This seminar aims to enhance clinicians’ expertise in psychopharmacology by thoroughly exploring key concepts and contemporary practices. Participants will engage with a variety of conceptual models, comparing symptom-oriented and disease-oriented treatment approaches. We will critically evaluate the diagnostic validity of major psychiatric conditions and investigate evidence-based medication strategies tailored to these disorders.
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Course Description
The presentation places a strong emphasis on diagnostic accuracy and the application of research-driven clinical practices, prioritizing efficacy and safety as demonstrated in clinical trials over speculative biological mechanisms. In-depth analysis and treatment strategies will be provided for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders, with additional focus on mixed states, bipolar depression, and the nuanced role of psychopharmacology in optimizing treatment outcomes.
The seminar will incorporate the latest research findings, including recent advancements in clinical psychopharmacology, to ensure participants are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills. Special attention will be given to the application of these strategies in diverse patient populations, including children, the elderly, and those with comorbid medical conditions, to promote holistic and effective patient care.
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Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the historical background on the major themes to be covered during the course.
- Examine the biological mechanisms of major psychotropic drug classes.
- Grasp the basic neuroanatomy relevant to clinical psychopharmacology.
- Recognize and apply key clinical trials of drug classes for various diagnoses.
- Examine the validity of DSM diagnoses and learn how to use non-DSM approaches to diagnosis and drug treatment.
- Discuss practices with antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants.
- Explain the risks and side effects of major drug classes.
- Employ medications with an understanding of pharmacokinetic interactions.
- Identify factors in medication use for those with comorbid medical conditions.
- Describe the historical background on the major themes to be covered during the course.
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Agenda
Date Schedule Monday, February 16, 2026 8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00–10:15 a.m. Basic neurobiology and pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
10:15–10:30 a.m. Coffee Break
10:30–11:30 a.m. Anxiolytics: clinical trials in anxiety conditions
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Case Presentations, Group Discussions, and Questions and Answers
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 9:00–10:15 a.m. Antipsychotic efficacy: clinical trials in schizophrenia and mood illnesses
10:15–10:30 a.m. Coffee Break
10:30–11:30 a.m. Antipsychotic safety: clinical trials in schizophrenia and mood illnesses
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Case Presentations, Group Discussions, and Questions and Answers
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 9:00–10:15 a.m. Mood stabilizers: clinical trials in bipolar illness and depressive illness
10:15–10:30 a.m. Coffee Break
10:30–11:30 a.m. Nosology of mood illnesses: DSM and non-DSM approaches
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Case Presentations, Group Discussions, and Questions and Answers
Thursday, February 19, 2026 9:00–10:15 a.m. Antidepressants: clinical trials in bipolar illness and depressive illness
10:15–10:30 a.m. Coffee Break
10:30–11:30 a.m. Antidepressants: clinical trials in bipolar illness and depressive illness
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Case Presentations, Group Discussions, and Questions and Answers
Friday, February 20, 2026 9:00–10:15 a.m. Amphetamines: clinical trials in ADHD
10:15–10:30 a.m. Coffee Break
10:30–11:30 a.m. Nosology of ADHD: Is it valid?
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Case Presentations, Group Discussions, and Questions and Answers
12:15 p.m. Adjourn
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Faculty
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Venue Information
The Sunny is an oceanfront boutique hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, blending modern, thoughtful design with a legacy of warm, personalized hospitality. Family-owned for three generations, this vibrant beachfront retreat offers thoughtfully crafted spaces and exceptional service—welcoming anyone looking to relax and unwind under the sun.
Guests can enjoy our newly renovated oceanside pool with full-service dining, break a sweat in our state-of-the-art fitness center with dedicated studio spaces, and savor every meal at ¡VIVA!, our signature restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails. Just steps away, the historic Newport Fishing Pier offers Miami Beach’s only over-the-ocean dining experience—making every stay at The Sunny feel effortlessly special.
The Sunny Hotel
16701 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160
Toll Free: 1-800-327-5476
Email: info@thesunnyhotel.com
Hotel website: https://www.thesunnyhotel.comA block of rooms has been reserved for the conference participants at a discounted rate. Use the booking link below to receive a discounted rate.
Rates start at just $309 and go up to $429. Please note the discounted room rate expires on January 14, 2026.
UM Department of Psychiatry 2026 – Winter Seminars
- Group Direct Booking Link - No login/Attendee Code needed
- Group General Booking Link - User will be required to enter Attendee Code (UMPSY)
You may call the hotel at 800-327-5476 and mention you are with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Continuing Education, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Please let them know if you are attending the Winter Seminars for a discounted hotel rate. You can also email James at james@lemonadehospitality.com.
Please note that the hotel is currently undergoing a name change from Newport Beach Hotel to The Sunny Hotel.
