First, Do Nothing? When Restraint Is the Most Responsible Care - Educational Event
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Tuesday, February 10, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
EPCMS @ Pikes Peak United Way
518 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
When is doing nothing the most responsible medical decision? This EPCMS panel brings together physicians from pediatrics, emergency medicine, family medicine, and neurology to explore the clinical judgment required to choose restraint over intervention. Through real-world cases and cross-specialty perspectives, panelists will examine watchful waiting, managing uncertainty, patient expectations, and the system pressures that drive over-intervention. Designed for practicing physicians, this discussion centers on evidence-based decision-making, professional discernment, and the confidence to pause when pausing is the right call.
What you’ll take away:
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- Differentiate clinical scenarios in which watchful waiting or non-intervention is evidence-based and appropriate across pediatric, emergency, family medicine, and neurologic care settings.
- Identify strategies for communicating non-intervention decisions to patients and families in high-anxiety or high-expectation situations while maintaining trust and shared decision-making.
- Recognize system-level and cognitive pressures that contribute to over-intervention and apply clinical judgment frameworks to mitigate unnecessary testing and treatment.
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I'm Accreditation Statement: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Colorado Medical Society and El Paso County Medical Society. The Colorado Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit Designation: The Colorado Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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Robert P. Lam, MD, FAAEM, is a senior partner at Emergency Physician Specialists in Colorado Springs and Director of Physician Wellness for UCHealth’s Southern Region. He leads wellness initiatives focused on resilience, peer support, and strengthening communication and collegiality to improve clinician and patient experiences. Dr. Lam is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Director of Medical Education for his group. A nationally recognized speaker on physician well-being and medical education, he founded and chaired the AAEM Wellness Committee (2015–2021), helping launch major resilience programs and National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. He has received multiple honors, including the CU Golden Stethoscope Award and the AAEM James Keaney Leadership Award.
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Dr. Jesal Patel is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist. He joined the Colorado Springs location of Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers in 2015. Dr. Patel has a strong interest in colorectal cancers. A collaborative approach to care is important to Dr. Patel’ s practice strategy. He is active on gastrointestinal, lung, head and neck, and breast cancer tumor boards, working closely with pathologists, radiologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and other subspecialties. In presenting and consulting on cancer cases, Dr. Patel can ensure his patients benefit from the shared knowledge of multiple cancer experts in planning their treatment options. He has a true commitment to treating his patients with compassion and understanding. He strives to provide evidence-based, cutting-edge cancer treatment options to his patients.
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My philosophy of care is rooted in the belief that primary care extends far beyond the treatment of physical ailments. I am committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that takes into account the diverse needs, values and goals of each patient within the community I serve. I strive to foster a trusting and collaborative relationship with my patients, empowering them to actively participate in their own health care journey in addition to providing empathy, guidance and education during uncertain times. By taking the time to get a deep understanding of each patient’s medical history, preferences and goals, I can tailor treatments and interventions that are aligned with their unique needs. I want to be your trusted local family medicine physician, and I aim to empower my patients to lead healthier, happier lives within their community. I enjoy doing projects around the house, hiking, biking, going to the gym, and spending time with my dog.
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Valerie A. Beck, MD is a pediatrician at Sunrise Pediatrics in Colorado Springs. Before moving to The Springs, her husband’s hometown, she was a hospitalist with Northwestern Lurie Children's Hospital, formerly Children’s Memorial Hospital, and prior to this a pediatrician in rural primary care outside Nashville, Tennessee. She completed medical school and residency at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Hospital, respectively, and undergraduate studies at Georgetown University. Valerie grew up on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio. She and her husband have a wonderful daughter currently in college.
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Dr. MacDonald is a physician with 30 years of experience in family medicine, neuroscience, and clinical research. After personally struggling with fibromyalgia and leaving work due to chronic illness, she found significant recovery through the Guaifenesin Protocol. Trained under Dr. Paul St. Amand, she now dedicates her practice to helping fibromyalgia patients through whole-person, integrative care, including non-drug approaches such as biofeedback. Dr. MacDonald is committed to advancing awareness and research for this often-misunderstood condition and guiding patients back toward wellness.
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Dinner will be provided by Modern Market Eatery with a mix of protein and vegetarian options, plus non‑alcoholic beverages including seltzer, and water.
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© 2026 El Paso County Medical Society. All rights reserved.
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