FLEXIBLE ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
The College of Podiatric Medicine offers three 0.5-credit courses on the topic of opioid prescribing and neuropathy: (1) Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), (2) Non-Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, and (3) Alternatives to Opioids: Alternatives and Risk Mitigation Strategies. These cost $49.00 each. If you wish to take more than one course, note that the 1.5-credit Comprehensive Pain Care: Opioid Prescribing and Neuropathy Insights course, which is offered for $99.00, delivers the content of the other three in a single, 3-module course.
Course Title: Alternatives to Opioids: Alternatives and Risk Mitigation Strategies
Course Description:
This course explores evidence-based alternatives to opioids for managing acute and chronic pain, focusing on both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical strategies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of alternative medications, including oral and topical options, and how these can be integrated into treatment plans to reduce reliance on opioids. The course emphasizes practical approaches for tailoring pain management strategies to individual patient needs while minimizing risks associated with opioid use.
In addition to pharmacological alternatives, the course highlights non-drug interventions such as physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and lifestyle modifications that support long-term pain relief. Learners will also examine the critical role of individualized prescribing, pain contracts, and effective doctor-patient communication in mitigating risks. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with strategies to balance efficacy, safety, and patient-centered care in pain management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the alternative pharmaceutical options (including oral, topical)
- Appreciate non-pharmaceutical options to treat acute and chronic pain
- Understand the importance of the proper drug being prescribed given an individual’s circumstances and risk profile, the pain contract, and doctor-patient communication
CE Credits: 0.5
Cost: $49.00
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Western University of Health Sciences, Online Learning Platform
Target Audience: Podiatric physicians, residents, students, pharmacists, and allied health professionals
Certificate of Completion:
The course will be followed by a post-test. You must score at least 80% to receive credit and earn your Certificate of Completion, which will be immediately available for download and printing. If you need to print or download it again at a later time, you can do so by clicking My Courses in the top right of the screen, finding this course in your list of courses, and clicking the certificate icon.

Faculty:
![]() |
Dr. Chandler Horstmeyer, DPM Dr. Horstmeyer is an Assistant Professor at WesternU and Medical Director of the WesternU Health Foot & Ankle Center. Her work focuses on podiatric medicine, biomechanics, and student clinical education. She plays an active role in supervising learners and providing comprehensive foot and ankle care. |
|
Disclosure: This lecture was supported by a grant from Averitas Pharma, Inc. The content of the presentation was prepared independently, and the opinions are not indicative of the views of Averitas Pharma, Inc. or any other party. |
![]() |
Non-Discrimination Policy:
All continuing education activities follow the WesternU Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation policy. Any person on the planning committee, instructors, staff, registrants, and attendees are agents of WesternU, thus the policy applies to these aforementioned categories of people to provide a safe environment that promotes educational activities.
Refund Policy:
No refunds will be given for non-attendance due to asynchronous delivery. Refunds are issued on a prorated basis based on course completion. No refunds are available after more than 75% of the course is completed or after CME credit is claimed.
* This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards and requirements for approval of providers of continuing education in podiatric medicine. Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine (WesternU CPM) is approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education as a provider of continuing education in podiatric medicine. WesternU CPM has approved this activity for a maximum of 0.5 continuing education contact hours (CECH) for any one fiscal cycle.
* This course was developed, and its content authored, by Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine faculty.

