Spring 2025 Pharmacology Conference

All times listed in Central Time (US & Canada).
Download event agenda (PDF)

Friday, April 25, 2025

• 8:00am - 8:30am

  Welcome

  Dr. Kerry Johnson, DNP, APRN, CNP, MN APRN Coalition President
  0.5 CE Credits

  This session will outline the legislative priorities for the MN APRN Coalition and the processes used to achieve the legislative goals. Want to be involved? Learn how you can influence APRN practice in MN.

• 8:30am - 10:00am

  Overview of Therapeutic Agents to Manage Atopic Dermatitis Across the Lifespan

  Mary Benbenek, PhD, FNP-BC, CPNP-PC, FAANP, FNAP
  1.5 CE Credits

  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, pruritic, inflammatory skin condition that affects people across the lifespan. The condition varies in severity ranging from mild intermittent to chronic debilitating. There are numerous approaches to treatment. This presentation will review common topical therapies used to treat AD in the outpatient setting as well as introducing systemic agent drug classes and phototherapy as approaches to treatment of more severe forms.

• 10:00am - 10:05am

  Break

• 10:05am - 11:05am

  Addiction Medicine Pharmacology Update for the APRN

  Amy Skroch, DNP

  Many patients are suffering from various substance use disorders, and as an APRN we are the first ones to encounter these patients and help direct their care. Following this presentation, you will have a better understanding of the various treatment options of some of the most common illicit substance use disorders opioids (i.e. fentanyl) and methamphetamine, as well as alcohol use disorder.

• 11:05am - 11:15am

  Break

• 11:15am - 12:45pm

  Nutraceuticals in the Management of Sleep Disturbances and Anxiety-Related Conditions

  Michelle Ullery, DNP, APRN, CNP
  1.5 CE Credits

  This presentation will focus on evaluating current research on the efficacy of nutraceuticals in the management of symptoms associated with poor sleep, acute and chronic stress and anxiety. Nutriceuticals explored will include vitamins, minerals, probiotics, fibers, and herbs. Case studies will be used to apply current research to the care of patients with disturbances of sleep and anxiety-related conditions.

• 12:45pm - 1:15pm

  Lunch

• 1:15pm - 1:25pm

  How to Claim CEs

• 1:25pm - 2:55pm

  Hormone Therapy for Menopause: Best Practices and Considerations

  Elizabeth (Liz) Coleman, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, MSCP

  Women spend nearly half of their lives in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, yet the issue is under-discussed, and healthcare providers receive minimal training on how to best care for patients in these stages. This presentation aims to equip practitioners with a better understanding of hormone therapy (HT), enabling them to guide their patients in making informed decisions and providing optimal care. It will cover the stages of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, highlighting their impact on quality of life. Additionally, the session will discuss the benefits and risks of HT, review guidelines and best practices for its use, and offer practical insights for prescribing.

• 2:55pm - 3:00pm

  Break

• 3:00pm - 4:30pm

  Pharmacogenomics in Practice: Tailoring Medication for Better Patient Outcomes

  Jenna Herman, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
  1.5 CE Credits

  This session will explore the dynamic field of pharmacogenomics and its role in personalizing medication to enhance patient outcomes. Participants will examine how genetic variations in drug metabolism impact prescribing practices and therapeutic decisions. Real-world case studies will illustrate how pharmacogenomic testing can optimize pharmacotherapy for patients across the lifespan. By the conclusion of the session, APRNs will be equipped with practical tools to incorporate pharmacogenomic principles into their clinical practice, thereby improving patient care and minimizing adverse drug reactions.