Musculoskeletal
Galaxy

June 5 – 9, 2024 | Portland, OR

Overview

Overview

What Is the Musculoskeletal Galaxy?

Designed to provide PAs and NPs with a well-rounded foundation on orthopaedics, this conference is ideal if you are new to the specialty or if you are a family medicine, emergency medicine, or urgent care provider who sees musculoskeletal conditions in your daily practice.

Expert faculty discuss topics across orthopaedic specialties, including the most common conditions of the spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Take part in engaging, hands-on instruction with Wednesday’s optional workshops on musculoskeletal injections; ultrasound; and splinting and casting. In the small group breakout sessions, learn physical exam techniques, discuss common radiology cases, and participate in a hands-on surgical skills lab for fracture fixation.

Join us June 5 – 9 in Portland, Oregon for Galaxy 2024! You’ll access:

  • Our 3.5-day conference full of interactive orthopaedic sessions
  • The optional pre-courses:
    • Hands-on Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop
    • Hands-on Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners
    • Hands-On MSK Focus POCUS Pre-Course
  • An optional limited edition Galaxy sweatshirt for purchase
  • Networking opportunities with colleagues
  • Access to Galaxy 2024’s recorded sessions available online until December 31, 2024

Course Directors

  • Christopher V. Bensen, MD
  • Travis L. Randolph, PA-C, ATC
  • Chuck Dowell, PA-C, ATC
Registration

Registration

AAPA/AAOS Member
Early Bird (1/17-4/3)
AAPA/AAOS Member
Standard (4/4-6/5)
Nonmember
Early Bird (1/17-4/3)
Nonmember
Standard (4/4-6/5)
Pre-Course: Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop $379 $479 $479 $579
Pre-Course: Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners $299 $399 $399 $499
Pre-Course: MSK Focus POCUS $329 $429 $429 $529
Galaxy 2024 Sweatshirt $32 $32 $32 $32
Main Conference $899 $999 $1,199 $1,299

Please note that the Musculoskeletal Galaxy conference is not included in the Fellow Plus or Fellow Premium membership.

Optional Pre-Courses

Pre-Course #1 – Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop (5.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Two sessions available:

  • Wednesday, June 5, 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 5, 1-6 p.m.

Separate registration required. Limited seats available!

The half-day, hands-on Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop is designed for new graduate PAs and NPs or those who are new to treating musculoskeletal injuries. Our instructors will help you develop the skills you need to effectively apply acute care splints for common upper and lower extremity injuries. This course will cover the following splints: volar wrist splint, ulnar gutter splint, upper extremity sugar tong splint, low leg posterior splint, and low leg stirrup (sugar tong) splint. The application of fiberglass short arm and short leg casts will also be covered. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, this workshop will not cover fracture reduction techniques, advanced skills, or application of plaster splints/casts. Attendees should wear shorts and a T-shirt to the workshop.

Pre-Course #2 – Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners (2.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Three sessions available:

  • Wednesday, June 5, 7 – 9:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, June 5, 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 5, 2:30 – 5 p.m.

Separate registration required. Limited seats available!

This 2.5 hour, highly interactive injection workshop is designed for new graduate PAs and NPs or those who are new to treating musculoskeletal injuries. Our instructors will provide a lecture, demonstration, and most importantly, a hands-on learning experience. You will learn about the materials, indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, and proper technique of injection therapy. The workshop will address the evaluation and management of common musculoskeletal problems of the upper and lower extremity and the role of injection therapy in these conditions.

The following injections will be covered: shoulder joint, subacromial bursitis, lateral and medial epicondylitis, olecranon bursitis, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, first carpal metacarpal (CMC) joint, trochanteric bursitis, knee joint, pes anserine bursitis, prepatellar bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma.

Working in small groups led by an instructor, you will gain beginning competencies in proper injection technique while practicing on each other and electronic models. Attendees should wear loose, comfortable clothing (T-shirts, shorts, etc.) and be prepared to practice palpating anatomical landmarks for proper injection technique.

Pre-Course #3 – MSK Focus POCUS (4.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

One session available:

  • Wednesday, June 5, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Separate registration required. Limited seats available!

The Musculoskeletal Galaxy Focus POCUS ultrasound pre-course will cover an introduction on how to ultrasound as well as tips for identifying critical structures and landmarks for basic MSK injections.

