Healthcare
IN THE HEARTLAND
Kinnick Event Center | Coralville, Iowa
AGENDA
2026 IPAS Healthcare in the Heartland
Additional course descriptions and objectives will be updated as they are provided by the speaker.
Please note that topics are subject to change as we finalize speakers' availability within the conference schedule. A complete agenda with presentation times will be posted as soon as it is available.
Monday, October 26, 2026
List of Services
-
7:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Registration Desk HoursItem Link
Join us for breakfast in Coral Ballroom D/E for breakfast. Note that the breakfast session will start promptly at 7:15 a.m.
-
7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Exhibit Hall HoursItem Link
-
7:15 - 8 a.m. | BreakfastList Item 1
-
8 - 8:05 a.m. | Welcome & Announcements Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
-
8:05 - 8:50 a.m. | Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment: The BasicsItem Link
Speaker: Morgan Jansen, PA-C
Course Description: During this session, you will learn the basics of Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment (CGRA). At the end of the session, you will understand the necessary components to complete risk assessments. You will be able to recognize family histories concerning hereditary cancer syndromes, as well as determine which patients qualify for genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes. Additionally, you will be able to implement your risk assessment to calculate patients’ lifetime risk of breast cancer and utilize this assessment to employ appropriate breast cancer screening.
-
8:55 - 9:40 a.m. | Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)Item Link
Speaker: Brian Olshansky, MD
Course Description: Explore the essentials of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), including what it is and why it matters in clinical practice.
Learn how POTS is identified and diagnosed, with practical insights to support accurate recognition of symptoms.
Discover current treatment approaches for POTS and how they can help improve patient outcomes and quality of life
-
9:45 - 10:15 a.m. | Exhibit Hall Break Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
10:15 - 11:45 a.m. | Point-of-Care-Ultrasound Across Medical SpecialtiesItem Link
This year, the IPAS Fall CME will offer two workshop options during the same time period, giving attendees the opportunity to select the session that best fits their interests and learning needs. Both sessions will take place concurrently, and CME credit will be awarded based on the workshop attended.
Please review the workshop descriptions below and select your preferred session during registration.
Point-of-Care-Ultrasound Across Medical Specialties
Speaker: Beverly DiCorso PA-C
Course Description: This hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the practical application of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) across a variety of clinical settings. Participants will explore common uses of POCUS across medical specialties, learn to differentiate between ultrasound probes and their appropriate applications, and review the essential clips needed for different POCUS studies. Through hands-on scanning and real-world clinical scenarios, participants will have the opportunity to develop and apply POCUS skills across five different types of scans.
IUD Workshop
Speaker: Kelly T. Schmidt, WHNP-BC, MSN, BSN
Course Description: This program reviews the indications, clinical use considerations, and important safety information for Mirena®, Kyleena®, and Skyla® to support appropriate patient counseling and management.
-
11:45 - 11:50 a.m. | Transition Time Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
11:50 a.m. - 12:35 p.m. | Lunch Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
12:35 - 12:50 p.m. | Exhibitor Hall Break Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
12:55 - 1:40 p.m. | Update on Incretin-based TherapyItem Link
Speaker: Leon Jons, MD
Course Description: As the use of incretin-based therapies continues to expand, clinicians need a clear understanding of their role in both weight management and chronic disease care. This session will provide an update on current indications, review dosing strategies and potential side effects, and discuss the benefits of weight management and incretin-based therapies in the treatment of chronic disease. Attendees will gain practical, clinically relevant insights that can be applied in everyday practice
-
1:45 - 2:30 p.m. | Vaccine Hesitancy in PediatricsItem Link
Speaker: Karissa Soltys, MD
Course Description: With changes in CDC recommendations on vaccinations, the number of patients in my clinic asking for more information and clarification on what vaccines are necessary for their child is growing. It is both a challenging time with increasing skepticism, but also a time filled with opportunity for honing our skills in educating families. This session will explore vaccination trends nationally as well as in the state of Iowa, top reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and ways to educate and support parents as they make decisions about vaccinating their child.
-
2:35 - 3:20 p.m. | Nutrition 101Item Link
Speaker: TBD
Course Description:
-
3:20 - 3:30 p.m. - Break Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
3:30 - 4:15 p.m. | Sexual HealthItem Link
Speaker: ashasvi Manektala, PA-C
Course Description: Explore the essential role primary care providers can play in recognizing and addressing sexual health concerns with confidence, compassion, and practical clinical insight. This engaging session will highlight common presentations of female and male sexual dysfunction and clarify when providers can manage care directly—and when a referral is the best next step.
-
4:20 - 5:05 p.m. | Hidden in Plain Sight: Recognizing and Managing OTC and Unregulated Substance UseItem Link
Speaker: Andrea N. Weber MD, MME
Course Descriptions: This session will review current factors that influence attitudes and decision-making related to vaccination and other controversial health topics. Participants will examine psychological factors that can create barriers to effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients and explore practical counseling techniques for navigating difficult conversations. Attendees will leave with strategies to foster productive dialogue, address concerns respectfully, and promote informed healthcare decisions among hesitant individuals.
