The GDPA invites you to attend our 9th Annual CME Conference to be held September 7-9, 2017 at the Westin Buckhead - Atlanta, GA

Dermatology PEARLS: is a three day medical education program designed as a comprehensive training for Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners working in the dermatology specialty.  The Georgia Dermatology Physician Assistants is pleased to host Dermatology PEARLS for our colleagues across the nation.  We invite you to join us in Atlanta for a weekend of intensive education and hands on workshops to build your knowledge and competence in the specialty of Dermatology.

A large consideration of our meeting planning involves recruitment of a faculty panel that represents thought leaders in the dermatology specialty as well as real world clinicians who provide practical insight into diagnosing and caring for patients. Located at the heart of the Buckhead Community of Atlanta the Westin Buckhead is adjacent to Lenox Mall and offers easy access from the Atlanta-Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. 

This program is provided by the Georgia Dermatology Physician Assistants and supported through educational grants and corporate sponsorship.  

This program is not yet approved for CME credit. Conference organizers plan to request 27 AAPA Category 1 CME credits from the AAPA Review Panel. Total number of approved credits yet to be determined. 

Conference Fees: 

Before 12:00AM (CDT) 8/1/2017

• $275  GDPA Fellow/Associate Member
• $300  Non-Member PA/NP/Etc.
• $200  PA Student

After 11:59 (CDT) 7/31/2017

• $350  GDPA Fellow/Associate/Affiliate Member
• $375  Non-Member PA/NP/Etc.
• $200  PA Student

 Conference Agenda

 Featured 2017 Lectures:

• Connective Tissue Diseases of the Skin - by Alisa Femina MD
• Atypical Melanocytic Neoplasms & Cutaneous Malignancies - by Whitney High MD
• Changing Paradigms in Atopic Dermatitis Management - by James Treat MD
• Vulvar Dermatoses - by Douglas DiRuggiero PA-C
• What's New in Dermatology 2017: A Literature Review - by Ted Rosen MD
• MACRA Implications for Dermatology - by Eileen Cheever PA-C
• Therapeutic Approaches You've Never Heard of but Will Actually Use - Matthew Zirwas MD
• Doctor/PA Why Are You Late? - by Pearl Kwong MD
• Pregnancy Dermatoses - by Douglas DiRuggiero PA-C

Optional Workshops, Tracks & Evening Symposiums:

Intermediate Dermatologic Surgery Workshop

Instructor: Douglas DiRuggiero PA-C | Saturday, September 9, 2017 - 9:45AM-11:45AM | Cost $125.00 up to 2 Category 1 CME hours.

In this session, we will focus on refining the elliptical excision. Different suturing techniques – vertical and horizontal mattress, running subcuticular, running locked, buried dermal sutures, including the repair of “dog ears” or standing cone deformity will be practiced on a synthetic skin piece to optimize surgical outcomes. Different suturing techniques and materials for different situations, skin types, and anatomic locations will also be discussed.

Aesthetic & Medical Utilization of Lasers in Dermatology Track

Instructor: Suneel Chilukuri MD | Saturday, September 9, 2017 - 9:45AM-11:45AM | Cost $75 up to 2 Category 1 CME hours.

This special track will focus on dermatologic applications of lasers for both medical and aesthetic conditions and include a discussion on safety and the scientific principals behind medical lasers. It is designed for any practitioner who works with medical and aesthetic lasers.  Participants will receive a separate CME certificate for participation.

Neurotoxin & Filler Workshop

Instructor: Heather Roebuck NP | Saturday, September 9, 2017 - 3:15PM-5:15PM | Cost $125.00 up to 2 Category 1 CME hours.

Heather Roebuck NP an experienced injector will teach on understanding facial musculature and danger areas when performing cosmetic filler and neurotoxins on the face for cosmetic rejuvenation. Participants will then observe a live patient demonstration on injection of neurotoxins and fillers of the face.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Presentation and Dinner Symposia: East and West Paces Room - Westin Buckhead Atlanta. 

Friday, September 8, 2017 - 5:30PM-6:30PM | Sponsored by Novartis - Registration Required | Maximum Participant Limit Applies.

