MCE Endocrinology and Rheumatology for Primary Care 2025

Endocrinology and Rheumatology for Primary Care

🗓️ Dates

October 10 – 12, 2025

📍 Location

Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville, North Carolina
(Heritage Ballroom C – Lobby Level)

Agenda by Day

1 – An Approach to Inflammatory Arthritis – Dr. Simon M. Helfgott

Objectives:

1. Review the differential diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and crystal arthritides

2. Apply diagnostic criteria to identify and differentiate between inflammatory arthritis conditions

3. Develop a comprehensive management plan for a patient with inflammatory arthritis

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2 – Crystal Disease: Gout, Pseudogout and Others – Dr. Simon M. Helfgott

Objectives:

1. Describe the presentations for gout, pseudogout and calcific tendonitis syndromes

2. Review the pathophysiology of crystal arthritides

3. Develop a deeper understanding of the differences in managing acute and chronic gout

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3 – Diabetes: Workup and Update – Dr. Natasa Janicic

Objectives:

1. Identify the newest data for 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

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4 – Diagnosis of Thyroid Disease – Dr. Natasa Janicic

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

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5 – Obesity – Dr. Natasa Janicic

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 nonpharmacological treatment options

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6 – Osteoporosis – Dr. Natasa Janicic

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. Implement 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

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7 – What You Need to Know About Connective Tissue Diseases – Dr. Simon M. Helfgott

Objectives:

1. Review connective tissue diseases, such as lupus, scleroderma, myositis and others, and discuss how they present clinically

2. Determine the value of selective lab and imaging testing to establish the diagnosis

3. Evaluate the treatment approach using immunosuppressive therapies

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8 – Osteoarthritis and Soft Tissue Pain – Dr. Simon M. Helfgott

Objectives:

1. Review the pathophysiology underlying osteoarthritis and soft tissue pain syndromes, such as bursitis, tendonitis, epicondylitis

2. Compare and contrast their clinical presentations

3. Recognize the effectiveness of various diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, MRIs, and lab tests

4. Discuss pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions available for patients with osteoarthritis or spinal disk conditions

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9 – The Challenges of Managing the Immunocompromised Patient – Dr. Simon M. Helfgott

Objectives:

1. Discuss the new generation of biological therapies used to treat autoimmune diseases

2. Recognize the risks associated with biological therapies

3. Assess patient-specific factors to optimize the safety and efficacy of biological therapies

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10 – Curbside Rheumatology for the Primary Care Provider – Dr. Simon M. Helfgott

Objectives:

1. Apply case-based learning to identify, evaluate, and manage common rheumatologic conditions effectively within the primary care setting

2. Review and solidify some of the key clinical areas previously discussed

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11 – Female and Male Hormone Potpourri – Dr. Natasa Janicic

Objectives:

1. Discuss the diagnosis and treatment of polycystc ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and amenorrhea

2. Discuss diagnosis of male hypogonadism and testosterone replacement therapy

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12 – Common Pituitary and Adrenal Conditions Encountered by Primary Care Providers – Dr. Natasa Janicic

Objectives:

1. Review pituitary and adrenal physiology

2. Recognize signs and symptoms of disorders related to pituitary and adrenal hormonal imbalance

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🎯 Learning Objectives (Overall)

Participants will be able to:

• Evaluate rheumatologic disorders including inflammatory/autoimmune diseases

• Differentiate acute vs chronic gout & crystal-related arthritis

• Screen, diagnose & treat thyroid disease

• Manage obesity and diabetes using updated guidelines

• Identify and treat osteoporosis

• Safely use biological therapies for immunocompromised patients