A message for our valued healthcare professionals:
ArcMesa Educators is very pleased to announce that we are expanding our learning
communities and improving our website so we can offer the most effective and
convenient learning experience for the healthcare professional.
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or print certificates for courses you have completed with ArcMesa Educators, we
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discovered the longest running, fully-accredited provider of CME/CE activities
on the internet -- where we learn, share and teach.
Thank you for making us part of a shared goal to improve patient care and
quality of life!
-The ArcMesa Educators Team
The activities listed below are the most recent activities offered by Arcmesa.org.
For a complete listing of programs available please select a specific "Therapeutic
Area" to the left side of this page, or the "Courses"
link located within the top navigation of the site.
HIV Patients and Weight Loss: Optimizing Care to Improve Outcomes Faculty: Robert Demling, MD - Chair | Donald Kotler, MD | Christine Wanke, MD CME credit hours: 1.0 HIV Patients and Weight Loss: Optimizing Care to Improve Outcomes: HIV-associated
wasting was first identified by the Centers for Disease Control as an AIDS defining
condition in 1987. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, it was
hoped that control of viral count would result in the elimination of wasting as
a major sequel of HIV infection. This has turned out not to be the case. HIV wasting
remains a serious, debilitating, and sometimes life-threatening condition. Care
providers need to be vigilant to identify and properly treat patients who suffer
from this disorder. This activity will review the pathogenesis of protein energy
malnutrition in general and its relation to the etiology of HIV-related weight loss.
Additionally, we will discuss the epidemiology of HIV-associated wasting and the
treatment options available.
Osteoporosis: Opportunity for Better Outcomes Faculty: Felicia Cosman, MD | Nelson B. Watts, MD | Michael R. McClung, MD | Kenneth W. Lyles, MD CME credit hours: 2.0
Osteoporotic fractures affect millions of postmen-opausal women, and can have a
substantial negative effect on daily functioning and quality of life. These fractures
are associated with an increased risk of future fracture, clinical complications,
and a higher risk of death. However, osteoporosis remains woefully under-diagnosed
and undertreated, even among patients who already have fractures. When treatment
is provided, adherence and persistence are often suboptimal, reducing the likelihood
of a positive outcome.
Congestion in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Case Based Discussion Faculty: Mihai Gheorghiade, MD, FACC | Clyde W. Yancy, MD, FACC, FAHA, FACP CME credit hours: 1.5
This program reviews the definition, demographics, and risks of acute decompensated
heart failure. Our expert faculty will discuss the strengths, limitations and concerns
of standard therapies such as diuretics, vasodilators, inotropes, and natriuretic
peptides. The faculty will also discuss emerging therapies including ultrafiltration,
adenosine antagonists, and vasopressin receptor antagonists. This activity aims
to give cardiologists and other cardiac care givers a good understanding of how
to optimize medical therapy for their patients with acute decompensated heart failure,
with an emphasis on relieving symptoms.
ACS Patients and Antiplatelet
Resistance: Where We Are and Where We're Going. Faculty:Deepak L. Bhatt, MD | Cindy L. Grines, MD | Peter B. Berger, MD CME / CE credit hour: 1.5 Myocardial ischemia secondary to acute restrictions in coronary artery
blood flow leads to acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Dual antiplatelet therapy with
aspirin and clopidogrel is the standard of care for patients with ACS. However,
resistance to these agents is associated with adverse clinical events, and is of
great concern to clinicians. This educational program will review clinical data
pertinent to the current state of antiplatelet therapy for the management of patients
with ACS.
Promoting Metabolic and Endocrine
Health in Children and Adolescents Treated with Antipsychotics Faculty:
Christoph U. Correll, MD |
Robert L. Findling, MD |
Linmarie Sikich, MD CE credit hour: 1.0 Clinicians need to carefully consider the overall impact of weight gain,
associated metabolic issues, and endocrine abnormalities associated with antipsychotic
treatment. Several recent epidemiological studies have documented a sharp
increase in the prescription of second-generation antipsychotics for children and
adolescents with psychotic and non-psychotic conditions. A thorough understanding
of the different adverse effect profiles of second-generation antipsychotic agents
is required to effectively manage the mental and physical health of this vulnerable
patient population.
