Overview

What Is the Musculoskeletal Galaxy?

Designed to provide PAs and NPs with a well-rounded foundation on orthopaedics, this conference is ideal if you are new to the specialty or if you are a family medicine, emergency medicine, or urgent care provider who sees musculoskeletal conditions in your daily practice.

Expert faculty discuss topics across orthopaedic specialties, including the most common conditions of the spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Take part in engaging, hands-on instruction with optional workshops on musculoskeletal injections, ultrasound and splinting and casting.

Join us July 27-30 in Las Vegas, Nev., for these exciting opportunities at Galaxy 2025!

• 4-day conference full of interactive orthopaedic sessions
• Flexible schedule to maximize topics attendees can have access to
• Optional hands-on workshops
  • Hands-on Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop
  • Hands-on Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners
  • MSK Focus POCUS Workshop
• Networking opportunities with colleagues
• 3 days of exhibits
• Access to the recorded conference sessions until Dec. 31, 2025

Course Directors

• Brooke Beckett, MD
• Travis L. Randolph, PA-C, ATC
• Chuck Dowell, PA-C, ATC

Registration

Please note that the Musculoskeletal Galaxy conference is not included in the Fellow Plus or Fellow Premium membership.

Optional Workshops

Workshop #1 – Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop (3.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Two sessions available:

• Sunday, July 27, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Sunday, July 27, 2 – 5:30 p.m.

Separate registration required. Limited seats available!

This workshop will cover both upper and lower body splinting and casting. Instructors will demonstrate and practice on various different splints/ casts during the 3.5 hour session. Attendees should wear shorts and a T-shirt to the workshop.

Workshop #2 – Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners (2.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Two sessions available:

• Monday, July 28, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 29, 3 – 5:30 p.m.

Separate registration required. Limited seats available!

This 2.5 hour course, highly interactive injection workshop is designed for new graduate PAs and NPs or those who are new to treating musculoskeletal injuries. Our instructors will provide a lecture, demonstration, and most importantly, a hands-on learning experience. You will learn about the materials, indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, and proper technique of injection therapy. The workshop will address the evaluation and management of common musculoskeletal problems of the upper and lower extremity and the role of injection therapy in these conditions.

The following injections will be covered: shoulder joint, subacromial bursitis, lateral and medial epicondylitis, olecranon bursitis, de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, first carpal metacarpal (CMC) joint, trochanteric bursitis, knee joint, pes anserine bursitis, prepatellar bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma.

Working in small groups led by an instructor, you will gain beginning competencies in proper injection technique while practicing on each other and electronic models. Attendees should wear loose, comfortable clothing (T-shirts, shorts, etc.) and be prepared to practice palpating anatomical landmarks for proper injection technique.

Workshop #3 – MSK Focus POCUS (2.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Two sessions available:

• Monday, July 28, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 29, 3 – 5:30 p.m.

Separate registration required. Limited seats available!

The Musculoskeletal Galaxy Focus POCUS ultrasound workshop will cover an introduction to basic ultrasound principle including proper scanning techniques, review of imaging normal anatomy, review of possible pathology encountered during basic MSK US, discuss technique for US guided injections. Attendees will learn proper MSK imaging techniques for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. Learning is facilitated through an interactive and practical format with the direct supervision of the faculty.

Main Conference (28.75 AAPA Category 1 CME credits*)

Sunday, July 27-Wednesday, July 30

Registration includes three continental breakfasts, lunch on Monday and Tuesday, a networking event on Sunday evening, online access to course materials, and access to recorded sessions from the conference until the end of the year.

*Please note that this course is not approved for Category A continuing education for certified athletic trainers.

Optional Excursion: Cocktails & KA by Cirque du Soleil

Monday, July 28, 2025, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Join your new friends for drinks and a show!  KA, by Cirque du Soleil, a masterpiece in storytelling, KÀ tells the epic tale of twins on a journey to fulfill their shared destiny and is conveniently located within the MGM Grand Hotel.  This purchase includes a ticket to KA and a free drink prior.  The show lasts approximately 90 minutes without intermission.

