In-Person Sessions

It’s More Than Varicose Veins: The Many Faces of Venous Reflux Disease

Speaker: Thomas Eric Eidson, DO

Speaker Bio: Thomas Eric Eidson, DO, is a native Texan and board-certified family physician who has specialized in venous and lymphatic disease since 2012. He is the founder of Atlas Vein Care, a practice dedicated to helping patients affected by venous disease and celebrating its 10-year anniversary this June. Dr. Eidson has focused his clinical work on improving awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of venous conditions. Outside of medicine, he enjoys time with his family and is an amateur beekeeper.

Session Description: This session will explore venous reflux disease, also known as venous insufficiency, and its impact on millions of patients across the United States. Participants will learn why many cases go unrecognized by both patients and providers, and why vein disease is often more than a cosmetic concern. The session will highlight the symptoms, prevalence and quality-of-life implications of untreated venous disease, as well as the potential effects on cost of care. Attendees will also gain a better understanding of how venous reflux disease can be diagnosed and treated using modern, office-based outpatient approaches that avoid traditional vein stripping or hospital-based surgery.

Joint Venture

Speaker: Malinda Hansen, DO, MS, CAQSM

Speaker Bio: Malinda Hansen, DO, MS, CAQSM, works with family medicine residents and sees patients through UNT Health. Her background includes sports medicine and medical education, with a focus on helping learners and patients navigate musculoskeletal concerns in practical, engaging ways. In addition to her clinical and teaching work, Dr. Hansen enjoys travel and outdoor adventure, bringing curiosity and energy to both her professional and personal pursuits.

Session Description: This session will examine common musculoskeletal compensation patterns involving the neck, shoulder, low back, hip, knee, ankle and foot complex. Participants will explore how these areas are mechanically connected and how predictable patterns can help narrow the differential diagnosis in clinical practice. The session will also review targeted examination techniques to help identify the joint of origin, confirm suspected pathology and determine the most appropriate next step in management. Attendees will leave with greater confidence in evaluating common MSK injuries and pathologies, as well as understanding when to initiate imaging, recommend physical therapy or refer for additional care.

Face Off: How to Distinguish Common Dermatological Conditions on the Face

Speaker: Jamie Hedrick, DO, MBA, MS and Dr. Kelly Maedo, MD

Speaker Bios: Jamie Hedrick, DO, MBA, MS, is an incoming first-year dermatology resident at the HCA Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area South Texas program. She is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and currently serves as a resident board member of TOMA. Dr. Hedrick brings a strong interest in dermatologic education and organized osteopathic medicine as she begins her residency training.

Kelly Maedo, MD, is an upcoming second-year dermatology resident at the HCA Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area South Texas program. After completing family medicine residency in 2002, she served as faculty member and assistant program director for the Texas A&M Family Medicine Residency. She later owned Brazos Valley Urgent Care before choosing to pursue dermatology following the pandemic. Her career reflects a broad range of clinical leadership and a continued commitment to patient care.

Session Description: This session will provide a practical roadmap for evaluating common cutaneous conditions of the face. Participants will review the presentation and management of acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, eyelid dermatitis and perioral dermatitis, with attention to features that help distinguish these conditions from one another. The discussion will include initial treatment approaches, signs that may indicate the need to adjust management and guidance on when referral to dermatology is appropriate. Attendees will also learn to recognize facial dermatologic findings that may be more urgent or suggest potential systemic implications, helping support timely diagnosis, appropriate care and improved patient counseling.

Dealing with Difficult Patients

Speaker: Dan Ballard, JD

Speaker Bios: Dan Ballard, JD, has practiced law in Texas since 1983 and has tried numerous cases to jury verdict while representing clients across the state. He holds the highest peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates at the Advocate level. Mr. Ballard has delivered accredited CME lectures to more than 20,000 Texas physicians on legal risk management, medical malpractice defense, and defense of Texas Medical Board complaints.

Session Description: This session will focus on the legal and risk management challenges that can arise when caring for difficult patients. Participants will review common patient behaviors that may increase liability exposure, including unreasonable demands, noncompliance, disruptive interactions and other challenging clinical scenarios. The session will offer practical strategies for communicating effectively, documenting appropriately and managing difficult encounters in a way that supports patient care while reducing legal risk. Attendees will learn how to identify situations that may create risk management concerns, apply techniques to de-escalate or manage challenging interactions and use specific tactics to help protect the practice, the provider-patient relationship and overall care environment.