Generic Substitution and Therapeutic
Equivalence of Antiepileptic Drugs: Clinical and Pharmacoeconomic Issues in Epilepsy
Management A Priority Report Faculty: John M. Pellock, MD | Andrew J. Pultz, Jr, PharmD, RPh CME / CE credit hour: 1.0 The issue of generic drug substitution is complex and often poorly understood
by physicians and pharmacists. Although the FDA requires that two drugs are similar
as demonstrated by bioequivalence data, therapeutic equivalence (or therapeutic
effectiveness) and bioequivalence are not necessarily the same. In the case of antiepileptic
drugs (AEDs), the therapeutic range over which they are effective may be narrow
and, although generic substitution of AEDs may be appropriate for some patients
with epilepsy, it may represent suboptimal care for others. This program will give
an overview of these and other important issues associated with generic substitution
of AEDs.
Translating Evidence to Practice:
A Case-Based Approach to VTE Prevention, Diagnosis & Management Faculty: Samuel Goldhaber, MD, | Ruth B. Morrison, RN, BSN, CVN | James B. Groce, III, PharmD, CACP | Sylvia McKean, MD CME credit hour: 2.0
This case-based educational program will help you to identify and discuss pertinent
clinical data for the treatment and prevention of VTE, as well as demonstrate how
these data can be interpreted and applied into clinical practice. This would include
discussion of current issues and controversies surrounding management of VTE, identifying
risk factors for VTE, the treatment and secondary prophylaxis in VTE, treatment
options for the management of acute PE, as well a special consideration for the
medically ill or patients with comorbidities. By reviewing specific patient cases,
our esteemed faculty will provide concise and contemporary insight addressing concerns
practitioners have regarding the management of patients with VTE.
The Practical and Regulatory Perspective
of Bioequivalence Faculty: Sandra L. Kane-Gill, PharmD, MSC | Joseph F. Dasta, MS, FCCM, FCCP | Nicholas M.
Fleischer, RPh, PhD. | Mary Lea Gora-Harper, PharmD, FASHP CE Credit hour: 1.0
Bioequivalence needs to be determined before an automatic substitution of products
or product dosage forms can be made. When automatic substitutions between
brand and generic, generic and generic or between dosage forms are made, clinicians
need to be aware of the potential clinical and regulatory issues associated with
these substitutions. While product interchange between brand and generic medications,
generic and generic medications or different forms of the same product is not typically
a problem, this activity will highlight some examples of clinical concerns and related
regulation considerations. It will also provide some direction on obtaining
relevant information of bioequivalence.
Applying Principles to Practice
in the Treatment of Osteoporosis Faculty: John P. Bilezikian, MD, FACP, MACE | E. Michael Lewiecki, MD, FACP | Paul D. Miller, MD, FACP CME Credit hour: 1.5 The role of the clinician in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
of osteoporosis is well established; however, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed
and undertreated. As a result, it is imperative for clinicians in all specialties
to screen for and treat osteoporosis to prevent fractures and reduce burden of disease.
This program will discuss barriers to providing optimal osteoporosis care and explore
how alternative routes of administration can improve outcomes for patients with
osteoporosis.
The Role of Imaging in the Management
of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: What Does this Mean for My Patients? Faculty:Orrin M. Troum, M.D. | John V. Crues, III, MD | Sergio Schwartzman, MD CE credit hour: 1.0 RA management requires frequent monitoring and adjustment of therapy. Therefore,
imaging data is an important component of assessing RA severity. New research into
the use of ultrasound, MRI, and x-ray show that these imaging techniques have the
potential for greater clinical benefits than traditional radiography. This activity
aims to provide physicians with the tools necessary to interpret and score imaging
data and ultimately, better utilize this information for improving patient outcomes.
