Pancreatic diseases are common, behave differently than most diseases and can be devastating if not managed properly in the early stages. Recent studies and new insights were found to help GIs markedly improve patient evaluation and care. Since early detection, diagnosis and management affect outcomes, GI nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) must be prepared to make good decisions in the initial stages of management.
If you’re an advanced practice provider and want to know more about pancreatic disease, or you know a colleague who is an NP or PA, be sure to attend or recommend Dr. David Whitcomb’s breakout sessions on pancreatitis: Acute Pancreatitis</em>; Complications of Pancreatitis</em>; and Pancreatic Cysts, at AGA’s annual course Principles of Gastroenterology for the Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant, taking place Aug. 10-12, in Chicago.
Dr. Whitcomb will also be answering the following questions:
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- What should be on an NP/PA’s checklist for diagnosing and treating acute pancreatitis?
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- What is the relationship between acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis?
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- Can chronic pancreatitis be diagnosed early?
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- When do NP/PAs need to worry about a pancreatic cyst found on a CT or MRI?