Primary Care Update: Diagnostic Testing and Treatment Strategies for Alzheimer’s Dementia

Speaker: David Mason, DO, MBA

Speaker Bio: David C. Mason, DO, MBA, CPPS, FACOFP, is a professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also serves as medical director for the Institute for Translational Research, where he has contributed to Alzheimer’s disease research involving blood testing, epidemiologic studies, prevention strategies, and drug trials. Dr. Mason has been an academic clinician for more than 25 years and brings extensive experience in both patient care and medical education.

Session Description: This session will provide a primary care-focused update on the evaluation and management of Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will review a logical approach to the workup of memory loss, including the use of screening tools, laboratory testing and radiologic options that may support diagnosis. The discussion will also address important differential diagnoses to consider when patients present with cognitive concerns. Attendees will gain updated insight into the utility of available diagnostic tests, how to incorporate them into clinical decision-making and how to counsel patients and families through the evaluation process. The session will also highlight new and emerging treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease and their potential role in patient care.

Early Clues to Neurodivergency and Autism

Speaker: Ava Stanczak, DO, FACOP

Speaker Bio: Ava C. Stanczak, DO, FACOP, is professor of Pediatrics and OPP at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, she has served in numerous leadership roles in osteopathic medical education, including prior appointments at LMU-DeBusk, KansasCOM, VCOM, and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. A graduate of TCOM, Dr. Stanczak is a nationally recognized pediatric osteopathic educator and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians in 2023.

Session Description: This session will review early clues to neurodivergency and autism spectrum disorder across childhood and adolescence. Participants will explore how presentations may vary by age, developmental stage and gender, including signs that can be overlooked or emerge later in childhood. The session will define masking and discuss how it can contribute to delayed recognition or diagnosis. Attendees will learn to identify developmental red flags in different age groups, understand the limitations of screening tools and consider evaluation strategies for children and adolescents. The discussion will also address communication with parents, caregivers and patients, as well as the timing and types of early intervention that can support improved outcomes.

From Weight Loss to Better Sleep: Understanding the Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Speaker: Khanh Truong, DO

Speaker Bio: Khanh Truong, DO, is a sleep medicine specialist whose training includes family medicine residency and a sleep medicine fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Originally from Danang, Vietnam, he moved to Dallas as a teenager and later earned degrees in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and chemistry at Texas A&M University–Commerce. Dr. Truong serves as adjunct faculty at UT Southwestern Medical School and is President of the TAFP Dallas Chapter. He has also been recognized for his leadership as a former chief resident.

Session Description: This session will examine the relationship between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, including the impact of excess weight on upper airway dysfunction, cardiometabolic risk and quality of life. Participants will review the pathophysiology of OSA and evaluate current evidence on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists as part of obesity-related OSA management. The session will highlight recent clinical studies, potential effects on apnea severity and patient-reported outcomes, and the role of these therapies in reducing related health risks. Attendees will also discuss patient selection, screening considerations and practical strategies for identifying individuals who may benefit from GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy within a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment plan.

Mammo Matters: Screenings Save Lives

Speaker: Yasemin Polat, DO, MBA and Camryn Middleton, DO

Speaker Bios: Yasemin Sultan Polat, DO, brings a distinctive background in healthcare operations, internal audit, and pharmacy to her medical career. Before earning her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, she worked as a pharmacy technician, completed graduate training in healthcare management and business administration, and held audit roles at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Cencora. Her professional experience spans compliance, operations, fraud investigations, and healthcare information technology. Dr. Polat’s long-term goal is to combine medical and business expertise to help improve the healthcare system.

Session Description: This session will focus on improving breast cancer screening conversations and helping clinicians better support patients through the screening process. Participants will review current breast cancer screening guidelines, breast density considerations and common barriers that may prevent patients from completing recommended screening. The session will also address how to discuss breast cancer risk, explain mammogram findings and provide resources for patients who need additional support. Attendees will gain practical strategies for communicating the importance of screening, answering patient questions and helping patients understand next steps after imaging. The goal is to strengthen clinician confidence in promoting timely, informed and patient-centered breast cancer screening.

On Demand Sessions

Common Pediatric Musculoskeletal Disorders

Speaker: Townes Leigh, Jr., DO, CAQSM, FAAFP, FAOASM

Speaker Bio: Townes “Tucker” Leigh, Jr., DO, serves as Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Sports Medicine at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Program Director of the Sam Houston Regional Education Consortium Sports Medicine Fellowship, and Head Medical Team Physician for Sam Houston Athletics. He previously served as founding program director for the SRHEC/Huntsville Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency. Dr. Leigh is board certified in family medicine and holds a certificate of added qualification in sports medicine.

