Diagnosis and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis for the Primary Care Physician
Evaluation and Management of Resistant Hypertension
Treatment of Hypertension: Update and Q&A
High Value Care Part 1: Eliminating Healthcare Waste and Over-Ordering of Tests
High Value Care Part 2: Diagnostic Reasoning, Diagnostic Testing, and Overcoming Barriers
Updates on Long COVID: Major Findings, Mechanisms, and Recommendations
Health Literacy: A Critical Review
Perioperative Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Management for Noncardiac Surgery
Dr. Touch's Topics TBA
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise accommodations through Continuing Education, Inc. This ensures we can provide full conference services and complimentary social amenities to meeting participants and guests. Participants' family and friends are welcome to book within our group allotment to take advantage of our typically excellent rates. Thanks for your cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
BIAS FREE CME - No Commercial Support was provided for this CME activity.
Faculty
David S. Kountz, MD, MBA, MACP
Professor of Medicine
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Nutley, NJ
Dr. David S. Kountz is a Professor of Medicine for the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Co-Chief Academic Officer for Hackensack Meridian Health. He earned his AB at Princeton, MD at SUNY/Buffalo School of Medicine, and MBA at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. He completed training in Internal Medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia.
A board-certified internist, Dr. Kountz has had progressive responsibilities in academic medicine as Associate Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Dr. Kountz's research interests include hypertension treatment and guidelines in underserved populations, health literacy, pipeline programs and leadership development. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, editorials and abstracts, and is a frequent speaker within and outside of his health network on a variety of topics in primary care.
Gina Touch, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Touch is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix (UA COM-P).
She is the director of the Behavioral Sciences, Wellness, and Professional Identity Development curricula at UA COM-P and a clinical psychologist in Addiction Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Dr. Touch graduated from the University of Houston with a doctorate in Counseling Psychology and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Geropsychology at the Houston VA Medical Center. She has been a practicing clinical psychologist and core faculty member in graduate psychology and medical education programs for over 25 years.
Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea® is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Credit Designation for Physicians: Continuing Education, Inc. designates this live activity for 14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Osteopathic Physicians: This program is eligible for Category 2 credit with the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Credit Designation for Nurses: Continuiung Education, Inc. designates this continuing nursing education activity for 14 contact hours. Accredited status does not imply endorsement by Continuing Education, Inc./University at Sea® or ANCC of any commercial products displayed or used with an activity.
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: Through an agreement between the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, medical practitioners participating in the Royal College MOC Program may record completion of accredited activities registered under the ACCME’s “CME in Support of MOC” program in Section 3 of the Royal College’s MOC Program.
Credit Designation for Pharmacists: This knowledge-based activity is approved for 14 hours of pharmacy continuing education credit.
ITINERARY
DATE
PORT OF CALL
ARRIVE
DEPART
Sat Aug 22
Cape Liberty, NJ (New York, NY)
-
3:00 pm
Sun Aug 23
At Sea - Cruising
-
-
Mon Aug 24
Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
9:00 am
-
Tue Aug 25
Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
-
5:00 pm
Wed Aug 26
At Sea - Cruising
-
-
Thu Aug 27
Cape Liberty, NJ (New York, NY)
7:00 am
-
PORTS OF CALL
Cape Liberty, NJ (New York, NY)
Your cruise documents will say Cape Liberty, New Jersey, but let's be perfectly honest: the true destination here is New York City. Sailing from this port without dedicating a few days to the city that never sleeps is like visiting a grand library and only reading the table of contents. As your travel advisors, we consider a pre- or post-cruise stay in Manhattan not just an option, but an essential part of the experience. It transforms your vacation from a wonderful sea voyage into an unforgettable land-and-sea journey.
Think of your cruise as the main event and a New York stay as the perfect overture or grand finale. The key is planning, and that begins with the simple logistics of getting from your ship in New Jersey into the heart of Manhattan. A ride-share or pre-booked car service is the most direct route, typically a 30-45 minute journey outside of peak traffic, offering your first thrilling glimpses of the skyline. For those flying in, the port’s proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a significant convenience, making the transition from air to land seamless.
