituitary and adrenal physiology 2) Recognize signs and symptoms of disorders related to pituitary and adrenal hormonal imbalance
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
March 6, 2026
Conference Center
Conference - Day 1
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
Check-In Opens at 7:00 AM
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
March 7, 2026
Conference Center
Conference - Day 2
Continental Breakfast for Registered Attendees
7:30 AM - 11:50 AM
March 8, 2026
Conference Center
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
The AAFP has reviewed Endocrinology and Rheumatology for Primary Care and deemed it acceptable for up to 12.00 Live AAFP Prescribed credit(s). Term of Approval is from 03/06/2026 to 03/08/2026. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AAFP Prescribed credit is accepted by the American Medical Association as equivalent to AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™ toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. When applying for the AMA PRA, Prescribed credit earned must be reported as Prescribed, not as Category 1.
The College of Family Physicians of Canada – CFPC
Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada are eligible to receive Mainpro+ Certified, Certified Assessment, or Non-Certified credits for participation in this activity due to a reciprocal agreement with the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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 has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 12 CME credits; please verify with your Medical Board which hours may be applied toward Pharmacology credit.
Hotel Accommodations
We are currently past our group reservation cutoff date with the property. We may have some rooms available, however this is not guaranteed. Please email info@mceconferences.com to check availability of these final rooms.
If no rooms remain available, please click here for nearby lodging options or call (727) 450-0380 to confirm if the Opal Sands Resort has remaining availability for you to book direct.
Please note: Room categories are based on availability at the time of request.
Accommodations –
- King – Gulf Front Standard – $389 Per Room Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees) – Sleeps Three; One King; 340 ft2
- Located on the upper floors of the building
- Panoramic views of the shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and sugary sands of Clearwater Beach
- Plush king bed, spacious bathroom, and private balcony
- Contemporary design touches inspired by the colors of the Gulf
- Amenities such as coffee station, full closet unit, in-room safe, flat screen TV, and under counter cooler
- Two Queen – Gulf Front Standard – – $389 Per Room Per Night (Plus Applicable Taxes and Fees) – Sleeps Five; Two Queens; 360 ft2
- Spacious rooms located on the upper floors of the building
- Panoramic views of the shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and sugary sands of Clearwater Beach
- Two luxe queen beds, a twin-sized sleeper sofa, a spacious bathroom, and a cocktail table for two
- 75-square-foot private balcony
- Contemporary design touches inspired by the turquoise waters of the Gulf
- Amenities such as a coffee station, full closet unit, in-room safe, flat screen TV, and under counter cooler
Resort Fee – DISCOUNT $35 resort fee reduced to $20 for rooms booked within the group block – Rates are subject to a $20 taxable Resort fee per room, per night. The Resort fee includes access to In-room bottled water (2), In-room Keurig coffee, bathrobes, guest pantry on each floor with snacks, pre-bagged ice and additional bottled water. Pool towel service at the resort pool, fitness center, bike rental at the resort (2), unlimited local calls and toll-free number access, basic wireless internet access for guestroom and public space (meeting rooms included).
Additional Lodging Information:
- Taxes & Fees – Hotel’s room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 13%) in effect at the time of check-in.
- Additional Adult Fees – Room rates are based on single or double occupancy only. There is an additional charge of $30 per person, per night, for each additional guest over the age of 18 staying in the room.
- Check-In & Check-Out – Our check-in time is 4:00 PM, checkout time is 11:00 AM. All guests arriving before check-in time will be accommodated as rooms become available. Our Front Desk can arrange to check luggage for those arriving early when guestrooms are unavailable and for guests attending functions on departure day.
Parking –
Lodging Deposit – To confirm a reservation, all reservations must be guaranteed by a major credit card. Full room, tax and resort fee deposit is due 7 days prior to arrival (Please Ensure Your Credit Card Remains Active). No payments or deposits will be taken until 7 days prior to arrival at which time the reservation will be fully guaranteed. No refunds will be provided if cancelled after 7 days prior to arrival.
Lodging Cancellations – Terms and conditions as per MCE’s room allotment agreement with 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 January 27, 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 may be offered based on availability at the time of request pre and post program dates (at Hotel’s discretion).
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 cancelled 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 amount of registrations per conference.
Additional Travel Information
Airport Information – The nearest airport to Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater is St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), located just 12 miles away. Other nearby airports include Tampa International Airport (TPA) at 21 miles, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) at 58 miles, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) at 109 miles.
Airport Transportation –
Private Car Service: Please call (727) 571-4220 or Click Here
Bats Taxi: Please call (480)888-8888 or Click Here
(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 MCE Conferences 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.
- National – Click Here and enter XZB6145 under Contract ID to receive Group Discount
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.
Other Upcoming Conferences
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Endocrinology and Rheumatology for Primary Care
Family Medicine Update and Cardiology for Primary Care
Primary Care Update: Women's Health, Office Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
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.