Core Synthesis | February 26, 2027

The Core Synthesis is part two of the two-part Core Curriculum on Medical Direction in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC).

New for 2027: Blended Learning Format – The Core Synthesis program combines on-demand presentations with a live, one-day virtual program featuring interactive small-group sessions and multiple faculty Q&A panels. Participants must complete the on-demand portion before attending the live, one-day virtual program.

After completing the Synthesis course, participants will be able to integrate the tools, knowledge, and skills learned into their practice as a PALTC medical director. Emphasis is placed on implementing the use of QAPI tools, problem-solving concepts, and root cause analysis in monitoring and managing quality indicators and quality management data, and incorporating systems theory, systems management, and leadership skills into the daily work of the PALTC medical director.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:

• Develop practical skills needed to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the medical director.
• Identify the unique aspects of the PALTC environment that impact the medical director’s job.
• Describe the organizational responsibilities and dynamics of the medical director and the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Develop communication skills to deal with responsibilities for the IDT, residents, and their families.
• Explain the resident care responsibilities of the medical director, including emergency care, quality management, family systems, and ethical considerations.
• Enhance leadership skills and team building towards a stronger role for the medical director with the IDT.
• Develop human resource skills to deal with difficult situations and improve personal effectiveness.
• Improve the medical director’s ability to learn and practice in the evolving environment of health care delivery.
• Apply newly acquired knowledge to daily facility and practice activities.

Core Synthesis follows a blended learning format: 

Step 1: Complete the Required On-Demand Presentations
Participants must view the recorded presentations before attending the live program on February 26, 2027.

Step 2: Attend the Live Virtual Program on February 26, 2027
Join the live program to engage in case discussions, small-group breakouts, and faculty Q&A.

On-Demand Presentations

 These presentations provide the foundational content needed to participate in the live program's interactive discussions.

• Today’s Medical Director: Challenges/Opportunities 
• Quality: The Big Picture 
• Team Dynamics and Communication 
• Protecting Rights, Preventing Deficiencies 
• System Theory: Application in Medical Direction 
• Herding Cats: Medical Staff Coordination 
• Leadership: A Tool for Effective Medical Directors 

Live Virtual Program - February 26, 2027

All Times are Eastern Time Zone.

*Program is subject to change.

• 10.0 CME
• 10.0 CMD Management
• 10.0 MOC

Credit Statements

Accreditation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Designation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association designates this other/blended learning activity (live sessions and recorded video) for a maximum of 10.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CMD Credit Hours: This CME activity has been pre-approved for up to 10.0 management hour(s) toward certification or recertification as a Certified Medical Director (CMD) in post-acute and long-term care medicine. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent on the activity. The CMD Program is administered by PALTmed. For further information, contact PALTmed at 410-992-3115 or at certification@paltmed.org.

ABIM MOC: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 10.0 Medical Knowledge MOC points and patient safety MOC credit in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Financial Disclosure Statement

The following faculty and/or planners disclosed a relevant financial relationship: 

• Luz Ramos-Bonner, MD, MBA, CMD - Stock Shareholder: InnovAge; Full-time/Part-time Employee: Independence Blue Cross
• Meenakshi Patel, MD, CMD – Speakers Bureau: Viatris, Teva and Otsuka/Lundbeck; Grant Research: Janssen, Eli Lilly, GSK, LMT, Acadia, Annovis
• Todd Sobol, MD, CMD – Advisory Board: CareBand Inc. 
• Richard Stefanacci, DO, MBA, CMD - Consultant: Active Protective (TangoBelt)
• Glen Xiong, MD, CMD - Advisory Board: Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Medical Policy and Therapeutics Committee; Consultant: iTreat, Asynch Health; Honoraria: Wolter Kluwers, American Psychiatric Publishing Inc; Stock Shareholder: SafelyYou

All relevant relationships have been mitigated by the Association. No one else in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Space is limited — Reserve your place now!

Course Pricing

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Registration Cancellation

Cancellations must be submitted via email to registration@paltmed.org. Cancellations must be received two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the course for a full refund less a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the course will result in the forfeiture of all registration fees. "No Shows" also forfeit all fees. Forfeited registration fees cannot be applied to subsequent PALTmed programs.

If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone the start date of the course, PALTmed will not be responsible for travel or hotel costs incurred by the registrant. A full refund of registration fees will be made if the course is not rescheduled, or if the registrant is unable to attend the rescheduled course.