Essentials of Primary Care: A Core Curriculum for Ambulatory Practice 2026

Essentials of Primary Care: A Core Curriculum for Ambulatory Practice is organized by The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Office of Continuing Medical Education and will be held from Aug 02 - 07, 2026 at Everline Resort & Spa Lake Tahoe - Destination by Hyatt, Olympic Valley, California, United States of America.

Description:
Primary care clinicians must be highly skilled in preventive medicine, cardiovascular risk factors, day-to-day clinical problems, chronic disease management, communication skills, and optimal use of diagnostic tests and new medications. Health disparities and the care of vulnerable patients are a central part of our daily practice as we try to maximize quality, safety, equity, and value. Close collaboration with other specialists, inpatient colleagues, and diverse teams of health professionals is essential for the care of our complex patients. In addition to a full discussion of common problems in primary care and preventive medicine, this course will also focus on clinical skills and problem-solving in dermatology, women’s health, clinical nutrition, neurology, psychiatry, substance use, infectious diseases, and interprofessional collaboration. The course will utilize formal lectures, case discussions, practical workshops, an audience response system, questions and answers, a detailed syllabus, and on-demand access to course recordings. Remote learning opportunities will also be available.

Objectives:
As a result of the education, I intend to:

1. Implement new guidelines in office-based preventive medicine including cancer prevention and screening and prevention of cardiovascular diseases
2. Develop up-to-date strategies for common office problems including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, obesity, migraines, and breast cancer
3. Manage common problems in women’s health including prevention of cervical cancer, contraception, menopause, and osteoporosis
4. Manage common disorders in neurology including tremor, movement disorders, neuropathy and headache
5. Treat common disorders in dermatology including skin cancer, eczema, acne, hair loss, chronic urticaria, drug eruptions, and disorders of aging skin
6. Understand and treat obesity and use the new obesity medications, surgery, and lifestyle interventions
7. Perform an effective problem-based history, physical examination, and common procedures in dermatology, neurology, and office orthopaedics
8. Expand diagnostic and therapeutic skills for common infectious diseases including sexually transmitted infections, respiratory illnesses, and skin infections
9. Understand best practices in assessment and treatment of common mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, and suicide risk
10. Manage common disorders in substance use including opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines and stimulants
11. Improve communication skills in motivational interviewing, psychological counseling, and shared decision making
12. Improve interprofessional teamwork and collaboration
13. Enhance value in medical practice
14. Become a better clinician and advocate with a deeper understanding of health disparities and the central role of primary care clinicians in providing equitable, patient-centered care