Updates in Heart Transplant, VAD and Cardiogenic Shock - 2026 APP Summit

This course provides an in‑depth review of cardiogenic shock, ventricular assist devices (VADs), and heart transplant management through real‑world case studies and current clinical best practices. Participants will deepen their understanding of shock recognition, hemodynamic support, documentation, advanced therapies, and evolving approaches such as bloodless medicine and satellite evaluation clinics.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Cardiogenic Shock case Studies

  • Apply lessons learned from cardiogenic shock management to evaluate and guide clinical decision‑making in similar patient scenarios.
  • Demonstrate effective and accurate documentation practices when managing patients in cardiogenic shock.
  • Integrate current evidence‑based approaches to bloodless medicine into the care of VAD/transplant patients.

Updates in cardiac transplant/VAD/cardiogenic shock

  • Assess the role and clinical utility of satellite VAD/transplant evaluation clinics in optimizing patient access and care coordination.
  • Interpret UPMC cardiac transplant and VAD program outcomes to inform quality improvement and clinical practice.
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 0.75 AAPA Category I CME
  • 0.75 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 0.75 Attendance
Course opens: 
03/01/2026
Course expires: 
03/01/2029

Presenter:    Amanda Hopwood Brophy PA-C - APP Surgical Supervisor, UPMC Cardiac Transplant and LVAD Programs, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside


Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

No members of the planning committee, speakers, presenters, authors, content reviewers and/or anyone else in a position to control the content of this education activity have relevant financial relationships with any companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.  

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The information presented at this CME program represents the views and opinions of the individual presenters, and does not constitute the opinion or endorsement of, or promotion by, the UPMC Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh Medical Center or Affiliates and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Reasonable efforts have been taken intending for educational subject matter to be presented in a balanced, unbiased fashion and in compliance with regulatory requirements. However, each program attendee must always use his/her own personal and professional judgment when considering further application of this information, particularly as it may relate to patient diagnostic or treatment decisions including, without limitation, FDA-approved uses and any off-label uses.


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In support of improving patient care, the University of Pittsburgh is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Physician Assistant (AAPA)
The University of Pittsburgh 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 0.75 AAPA Category 1 CME credit. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Nursing (CNE)
The maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 0.75 contact hour.

Other health care professionals will receive a certificate of attendance confirming the number of contact hours commensurate with the extent of participation in this activity.

Available Credit

  • 0.75 AAPA Category I CME
  • 0.75 ANCC
    UPMC Provider Unit is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation
  • 0.75 Attendance
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