GI APP Summit 2026

This course is designed to equip advanced practice providers (APPs) and other healthcare professionals with the latest guidelines and evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal conditions that are often underrepresented in formal training. Interactive small-group case discussions will give participants the opportunity to actively engage in building differentials and diagnosing acute GI and hepatology conditions. While the course is tailored to APPs, all healthcare providers with an interest in gastroenterology are welcome to attend.

This course is planned and hosted by the University of Minnesota Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Contact Shelby Gill for more information.

1. Determine when it is time to initiate advanced IBD therapy
2. Describe the pathophysiology and management strategies for portal hypertension
3. Evaluate evidence-based treatments for constipation, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological options.
4. Discuss the indications, risks, and appropriate use of GLP1s.
5. Outline effective techniques in motivational interviewing to enhance patient communication and adherence.
6. Summarize the role of neuromodulators and treatment options for disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) such as IBS and SIBO.
7. Interpret recent guideline updates on IBD and C. difficile management.
8. Discuss current and emerging therapies for IBD and metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Early Registration - Register by September 11, 2026

• In Person Full Conference Registration for APPs, Physicians & Pharmacists: $150

• In Person Full Conference Registration for Other Healthcare Professionals (Dietitians, Students, etc.): $50

• In Person Thursday Only Reception and Keynote: $25

• Webinar Full Conference Registration for APPs, Physicians & Pharmacists: $150

• Webinar Full Conference Registration for Other Healthcare Professionals (Dietitians, Students, etc.): $50

Regular Registration - Register September 12, 2026 or later

• In Person Full Conference Registration for APPs, Physicians & Pharmacists: $180

• In Person Full Conference Registration for Other Healthcare Professionals (Dietitians, Students, etc.): $50

• In Person Thursday Only Reception and Keynote: $25

• Webinar Full Conference Registration for APPs, Physicians & Pharmacists: $180

• Webinar Full Conference Registration for Other Healthcare Professionals (Dietitians, Students, etc.): $50

Registration Policies

• On-site registration will be allowed as space permits. All on-site registrants must use their own device to submit their registration and payment by credit card via CE Portal (cash/check not accepted).

• Special needs, such as dietary restrictions, lactation room, etc., should be requested in advance. These requests cannot always be honored on site.

• Cancellation Policy: In the event you need to cancel your registration, the registration fee, less a $25 administrative fee, will be refunded if you notify us by 4:30 p.m. Central Time two weeks prior to the start of the conference. No refunds will be made after this date.

Credit Designation Statements

American Academy of PAs (AAPA)

University of Minnesota, Interprofessional Continuing Education has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for AAPA Category 1 CME credits; the credit count is pending review of the agenda. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

American Medical Association (AMA)

This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Determination of exact number of credits is pending.

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

This activity is eligible for ANCC contact hours; the number of hours is pending.

MN Board of Dietetics & Nutrition Practice

An application will be submitted to the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice.

Other Healthcare Professionals

Other healthcare professionals who participate in this CE activity may submit their statement of participation to their appropriate accrediting organizations or state boards for consideration of credit. The participant is responsible for determining whether this activity meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education.

IN-PERSON:
The Graduate Hotel Minneapolis
615 Washington Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Parking: Washington Avenue Parking Ramp, 501 SE Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55455

LIVE WEBINAR: 
The webinar connection information will be provided to individual who have registered closer to the course date. 

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

University of Minnesota Continuing Professional Development adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education and has policies in place to ensure balance, independence, objectivity and scientific rigor in all of its educational activities. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities; individuals who fail to complete the disclosure in advance of the course are not eligible to be involved in this course. Specific disclosure information will be shared with learners prior to the start of the course. All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Member Information

Role in activity

Nature of Relationship(s) / Name of Ineligible Company(s)

Andrea J Pitzl, PA-C
University of MN

Co-Director

Nothing to disclose

Amanda Hjeltness, PA-C
University of Minnesota Physicians

Co-Director, Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Meg Collins, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, MSCP

Faculty

Kayla Gish, CNP
M Physicians

Faculty

Justin Howard, MD
University of MInnesota

Faculty

Viet Le, FACC, FAHA, HF-Cert
Associate Professor of Research; Co-Director, Advanced Lipid and Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic
intermountain health

Faculty

Eugenia Shmidt, MD
University of Minnesota

Faculty

Christopher Steevens, MD
University of Minnesota Physicians

Faculty

Kimberly Viskocil, MD
Dr.
University of Minnesota

Faculty

Claire W, PA-C, RD
The Emily Program

Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Tanya Watson, DNP
UMP

Faculty

Kevin Hein, PA-C
M Health Fairview

Faculty, Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Kristin Egan, PA-C
UMP

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Shelby Gill, Other
Associate Administrator, Department of Medicine
Regents of the University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Laurie Larson, APRN, CNP
UMP

Planning Committee Member

Speakers Bureau-Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals (Relationship has ended)

Joscelyn Miller
Administrative Associate
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Jessica Stangenes, PA-C
UMP

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Lindsay Trocke, PharmD, BCACP
M Health Fairview

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Byron Vaughn, MD, MS
Associate Professor
University of Minnesota

Planning Committee Member

Stacy Yang, PA-C
M Physicians

Planning Committee Member

Nothing to disclose

Exhibit Opportunities Are Available