Inquiries
Please email Tonia Attard at psychcme@med.miami.edu or call 941.539.0500, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (EST) Monday–Friday.
Things to Do in Miami
- Everglades
- Miami Double Decker City Tour
- Miami Zoo
- Miami Aquarium
- Miami Heat Game
- Miami Dolphins Game
- Miami Boat Show
- South Beach Food and Wine Festival
Golf Courses
- PGA National Resort
- Trump National Doral Miami
- Normandy Shores Golf Club
- Miami Shores Country Club
- JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort – Soffer Course
- Miami Beach Golf Course
Tennis Courts
- Flamingo Park
- Margaret Pace Park
- Crandon Park Tennis Center
- Fisher Island Club
- Morningside Tennis Center
Restaurants
- Nobu Miami
- Cecconi’s Miami
- Ocean Social by Chef Tristan Epps
- Prime 54
- Donna Mare Trattoria
- Santorini – Best Happy Hour in Town
Misc Fun Things to Do
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Registration
Seminar Format
Meets Monday–Friday: 9:00 am–12:15 pm. Offered in person only.
Special Requests
If special arrangements are required for an individual with a disability to attend this conference, contact Kim Miele at psychcme@med.miami.edu at least 15 days prior to the conference.
Tuition
Winter Seminars – Registration Information
Early Bird Rates (Available through December 19, 2025)
- Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and Other Health Professionals: $995
- Residents, Fellows-in-Training, and Full-time Students: $795
Standard Rates (Effective December 20, 2025)
- All Registrants: $1,095
- Residents, Fellows-in-Training, and Full-time Students: $795
Additional Fees
- Second Week Registration: $750
- Non-refundable Administrative Processing Fee: $20 (applies to all registrations)
Payment Method
- Registration must be completed by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express).
Refund Policy
Refunds, less an administrative fee of $100, will be issued for all cancellations received two weeks prior to the start of the course. Refund requests must be received by email. Please email psychcme@miami.edu. No refund will be issued should cancellation occur less than two weeks prior. “No shows” are subject to the full course fee, and no refunds will be issued once the conference has started.
Registration Information Link
To register, click the link below
Electronic Syllabus
We provide all attendees with complimentary access to all slide presentations in digital PDF format prior to the conference. This is an environmentally friendly alternative that helps lower costs for all attendees. The e-syllabus will be available for 30 days after the conference. You can purchase a printed copy at the time of online registration for $75.
Please note that we will not have hard copies of the syllabus available for purchase at the conference.
Be sure to include an email address that you check frequently. Your email address is used for critical information, including registration confirmation, evaluation, and certificate.
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Accreditation
Week-Long Seminars
Meets Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Offered in-person only.
Physician Credit
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine designates these live activities for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada recognizes conferences and workshops held outside of Canada that are developed by a university, academy, hospital, specialty society or college as accredited group learning activities.
Through an agreement between the American Medical Association and the European Union of Medical Specialists, physicians may convert AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ to an equivalent number of European CME Credits® (ECMECs®). Information on the process of converting AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ to ECMECs® can be found at: www.eaccme.eu.
Psychologists
The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 15.00 CE credits will be awarded to psychologists for attendance at these seminars.
Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses
These activities have been submitted to ANA Massachusetts for approval to award contact hours. ANA Massachusetts is accredited as an approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. For more information regarding contact hours, please email psychcme@med.miami.edu.
- Clinical Psychopharmacology: Beyond Conventional Wisdom
- Thinking Through Alzheimer’s: Exploring Cognition, Psychopharmacology, and Geriatric Psychiatry
- Advanced Psychopharmacology: From Neurobiology to Personalized Treatment with Charles Nemeroff
The Holding and the Provocation: Navigating the Edge Between Support and Challenge in Contemporary Psychodynamic Therapy meets the specifications of the Board of Registration in Nursing (244 CMR).
Social Workers
Application for social work continuing education credit has been submitted. Please contact Kim Miele at psychcme@med.miami.edu with any questions.
National Board of Certified Counselors
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7482. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Inquiries
By phone at 941-539-0500, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ET), or by email at psychcme@med.miami.edu.
Disclosure and Conflict of Interest Mitigation
The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine has assessed conflict of interest with its faculty, authors, editors, and any individuals who were in a position to control the content of this CME activity. Any identified relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated.
The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine planners, content reviewers, and editorial staff disclose no relationships with ineligible entities. All the relevant financial relationships for these individuals have been mitigated.
ABMS/ACGME Competencies
All seminars are designed to meet the following American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)/ Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Educational (ACGME) competencies:
- Patient Care and Procedural Skills
- Medical Knowledge
- Practice-based Learning and Improvement
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Target Audience
The winter seminars are a series of seminars for health professionals in psychiatry, psychology, neurology, medicine, surgery, geriatrics, pediatrics, nursing, social work, and counseling.