**Crafting Your New York Itinerary: A Two- or Three-Day Primer**
With a city this vast, the goal isn't to see everything, but to experience the best of it at a pace that energizes rather than exhausts. We recommend focusing on one or two neighborhoods per day.
**Day 1: The Iconic Core & Theatrical Heights**
Start in Midtown, the city’s vibrant, beating heart. This is where you’ll find the landmarks of your imagination. Begin at Rockefeller Center; we prefer the Top of the Rock observation deck over the Empire State Building for its staggered viewing platforms and unparalleled views *of* the Empire State Building itself. From there, it’s a short walk to the magnificent St. Patrick's Cathedral and the architectural splendor of Grand Central Terminal—be sure to look up at the celestial ceiling.
Yes, you must see Times Square, but our advice is to treat it like a force of nature: witness its dazzling, chaotic energy for fifteen minutes, then strategically retreat. As evening approaches, the Theater District comes alive. A pre-theater dinner in Hell’s Kitchen offers a world of culinary options, from authentic Thai to rustic Italian, just steps from Broadway. Securing tickets to a show in advance is always wise, but for the spontaneous, the TKTS booth in Times Square offers same-day discounts. Seeing a Broadway production is a quintessential New York experience that never fails to deliver.
**Day 2: History, Remembrance, and Neighborhood Charm**
Head downtown to immerse yourself in the city’s history. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is a profoundly moving and essential experience. We strongly advise booking timed-entry tickets online well in advance. The quiet reverence of the memorial pools, set in the footprints of the Twin Towers, is a powerful moment of reflection. Nearby, One World Observatory provides a breathtaking, panoramic perspective of the city and its waterways.
From there, explore the Financial District’s narrow streets, walking past the New York Stock Exchange and Trinity Church. Then, shift gears by wandering into the West Village. This is a different New York entirely—a charming labyrinth of brownstones, leafy streets, and unique boutiques. Sit by the fountain in Washington Square Park, watch the chess players, and soak in the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit. For dinner, the Village offers an abundance of intimate, high-quality restaurants perfect for recounting the day's discoveries.
**Day 3: Art, Nature, and a Bridge with a View**
Dedicate your final day to the intersection of culture and nature. Head to the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a world unto itself; our strategy is to pick two or three exhibits that genuinely interest you—perhaps the Egyptian Temple of Dendur or the European Paintings—and explore them deeply rather than attempting a marathon. For modern art lovers, the Guggenheim’s iconic spiral building is as much a masterpiece as the collection within.
In the afternoon, escape into the curated wilderness of Central Park. Rent a rowboat on The Lake, stroll through the literary walk at The Mall, or find a quiet bench in the Shakespeare Garden. The park is the city’s collective backyard, a perfect place to decompress. For a truly memorable final act, take the subway to Brooklyn. Walk back towards Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge as the sun begins to set. The view of the skyline lighting up is, without exaggeration, one of the greatest cityscapes in the world and the perfect image to carry with you as you begin or end your cruise.
By investing a few days, you’re not just adding a city to your trip; you’re giving yourself the gift of context, culture, and energy that will enrich your entire vacation. It’s the savvy way to travel, and it ensures you get the absolute most out of your well-deserved time away.
At Sea - Cruising
Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
The Royal Naval Dockyard is a destination in its own right, a sprawling 19th-century naval fortress repurposed as Bermuda's primary cruise port. While its stone walls contain a number of attractions, its true value is as an efficient and scenic gateway to the rest of the island.
Within the Dockyard's immediate, walkable vicinity, the main highlight is the National Museum of Bermuda. Housed within the formidable Keep, it offers a comprehensive look at the island's maritime legacy, with the restored Commissioner's House providing panoramic ocean views. For a taste of local creativity, observe glassblowers at the Dockyard Glassworks or browse authentic goods at the Bermuda Craft Market. The historic Frog & Onion Pub, set in an 18th-century cooperage, offers a convenient spot for a meal.
