Overview

What Is the Musculoskeletal Galaxy?

Sponsored by AAPA and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 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.

In this interactive course, expert faculty discuss topics across the 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 Saturday’s optional pre-courses on musculoskeletal injections, splinting and casting, and ultrasound. 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 10 – 14 in Austin, Texas for these exciting opportunities at Galaxy 2023!

• 3.5-day general course full of interactive orthopaedic sessions
• Optional half-day pre-courses
  • Hands-on Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop
  • Hands-on Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners
  • MSK Focus POCUS Pre-Course
• Networking opportunities with colleagues
• NEW this year! Your registration includes session recordings that will be available online until December 31, 2023.

Course Directors

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

Registration

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:

• Saturday, June 10, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Saturday, June 10, 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 (4.0 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Two sessions available:

• Saturday, June 10, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. SOLD OUT
• Saturday, June 10, 1 – 5 p.m. SOLD OUT

Separate registration required. Limited seats available!

This half-day, 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:

• Saturday, June 10, 1 – 5 p.m. SOLD OUT

Separate registration required. Limited seats available!

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

General Course (26 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Sunday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 14

Registration includes 4 continental breakfasts, lunch on Sunday and Monday, networking event on Sunday 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.

Registration Cancellation Policy

• Please submit your cancellation request in writing to [email protected].
• We offer a full refund for cancellations prior to March 24, 2023.
• Between March 24 and June 9, we can offer a 50% refund for cancellations.
• No refunds or credits will be granted after the conference begins on June 10.
• If AAPA must cancel the 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy in Austin, all registration fees will be transferred to a fully virtual conference experience.
• All hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.

Agenda

Below is a list of all sessions taking place at Galaxy 2023. Check out the My Conference Planner to see a more detailed agenda including speakers, session learning objectives and exhibitor info. Please note that times listed are in Central Time.

• June 10

  Saturday

• • 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    On-Site Registration

  • 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Pre-Course: Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop – Morning Session (Separate Registration Required)

  • 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Pre-Course: Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners – Morning Session (Separate Registration Required)

  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    Pre-Course: MSK Focus POCUS (Separate Registration Required)

  • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

    Pre-Course: Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners – Afternoon Session (Separate Registration Required)

  • 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

    Pre-Course: Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop – Afternoon Session (Separate Registration Required)

• June 11

  Sunday

• • 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

    On-Site Registration

  • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

    Exhibits and Breakfast (Provided)

  • 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM

    Welcome Remarks

  • 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM

    The Language of Fractures

  • 9:20 AM – 10:20 AM

    Common Orthopaedic Conditions of the Wrist and Hand

  • 10:20 AM – 10:45 AM

    Exhibits/Break

  • 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM

    How to Keep Your Job: Understanding Reimbursement and Knowing Your Value

  • 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

    Exhibits and Lunch (Provided)

  • 12:45 PM – 2:15 PM

    Basics of Musculoskeletal Imaging

  • 2:20 PM – 3:20 PM

    Common Orthopaedic Conditions of the Elbow

  • 3:20 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 – 6:45 PM

    Networking Event

• June 12

  Monday

• • 7:00 AM – 5:25 PM

    On-Site 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 – 11:25 AM

    Common Orthopaedic Conditions of the Foot and Ankle

  • 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

    Common Orthopaedic Conditions of the Hip

  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

    Exhibits and Lunch (Provided)

  • 1:30 PM – 3:30 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

  • 3:30 PM – 3:55 PM

    Exhibits/Break

  • 3:55 PM – 5:25 PM

    Pediatric Orthopaedic Review

  • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    Dinner Industry Session (Pending Support)

• June 13

  Tuesday

• • 7:00 AM – 5:15 PM

    On-Site Registration

  • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

    Breakfast (Provided)

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

    Common Orthopaedic Conditions of the Knee: Part 1

  • 9:05 AM – 10:05 AM

    Overview of Musculoskeletal Infections

  • 10:05 AM – 10:20 AM

    Break

  • 10:20 AM – 11:20 AM

    Common Orthopaedic Conditions of the Knee: Part 2

  • 11:25 AM – 12:25 PM

    Bump in the Night/On Call Emergencies

  • 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

    Lunch (On Your Own)

  • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

    Common Orthopaedic Conditions of the Shoulder in the Young Athlete and Weekend Warriors

  • 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM

    Break

  • 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM

    Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: From Pre-Op to Post-Op (Part 1 and Part 2)

  • 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM

    Dinner Industry Session (Pending Support)

• June 14

  Wednesday

• • 7:00 AM – 12:45 PM

    On-Site Registration

  • 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

    Breakfast (Provided)

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

    Orthopaedic Fracture Management

  • 9:05 AM – 10:05 AM

    Overview of Orthopaedic Oncology

  • 10:05 AM – 10:30 AM

    Break for Hotel Check-Out

  • 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

    Common Orthopaedic Conditions of the Spine

  • 11:35 AM – 12:35 PM

    Sports Medicine and Wrap-Up

  • 12:35 PM – 12:45 PM

    Closing Remarks

This agenda may be updated or modified without notification.

Accreditation Statements

The 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop, offered June 10, 2023, 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 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners, offered June 10, 2023, 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 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: MSK Focus POCUS Pre-Course, offered June 10, 2023, 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 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: General Course, offered June 11-14, 2023, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 26 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

Conference Venue

Hyatt Regency Austin
208 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78704

Making a Hotel Room Reservation

The hotel block is now closed.  Should you need assistance, 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
  • Poolside bliss at the hotel’s outdoor pool
  • Complimentary Fitness Center access
  • Convenient access to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
  • Easy access to downtown (and Austin’s bat watching!) via the Congress Avenue Bridge

Hotel Policies

Check-in time is 4 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.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 Hyatt Regency Austin is 15 minutes from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). 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? Self-parking is $20/day. Valet parking is $50/day.