Main Conference (24.75 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Thursday, June 6 – Sunday, June 9

Registration includes four breakfasts, lunch on Thursday and Friday, the networking event on Thursday evening, online access to course materials, and access to recorded sessions from the conference.

*Please note that this course is not approved for Category A continuing education for certified athletic trainers.

New this year: Grab our exclusive 2024 Galaxy sweatshirt!

Registration Cancellation Policy

  • Please submit your cancellation request in writing to [email protected].
  • We offer a full refund for cancellations prior to March 24, 2024.
  • Between March 25 – June 4 we can offer a 50% refund for cancellations.
  • No refunds or credits will be granted after the conference begins on June 5.
  • If AAPA must cancel the 2024 Musculoskeletal Galaxy in Portland, all registration fees will be transferred to a fully virtual conference experience.
  • All hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.
Registration Discounts

Registration Discounts

Group Registration

AAPA offers a $100 discount, per registrant, on group registrations of 10+ PAs or NPs.

Restrictions apply:

  • All registrants must also book a hotel room at the time of registration.
  • No registrant on the list may be already registered. No refunds will be given.
  • This promotion and discount may not be used in combination with any other promotion or discount.
  • Group registration list must be submitted to [email protected].

Student Registration

Are you a student and want to register for this conference? Contact [email protected] to receive $200 off your registration.

Agenda

Agenda

Below is a list of all sessions taking place at Galaxy 2024. Please note that times listed are in Pacific Time.

  • June 5

    Wednesday

    • 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

      On-Site Registration

    • 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

      Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop – Morning Session (Separate Registration Required)

    • 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM

      Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners – Morning Session (Separate Registration Required)

    • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

      Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners – Mid-Morning Session  (Separate Registration Required)

    • 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

      Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop – Afternoon Session (Separate Registration Required)

    • 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

      MSK Focus POCUS (Separate Registration Required)

    • 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM

      Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners – Afternoon Session (Separate Registration Required)

  • June 6

    Thursday

    • 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

      Registration

    • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

      Exhibits and Breakfast (Provided)

    • 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM

      Welcome From Course Directors

    • 8:15 AM – 9:10 AM

      The Language of Fractures

    • 9:15 AM – 10:10 AM

      Hip Topic

    • 10:10 AM – 10:45 AM

      Exhibits/Break

    • 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM

      Radiology

    • 11:35 AM – 12:30 PM

      Foot and Ankle

    • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

      Exhibits and Lunch (Provided)

    • 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

      Radiology Topic 2

    • 2:20 PM – 3:15 PM

      MSK Infections

    • 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

      Exhibits/Break

    • 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM

      First Breakout Session (Choose One)

        • Common Radiology Cases Breakout Session
        • Surgical Skills Lab for Fracture Fixation: Open Reduction Internal Fixation and Lag Screw Techniques
        • Upper Extremity and C-Spine Physical Exam Techniques
        • Lower Extremity and L-Spine Physical Exam Techniques
    • 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM

      Networking Event

  • June 7

    Friday

    • 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

      Registration

    • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

      Exhibits and Breakfast (Provided)

    • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

      Second Breakout Session (Choose One)

        • Common Radiology Cases Breakout Session
        • Surgical Skills Lab for Fracture Fixation: Open Reduction Internal Fixation and Lag Screw Techniques
        • Upper Extremity and C-Spine Physical Exam Techniques
        • Lower Extremity and L-Spine Physical Exam Techniques
    • 10:00 AM – 10:25 AM

      Exhibits/Break

    • 10:25 AM – 11:15 AM

      Hip Arthroplasty

    • 11:20 AM – 12:15 PM

      Knee 1

    • 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

      Lunch (Provided)/Exhibits

    • 1:15 PM – 3:15 PM

      Third Breakout Session (Choose One)

        • Common Radiology Cases Breakout Session
        • Surgical Skills Lab for Fracture Fixation: Open Reduction Internal Fixation and Lag Screw Techniques
        • Upper Extremity and C-Spine Physical Exam Techniques
        • Lower Extremity and L-Spine Physical Exam Techniques
    • 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM

      Exhibits/Break

    • 3:20 PM – 4:15 PM

      Knee 2

    • 4:20 PM – 5:05 PM

      Knee Arthroplasty

  • June 8

    Saturday

    • 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

      Registration

    • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

      Breakfast (Provided)

    • 8:00 AM – 8:55 AM

      Hand and Wrist

    • 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

      Shoulder Topic

    • 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

      Break

    • 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM

      Pediatrics

    • 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM

      Lunch (On Your Own)

