MCE Conferences Internal Medicine Update and Addiction Medicine for Primary Care Sep 18, 2026 – Sep 20, 2026

MCE Internal Medicine Update and Addiction Medicine for Primary Care 2026 provides an evidence-based educational review of addiction medicine, opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, substance use treatment, cancer screening, musculoskeletal conditions, dermatology, ophthalmology, and practical internal medicine management for primary care clinicians.

Course Overview

The MCE Conferences Internal Medicine Update and Addiction Medicine for Primary Care Sep 18, 2026 – Sep 20, 2026 is a continuing medical education program organized by MCE Conferences, focusing on clinically relevant advances in internal medicine and addiction medicine.

Held September 18–20, 2026, at the Inn & Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this three-day conference combines evidence-based lectures, clinical case discussions, and practical approaches to conditions frequently encountered in primary care.

The educational program emphasizes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of substance use disorders, including opioid and alcohol use disorders, as well as neurobiological mechanisms of addiction, psychosocial interventions, pharmacotherapy, and the clinical implications of cannabis use.

In addition to addiction medicine, the conference explores preventive cancer screening, common musculoskeletal complaints, dermatologic conditions, ophthalmologic problems, complementary and alternative treatments, and healthcare professional burnout.

The curriculum is designed to help physicians translate contemporary medical evidence into efficient, patient-centered clinical decision-making during everyday office visits.

Course Details

• Course Title: MCE Conferences Internal Medicine Update and Addiction Medicine for Primary Care Sep 18, 2026 – Sep 20, 2026
• Official Conference: Internal Medicine Update and Addiction Medicine for Primary Care
• Organizer: MCE Conferences
• Conference Dates: September 18–20, 2026
• Location: Inn & Spa at Loretto, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
• Conference Room: Zuni Ballroom
• Original Daily Schedule: 7:30 AM – 11:50 AM
• Primary Specialty: Internal Medicine
• Related Specialties: Addiction Medicine, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Preventive Medicine
• Educational Format: Continuing Medical Education Conference, Case-Based Lectures, and Interactive Discussions
• Original Live Conference CME: Maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
• ABIM MOC: Up to 12 Part II MOC points for qualifying participation
• MATE Act-Related Content: 6.0 hours designated by the organizer as intended to meet relevant educational requirements
• Language: English

Accreditation and MATE Act-related claims apply to the original eligible educational activity. Purchasing separate recordings or educational materials does not automatically confer CME credits, MOC points, or regulatory compliance.

Target Audience

This educational program is intended for physicians and other healthcare professionals seeking clinically relevant updates in internal medicine and addiction medicine, including:

• Primary Care Physicians
• Internal Medicine Physicians
• Family Medicine Physicians
• Addiction Medicine Specialists
• General Practitioners
• Physicians Managing Substance Use Disorders
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Clinical Pharmacists
• Behavioral Health Professionals
• Medical Residents and Fellows
• Other Healthcare Professionals Involved in Primary Care

Program Overview

1. Addiction Neurobiology and Behavioral Treatment

Examine the biological mechanisms underlying substance use disorders, including neural reward pathways, anti-reward circuitry, interoception, cognition, and behavioral treatment strategies.

2. Opioid Use Disorder and the Opioid Epidemic

Review the development of the opioid crisis in the United States and evidence-based treatment approaches, including the clinical role of buprenorphine.

3. Alcohol Use Disorder Management

Explore brief interventions and FDA-approved pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorder, emphasizing practical management in primary care.

4. Cannabis and Substance Use

Review the potential therapeutic applications of cannabinoids, the addictive potential of cannabis, and the clinical risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids.

5. Preventive Medicine and Cancer Screening

Examine evidence-based recommendations for colorectal, breast, prostate, and lung cancer screening, including patient counseling and shared decision-making.

6. Common Primary Care Conditions

Review diagnostic and management approaches to musculoskeletal complaints, common skin rashes, and ophthalmologic problems encountered in outpatient clinical practice.

7. Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Evaluate the evidence supporting commonly used complementary treatments, including adverse effects, potential harms, and drug interactions.

8. Physician Well-Being and Burnout

Explore healthcare professional burnout, contributing workplace factors, and evidence-based strategies for improving professional satisfaction and well-being.