Closing the Gap to Adherence in Schizophrenia: Putting Evidence
Into Practice Faculty: John M. Kane, MD CME credit hour: 1.0
Discontinuation of treatment has been identified as a grave concern and obstacle
to optimal outcomes in patients with schizophrenia, and a major contributor to discontinuation
of treatment is lack of patient adherence to treatment. To improve compliance among
patients, psychiatrists first must identify noncompliant patients and then institute
a treatment plan that will take into consideration the barriers to compliance that
many patients face. Clinicians also must examine their own barriers to optimizing
patient adherence. Finally, clinicians must have strategies for monitoring compliance
on an ongoing basis and in a way that patients will accept. This activity is intended
to address each of these items through expert commentary provided from a highly
respected psychiatrist in schizophrenia.
Common Misconceptions With Bioequivalence & Interchangeability Faculty:Andrew J. Pultz, Jr, PharmD, RPh | Joseph F. Dasta, MSc, FCCM, FCCP | Sandra L. Kane-Gill, PharmD, MSc CE credit hour: 1.0 Bioequivalence is a comparison of two or more products with respect to
their bioavailabilities. Bioequivalence of trade and generic products or different
dosage forms of the same product needs to be determined before the products can
be legally interchanged. Numerous factors can affect bioavailability (and bioequivalence)
determinations. Thus, there is a great potential for wide variability among the
pharmacokinetic profiles among patient populations and bioequivalence determinations.
As pharmacists and Nurses, we are in an optimal position to prevent or intervene
when a patient is experiencing drug-drug and drug-food interaction resulting in
bioavailability alterations with outcomes including sub-therapeutic responses or
adverse events. While product interchange between trade and generic medications
or between dosage forms of the same product is typically not a problem this activity
is going to highlight some examples of when it is a concern.
Contemporary Cardiovascular Ultrasound: A Case Based Approach
Faculty: Bijoy K. Khandheria, MD, FESC, FASE, FACC | Pamela R. Burgess, BS, RDCS, RDMS, RVT | Rick Rigling, BS, RDCS, FASE CME credit hour: 1.0
An expert panel of faculty discusses the use of cardiovascular ultrasound techniques
utilizing real-world case studies. The panel demonstrates the use of established
techniques and methods of diagnosis, as well as the investigation of extended applications
of existing contrast agents. Additionally, a presentation of case studies demonstrates
how development of newer contrast agents and optimization of ultrasound imaging
acquisition techniques can ensure a minimally invasive, yet precise method of assessing
coronary artery disease. These important new developments establish that echocardiography
will play an ever increasing role in the management of cardiac patients.
Technological Advances in the Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases
(Accreditation Expired) Faculty: Steven L. Mendelsohn, MD, PhD | Toni-Annette Clinton, PhD CME credit hour: 1.0
Autoimmune disease diagnosis is historically based on clinical and laboratory evidence
using traditional protein detection techniques. Testing for these highly variable
diseases is complex and often misinterpreted. As the pathology and clinical understanding
of systemic autoimmune diseases are elucidated, the testing requirements are also
becoming more complex and continue to evolve. The goals of improved testing are
to establish the diagnosis, predict the prognosis and disease course and monitor
treatment in a cost-effective manner. This program aims to give clinicians, as well
as laboratory technicians, a good understanding of the testing, positive result
patterns, and disease associations required to accomplish this goal.
A Review of Cold-Induced Urticaria Disorders
(Accreditation Expired) Faculty: Hal M. Hoffman, MD CME credit hour: 1.0 This program reviews cold-induced urticaria disorders and the characteristics
that distinguish acquired from hereditary disorders. Each of these cold-induced
urticaria disorders may have multifactorial etiologies and an unclear natural history
course within the various types of acquired (primary, secondary and atypical), as
well as hereditary and familial cold uriticaria. As new clinical data reveal more
about these conditions, this program aims to educate healthcare professionals on
the pathology, symptoms, distinguishing features and treatment of the condition
in order to avoid more severe complications.