To experience Bermuda's iconic pink-sand beaches, you must venture beyond the Dockyard. The island's excellent public transportation makes this straightforward. The fast ferry is the most scenic and popular option, offering direct service to the capital city of Hamilton—ideal for exploring Front Street's shops and restaurants—and a longer, picturesque route to the UNESCO World Heritage site of St. George's. For the famous South Shore beaches, including the world-renowned Horseshoe Bay, public buses and shuttles provide regular service from the Dockyard's transportation hub. Taxis are also readily available.
Consider the Dockyard your well-equipped basecamp for a day of island exploration. Its historical significance is genuine, but the celebrated landscapes of Bermuda await just a short ferry or bus ride away.
Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas
PLEASE NOTE: To attend the conference, participants must book their cruise accommodations through Continuing Education, Inc. This ensures we can provide full conference services and complimentary social amenities to meeting participants and guests. Participants' family and friends are welcome to book within our group allotment to take advantage of our typically excellent rates. Thanks for your cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Prices below are for the full cruise including meals and evening entertainment
Balcony
Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (2D)
Balcony staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a sitting area, a private balcony, and a private bathroom.
1,452.48 per person
Price above includes Taxes.
Call: 800-422-0711 and we'll find the best value for you.
BalconySpacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (2B) Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, sitting area, private balcony and bathroom. Stateroom: 214 sq. ft. Balcony: 42 sq. ft.
BalconySpacious Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony (3B) Spacious Balcony staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a sitting area, a private balcony, and a private bathroom
BalconyOcean View Stateroom with Balcony (6D) Balcony staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a sitting area, a private balcony, and a private bathroom.
InsidePromenade View Interior Stateroom (2T) A view of the Royal Promenade with bowed windows, two twin beds that convert to Royal King and private bathroom
Suite/DeluxeOcean View Stateroom with Balcony (1D) Balcony staterooms have two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a sitting area, a private balcony, and a private bathroom.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Suite/DeluxeGrand Suite - 2 Bedroom (GT) Grand Suites feature two bedrooms with two twin beds that convert to a Royal King (one room has third and fourth Pullman beds). There is a private balcony, two bathrooms, and a living area with a double sofa bed.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Suite/DeluxeJunior Suite (J4) Two twin beds that convert to Royal King, private balcony, sitting area (some with sofa bed) and private bathroom. Stateroom: 317 sq. ft. Balcony: 65 sq. ft.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Suite/DeluxeOwner's Suite - 1 Bedroom (OS) Owner's Suites feature a marble entry with door bell. There is a queen-size bed, and a bathroom with tub. The separate living area has a queen-size sofa bed.
We're committed to finding the best value for you.
Port Charges, Taxes & Fees of 223.48 are included in the per person fares displayed above.
A deposit of 100.00 per person is due to reserve your stateroom.
3rd/4th in Stateroom - Please call to secure the best possible pricing
Cruise pricing is presented per person, based double occupancy of the stateroom, following industry practice. Pricing presented above is listed accordingly to allow easy comparison for the stateroom categories displayed. Our agents always provide 'total cost' pricing disclosing all particulars before you make any commitment.
COMPETITIVE PRICING PROMISE: We will match any price currently offered by the cruise line; this promise includes their short-term, promotional rates. As a value-added organizer of meetings at sea, however, we do not seek to compete with 'cruise discounters,' 'travel clubs,' or 'distressed inventory' sales operations.
PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
Because this sailing is departing soon, no fares are displayed above; Call us to request a quote of current, market-rate fares. Those fares, the same as offered directly by the cruise line, are subject to change at any time until held with a deposit or full payment of the fare. Market rates are capacity and revenue controlled, do fluctuate, and can be withdrawn without notice.
CANCELLATION PENALTY POLICY WILL APPLY: We recommend Travel Insurance to protect your investment from unexpected, late cancellations.
Cruise Cancellation Policy:Late Cancellation policies vary by cruise line, itinerary and length of cruise. When reserving your stateroom, please congirm the policy applicable to this cruise with one of our agents.