Session Description: This interactive session will review the unique anatomical and biomechanical features of the immature skeleton and their clinical significance in pediatric musculoskeletal care. Participants will examine growth plate physiology, the role of the physis and apophysis, and fracture patterns specific to children. The Salter-Harris classification system will be reviewed with emphasis on radiographic recognition and clinical implications. Through radiographic cases and clinical vignettes, attendees will also explore evaluation and management of common pediatric overuse conditions, including targeted physical examination maneuvers and appropriate imaging selection. The session will address red flags for non-accidental trauma, including concerning history, physical examination findings, radiographic patterns, skeletal survey indications and mandatory reporting obligations.

Patient Safety: Have We Made an Impact?

Speaker: Albert Yurvati, DO, PhD, DSc

Speaker Bio: Albert H. Olivencia-Yurvati, DO, PhD, DSc(hc), CPPS, is Professor Emeritus and former chair of the Department of Medical Education Health Systems Science at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as professor of integrative physiology at UNTHSC. A board-certified cardiothoracic and general surgeon, he has published extensively, secured major research funding, and lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. O-Yurvati’s work spans surgery, education, clinical research, and patient safety, and he is widely recognized for his leadership in osteopathic medicine and academic health science.

Session Description: This session will examine patient safety as an ongoing priority in medical education and clinical practice. Participants will review historical data on patient safety events and explore why medical error remains a significant source of preventable harm. The discussion will highlight the need to strengthen skills in communication, teamwork, systems thinking, information management and human dynamics to support safer care. Attendees will be introduced to a patient safety initiative developed through TCOM and consider how patient safety concepts can be implemented within osteopathic practice settings. The session is designed to help clinicians identify gaps in patient safety knowledge and apply practical approaches that support quality improvement and safer patient outcomes.

Rats! Hantavirus and Other Rodent-Borne Diseases

Speaker: Robert Allen, DO

Speaker Bio: Robert C. Allen, DO, FACEP, is a recently retired assistant professor from the CASE Department at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine. He earned his DO from COMP/Western University and completed emergency medicine residency at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center/Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. Dr. Allen served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force and has practiced medicine on five continents. His professional interests include wilderness medicine, disaster medicine, and operational and tactical medicine.

Session Description: This session will review hantavirus and other rodent-borne or rodent-associated infectious diseases with clinical relevance in the United States and beyond. Using a recent cruise ship outbreak as context, participants will examine hantavirus variants, routes of transmission, principal clinical presentations and treatment considerations. The session will also discuss the role of rodents as vectors and review the international public health response to an outbreak. Attendees will broaden their understanding of additional rodent-associated diseases, including plague, tularemia, leptospirosis, rat bite fever, murine typhus and lymphocytic choriomeningitis. The discussion will support improved recognition, prevention counseling and clinical awareness of these uncommon but important infectious diseases.

Suicide in Later Life

Speaker: Lesca Hadley, MD and Ms. Theresa Murphy, LCSW-S

Speaker Bios: Theresa Louise Murphy, LCSW-S, is a behavioral health professional with interests in behavioral health integration, measurement-based care, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and wellness. She studied at Saint Louis University and brings expertise in evidence-based approaches that support patients across a range of behavioral health needs.

Session Description: This session will review suicide in older adults, including current epidemiologic trends and key demographic risk factors related to age, gender and medical comorbidity. Participants will examine psychosocial, medical and systemic contributors to suicide risk in late life, with emphasis on depression, social isolation, cognitive decline, chronic illness and barriers to care. The session will focus on practical, evidence-based approaches to screening, assessment, treatment and prevention. Attendees will learn how collaborative care, screening tools and psychosocial and medical interventions can be used to support older adults at risk. The discussion is designed to strengthen clinical awareness and promote prevention strategies that can be integrated into patient care.

The Rule of the Artery Is Supreme: First Postulate of A.T. Still

Speaker: Daryl Callahan, DO, FACOFP

Speaker Bio: Daryl J. Callahan, DO, FACOFP, is an adjunct professor at the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine with longstanding interests in osteopathic history, family medicine, and military service. He has written several published articles on osteopathic history and has a book in publication on the Civil War service of Andrew Taylor Still. Dr. Callahan served 30 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a Colonel, and has also worked in rural private practice, federal civil service, the VA, and telemedicine. He became a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians in 2026.

Session Description: This lecture will explore the osteopathic principle often attributed to A.T. Still: “the rule of the artery is supreme.” Participants will review historical context, including one of Still’s early notable cases and newly discovered documentation related to his Civil War service. The session will examine how Still’s understanding of structure, function and vascular restoration influenced the development of osteopathic medicine. Attendees will also consider the concept of the “golden hour” in relation to restoring disrupted arterial flow and supporting healing. A contemporary case will illustrate how osteopathic principles and manipulative techniques can be applied to improve post-traumatic wound healing, while also helping clinicians communicate osteopathic history and concepts to patients, colleagues and the public.

