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Forward2026 Annual Igor F. Palacios, MD Lectureship and Symposium
October 2-3, 2026
Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine
Denton A. Cooley Auditorium
6770 Bertner Ave, Houston Tx 77030
In-person Conference with virtual option
Needs Statement
Despite ongoing advancements in cardiovascular medicine, clinicians continue to face professional practice gaps in the timely adoption and application of emerging technologies and evidence-based strategies. These gaps include underutilization of percutaneous interventions for congenital and valvular heart disease, limited integration of artificial intelligence into clinical workflows, and inconsistent approaches to managing complex conditions such as cardiogenic shock, atrial fibrillation, and genetic aortopathies. Additionally, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) often lack structured opportunities for leadership development and clinical elevation, which can hinder their ability to contribute fully to interdisciplinary care teams. To address these gaps, the symposium offers a robust educational experience that spans structural heart interventions, complex cases, ambulatory heart failure management, and surveillance strategies for aortic stenosis. Sessions will also explore the role of AI in cardiology, the impact of new device technologies, and the importance of early intervention and guideline optimization. The symposium also provides targeted content for nurse practitioners and physician assistants, emphasizing diagnostic innovation, professional leadership, and collaborative care. This multifaceted approach ensures that participants gain actionable insights to enhance patient outcomes and lead change in cardiovascular practice.
Target Audience
This activity is designed for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other medical care providers who are interested in the latest advances in cardiology. Fellows, residents, and medical students are also welcome to attend.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the conference, participants should be able to:
- Evaluate multidisciplinary heart team approaches to referral, diagnostic workup, patient selection, procedural planning, and the use of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair, valve replacement, and emerging structural therapies for valvular heart disease.
- Apply CT-guided PCI and intracoronary imaging strategies to improve coronary lesion assessment, procedural planning, and clinical decision-making.
- Evaluate contemporary strategies for treating complex and calcified coronary lesions, including plaque modification, emerging technologies, and lessons from peripheral intervention.
- Apply drug-coated balloon, OCT, coronary CTA, and procedural troubleshooting strategies to guide the evaluation and treatment of native coronary lesions, uncrossable lesions, and chronic total occlusions.
- Evaluate surgical and percutaneous strategies for mitral valve disease, including annular calcification, mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, repair-versus-replacement decisions, and emerging transcatheter replacement technologies.
- Apply case-based strategies to support lifetime management of aortic stenosis and plan and manage complex TAVR and structural heart interventions, including iatrogenic ventricular septal defect, coronary protection, small annulus, and pulmonic valve replacement.
Educational Methods
Lecture, Panel discussion, Case study
Activity Evaluation
Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.
Course summary
- 8.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 8.75 Attendance
Physician - AMA PRA Category 1 Credits
Baylor College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Baylor College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 8.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Available Credit
- 8.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 8.75 Attendance
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
Requests for registration refunds must be in writing and received by the Division of Continuing Professional Development (DCPD) at least 10 business days before the activity begins. The date the request is received by the DCPD will be considered the cancellation date. Requests received after the refund deadline will not be processed. Cancellations are subject to a $50 administrative fee deducted from the registration fee paid to cover guarantees and other expenses. Requests should be emailed to the DCPD [email protected].
The DCPD reserves the right to cancel activities, not less than 10 business days before the scheduled date, if extenuating circumstances make it necessary. Registrants will be notified at the contact email indicated on the registration form. If an activity is cancelled, DCPD’s liability is limited to the registration fee paid. Note: If payment is made by check, a social security number is required to process the refund.