Airline discount with Southwest Airlines

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

• Book your flights by visiting swabiz.com using Company ID: 99352105 to qualify for eligible discounted rates and bonus rapid reward points.
• Qualifying discounts on eligible fares are for reservations booked through SWABIZ between March 15 through June 7, 2023, for travel June 7, 2023 – June 17, 2023.
• As a reward for our partnership, travelers will receive 25% more Rapid Reward bonus points* on all qualifying flights* booked via SWABIZ during March 15, 2023 through June 7, 2023 and flown to or from Austin, TN (AUS) between June 7, 2023 through June 17, 2023.

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

Things To Do in Austin

Get weird in Austin and explore all the fun and unique things that the city has to offer!

Zilker Park

This 351-acre park is home to a botanical garden and the well-known Barton Springs pool. A can’t miss place to get some outdoor time during the conference. Learn more.

SoCo District

Short for South Congress, this area has an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, galleries, music venues, and more! Check out this vibrant neighborhood.

State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol building is considered a National Historic Landmark. Within walking distance of the conference, it features 17 monuments surrounding the building. Plan your trip.

Restaurants

Austin has become a foodie destination, and there are plenty of rave-worthy restaurants right near the conference venue. BBQ fan? Be sure to get in line at Franklin BBQ or Stubbs!

Information for Attendees

On-Site Conference Registration and Tips

• Registration is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. Registration reopens on Sunday, June 11, 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 mobile device, computer, or tablet to answer questions in CME sessions.
• If you purchased an optional pre-course workshop, please wear a t-shirt and shorts to these workshops. Attire for the rest of the conference is business casual. Meeting rooms might get cold. Bring a sweater or light jacket!

My Conference Planner

New this year! Check out the mobile-friendly My Conference Planner at aapa.org/2023galaxy.

Attendees can do the following:

• View the hotel floor plans
• Learn about the exhibitors
• Learn about the speakers
• Log in to “My Conference Planner” with your AAPA username and password. If you don’t know your user credentials, or are unable to log in, please contact [email protected]. Once logged in you can:
  • See and build your schedule
  • Export your schedule into your calendar
  • Print your personalized schedule
  • Access electronic handouts
  • Gain access to session evaluations via AAPA’s Learning Central

Accessing Electronic Handouts

Please remember there is no paper syllabus for this course.  Electronic handouts provided by conference faculty are available in Learning Central. To access the handouts:

1. Log in to Learning Central using your AAPA username and password. If you don’t know your user credentials, or are unable to log in, please contact [email protected].
2. From your Dashboard, locate 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Pre-Course: Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop, 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Pre-Course: Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners, 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Pre-Course: MSK Focus POCUS, and/or 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy.
3. Navigate to the different sessions by selecting the navigation tabs at the top of the screen.
4. Click the session title to navigate to Session Overview and scroll down to Session Materials to access the handout for that session.

Accessing the Course Evaluations and CME Certificates

Your feedback helps us plan future conferences; therefore, your completion of course evaluations is a prerequisite for a CME certificate. The course evaluations/CME certificate will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central beginning Saturday, June 10, 2023. Please complete evaluations by Monday, July 31, 2023. Use the following steps to complete the course evaluations and receive your CME certificate:

1. Log in to Learning Central using your AAPA username and password. If you don’t know your user credentials, or are unable to log in, please contact [email protected].
2. From your Dashboard, locate 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Pre-Course: Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop, 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Pre-Course: Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners, 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Pre-Course: MSK Focus POCUS, and/or 2023 Musculoskeletal GalaxyNavigate to the different sessions by selecting the navigation tabs at the top of the screen.
3. Click the session title to navigate to Session Overview and scroll down to Session Evaluation.
4. At the end of each session, complete the evaluation for that session. Be sure to ONLY complete the session evaluations for the sessions that you attended.
5. Complete the Conference Evaluation at the end of the conference.
6. The CME certificate will not be viewable until the overall conference evaluation is completed.
7. View your certificate under Transcript.

Accessing Session Recordings

Session recordings will be available for the 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy on AAPA’s Learning Central about a month after the conference concludes. You will receive an email once they are available with more details on how to access the recordings.

Please note that the pre-courses and breakout sessions are not recorded.

You will have access to the session recordings until December 31, 2023.

 

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!”

Sponsors

Partnering With AAPA

The 2023 Musculoskeletal Galaxy 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 of Attendees

Orthopaedics

Family Medicine

Urgent Care

Emergency Medicine

Internal Medicine

Attendees by Profession

80% PAs

17% NPs

3% Others

Years of Experience in Current Specialty

85% – Less than 5 years

7% – 5-10 years

8% – More than 10 years

Sponsorship Opportunities

Increase your ROI with cost-effective 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 Sponsor to extend your brand, reach the right audience and amplify your message through thought leadership, creating 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

• Breakfast Industry Session
• Lunch Industry Session
• Dinner Industry Session

Attendee Experience

• Conference Registration
• Welcome Reception
• Creative Corner
• Refreshment Breaks
• Wi-Fi
• Local Tour

Brand Exposure

• Hotel Room Drop
• Digital Web Banner Ad
• Step-and-Repeat
• Attendee Bag Insert
• Swag Bag Items

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

• General Event Sponsor Recognition – Conference Website, Pre-Promotional Materials, and On-site 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 Teplitz, CEM.