Learning Objectives

Following the relevant educational sessions, participants should be better able to:

1. Explain the neurological mechanisms underlying addiction and substance use disorders.
2. Identify evidence-based psychosocial interventions for substance use disorders.
3. Review current cancer screening recommendations for primary care.
4. Evaluate common shoulder, knee, and hip complaints.
5. Recognize and manage common dermatologic and ophthalmologic conditions.
6. Discuss the opioid epidemic and treatment approaches involving buprenorphine.
7. Evaluate the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids.
8. Apply brief interventions and pharmacological treatment strategies for alcohol use disorder.
9. Integrate addiction medicine into everyday primary care practice.
10. Evaluate evidence for complementary and alternative treatments.
11. Identify the causes and consequences of healthcare professional burnout.
12. Apply evidence-based strategies to improve clinical practice and professional well-being.

These consolidated objectives summarize the detailed official session objectives reproduced below.

Official Program Topics and Learning Objectives

Day 1 — Friday, September 18, 2026

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

1. The Neurobiology of Addiction and Implications for Treatment: Part I

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the basic elements of drive and cognition in the neurobiology of addiction.
2. Distinguish between reward and anti-reward brain circuitry.
3. Describe the concept of interoception.

Key Topics:

• Neurobiological mechanisms of addiction
• Reward and anti-reward pathways
• Motivation and cognition
• Interoception and addiction behavior

8:35 AM – 9:35 AM

2. The Neurobiology of Addiction and Implications for Treatment: Part II

Official Learning Objectives:

1. List three safe and effective psychosocial interventions for the treatment of substance use disorders.
2. Describe the impulsivity-compulsivity spectrum of illness as it applies to behavioral disorders.

Key Topics:

• Behavioral mechanisms of addiction
• Evidence-based psychosocial treatments
• Impulsivity and compulsivity
• Clinical approaches to substance use disorders

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

3. Colon, Breast, Prostate, and Lung Screening Update

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Review current USPSTF recommendations regarding colon, breast, prostate, and lung cancer screening.
2. Review the literature that the USPSTF recommendations are based on.
3. Consider how to discuss controversial topics, such as breast, lung, and prostate cancer screening with the patient.

Key Topics:

• Colorectal cancer screening
• Breast cancer screening
• Prostate cancer screening
• Lung cancer screening
• USPSTF preventive screening recommendations
• Shared decision-making

10:50 AM – 11:50 AM

4. Musculoskeletal Problems in Primary Care

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Review shoulder anatomy and workup of shoulder pain.
2. Review knee anatomy and workup of knee pain.
3. Review causes and treatments of hip pain.

Key Topics:

• Shoulder pain assessment
• Knee pain evaluation
• Hip pain diagnosis and management
• Common musculoskeletal complaints in primary care

Day 2 — Saturday, September 19, 2026

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

5. Common Rashes in Primary Care

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Identify common rashes encountered in primary care.
2. Review approaches to the treatment of common rashes.
3. Discuss recommendations regarding referrals to dermatology.

Key Topics:

• Common dermatologic conditions
• Clinical recognition of skin rashes
• Treatment approaches
• Dermatology referral considerations

8:35 AM – 9:35 AM

6. Ophthalmologic Issues for the Primary Care Provider

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Review basic eye anatomy.
2. Review common ophthalmologic problems seen in primary care, such as eyelid disorders and red eye.
3. Consider when an ophthalmology referral is needed and when it is urgent.

Key Topics:

• Basic ocular anatomy
• Eyelid disorders
• Red eye evaluation
• Common ophthalmologic complaints
• Urgent ophthalmology referral

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

7. The Opioid Epidemic in 2026

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the origins and current state of the opioid crisis in the USA.
2. Discuss the clinical use of buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid use disorders.

Key Topics:

• Opioid epidemic in the United States
• Opioid use disorder
• Buprenorphine treatment
• Evidence-based opioid addiction management

10:50 AM – 11:50 AM

8. Cannabis

Official Learning Objectives:

1. List three potentially beneficial uses of cannabinoids.
2. Discuss the addictive potential of marijuana in the context of other drugs of abuse.
3. Explain the increased danger of synthetic cannabinoids.