    • 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM

      Shoulder 2

    • 2:05 PM – 3:00 PM

      Elbow

    • 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM

      Break

    • 3:15 PM – 4:10 PM

      Oncology

    • 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM

      Ortho Fracture Management 1

    • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

      Dinner Industry Session (Pending Support)

  • June 9

    Sunday

    • 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM

      Registration

    • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

      Breakfast (Provided)

    • 8:00 AM – 8:55 AM

      Spine

    • 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM

      Ortho Fracture Management 2

    • 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM

      Break for Hotel Check-Out

    • 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM

      Rheumatology

    • 11:05 AM – 12:00 PM

      Therapeutic Modalities

    • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

      Wrap Up/Closing Remarks

This agenda may be updated or modified without notification.

CME Accreditation

Accreditation Statements

The 2024 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop, offered June 5, 2024, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 5.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

The 2024 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners, offered June 5, 2024, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 2.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

The 2024 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Ultrasound, offered June 4, 2024, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 4.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

The 2024 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: General Course, offered June 6-9, 2024, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 24.75 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Are you an NP?

NPs can often claim AAPA Category 1 CME credit as continuing education with AANPCB and ANCC. Check with your certification/licensing authority to confirm that AAPA credit is acceptable – and then register for this great course!

Venue and Travel

Venue and Travel

Conference Venue

Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
1401 SW Naito Parkway
Portland, OR 97201

Making a Hotel Room Reservation

A discounted room rate of $209 plus applicable taxes has been secured for attendees and will be available until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, or until the room block is full. After that time, a room cannot be guaranteed.

BOOK YOUR ROOM

Reservations can also be made over the phone by calling 1-800-546-9513. Please have your arrival/departure dates, bed type preference, and credit card information ready. You must mention the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront and the AAPA/AAOS Musculoskeletal Galaxy conference to receive the discounted rate.

Should you have any issues booking a hotel room, please contact Mairi Gardner.

Benefits of Staying at the Conference Hotel

You have easy access to the day’s sessions, meals, and countless networking opportunities with your peers. By staying within the block, you also help AAPA negotiate the best hotel rates for our attendees. There’s really no reason to stay anywhere else!

Hotel Perks

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms
  • Access to fitness center

Hotel Policies

Check-in time is 4 p.m. and check-out time is 12 p.m.  Reservations must be canceled 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid a no-show fee equal to one night’s room and tax. All reservations and cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.

Travel

Flying?  The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront is 9 miles from Portland International Airport (PDX). Hotel shuttle service to and from the airport is not provided; however, there are other transportation options available. Taxi, Uber, and Lyft are among the most popular and affordable options.

Driving? On-site parking and valet is $54/daily.

Airline Discount With Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines® is proud to partner with AAPA to offer discounted fares to/from Portland for eligible travelers attending the Musculoskeletal Galaxy!

  • Book your flights by visiting SWABIZ to qualify for eligible discounted rates and bonus rapid reward points.
  • Qualifying discounts on eligible fares are for reservations booked through booked through SWABIZ between now through June 5, 2024, for travel June 2, 2024 – June 12, 2024.
  • As a reward for our partnership, travelers will receive 25% more Rapid Reward bonus points* on all qualifying flights* booked via SWABIZ now through June 5, 2024, and flown to or from Portland, OR (PDX) between June 2, 2024 – June 12, 2024.

*Restrictions apply. Visit southwest.com/rrterms for more information.

Things To Do in Portland

Things To Do in Portland

There are so many things to do and see in Portland after a day in sessions. Or, stay a few days and make a vacation out of it!

Food & Drinks

Portland has quickly become a destination for foodies! Food halls offer a variety of cuisines and there are tons of them around the city. Check out this food cart finder to search through 200+ options! Portland is also famous for craft beer and coffee. Farm-to-fork dining is also an option thanks to the proximity to natural bounty. Or indulge in the popular Voodoo Doughnut!

Tax-Free Shopping

From handmade items and vintage stores to designer goods, there is something for all shoppers, and you’ll find it all tax-free. Learn more about all the different areas you can shop at while visiting Portland.

Explore the Outdoors

Check out the outdoor trailblazer’s guide to Portland or venture a little outside the city for breathtaking waterfalls at Silver Falls State Park. Whether you want to walk around a park, explore different gardens, or hike a mountain – Portland has it all!

