Tuesday and Wednesday Pre-Courses

Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Robert A. Balk, MD, MCCM, MACP, FCCP
Professor of Medicine, Rush Medical College, Director, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Critical Care, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL

This Pre-Course will provide the opportunity to understand the principles of diagnosis and management of common clinical issues encountered in the management of patients in the intensive care unit. Particular attention will be placed on the recognition of disease process, acute management of critical illness, and prevention of complications in the critically ill adult patient.

Topics discussed include management of acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction, acute stroke, acute respiratory failure (including acute respiratory distress syndrome), circulatory shock, pulmonary embolism, drug overdose, sepsis and septic shock, surgical emergencies (i.e., ischemic bowel and necrotizing fasciitis), acute airflow obstruction in obstructive lung disease, and severe pneumonia. Also discussed will be the management of patients with a wide variety of infectious diseases, approaches to acute encephalopathy, blood product utilization, mechanical ventilatory support of the critically ill patient, care of patients with cancer in the intensive care unit, and methods for preventing common complications in the critically ill patient.

Learning Objectives:

1. Update the internist on common disorders and diseases encountered in the intensive care unit.
2. Review the diagnostic techniques used in the management of the critically ill adult.
3. Discuss recommendations for the management of common critical illnesses encountered in the intensive care unit and strategies for preventing complications of critical illness.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Fred A. Lopez, MD, MACP
Richard Vial Professor and Vice Chair of Education, Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA

G. Nicholas Verne, MD, FACP
Lemuel W. Diggs Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Whether preparing for the initial board exam or refreshing your knowledge for maintenance of certification, this popular 2-day Pre-Course provides an effective, fast-paced overview of core topics in internal medicine designed to focus on material that has a high probability of being included on the ABIM General Internal Medicine examinations. Taught by a faculty of clinician-educators, each an expert in their subspecialty, this condensed, high-yield review uses an audience-response system to actively engage participants and allow them to compare their answers with those of their peers. Each topic is introduced with a clinical case and a related multiple-choice question, the rationale for the correct answer is explained, and key clinical points are emphasized to promote learner retention. Participants also receive valuable tips for successful test-taking strategies included with course materials. This Pre-Course is an efficient way to prepare for an ABIM exam if you are short on time and seek a high-quality review.

Learning Objectives:

1. Enhance your knowledge of internal medicine by working through challenging clinical cases and questions guided by expert faculty.
2. Become adept at working through difficult exam-type questions logically and successfully.
3. Implement changes in clinical practice in accordance with recent advances and evidence-based guidelines.

Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

David M. Tierney, MD, FACP
Program Director - Internal Medicine Residency, Director - IMBUS Program, Department of Graduate Medical Education, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN

Noelle M. Northcutt, MD, FACP
Assistant Professor, Division of Hospital Medicine, Denver Health Hospital, Aurora, CO

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an emerging patient assessment tool for internists. This intensive 2-day Pre-Course is designed to teach core POCUS skills to internists who practice in a variety of settings.

If you are excited about the potential for POCUS to expand your clinical assessment skills, join this course taught by internationally acclaimed faculty. Online prelearning assignments and live lectures will provide a comprehensive foundation of core ultrasound knowledge. Utilizing a small-group, hands-on format, attendees will practice ultrasound scanning on live models to support the development of bedside image acquisition skills.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify indications and rationale for performing the following examinations: pulmonary ultrasound, focused cardiac ultrasound, kidney and bladder ultrasound, evaluation of abdomen for free fluid, and evaluation of lower extremity for deep venous thrombosis.
2. Perform the ultrasound exams listed above.
3. Interpret normal and abnormal images for the applications listed above.
4. Interpret POCUS findings in clinical case scenarios.
5. Describe the principles of ultrasound operation, artifacts, and image optimization.

Note: This is a POCUS foundation course. Internists who complete this course will meet prerequisite training requirements for enrollment in additional internal medicine POCUS courses that will be offered by ACP. Visit acponline.org/pocus for more information.