Key Topics:

• Cannabis and cannabinoids
• Potential therapeutic applications
• Cannabis dependence and addiction
• Synthetic cannabinoid risks
• Clinical considerations in primary care

Day 3 — Sunday, September 20, 2026

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

9. The Pharmacotherapy of Alcohol Use Disorders

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Implement the three steps of brief intervention in everyday clinical practice.
2. List three FDA-approved pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorders.

Key Topics:

• Alcohol use disorder
• Brief intervention strategies
• FDA-approved pharmacotherapy
• Primary care treatment integration

8:35 AM – 9:35 AM

10. Putting It All Together: Treating Addiction in Everyday Clinical Practice

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Solve a ten-case quiz on medications used in the treatment of substance use disorders.
2. Effectively treat patients who suffer from dual diagnosis such as addiction and other psychiatric disorders.

Key Topics:

• Case-based addiction treatment
• Medications for substance use disorders
• Co-occurring psychiatric conditions
• Practical clinical decision-making

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM

11. Evidence-Based Approach to Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Review complementary and alternative treatments commonly used by patients.
2. Discuss the evidence of the benefits for complementary and alternative treatments.
3. Review the harms, side effects, and drug interactions of complementary and alternative treatments.

Key Topics:

• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Clinical evidence and effectiveness
• Safety and adverse effects
• Potential drug interactions

10:50 AM – 11:50 AM

12. Self-Care: Finding Meaning in One’s Work and Beating Burnout

Official Learning Objectives:

1. Review the trends of burnout among US healthcare workers.
2. Highlight the signs and causes of employee burnout.
3. Review evidence-based strategies to improve well-being and reduce burnout.

Key Topics:

• Physician and healthcare worker burnout
• Occupational stress
• Professional well-being
• Evidence-based burnout prevention
• Work-related satisfaction and resilience

Major Topics Covered

• Internal Medicine Update 2026
• Addiction Medicine for Primary Care
• Neurobiology of Addiction
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Opioid Use Disorder
• Buprenorphine Therapy
• The Opioid Epidemic in 2026
• Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy
• Behavioral and Psychosocial Addiction Treatment
• Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids
• Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric Comorbidities
• Colorectal Cancer Screening
• Breast Cancer Screening
• Prostate Cancer Screening
• Lung Cancer Screening
• USPSTF Screening Recommendations
• Shoulder, Knee, and Hip Pain
• Common Dermatologic Conditions
• Red Eye and Ophthalmologic Disorders
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Medication Safety and Drug Interactions
• Physician Burnout and Wellness
• Evidence-Based Primary Care

Conference Faculty

The program is presented by national faculty speakers specializing in internal medicine, addiction medicine, and related areas of primary care.

MCE Conferences emphasizes practical instruction and evidence-based approaches suitable for everyday clinical practice, including diagnostic and treatment decisions during brief office consultations.

Individual speaker names are not identified in the publicly available official agenda reviewed for this course.

Why This Course Is Relevant

Primary care practitioners frequently encounter patients with complex medical conditions, preventive screening needs, and substance use disorders requiring timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

The MCE Internal Medicine Update and Addiction Medicine for Primary Care 2026 conference combines core internal medicine education with clinically important addiction medicine updates.

Key Educational Benefits:

• Strengthen knowledge of addiction neurobiology and treatment.
• Review buprenorphine and opioid use disorder management.
• Understand pharmacological and behavioral treatments for substance use disorders.
• Improve preventive cancer screening decision-making.
• Review practical management of common musculoskeletal, dermatologic, and eye conditions.
• Examine the benefits and risks of complementary and alternative medicine.
• Integrate addiction treatment into routine outpatient care.
• Explore strategies for reducing healthcare professional burnout.

The program is particularly relevant for primary care physicians, internists, family medicine practitioners, and healthcare professionals seeking to improve everyday clinical decision-making.

Short Description

MCE Conferences Internal Medicine Update and Addiction Medicine for Primary Care Sep 18, 2026 – Sep 20, 2026 provides practical, evidence-based updates in addiction medicine, internal medicine, preventive screening, and the management of common primary care conditions.