Family Friendly

The Oregon Zoo, World Forestry Center Discover Museum and Oaks Amusement Park are just a few options for the whole family to have a day of adventure and fun!

For more ideas on what to do, check out the Travel Portland site.

Information for Attendees

Information for Attendees

On-Site Conference Registration and Tips

  • Registration is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5. Registration reopens on Thursday, June 6 at 7 a.m. You only need to check in once at the on-site registration desk.
  • Galaxy is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Use your smartphone, computer, or tablet to answer questions during CME sessions.
  • Bring a sweater or light jacket in case of cold meeting rooms.

Accessing Electronic Handouts

There is no paper syllabus or final program for this course. Lecture materials will be available under My Curriculum in AAPA’s Learning Central before the conference start date.

Course Evaluations and CME Certificates

Your completion of course evaluations is a prerequisite for a CME certificate. The course evaluations and your CME certificate will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central beginning Wednesday, June 5, 2024. You will have until Wednesday, July 31, 2024, to complete the evaluations.

Testimonials

Testimonials

“This is an OUTSTANDING conference for a new grad, someone new to ortho, or urgent care/ER provider who is looking to get stronger [orthopaedic] training. The speakers were dynamic and engaging. The overall organization and flow were excellent.”

“A well-rounded conference for head-to-toe orthopedics. Great to attend if you are a new grad or new to the field of ortho.”

“I was so impressed. The content was thorough but easy to follow and understand. The speakers and experts were engaging; I was never bored. The lectures were pertinent. It was fun.”

“I loved the variety of lectures, and the speakers were phenomenal!”

“All around the best AAPA conference I’ve attended. The content was superb. I will certainly return.”

“I would especially recommend this to colleagues who are new PAs or new to orthopaedics. The speakers were energetic, knowledgeable, and responsive to questions. Additionally, it was nice to learn about/get a refresher on some things that I don’t treat every day. It’s also a great chance to meet and talk with other PAs in the same specialty with similar levels of experience. The conference was very well-run and well-organized.”

“Excellent conference! This is my second time attending, and it did not disappoint. Great selection of topics, EXCELLENT SPEAKERS! The presentations were all very dynamic and interactive. Loved the case study style of teaching!”

“The speakers, content and presentations helped me understand topics and conditions I see in my practice every day and since I have gone back to my practice, I have felt more confident in recognizing and treating these conditions. As a PA in my first year in orthopedics, this has been so helpful and helped me feel much more confident in my career.”

“Great conference, amazing speakers, every session was valuable in making me a better medical provider.”

“This was a great overview of head-to-toe orthopedics. The speakers were engaging and there was a good balance of lecture and hands on learning.”

Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities

Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities

Partnering With AAPA

The 2024 Musculoskeletal Galaxy conference is expected to draw more than 200 PAs and NPs in orthopaedics. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unique conference by taking advantage of one or more of the available sponsorship opportunities. There are a variety of cost-effective options for budgets of any size.

 

Top 5 Specialties

*Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Pain Management, etc

Primary Work Settings

Years of Experience in Current Specialty

Attendees by Profession

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Increase your ROI with exciting networking and sponsorship opportunities that will enhance your visibility at Musculoskeletal Galaxy.

Have your own 6’x30” Table-Top Exhibit located in the conference area where all meals and breaks will be held.

Become an Event Partner to extend your brand, reach the right audience, and amplify your message through thought leadership, a memorable attendee experience, or brand exposure. AAPA offers a variety of different opportunities that are available to fit your budget and needs.

Thought Leadership

  • Industry Session

Attendee Experience

  • Conference Registration
  • Welcome Reception
  • Creative Corner
  • Refreshment Breaks
  • Wi-Fi
  • Head Shot Lounge
  • Portable Chargers
  • Fun Run/Walk Challenge
  • Recharge Wellness Zone (no screen zone)

Brand Exposure

  • Hotel Room Drop
  • Hotel Key Cards
  • Digital Web Banner Ad
  • Attendee Conference Bag
  • Attendee Bag Insert

In addition to the sponsorship benefits for each item, sponsors will also receive:

  • General Event Partner & Exhibit Recognition – Conference Website, Pre-Promotional Materials, and Onsite Signage
  • Access to the Pre & Post Conference Attendee Registration List (available four weeks before the conference)

For questions or to start partnering with AAPA, please contact Heather.


Thank you to our Galaxy 2024 partners and exhibitors!

Questions?

We’re here to help! Email us your questions about Galaxy 2024.