2024 Conference: Cardiometabolic Health (self study) Price: $275.00 Status: Available
Cardiometabolic Health
Elevate Your Practice with the Latest Advances in CardioMetabolic Health
As Naturopathic Doctors, we embrace a holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing the interconnected nature of the body's systems. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that comprehensive care leads to profound healing, encompassing mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
This year, we are thrilled to host our esteemed annual conference, focused on the vital topic of CardioMetabolic Health. This event features an exceptional array of speakers, each renowned in their field, ready to impart their clinical wisdom. They will provide insights into the most recent developments in Naturopathic and integrative diagnostics, treatments, and management strategies.
The conference is an unmissable opportunity for healthcare professionals who regularly encounter these chronic conditions in their practice, or for those who are keen to deepen their understanding of this ever-evolving and crucial area of medicine. Join us to advance your expertise and practice cutting-edge, high-quality medicine.
Don't miss this chance to transform your practice and empower your patients' journey towards optimal health.
Piper Dobner, ND, MS
PART 1: CardioMetabolic Health and the Gut Microbiome
Presentation Description:
The microbiome is a diverse ecosystem of living organisms working together to bring health to all systems in our body. This presentation will introduce how the microbiome impacts cardiometabolic health from blood pressure to metabolic syndrome. We will discuss the complexity of the microbiome and how this organ system works to influence the health of our metabolic organs.
Goals and Objectives: After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Describe what the microbiome is and why diversity of this organ system is so critical to health.
2. Understand how fecal transplant works as a proxy for microbiome restoration exploration and its limitations
3. Through FMT literature, develop a broad understanding of how the gut microbiome can influence hypertension, blood glucose regulation, and insulin response in the body.
PART 2 Postbiotics: How the Microbiome Speaks
Presentation Description:
From the previous talk where we dive into the microbiome, I want to take the opportunity to share how this system talks to our body. Through sterilization of stool, we’ve been able to identify over a thousand small molecules known as postbiotics made from the human microbiome. These small signaling molecules known as postbiotics are made by the microbiome to directly communicate to our body. How we use these small molecules and what action they impart will be part of the exploration we’ll take together. Additionally supporting this broad signal using food as medicine will wrap up the conversation.
Goals and Objectives: After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Define what is a postbiotic and how it affects all aspects of human health.
2. Understand how postbiotics are used by the microbes themselves and by our bodies.
3. Discuss specific postbiotic, bile, bile acids, and various other metabolites in the microbiome and how they influence metabolic health.
Brief Biography:
Piper Dobner is a naturopathic doctor, scientist, entrepreneur, and deeply empathetic person looking to change the world. Piper’s advocacy for healthy ecosystems, whether they are macro or microscopic, factors into all of her work. She has dedicated her life to the restoration of the microbiota of humans everywhere and advocacy of medical autonomy.
Piper is the Co-founder of Thaena Inc., a microbiome supplement company that is driving technology advances in ecosystem restoration. This work emerged from her development as co-founder and Clinical Director of Flora Medicine, her previous stool bank that provided Fecal Microbiota Transplant for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant Clostridium difficile infection from 2018-2023.
Piper’s deepest passion is patient care. Guided by naturopathic philosophy, Piper helps her patients restore balance and empowers them to have ownership of their health. Piper is committed to understanding each individual to appropriately address their needs.
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Michael T. Murray, ND
PART 1 Top Ten Little Known, But Critical Considerations in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Health Conditions – Part 1.
Presentation Description:
A dynamic, fast-paced tour of important clinical considerations including:
● A heretical look at the intestinal microbiome
● Probiotics vs. para-, pre- and postbiotics in improving gut microbiome composition.
● The role of gingipains and the oral microbiota in systemic inflammation, CVD and neurodegenerative disease.
● Mushrooms and longevity, the roles of ergothioneine and spermidine
● Why hepcidin is a double-edged sword in chronic degenerative disease.
Goals and Objectives: After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Clearly express the differences between a probiotic, parabiotic, postbiotic, and prebiotic.
2. Explain the key factors responsible for mushroom consumption promoting longevity.
3. Be able to define hepcidin and explain the role of iron in chronic degenerative disease.
PART 2: Top Ten Little Known, But Critical Considerations in the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Health Conditions – Part 2.