Inflammatory Aspects and Detection of Vulnerable Plaque: Clinical
Impact of Assessement Faculty: Peter Libby, MD | John Cooke, MD, PhD | Antonius F. W. van der Steen, PhD CME / CE credit hours: 2.0 Rupture-prone (i.e. "vulnerable") plaques are a primary cause
of acute coronary syndromes and myocardial infarction. Though the features of rupture-prone
atherosclerotic plaques have been described by pathologists, the identification
of high-risk plaque in vivo remains a challenge. While coronary angiography is the
gold standard for diagnosis of a plaque, alternative detection methods that rely
upon physical, optical, and mechanical parameters may help to direct treatment decisions
and improve clinical outcomes.
Generic Substitution and Therapeutic
Equivalence of Antiepileptic Drugs: Clinical and Pharmacoeconomic Issues in Epilepsy
Management Faculty: John M. Pellock, MD | Andrew J. Pultz, Jr, PharmD, RPh | Michael C. Smith, MD CME / CE credit hour: 1.0 The issue of generic drug substitution is complex and often poorly understood
by physicians and pharmacists. Although the FDA requires that two drugs are similar
as demonstrated by bioequivalence data, therapeutic equivalence (or therapeutic
effectiveness) and bioequivalence are not necessarily the same. In the case of antiepileptic
drugs (AEDs), the therapeutic range over which they are effective may be narrow
and, although generic substitution of AEDs may be appropriate for some patients
with epilepsy, it may represent suboptimal care for others. This program will give
an overview of these and other important issues associated with generic substitution
of AEDs.
Interpreting Important Clinical
Trials in Schizophrenia: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Antipsychotics(Accreditation Expired) Faculty: Scott Stroup, MD, MPH | Joseph McEvoy, MD | Leslie Citrome, MD, MPH CME credit hour: 1.0
Schizophrenia is a major mental illness, affecting approximately 2.4 million American
adults. It is also among the world’s top ten causes of long-term disability. The
availability of antipsychotic drugs to treat schizophrenia has greatly expanded
with the addition of several newer agents, and it is therefore important for clinicians
to be able to compare these agents with regard to long-term efficacy and safety.
This program focuses on several recent clinical trials in hopes of providing doctors
with information to help guide the selection of anti-psychotic medications for patients
with schizophrenia. This educational activity is designed to help interpret the
findings of these trials and assist physicians faced with the common and confusing
dilemma of choosing an antipsychotic agent that will produce the most positive outcomes
for their patients with schizophrenia.
www.Arcmesa.org is dedicated to helping maintain and improve
quality of life through medical education. All CME / CE activities are created in
accordance with the latest industry policies and guidelines. From live symposia
coverage to print monographs and CD ROMs, all our activities are free and available
online at Arcmesa.org.
All information content within shall be considered confidential property
of ArcMesa Educators, LLC
and should not be disclosed or redistributed to third parties without express permission.
ACS Patients and Antiplatelet
Resistance: Where We Are and Where We're Going. 
Promoting Metabolic and Endocrine
Health in Children and Adolescents Treated with Antipsychotics
Generic Substitution and Therapeutic
Equivalence of Antiepileptic Drugs: Clinical and Pharmacoeconomic Issues in Epilepsy
Management
Translating Evidence to Practice:
A Case-Based Approach to VTE Prevention, Diagnosis & Management
The Practical and Regulatory Perspective
of Bioequivalence
Applying Principles to Practice
in the Treatment of Osteoporosis
The Role of Imaging in the Management
of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: What Does this Mean for My Patients?
Generic Substitution and Therapeutic
Equivalence of Antiepileptic Drugs: Clinical and Pharmacoeconomic Issues in Epilepsy
Management
Interpreting Important Clinical
Trials in Schizophrenia: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Antipsychotics