What if We Were Wrong About ADHD: Examining the Sustainability of Stimulants for Life

Speaker: Helene Alphonso, DO

Speaker Bio: Helene Alphonso, DO, serves as attending psychiatrist at a busy outpatient teaching clinic for uninsured patients in Fort Worth. A graduate of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, she is known for her compassionate care, strong patient satisfaction scores, and commitment to neuroscience-informed practice. Dr. Alphonso is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and is board certified in psychiatry, lifestyle medicine, and addiction medicine. She also works closely with psychiatric residents in a high-volume teaching environment.

This session will examine evolving questions around long-term stimulant use for ADHD and how newer evidence compares with studies that have shaped prescribing practices over the past decade. Participants will review the history of stimulant prescribing, current treatment assumptions and recent randomized controlled trials that raise questions about safety and sustainability. The discussion will also explore how education policies and classroom expectations have influenced modern ADHD diagnosis and treatment trends. Attendees will consider how neuroscience principles, prescribing patterns and case severity can guide clinical decision-making. The session is designed to help clinicians navigate competing safety concerns, patient needs and guideline recommendations in everyday practice.

AI in Healthcare: Practical Integration for the Osteopathic Physician

Speaker: Vinoth Sittaramane, Ph.D.; Olcay Kursun, Ph.D.; Simon Koch, Ph.D.; Owen Kelly, Ph.D., RNutr; Xuewei Chen, Ph.D., MCHES; Ravi David Yarid, DO; Damian Chiandussi, MD

Speaker Bios: Vinoth Sittaramane, PhD, is a comparative medicine physician-scientist, professor of neuroscience, and Director of the Medical AI Institute at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also directs the Master of Applied Biomedical Sciences program and leads interdisciplinary initiatives in artificial intelligence, digital health transformation, translational biomedical research, and healthcare workforce development. His work integrates computational biology, neuroscience, cancer biology, and healthcare AI to address clinical, educational, and operational challenges in medicine.

Olcay Kursun, BS, MS is an Associate Professor of Medical and Healthcare AI in the Department of Biomedical & Digital Health Intelligence in Clinical Systems at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he teaches in the Master of Applied Biomedical Science program. He earned degrees in computer engineering from Bogazici University and a PhD in computer science from the University of Central Florida, where his research focused on cortex-inspired neural networks. His work centers on artificial intelligence and machine learning, with applications in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, digital health, and healthcare.

Simon Koch, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Medical AI Institute in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Sam Houston State University. His research focuses on AI-based biomedical image analysis, particularly in dermatology, as well as the development of virtual-reality surgical simulations for minimally invasive procedures. His work supports the growing role of artificial intelligence and advanced technology in clinical education and patient care.

Owen Kelly, PhD, RNutr, was born and educated in Ireland and is a strong advocate for integrating nutrition into human health and medical education. His career has included developing nutrition curriculum for osteopathic medical students, identifying the syndrome osteosarcopenic adiposity, and advancing research in nutrient ratios, the evolutionary metabolome, and nutritional dermatology. He has also led innovation in industry, including nutrition training and product development, and recently returned to academia to help future physicians integrate nutrition into practice while pursuing research in diet, metabolic health, and AI in nutrition.

Xuewei Chen, PhD, MEd, MCHES, is an Associate Professor of Public Health in the Institute of Medical Artificial Intelligence at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her work focuses on artificial intelligence, digital health, rural health, and health communication.Dr. Chen’s research examines how AI can improve healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations while supporting more equitable, patient-centered care. Her work reflects a strong interest in using emerging technologies to address healthcare disparities and strengthen public health delivery.

Ravi David Yarid, DO, is an osteopathic physician, educator, and Clinical Director of the Medical AI Institute at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Board certified in Family Medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, his work focuses on ethical AI integration, osteopathic education, and whole-person clinical innovation. He also serves as co-chair of the Digital Health Innovation Steering Committee for the American Osteopathic Information Association, where he helps lead national osteopathic digital health and AI efforts, including development of the OsteopathicAI framework for responsible AI integration.

Damian Chiandussi, MD, is affiliated with Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives in medical education and healthcare innovation.

Session Description: This interactive workshop will provide a practical overview of artificial intelligence in healthcare, with emphasis on how AI-enabled tools are influencing clinical practice, medical education, research, patient communication, documentation and operations. Participants will explore current and emerging uses of AI, including opportunities to improve workflows as well as limitations and risks related to ethics, privacy, burnout, decision support and patient care. Through real-world examples, audience discussion and case-based scenarios, attendees will consider how physicians and healthcare organizations can evaluate and implement AI responsibly. The session is designed to support thoughtful engagement with AI as healthcare teams adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and their impact on care delivery.