Providers and researchers engaged in work focused on sleep disorders should prioritize attending the first of two sessions for the Adult Sleep Clinical Core Curriculum, which begins Sunday, May 19, with three presentations that will explore recent advancements in the field of sleep medicine. The session will be held from 2:15–3:45 p.m. in Ballroom 20B-D (Upper Level) inside the San Diego Convention Center.

“This year’s Sleep Core Curriculum is primarily focused on innovation,” explained Michelle R. Zeidler, MD, clinical professor of medicine at UCLA and vice chair of the Adult Sleep Clinical Core Curriculum. “We plan to explore sleep issues and therapeutics that are exciting and cutting-edge.”

Kirat Gill, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine at Stanford University, will lead off Sunday’s session with her presentation, “But My Watch Says…: Wearables and Sleep.” Dr. Gill will outline several different brands of wearables and review how clinicians can use the data from patients’ wearables while also working to dispel common misconceptions patients might hold based on the information their device is providing them.

“Those of us in sleep medicine often have patients tell us about what their wearable is showing them about their sleep,” Dr. Zeidler said. “It’s wonderful that these devices are engaging more patients in the quality of their sleep, but the data from them may not be accurate, so it will be great to hear from Dr. Gill on how we can educate our patients.”

Sunday’s second presentation is, “New Therapeutics on the Block: Hypersomnia Disorders” from Sreelatha Naik, MD, attending physician at Geisinger. Numerous new medications to treat hypersomnia have emerged recently, an exciting development for sleep specialists. However, with multiple drugs hitting the market in quick succession, it can be challenging to identify the optimal treatment plan for each patient.

“Dr. Naik’s presentation is going to be a great review of the medications that are new on the market and helping clinicians choose the best option based on the symptoms the patient is presenting,” Dr. Zeidler said. “She’ll also cover the side effects of each drug and share strategic advice for treatments tailored to the patient.”

Finally, Alexander Gomez, MD, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, will conclude the session with, “Taking Sleep to the People: Using Telehealth to Expand Sleep Care.” Dr. Gomez works within the VA to treat rural and remote patients. He’ll review the disparity of sleep specialists in some of these areas, as well as regulatory, social, and occupational barriers, several of which have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr. Gomez will also walk us through the different types of tele-sleep modalities, such as home sleep apnea tests and implementing CPAPs by sending them in the mail and managing their care through the telehealth modality, and the patient data in terms of outcomes and acceptance,” Dr. Zeidler added. 

Day two of the Adult Sleep Clinical Core Curriculum will take place on Monday, May 20, from 2:15–3:45 p.m. in Ballroom 20 B-D (Upper Level) inside the SDCC.

The core curriculum series aims to support clinicians engaged in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) activities by providing updates on subjects included in recertification requirements. The ATS Clinical Core Curriculum Symposia focuses on key topics in the areas of adult and pediatric pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The topics are aligned with corresponding MOC Medical Knowledge modules. This symposium is intended to help clinicians stay up to date with important information relevant to their medical practices and provide an opportunity for clinicians to evaluate their knowledge and skills while earning MOC Medical Knowledge points.