Presentation Description:
A dynamic, fast-paced tour of important clinical considerations including:
● Why flavonoid intake is another secret to health and longevity.
● Is NAD+ precursor therapy a “stop gap” measure?
● Is AMPk the key molecular target for dealing with the modern epidemics?
● The fascinating pharmacology of berberine.
● Dr. Murray’s personal technique to feel inspired, connected, and grateful.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Explain why flavonoids are referred to as nature’s biological response modifiers.
2. Understand why NAD+ levels drop with aging and why precursor therapy does not impact this underlying biochemistry.
3. Explain what the molecular oscillator is and what influences its function.
Brief Biography:
Michael T. Murray, N.D., is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on natural medicine. Dr. Murray is a graduate, former faculty, and board member of Bastyr University. Along with Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., he is the co-author of A Textbook of Natural Medicine, the definitive textbook on naturopathic medicine. Dr. Murray has also written or co-authored over 30 other books with over 6 million copies in print including The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, The Magic of Foods, and his latest book The Longevity Matrix. Dr Murray has received several notable awards for his contributions to naturopathic medicine including the Benedict Lust Lifetime Achievement Award from the AANP and Bastyr University’s Mission Award as well as Bastyr’s 25th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni Award.
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Alexandra Verge, ND
PART 1: Presentation Title: Inheriting High Cholesterol: Familial Hypercholesterolemia’s Outsized Risk
Presentation Description:
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disorder which leads to high LDL-cholesterol at an early age, significantly and disproportionately increasing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Driven by various mutations it affects approximately 1 in 250 individuals globally and is higher in founder populations such as French-Americans.
Heterozygous FH is often mistaken for polygenic or lifestyle-induced hypercholesterolemia. Early identification of FH is paramount for effective management of the condition and to mitigate its exaggerated cardiovascular risk. This session aims to help clinicians identify and treat FH by highlighting key concepts, presenting diagnostic criteria, and clarifying various treatment options.
Goals and Objectives: After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Review evidence showing that elevated LDL cholesterol is a causal factor for ASCVD and explore the concept of “cholesterol years” (exposure X time).
2. Define familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) reviewing pathophysiology and epidemiology, highlighting specific at-risk populations.
3. Compare and contrast different dyslipidemia patterns particularly focused on identifying heterozygous/homozygous FH.
4. Learn about pharmacological options available for FH management.
5. Explore the role of lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, exercise, smoking cessation and other cardiovascular disease risk factor mitigation, as complementary measures to pharmacological treatment in FH management.
PART 2: Presentation Title: Hypertension’s Hidden Players: Improving Outcomes by Uncovering Secondary Causes
Presentation Description:
Secondary hypertension arises from identifiable underlying causes such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, or medications. More common than once thought, it may account for 10-30% of all hypertension diagnosis, particularly in those under 40 years of age.
Not only do many secondary hypertension cases require different treatment strategies for best management, addressing a secondary cause can potentially lead to complete resolution of the condition. This underscores the importance of an early, and accurate, diagnosis of what remains one of the strongest risk factors for almost all types of cardiovascular diseases.
This session aims to provide tools to help navigate the complexities of identifying secondary hypertension by listing top causes, their diagnostic indicators, and as well as treatments.
Goals and Objectives: After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Distinguish secondary hypertension from primary, recognizing clinical indicators that may suggest one over the other.
2. Identify the major secondary causes of hypertension including renal disease, endocrine disorders, sleep apnea, and drug induced.
3. Discuss the importance of a comprehensive patient history in identifying secondary hypertension risk factors.
4. Develop a treatment plan tailored to the underlying cause including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and when appropriate, referral for interventional procedures.
Brief Biography:
Dr. Alexandra Verge is Canadian naturopathic doctor and clinic owner who has been in practice for over 20 years. Her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences is an area of interest she continues to highlight in her clinical work, particularly given her focus on cardiovascular health.
In addition to provincial and federal professional organizations, her memberships include Hypertension Canada, National Lipid Association (NLA), European Society of Cardiology, American College of Cardiology, and the American Society for Preventive Cardiology.
