UC San Diego Continuing Professional Development

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. If left untreated, it can affect the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system.

Common symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help prevent more serious complications.

Lyme Disease Awareness Month raises awareness about prevention, early detection, and the importance of protecting yourself from tick bites, especially during outdoor activities.

Learn more about Lyme disease:
https://www.globallymealliance.org/about-lyme/prevention/lymeawareness/

May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting the urinary system. It begins when abnormal cells grow in the bladder lining and can affect both men and women, though it is more commonly diagnosed in older adults.

Common symptoms may include blood in the urine, frequent urination, pain during urination, or lower back pain. Early detection is important, as identifying bladder cancer in its early stages can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month raises awareness about risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more about bladder cancer:
https://bcan.org/

UC San Diego Rare Bone Disease Symposium
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
7:00AM - 12:45PM
Hybrid Meeting

Join us for the UC San Diego Rare Bone Disease Symposium, a hybrid, half-day event bringing together leading experts to discuss the latest in diagnosis and management of rare bone disorders. This symposium will feature expert lectures followed by an interactive case presentation led by Dr. Gina Woods, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and discussed by a distinguished panel.

General registration is FREE to attend, but you still need to register to save your spot.

For more info and to register, go to:
https://tinyurl.com/rarebone2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being and affects how we think, feel, and respond to daily lite.

Mental health conditions can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or lifestyle.

Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and remind individuals that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Early support and access to care can make a meaningful difference in improving mental well-being and quality of life.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to prioritize self-care, support one another, and promote understanding and compassion within our communities.

Learn more about mental health:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov

Oncology Updates Webinar Series ~ Melanoma
May 20, 2026
12:30 – 1:30 PM PT

This course will review neoadjuvant therapy in cutaneous and noncutaneous melanomas utilizing targeted or immune therapeutic approaches along with surgical management issues. In addition, we will review treatments for advanced cutaneous melanoma patients who progress beyond PD1 based immune therapy including adoptive cell therapy emphasizing the identification of the appropriate patient, tumor resection and bridging therapy strategies.

Topics discussed will include:

• Neoadjuvant surgical considerations regarding extent and timing of tumor resection
• Understanding which immune therapy to choose for neoadjuvant treatment
• What are the options for therapy beyond PD1 based treatments in advanced melanoma
• Evaluation of patients for tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, surgical considerations for tumor infiltrating lymphocyte tumor harvest

REGISTRATION IS FREE!
To register, go to:
https://tinyurl.com/melanoma26

May is national melanoma and skin cancer detection and prevention awareness month.

Skin cancer is America’s most common cancer, where melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolent (UV) radiation trom the sun or tanning beds is one of the leading risk factors for developing skin cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. Regular skin checks and early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes. Warning signs may include changes in the size, shape, or color of moles or other unusual skin changes.

This month raises awareness about the importance of sun protection, routine skin examinations, and early detection to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Learn more about skin cancer:
https://www.skincancer.org/

May is Lupus Awareness Month 💜

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and damage in different parts of the body, including skin, joints, kidney, lungs, brain, and blood cells. It can result into symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, rashes, fever, and sun sensitivity.
Symptoms can vary and often come and go, making lupus difficult to diagnose. It can affect anyone, but it is most common in women.

While there is no cure, early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Lupus Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness, support those living with lupus, and encourage ongoing research for better treatments.

Learn more about lupus:
https://www.lupus.org/lupus-awareness-month

Join us for the UC San Diego Lupus Center Annual Symposium: Understanding and Improving Challenges in Lupus Care

The event will take place on Saturday,
May 16, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at The Alexandria at Torrey Pines.

We invite you to join us for an engaging and insightful experience, we hope to see you there!

For more info or to register, go to: https://tinyurl.com/ucsdlupus26

The inaugural Updates in Therapeutics Conference brings together pharmacists, physicians, and allied health professionals for an intensive two-day program examining emerging evidence, novel therapeutics, and evolving practice models across multiple disease states and clinical settings. Grounded in the latest clinical guidelines and research, this conference delivers actionable updates in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic disease, infectious diseases, oncology, pulmonary medicine, pain and psychiatric disorders, and community health.

Sessions integrate evidence-based pharmacotherapy with practical implementation strategies, case-based learning, and interprofessional perspectives to support optimal patient outcomes across the care continuum. This conference addresses critical knowledge gaps in rapidly evolving therapeutic areas including novel biologic agents, advanced cardiovascular-metabolic therapies, antimicrobial stewardship, checkpoint inhibitor toxicities, and emerging technologies reshaping clinical practice. Through expert-led presentations, interactive case discussions, and examination of contemporary guideline updates, participants will acquire evidence-based tools for medication optimization, toxicity recognition and management, and implementation of precision medicine approaches in diverse patient populations.

Therapeutic Areas Covered:

• Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Disease
• Infectious Diseases
• Oncology
• Pulmonary Medicine & Transplantation
• Pain & Psychiatry Interface
• Community & Population Health
• Emerging Frontiers in Practice
• Cultural Competency & Legislation

For more information and to register, go to: https://tinyurl.com/ucsdpharmacy2026

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month.

IBS is a common digestive condition that affects how the gut functions, often causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. It can look different for everyone and may come and go over time.

Although IBS doesn‘t cause permanent damage to the digestive system, it can still have a big impact on daily life. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and support those living with the condition.

Learn more about IBS:
https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/

Hot Topics in Medicine Webinar Series
Skin Cancer: What Primary Care Providers Need to Know Today
May 6, 2026
12:15PM-1:00PM PT

This session will review the identification and management of high-risk skin cancers, with an emphasis on referral to oncology. Emerging treatment approaches, including the role of neoadjuvant therapy and clinical trials, will be discussed in the context of multidisciplinary care.

Topics discussed will include:

• Recognition of high-risk features in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers
• When and how to refer patients for oncology evaluation
• Overview of neoadjuvant therapy and evolving treatment paradigms

The target audience for this course includes primary care providers, including internal medicine, family medicine, advanced practice providers, affiliate network providers, and local San Diego community providers.

REGISTRATION IS FREE!
For more info or to register, go to: https://tinyurl.com/skincancer5626