Meeting Details:

Hotel Reservations:  A block of rooms have been reserved at the Westin Buckhead at the single rate of $179.00 plus 16% tax per night for standard rooms plus Georgia State Hotel-Motel fee of $5.00 per room per night.  There is an additional fee for each additional person.  Children up to and including the age of 18 years are free when occupying the same room as their parents.  Rates are available through August 23, 2017 or until entire room block has been filled whichever comes first.  Any reservations requested after August 23, 2017 will be subject to prevailing rates and night commitment.  Conference organizers assume no responsibility beyond securing reduced rates on behalf of the Participant.  You MUST cancel your reservation with the Hotel 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid a cancellation penalty. An early departure fee of $75 will apply if guests check out prior to the confirmed checkout date.  Hotel will confirm arrival/departure dates with guest at check-in.

Check in time is 4:00pm and checkout time is noon.  All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card.  The Hotel's policy requires a credit card imprint upon check-in.

Reservations can be made online: Hotel Reservations

Reservations can also be made by calling the hotel directly at 404-365-0065 and identify yourself as a member of the GDPA Group.

Discounted parking for GDPA Group: Overnight self-parking is $16 per car per night.  Daily self-parking is $10. 

Transportation 

From Atlanta-Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Westin Buckhead:

Estimated Taxi Fare: Approximately $38.00 + (per each way)

A&M Shuttle Service by request, fee: $30 one way and $46 round trip.  For more information and to book your reservation call 1-770-955-4565.

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA Train) one way fare is $2.75.  Take the North-North Springs Line from the Airport Station to Buckhead Station (N7).  Walk one (1) block North on Peachtree Rd.  Hotel is on the right.

Uber and Lyft: Both are available and serve the Atlanta Airport.

Cancellations:  A cancellation fee of $95.00 will be charged for all registrations cancelled prior to August 7, 2017 with written notification to GDPA, 6547 Preakness Pass, Bulverde, TX 78163 or by email to [email protected].  Please allow 4 weeks for processing of any approved refund.  

For any cancellations made after August 7, 2017 due to medical reasons, a letter from your attending physician stating that the medical reasons will prevent attendance at the Conference, must be sent along with a written cancellation notification to GDPA. If approved your Conference Registration Fee less a $95.00 cancellation fee will then be applied to next year’s GDPA Derm PEARLS Conference.

For any cancellations made after August 7, 2017 due to natural disaster, a letter indicating the circumstances that will prevent attendance at the Conference, must be sent along with a written cancellation notification to GDPA, 6547 Preakness Pass, Bulverde, TX 78163. If approved your Conference Registration Fee less a $95.00 cancellation fee will then be refunded.

For any cancellations made after August 7, 2017 due to immediate death in family (child, partner, spouse, parent or grandparents) a written cancellation notification to GDPA, 6547 Preakness Pass, Bulverde, TX 78163. If approved your Conference Registration Fee less a $95.00 cancellation fee will be refunded.   

There will be NO refund for any cancellations made after August 7, 2017 for any other reasons.

GDPA reserves the right to cancel the meeting up to four (4) weeks prior to the event.  In the event of cancellation, conference organizers cannot be responsible for reimbursement of airline fees and other accommodation expenses.

Workshop/Track Policy:  A workshop/track participant accepts responsibility for the following: mastery of the minimum listed prerequisite skills prior to enrollment as well as providing their own required supplies as listed.  While the GDPA will make every effort to ensure that course objectives are covered within the time frame of the workshop/track, we understand individual instructors may differ in teaching style and techniques.  It is the sole responsibility of the individual participant to initiate dialog with the course instructor during the workshop/track to ensure their desired skills are covered and comprehended prior to completion in the course time allotted. The GDPA cannot be responsible for failure on the part of the participant to learn individual skills.   GDPA will not offer refunds or future course credits to workshop/track participants under any circumstances once the participant has signed in to the workshop/track.  Any workshop/track cancellations that precede the start time of the workshop are subject to normal GDPA conference registration cancellation policies.