Dr. Verge completed the National Lipid Association’s Foundations of Lipidology training and has been certified by the Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology to have passed the Lipid Competency Certificate Examination. Her recent speaking engagements include continuing education lectures on cardiovascular disease in menopause, lipidology essentials for the evidence-based integrative practitioner, and omega-3 and heart-health research updates.
….. Eric Yarnell ND, RH(AHG)
PART 1 Update on Herbs for Cardiometabolic Disease
Presentation Description:
I will review recently published, high-impact clinical trials and meta-analyses (no preclinical research) on herbs and cardiometabolic disease. This will include both preventive and therapeutic approaches for patients with various types of cardiometabolic disease. This will include some herbs/herbal constituents commonly used as drugs (such as colchicine and Digitalis), many herbs that are also foods (Allium species, fruits, nuts, celery, and Hibiscus), aromatherapy, and at least one Chinese herbal formula.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Utilize the herbs for prevention and/or treatment of cardiometabolic disease (based on recent clinical trials and meta-analyses).
2. Provide safe doses of the reviewed herbs/foods for prevention and/or treatment of cardiometabolic disease.
3. Effectively avoid and, when necessary, manage adverse effects of the herbs reviewed.
PART 2 Cardiometabolic Disease in Men
Presentation Description:
People assigned male at birth suffer an extraordinarily high burden of cardiometabolic disease, contributing to significantly shorter lifespans than people assigned female at birth. Here we will review recent and important issues to help counter these problems. The need to refocus on erectile dysfunction mostly as a sign of cardiometabolic disease and not testosterone deficiency is crucial. The growing body of literature showing that the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil is effective at reversing atherosclerosis will be reviewed. Cardiometabolic effects of testosterone replacement therapy will be highlighted. The role of work stress as a cardiometabolic risk factor, and what to do about it, will be discussed. And finally vitamin D trials for heart disease prevention have been disappointing, but Dr. Yarnell will review the serious problems with these trials.
Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Appropriately screen patients with erectile dysfunction for cardiometabolic disease.
2. Appropriately utilize PDE5 inhibitors to reverse atherosclerosis.
3. Provide patients evidence-based counseling about the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on cardiometabolic risks.
4. Screening for and mitigating work stress as a cardiometabolic risk factor.
5. Understanding the failure of clinical trials of vitamin D in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Brief Biography:
Eric Yarnell, ND, RH(AHG) (Bastyr University, 1996) is chief medical officer at Northwest Naturopathic Urology. He has been in practice for 30 years, primarily in the fields of men’s health, urology, and nephrology, with an emphasis on botanical medicine. Dr. Yarnell is chief creative officer of Wild Brilliance Press, vice president of Heron Botanicals, and CEO of Red Root Pharmaceuticals. He previously served as chair of the department of botanical medicine at SCNM, was full professor at Bastyr, and helped edit the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine. His published works include Clinical Botanical Medicine 2nd ed, Natural Approach to Urology 2nd ed, Natural Approach to Prostate Conditions 2nd ed, and Natural Approach to Gastroenterology 2nd ed. He has received the AANP's Vis Award (2014), GastroANP's Borborygmus Award (2020), and NMSA’s Faculty of the Year Award (2018 and 2020).
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Keith Berkowitz M.D., M.B.A
PART 1: How to Treat and Evaluate a Long COVID and Long Vax Patient
Presentation Description:
I will cover from start to finish – how to evaluate whether a patient has been injured by COVID-19 and/or the COVID-19 vaccine, the symptoms associated with injury, mechanisms behind injury, typical lab abnormalities, and finally how to improve the patient’s health.
Goals and Objectives: After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand the mechanisms behind Long COVID and Long VAX
2. Be able to identify individuals suffering from Long COVID and Long Vax
3. Know which lab tests to order in evaluating patients
4. Understand how to develop an treatment protocol for patients
PART 2 Case studies of individuals with Long COVID/Long Vax
Presentation Description:
I will review three different cases of individuals that suffer from Long COVID and Long Vax. For each case study, we will discuss the patient’s health history, examination, lab work, differential diagnoses, treatment plan, and reevaluation of the treatment plan.
