According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, one out of every 20 Americans suffers from diabetes. Care and treatment practices evolve quickly, and continuing education helps pharmacists offer patients the best possible support.
That’s why the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Drake is co-sponsoring the 7th Annual Diabetes Update, a continuing education conference for pharmacists interested in learning more about diabetes, pre-diabetes and management of patients who have or are at risk for developing the disease.
The conference coincides with the Drake Relays and will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at The Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut St., and features talks from many professionals, including Drake pharmacy faculty members who work in specialized practice treating diabetes patients.
June Felice Johnson, associate professor of pharmacy, will discuss advancements in pre-diabetes classification and prevention methods. Matt Cantrell, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, will cover prescription and over-the-counter weight loss medications, nutraceuticals and minerals.
Other speakers include a clinical education manager for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Inc., an exercise specialist from Mercy Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, a director of pharmacy at Guthrie County Hospital and a pharmacy manager and diabetes educator for Hy-Vee Pharmacy in West Des Moines.
Students who register on or before April 20 pay $35; the cost is $45 after April 20. The early registration fee for pharmacists is $85 and normal registration is $110. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, breaks and .55 CEUs/5.5 hours of continuing education credits
Participants are eligible for special room rates at The Hotel Fort Des Moines. For room reservations, visit www.hotelfortdesmoines.com and use the guest ID #853938. Lodging reservations must be made by April 6.
The 7th Annual Diabetes Update is co-sponsored by the Collaborative Education Institute (CEI) and through unrestricted educational grants from Sanofi-Aventis and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Inc. CEI is a partnership between Drake University, the University of Iowa and the Iowa Pharmacy Association created for the purpose of providing ongoing educational opportunities for pharmacy professionals.
For more information about the conference and for registration information, visit www.pharmacy.drake.edu or the Iowa Pharmacy Association Web site at www.iarx.org.