6:00 p.m. Cocktails

7:00 p.m. Show

Registration Cancellation Policy

• Submit your cancellation request in writing to [email protected].
• We offer a full refund for cancellations prior to April 4, 2025.
• Between April 5 – July 27 we can offer a 50% refund for cancellations.
• No refunds or credits will be granted after the conference begins on July 28.
• If AAPA must cancel the 2025 Musculoskeletal Galaxy in Las Vegas, all registration fees will be transferred to a fully virtual conference experience.
• All hotel cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.
• No refunds will be provided for cancellations for the Cocktails & KA by Cirque du Soleil.

Registration Discounts

Group Registration

AAPA offers a $100 discount, per registrant, on group registrations of 10+ PAs or NPs.

Restrictions apply:

• All registrants must also book a hotel room at the time of registration.
• No registrant on the list may be already registered. No refunds will be given.
• This promotion and discount may not be used in combination with any other promotion or discount.
• Group registration list must be submitted to [email protected].

Student Registration

Are you a student and want to register for this conference? Contact [email protected] to receive $200 off your registration.

Agenda

Below is a list of all sessions taking place at the Galaxy 2025. Please note that all times listed are in Pacific Time.

This agenda may be updated or modified without notification.

Accreditation Statements

The 2025 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Acute Care Splinting and Casting Workshop, offered July 27, 2025, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 3.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

The 2025 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: Musculoskeletal Injection Workshop for Beginners, offered July 28 or July 29, 2025, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 2.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

The 2025 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: MSK Focus POCUS Workshop, offered July 28 or July 29, 2025, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 2.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

The 2025 Musculoskeletal Galaxy: General Course, offered July 27 – 30, 2025, has been reviewed by the AAPA Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 28.75 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

Are you an NP?

NPs can often claim AAPA Category 1 CME credit as continuing education with AANPCB and ANCC. Check with your certification/licensing authority to confirm that AAPA credit is acceptable – and then register for this great course!

Venue and Travel

Conference Venue

MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas
3799 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109

Making a Hotel Room Reservation

A discounted room rate of $98 plus applicable taxes has been secured for attendees and will be available until 11:59 p.m. (PT) on Thursday, July 3, 2025, or until the room block is full. After that time, a room cannot be guaranteed.

Please note: There is an additional $39 daily resort fee that includes: Wi-Fi in guest room and meeting space; unlimited local, domestic long distance (the 50 United States and DC) and toll-free calls; airline boarding pass printing; digital newspaper and magazine downloads through PressReader; access to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME On Demand via in-room television; and fitness center access for guests eighteen (18) years of age or older.

BOOK YOUR ROOM

Reservations can also be made over the phone by calling 1-877-880-0880. Please have your arrival/departure dates, bed type preference, and credit card information ready. You must mention the MGM Grand Las Vegas and the AAPA/AAOS Musculoskeletal Galaxy conference to receive the discounted rate.

Should you have any issues booking a hotel room, please contact Mairi Gardner.

Benefits of Staying at the Conference Hotel

You have easy access to the day’s sessions, meals, and countless networking opportunities with your peers. By staying within the block, you also help AAPA negotiate the best hotel rates for our attendees. There’s really no reason to stay anywhere else!

Hotel Perks

• Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms
• Access to fitness center
• Dog-friendly rooms
• Tons of dining options in the facility
• Pools, casinos, spas, salons, and entertainment all within the property

Hotel Policies

Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m.  Reservations must be canceled 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid a no-show fee equal to one night’s room and tax. All reservations and cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.

Travel

Flying?  The MGM Grand is 9 miles from Las Vegas Airport (LAS). Hotel shuttle service to and from the airport is not provided; however, there are other transportation options available. Taxi, Uber, and Lyft are among the most popular and affordable options.

Driving? Valet daily parking is $40 and self-parking is $20 for hotel guests. Learn more.

Things To Do in Las Vegas

Besides the entertainment and fun that can be had in the conference venue itself, there are plenty of other attractions and things to experience in Las Vegas!

Walk the Strip

Home to famous sights such as the Bellagio Fountains, The Eiffel Tower at Paris, the pyramid and sphinx at The Luxor, The Venetian’s Grand Canal and more!

Family Friendly

The Shark Reef Aquarium, Adventuredome, and Discovery Children’s Museum are just a few fun things to do with the whole family.

Outdoor Adventures

Extend your time in Vegas and take an excursion to famous sites! The Grand Canyon is only a day trip away from Las Vegas or check out the Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire, Red Rock Canyon or Boulder City.