Goals and Objectives: After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Understand how to evaluate a patient with Long COVID/Long Vax
2. Utilize history, physical exam and lab work to determine what mechanisms are behind injury
3. Develop an individualized treatment protocol
4. Manage expectation from patients regarding recovery
Brief Biography:
Keith Wayne Berkowitz, M.D., is the Founder and Medical Director of the Center for Balanced Health. He combines expertise in both traditional and complementary medicine. Prior to starting the Center for Balanced Health, he was the Medical Director and Business Director of The Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine. He was an associate of Dr. Robert C. Atkins since 1999.
Before joining The Atkins Center, Dr. Berkowitz spent five years as a faculty member in the Department of Medicine at North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York. In this capacity, he was responsible for patient care, as well as supervising and teaching medical students as a clinical instructor at New York University School of Medicine. In addition, Dr. Berkowitz consulted with Island Peer Review Organization in New Hyde Park, New York, overseeing quality management and has reviewed questions for the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Berkowitz is also a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and a member of the American College of Physicians, the Medical Society of State of New York, the Foundation for the Advancement of Innovative Medicine and the American College for Advancement in Medicine. Dr. Berkowitz received his Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he majored in economics and graduated with honors. He then attended medical school at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York, receiving his Doctor of Medicine in 1995. Dr. Berkowitz did a combined internship and residency in internal medicine at North Shore University Hospital and Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. While in medical school, Dr. Berkowitz was a program director for City College of New York and the United States Information Agency. In this role, he managed the first Central Asian/American Exchange Program for more than 100 students and teachers. He also developed an academic program and trained teachers and mentors to prepare inner-city youth for New York City's specialized high schools. Dr. Berkowitz is the co-author of The Princeton Review Medical School Companion (Random House, 1996).He has recently graduated from Columbia University Business School, in New York City, where he received an M.B.A and became a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.He has been interviewed by Newsweek, New York Magazine, Newsday, The Sunday London Times, Associated Press, CNN, INC Magazine, amNY, Wins 1010 online and The New York Post. Additionally, he has been featured on ABC News, WOR Radio, WCBS Radio and RAI TV.
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Heather Sandison, ND
PART 1 Where Heart Health Meets Brain Health Part I
Presentation Description:
Heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide and yet dementia is the most feared disease as we age, a fate worse than death. There are many overlaps in both causes and treatment of dementia and heart disease. Naturopathic Doctors are particularly well trained to provide causal level solutions to patients looking to both prevent and reverse cognitive decline and heart disease. In part 1, we will discuss the current research and identify common causes of dementia and heart disease, to prepare for part 2.
3. Goals and Objectives:
After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Identify common causes of cognitive decline and heart disease
2. Understand labs to order to diagnose causes of cognitive decline and heart disease
3. Understand the current research regarding cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
PART 2 Where Heart Health Meets Brain Health Part II
Presentation Description:
Heart disease is the most common cause of death worldwide and yet dementia is the most feared disease as we age, a fate worse than death. There are many overlaps in both causes and treatment of dementia and heart disease. Naturopathic Doctors are particularly well trained to provide causal level solutions to patients looking to both prevent and reverse cognitive decline and heart disease. In part 2, we will discuss the diagnostic workup and treatment of the cognitive and cardiovascular concerns, and the tracking tools with suggested timelines for expected changes.
Goals and Objectives: After the presentation, participants will be able to confidently:
1. Treat overlapping causes of cognitive decline and heart disease
2. Track changes in cognition and heart disease
3. Understand the current research regarding cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease
Brief Biography:
Dr. Heather Sandison is a 2013 Bastyr, Seattle graduate. After training with Dr. Dale Bredesen and witnessing surprising improvement in patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s she has dedicated her career to supporting patients with cognitive decline and their families. She founded Solcere, a cutting-edge integrative brain clinic and Marama, the first residential care facility for the elderly of its kind, designed for memory recovery. In collaboration with Helfgott research institute, her peer reviewed research has been published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. With Dr. Bredesen she co-hosts the annual Reverse Alzheimer’s Summit. Her book Reversing Alzheimer’s published with Harper Collins will be out in May 2024.