Course Fee Cancellation Policy: 30+ days before sailing date - 75% Refund ; 7-29 days before sailing date - 50% Refund; Less than 7 days before sailing date - No Refund
FUEL SUPPLEMENT: During periods of unusual oil price volatility, cruiselines may implement a fuel surcharge at any time prior to sailing.
Protect Your Trip with Allianz Travel Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can give you flexibility and support when your trip doesn’t go quite as planned. From unexpected flight issues to covered trip cancellations, travel emergencies, and more, travel insurance can help you manage unforeseen events that may impact your trip—giving you peace of mind from the moment you book your trip through your return home.
For an instant quote:
Simply provide a few short details about your trip
Whether you’re planning your next trip or you recently booked one, travel insurance can help smooth over many unexpected travel glitches—while putting your mind at ease, knowing you’re off the hook for covered expenses that could arise from them.
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can provide you benefits and professional support when a covered situation comes up before or during your trip. The following examples may qualify for benefits:
Cancelling your trip after unexpectedly becoming too sick to travel
Taking care of a sick or injured traveling companion
Having to end your trip early due to a family emergency
Dealing with a flight delay or cancellation
Needing to buy personal items if your luggage is lost or stolen
Missing your cruise departure after a covered flight delay
You also can contact our travel protection partner Allianz Global Assistance’s 24/7, award-winning customer service for on-the-go assistance with issues like a medical emergency, replacing your lost passport, or making reservations around the world. To be eligible for a time-sensitive waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusions, purchase your travel insurance plan within 14 days of initial trip deposit (other purchase requirements and conditions apply). Specific plan benefits may vary. Please review your plan details for more information.
What Can Travel Insurance Help Protect?
Allianz Travel Insurance plans can protect you before and during your trip—keeping you, your loved ones, and your travel budget safer. Benefits vary by plan, and these are brief descriptions. Please read your plan documents for details.
TRIP CANCELLATION
Reimburses your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason, such as you, a family member, or traveling companion experiencing a covered illness or injury. Examples include:
A doctor says you or a traveling companion is too sick to fly
Your parent or child requires hospitalization
You need to attend the birth of a family member’s child
You have a traffic accident (not breakdown) on the way to the airport
A storm shuts down your airport for 24 hours or more
TRIP INTERRUPTION
Reimburses your unused, non-refundable travel expenses and increased transportation costs during your trip if you have to return home early due to a covered reason, for instance when a family member has a qualifying medical emergency and needs your care. Examples include:
You have a covered illness or injury and a doctor says you must return home
A family member has a qualifying injury and needs your care
A covered emergency, like a fire or flood, makes your home uninhabitable
TRAVEL DELAY
If you have a covered delay while traveling, travel insurance can reimburse you for meals, accommodations, and transportation expenses when your trip is delayed for a minimum number of consecutive hours for a covered reason. Minimum number of hours varies by plan.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE
Reimburses your expenses related to covered medical and dental emergencies* that might occur on your trip. This benefit can be especially helpful if you have a covered emergency outside the United States, as most health insurance policies won’t cover you outside the country. Examples include:
You slip and break your ankle while sightseeing
You get food poisoning while sampling the local cuisine
You lose a filling and need immediate dental treatment*
*A sublimit and maximum apply for this benefit. Check your plan documents for details.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
Arranges and pays for medically necessary transportation following a covered injury or illness to the nearest appropriate medical facility to receive care and get you home after treatment.
BAGGAGE LOSS, DAMAGE, or THEFT
Reimburses the replacement of your lost, damaged, or stolen luggage and personal items while traveling.
BAGGAGE DELAY
Reimburses essential items purchased during your trip if your baggage is delayed for a minimum number of hours (varies by plan).
CHANGE FEE
Reimburses fees if you need to change your flight itinerary due to a covered reason.
24-HOUR ASSISTANCE
Provides around-the-clock support during your trip. Allianz Global Assistance’s staff of multilingual problem solvers can help you with medical, legal, and travel-related emergencies whenever they happen. Medical assistance may include, but is not limited to:
Medical triage with referrals to local prescreened medical providers
Ongoing medical monitoring
Payment guarantee
Emergency medical transportation
Additional services for travel-related emergencies can help with:
When you purchase any Allianz Travel Insurance plan, you automatically get 15 days (or more, depending on your state of residence) to review your policy documents. Within that period, you can cancel your plan for a full refund if you’re not satisfied, as long as you haven’t filed a claim or departed on your trip.