And more!

Las Vegas has an abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs and lounges to keep you occupied while here. Want to check out a celebrity chef restaurant? The options are aplenty. July is also the perfect time to go to an epic pool party!

Information for Attendees

On-Site Conference Registration and Tips

• Registration is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 27. Registration reopens on Monday, July 28 at 7 a.m. You only need to check in once at the on-site registration desk.
• Galaxy is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Use your smartphone, computer, or tablet to answer questions during CME sessions.
• Bring a sweater or light jacket in case of cold meeting rooms.

Accessing Electronic Handouts

There is no paper syllabus or final program for this course. Lecture materials will be available under My Curriculum in AAPA’s Learning Central before the conference start date.

Course Evaluations and CME Certificates

Your completion of course evaluations is a prerequisite for a CME certificate. The course evaluations and your CME certificate will be available in AAPA’s Learning Central beginning Sunday, July 27, 2025. You will have until Sunday, August 31, 2025, to complete the evaluations.

Testimonials

“This is an OUTSTANDING conference for a new grad, someone new to ortho, or urgent care/ER provider who is looking to get stronger [orthopaedic] training. The speakers were dynamic and engaging. The overall organization and flow were excellent.”

“A well-rounded conference for head-to-toe orthopedics. Great to attend if you are a new grad or new to the field of ortho.”

“I was so impressed. The content was thorough but easy to follow and understand. The speakers and experts were engaging; I was never bored. The lectures were pertinent. It was fun.”

“I loved the variety of lectures, and the speakers were phenomenal!”

“All around the best AAPA conference I’ve attended. The content was superb. I will certainly return.”

“I would especially recommend this to colleagues who are new PAs or new to orthopaedics. The speakers were energetic, knowledgeable, and responsive to questions. Additionally, it was nice to learn about/get a refresher on some things that I don’t treat every day. It’s also a great chance to meet and talk with other PAs in the same specialty with similar levels of experience. The conference was very well-run and well-organized.”

“Excellent conference! This is my second time attending, and it did not disappoint. Great selection of topics, EXCELLENT SPEAKERS! The presentations were all very dynamic and interactive. Loved the case study style of teaching!”

“The speakers, content and presentations helped me understand topics and conditions I see in my practice every day and since I have gone back to my practice, I have felt more confident in recognizing and treating these conditions. As a PA in my first year in orthopedics, this has been so helpful and helped me feel much more confident in my career.”

“Great conference, amazing speakers, every session was valuable in making me a better medical provider.”

“This was a great overview of head to toe orthopedics. The speakers were engaging and there was a good balance of lecture and hands on learning.”

Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities

Partnering With AAPA

Leverage the prestige and network of AAPA to connect with key healthcare professionals in orthopaedics. The 2025 Musculoskeletal Galaxy conference is expected to draw more than 200 PAs and NPs. We offer a range of cost-effective networking and sponsorship opportunities designed to suit any budget.

Top 5 Specialties

*Emergency Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Pain Management, etc

Primary Work Settings

Years of Experience in Current Specialty

Attendees by Profession

Opportunities

AAPA provides diverse sponsorship opportunities across three key categories to meet your needs and budget:

• Thought Leadership: Engage with thought leaders and shape discussions on pivotal industry topics
• Attendee Experience: Enhance the conference experience with interactive and memorable activities
• Brand Exposure: Maximize your brand’s visibility through prominent placement and targeted marketing

Secure a tabletop display located in the conference area on Sunday, July 27 through Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Displays Include:

• One (1) 6’ skirted table and two (2) side chairs
• Onsite Signage
• Wi-Fi
• Electric (available upon request)
• Two (2) complimentary registration badges (not eligible to claim CME)
• Medical Pursuit Spot – Attendees will participate in the trivia game by stopping by all tabletop displays and answer trivia questions (provided by companies). Once attendees have visited all tabletop displays, they will drop off their game card at the registration desk and are entered to win a prize.
• Company information posted on the conference website

Each participating company will also receive the following in addition to the benefits outlined per opportunity:

• General Event Partner & Exhibit Recognition – Conference Website, Pre-Promotional Materials, and Onsite Signage
• Access to the Pre & Post Conference Attendee Registration List (available four weeks before the conference)

For questions or to start partnering with AAPA, please contact Heather.