2026 Interactive Cleft/VPD Conference

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This intermediate course explores contemporary assessment and management of cleft lip and palate, velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), and craniofacial conditions across the lifespan. Participants will review surgical and speech outcomes, diagnostic technologies, interdisciplinary care, and complex case applications to support evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, and nurses engaged in the care of patients with cleft lip and palate, velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), and related craniofacial conditions, with a focus on multidisciplinary evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.

Educational Objectives

After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:

●      Assess cleft lip/palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).

●      Coordinate interdisciplinary care for patients with craniofacial differences.

●      Evaluate surgical and speech management options.

●      Optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes for patients with craniofacial differences.

Continuing Medical Education Credits

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Postgraduate Institute for Medicine and University of Colorado Anschutz. Postgraduate Institute for Medicine 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.

Credit Designation

Physician Continuing Medical Education: Postgraduate Institute for Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 14 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Continuing Nursing Education: the maximum number of hours awarded for this Continuing Nursing Education activity is 14 contact hours.

Continuing Physician Assistant Education: Postgraduate Institute for Medicine 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 14 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Method of Participation and Request for Credit

In order to obtain your CE certificate, please follow the steps below at the conclusion of the activity:

1. Go to www.cmeuniversity.com
2. Login or Create a New Account (will take less than 1 minute)
   1. If you receive a message when creating a new account that “the email you entered is already in use”, please click the forgot my username or password link to have your Username and Password sent to you via email
   2. After logging in, you may be asked to verify/update your information; after doing so, click Save at the bottom of the page
3. Type in 19595 at the top of the page, in the lefthand search bar, “Claim CME Credits: Post Test/Evaluation,” type enter
4. Click on the activity title when it appears
5. Choose the type of credit you desire
6. (If applicable) Complete the Post-test with a passing score of 75% or better
7. Complete the online Evaluation
8. Receive an immediate CE Certificate to download and/or print for your files

ASHA Credits

This course offers 1.5 ASHA CEUs (intermediate level; professional area)

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe current surgical and interdisciplinary management approaches for cleft lip, cleft palate, and velopharyngeal insufficiency, including factors that influence speech, resonance, and velopharyngeal function.
• Differentiate diagnostic and treatment considerations for individuals with VPI, including the application of instrumental technologies and specialized management considerations for patients with syndromic conditions such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
• Apply knowledge of multidisciplinary craniofacial care to clinical case analysis by identifying how surgical, audiologic, orthodontic, and speech-language pathology interventions contribute to assessment, treatment planning, and patient outcomes.

SATISFACTORY COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS | In order to claim ASHA CEUs, participants must complete the following:

1. Attend sessions in full
2. Provide your ASHA ID when registering or when completing the course evaluation
3. Complete the course learning assessment

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Acknowledgment of Support

We would like to thank DePuy Synthes, Karl Storz, KLS Martin, Mectron, Smith & Nephew, and MedEl for their financial support of this educational program.