Need Help Along the Way?
Contact Allianz Global Assistance’s award-winning team of travel experts. Call anytime for assistance navigating travel mishaps overseas or in the U.S.—or help with everything from reporting lost baggage to locating emergency medical treatment. They can also help you replace passports, refer you to legal assistance, secure cash from home in case of emergency, and guarantee payment when you need to be admitted to a hospital, in some instances.
Contact Allianz Global Assistance
Phone (24/7): 1-800-284-8300(within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) 1-804-281-5700(outside of the U.S., call collect)
File or Track a Claim
It’s easy and convenient to file and track a claim, upload documents, and more online. Start your claim using your email address or policy number.
If you need to update your travel insurance plan, such as adjusting the dates of your plan to reflect itinerary changes, please contact us or manage your plan online so your plan reflects your entire itinerary and provides the right amount of protection for your travels.
Allianz Global Assistance is a world leader in travel insurance and assistance, helping millions of travelers across the globe every year. Allianz Global Assistance is owned by Allianz SE, the world’s largest diversified insurance company. For over 100 years, Allianz SE has helped protect important milestones in American history, insuring the Wright Brothers’ first flight and Golden Gate Bridge construction.
Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply including for pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at 800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or customerservice@allianzassistance.com.
Diverse, inspiring and vibrant – where art meets architecture in the heart of TriBeCa, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is steps away from the city’s most authentic neighborhoods. Come and discover a new kind of urban chic; whether you choose to rejuvenate in the globally inspired Spa with a heated indoor pool, or dine at CUT by renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck.
https://www.fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown/
Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan
320 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018
Modern Hospitality in Midtown Manhattan
The staff at the Crowne Plaza Midtown Manhattan is committed to providing a legendarily personable guest experience unlike any other in hospitality today. They take immense pride in ensuring your experience with them in the greatest city in the world is an unforgettable one. The hotel’s state of the art amenities include spa-like showers, spacious bathroom and guest rooms which are amongst the largest per square footage in Manhattan paired with a heavenly sleep experience, a best in class workout studio and much more.
Enjoy urban comfort and a warm welcome when you stay at Hampton Inn Brooklyn/Downtown. Conveniently located in the bustling heart of Brooklyn, at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, this stylish Brooklyn hotel is three blocks from the Metro Tech Center and just a few subway stops from City Hall, Tribeca, and Manhattan's Financial District. WiFi and breakfast are both complementary.
Step away from the hustle and bustle of New York City into a clean, quiet room. Hotel Mimosa’s key feature is their exquisite personal service, represented in the hotel’s name. The Spanish word Mimosa means “pampered loved one”, a special family member. This hotel makes for the perfect resting place between adventures in Chinatown and the rest of the Big Apple.
https://www.hotelmimosany.com/
Residence Inn by Marriott New York JFK Airport
142-30 135th Ave, Queens, NY 11436
Soar Into Comfort
This hotel is extremely conveniently located near John F. Kennedy International Airport, making it a perfect option for resting up after your flight and before your cruise. With extensive room options and amenities, the Residence Inn by Marriott is well suited to accommodate just about any traveler.
Conveniently located 5 miles from Newark Liberty Airport, a rejuvenating travel experience awaits guests visiting Element Harrison Newark. Intuitively designed with the needs of the modern traveler in mind, this hotel features sleek apartment-style accommodations. Enjoy an array of smart amenities, including pristine kitchenettes, serene rainfall showers and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
The United States’ biggest and best city is just seven miles from Cape Liberty. New York can be a bit intimidating for first-timers, so here are a few activity options to get you started in the Big Apple:
Questions?
Call us at 800.422.0711 (US & Canada)
Or +1-727-526-1571
We can assist you with all your travel arrangements. We'd be happy to help you plan your flights, hotels or tours before and/or after your cruise conference.