-
5:10 - 6:00 p.m. | Grand Rounds SessionClincal Case Challenge
Speaker: TBD
-
6:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
6:00 p.m. | Happy Hour at Twelve01 Kitchen and TapView Restaurant
Join us for drinks & appetizers following the first day of the conference and network with fellow PA's.
Twelve01 Kitchen and Tap is attached to the event center & hotel.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
List of Services
-
7 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Hours Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
7:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. | Registration Desk OpensItem Link
Please arrive promptly by 7:15 a.m. for the first breakfast session.
-
7:15 a.m. - 8 a.m. | BreakfastSpeaker: Bryan Hannon List Item 1
Session Title: To Be Determined
Speaker: To Be Determined
Sponsored by To Be Determined
-
8 - 8:05 a.m. | Welcome and AnnouncementsSpeaker: List Item 2
-
8:05 - 8:50 a.m. | Tips & Tricks for Denial ProcessSpeaker > Dave Anders List Item 3
Speaker: Jeanne Nguyen
-
8:55 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. | AI in Medicine: What PAs Need to Know, Question & DoItem Link
Speakers: Kuan Xing, Ph.D.
Course Description: Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly visible role in medical education and clinical practice. This session will explore the growing use of AI in healthcare, including its potential applications in learning, clinical workflows, and decision-making. Participants will examine the strengths, limitations, and potential biases of AI-generated information and consider how these factors may affect patient care and professional development. Practical strategies for the ethical and responsible use of AI will be discussed to help attendees evaluate and incorporate these tools appropriately in medical education and clinical practice.
-
9:45 - 10:15 a.m. | Exhibit Hall BreakItem Link
-
10:15 - 11:00 a.m. | How To Have More Productive Conversations About VaccinesItem Link
Speaker: Aaron Scherer, PhD
Course Description: Vaccine discussions can be difficult, especially when patients are hesitant or uncertain. This session examines factors that influence vaccination decisions, explores barriers to effective communication, and provides practical strategies to help healthcare professionals build trust and navigate challenging conversations with confidence.
-
11:05 - 11:50 a.m. | AAPA & Legislative IPAS UpdateItem Link
Speaker: IPAS Lobbyist, AAPA Rep, Jeremy L. Nelson
Course Description:
Stay ahead of the legislative and regulatory changes shaping the PA profession. This session will provide a comprehensive update on recent state and federal policy developments, Whether you’re new to policy or a seasoned advocate, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.
-
11:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Transition Time Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. | LunchItem Link
Sponsored Lunch Session
Speaker:
-
12:45 - 1:00 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Break Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Bone Health With GLP-1sSpeaker > Dr. Tom Benzoni, DO List Item 4
Speaker: Jaime Bonner MSN, ARNP
Course Description: Bone health plays a critical role in overall patient wellness, yet many factors can contribute to reduced bone quality and increased fracture risk. This session will review practical methods for identifying osteoporosis and poor bone health in the primary care setting, along with strategies to support bone health optimization. Participants will also explore how cancer, cancer treatments, and GLP-1 agonists can affect bone health, helping clinicians better recognize and address important considerations across diverse patient populations.
-
1:50 - 2:35 p.m. | EDS & Chronic Pain ManagementItem Link
Speaker: Lee A. Kral, PharmD, FASHP, NBC-HWC, CPMC
Course Description: Recognizing and managing chronic pain in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) can be challenging. This session will examine the clinical signs and symptoms of EDS and its associated conditions, review the role of central sensitization in pain experiences, and discuss management approaches for patients with EDS. Participants will leave with knowledge that can be applied to the evaluation and care of patients affected by EDS-related chronic pain.
-
2:35 - 3:00 p.m. | Exhibit Hall Break Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link -
2:55 - 3:55 p.m. | Annual Meeting & AwardsItem Link
Speaker:
Course Description:
-
4:00 - 4:45 p.m. | Screening for Hip Dysplasia: When, How, WhyItem Link
Speaker: Heather Kowalski, MD
Course Description: Could you be missing early signs of hip dysplasia? Join this practical session to learn who should be screened, what to look for during the clinical exam, and when imaging is warranted. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of evidence-based screening strategies and diagnostic recommendations.
-
4:50 - 5:30 p.m. | The 3Ds of Late Life: Depression, Dementia, and DeliriumClincal Case Challenge
Speaker: Jason Wilbur MD, FAAFP
Course Description: Depression, dementia, and delirium can present with overlapping symptoms, making evaluation challenging in older adults. This session will explore an office-based approach to assessing patients presenting memory concerns, confusion, and related geriatric issues, with a focus on recognizing and differentiating the "3 Ds" of late life.
-
5:30 - 5:35 p.m. | Closing Remarks Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link