Based on the MCE Conferences educational meeting held September 18–20, 2026, at the Inn & Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Key Topics:

• Neurobiology of Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
• Opioid Epidemic and Buprenorphine Treatment
• Alcohol Use Disorder Pharmacotherapy
• Cannabis and Synthetic Cannabinoids
• Colon, Breast, Prostate, and Lung Cancer Screening
• Musculoskeletal, Dermatologic, and Ophthalmologic Conditions
• Complementary and Alternative Treatments
• Healthcare Professional Burnout and Well-Being

Ideal for: Primary Care Physicians, Internal Medicine Physicians, Family Medicine Physicians, Addiction Medicine Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants.

 

+ Topics:

Friday, September 18th

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM:
The Neurobiology of Addiction and Implications for Treatment: Part I 
Objectives: 1) Discuss the basic elements of drive and cognition in the neurobiology of addiction 2) Distinguish between reward and anti-reward brain circuitry 3) Describe the concept of interoception

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM ~ BREAK

8:35 AM – 9:35 AM:
The Neurobiology of Addiction and Implications for Treatment: Part II 
Objectives: 1) List three safe and effective psychosocial interventions for the treatment of substance use disorders 2) Describe the impulsivity-compulsivity spectrum of illness as it applies to the behavioral

9:35 AM – 9:45 AM ~ BREAK

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM:
Colon, Breast, Prostate, and Lung Screening Update
Objectives: 1) Review current USPSTF recommendations regarding colon, breast, prostate, and lung cancer screening 2) Review the literature that the USPSTF recommendations are based on 3) Consider how to discuss controversial topics, such as breast, lung, and prostate cancer screening with the patient

10:45 AM – 10:50 AM ~ BREAK

10:50 AM – 11:50 AM:
Musculoskeletal Problems in Primary Care 
Objectives: 1) Review shoulder anatomy and workup of shoulder pain 2) Review knee anatomy and workup of knee pain 3) Review causes and treatments of hip pain

Saturday, September 19th

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM:
Common Rashes in Primary Care
Objectives: 1) Identify common rashes encountered in primary care 2) Review approaches to the treatment of common rashes 3) Discuss recommendations regarding referrals to dermatology

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM ~ BREAK

8:35 AM – 9:35 AM:
Ophthalmologic Issues for the Primary Care Provider 
Objectives: 1) Review basic eye anatomy 2) Review common ophthalmologic problems seen in primary care, such as eyelid disorders and red eye 3) Consider when an ophthalmology referral is needed and when it is urgent

9:35 AM – 9:45 AM ~ BREAK

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM:
The Opioid Epidemic in 2026 
Objectives: 1) Identify the origins and current state of the opioid crisis in the USA 2) Discuss the clinical use of buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid use disorders

10:45 AM – 10:50 AM ~ BREAK

10:50 AM – 11:50 AM:
Cannabis
Objectives: 1) List three potentially beneficial uses of cannabinoids 2) Discuss the addictive potential of marijuana in the context of other drugs of abuse 3) Explain the increased danger of synthetic cannabinoids

Sunday, September 20th

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM:
The Pharmacotherapy of Alcohol Use Disorders 
Objectives: 1) Implement the three steps of brief intervention in everyday clinical practice 2) List three FDA-approved pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorders

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM ~ BREAK

8:35 AM – 9:35 AM:
Putting It All Together: Treating Addiction in Everyday Clinical Practice 
Objectives: 1) Solve a ten-case quiz on medications used in the treatment of substance use disorders 2) Effectively treat patients who suffer from dual diagnosis such as, addiction and other psychiatric disorders

9:35 AM – 9:45 AM ~ BREAK

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM:
Evidence-Based Approach to Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Objectives: 1) Review complementary and alternative treatments commonly used by patients 2) Discuss the evidence of the benefits for complementary and alternative treatments 3) Review the harms, sideeffects,and drug interactions of complementary and alternative treatments

10:45 AM – 10:50 AM ~ BREAK

10:50 AM – 11:50 AM:
Self-Care: Finding Meaning in One’s Work and Beating Burnout
Objectives: 1) Review the trends of burnout among US healthcare workers 2) Highlight the signs and causes of employee burnout 3) Review evidence-based strategies to improve well-being and reduce burnout