"The goal of a CME AWAY® conference by Sea Courses is to provide the very best opportunity for health care professionals to not only LEARN but to CONNECT with peers in a stimulating yet RELAXING environment."
Land Tours

Old World Malta & Sicily – October 2 – 13, 2025

Topics: Family MedicinePractice Management

Departing October 2nd, 2025 - October 12th, 2025

Explore Sicily and Malta – two island paradises nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Sample specialties in Palermo’s colorful food market. Taste award-winning olive oil and learn about the Slow Food movement at a local farm. Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) with a guide. Spend three nights in Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion. Engage with Malta’s dynamic past on a leisurely 5-night stay. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.

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Faculty & Conference Details

Dr. Sol Stern

Dr. Sol Stern

Specialty:

Family Medicine & Pain Management

About The Speaker

Dr. Sol Stern obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Toronto in 1982 after obtaining a BSc and MSc at the same university.  He started a family medicine practice in Oakville, Ontario in 1983 and has been practicing in Oakville ever since. Dr. Stern spends about 1/4 of his time involved in CME and has developed and collaborated on many CME workshops including the topics of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic pain management. He has presented over 1000 CME programs over the last 20 years. He is married and has 4 children and 7 grandchildren.

CME Topics

Family Medicine & Practice Management

Sea Courses is pleased to invite you to a Continuing Medical Education program during an 11 Night CME tour through in Sicily and Malta from October 2 - 13, 2025. Dr. Sol Stern is the sole speaker for this CME Program. Dr. Stern has developed an interactive educational program that will be of interest to family physicians, specialists and allied health professionals. Dr. Stern is Medical Director of CME AWAY® by Sea Courses. After practicing Family Medicine in Oakville, Ontario for over 30 years, Dr. Stern plans to retire from medical practice in April 2025 but will continue to do administrative work and have more time to do developing and presenting CME. Dr. Stern has developed and collaborated on many CME workshops including the topics of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and chronic pain management. He has presented over 1000 CME programs over the last 25 years and has presented CME programs in every province in Canada. Dr. Stern will facilitate interactive sessions on topics that are prevalent in his Family Practice and will include Update on the 2024 Canadian Opioid Guidelines, Chronic Pain Management, SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure, Hypertension, Insomnia and Practice Management. Dr. Stern is looking forward to seeing you on the CME Land Tour.  

Dr. Stern-

  • Update on the Canadian Opioid Guidelines
    • Cite the challenges that physicians face in managing CNCP
    • Summarize Approaches to Safe Initiation of Opioids in Managing CNCP
  • Approach to treating chronic pain without opioids
    • Site the non-opioid treatment options available to help manage chronic pain.
    • Evaluate the potential benefits and risk of non-opioid medications.
  • SGLT2i Indications in Heart Failure
    • Describe heart failure and its consequences
    • Explain the rationale for the management of heart failure to include SGLT2i and the potential benefits
    • Describe how and when to introduce SGLT2i for heart failure
  • Hypertension and Stroke Prevention and Management in Patients
    • Plan to assess and screen patient’s blood pressure at all appropriate visits.
    • Discuss modifiable cardiovascular risk factors with patients.
    • Discuss blood pressure targets and need for anticoagulation/anti-platelet therapy in people who have just suffered a stroke.
  • Atherosclerosis and Atrial Fibrillation 
    • Weigh the risks/benefits of single, dual, and triple therapy in patients with concomitant AF and CAD
    • Apply recommendations from the 2016 CCS Focused Update of the Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation and the 2018 CCS/CAIC Focused Update of the Guidelines for the Use of Antiplatelet Therapy for managing patients with concomitant AF and CAD
  • Atherosclerosis and Diabetes 
    • Describe the patient who should be treated with an SGLT2i or GLP-1 agonist.
    • Explain the rationale for this treatment and the potential benefits.
    • Describe the steps for initiating and monitoring therapy for patients with diabetes.
  • Sleep Disorders
    • Outline a method to effectively assess the medical and functional impairment impact of insomnia for patients with persistent complaints of sleep disturbances.
    • Evaluate and prioritize the management of insomnia by reviewing the impact of comorbidities.
    • Individualize non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for a patient with insomnia based on clinical presentation.
  • Practice Management: From EMR to Websites to Apps
    • Discuss the use of the Electronic Medical Record, AI and Information Technology in Medical Practice
    • Analyze the potential benefits and risks of e-mail communication and practice websites.

Cruise, Land, Resort must be booked through CME AWAY®.

This course is designed for family physicians, specialists, and allied health care professionals. The aim is to provide evidence-based material, as well as practical and relevant clinical pearls that will be easy to implement into one’s own medical practice. Conference attendees will be invited to complete a pre-course Needs Assessment to assist the faculty with the development of their presentations.

Conference Tuition Price
FP $1445
Specialist $1445
Resident, Retired, NP, RN, PA, Other $1245
Conference Tuition Book Before February 3rd, 2025 Book After February 3rd, 2025
FP $1295 $1445
Specialist $1295 $1445
Resident, Retired, NP, RN, PA, Other $1095 $1245
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Old World Malta & Sicily – October 2 – 13, 2025

On Board

Sailing October 2nd, 2025 - October 12th, 2025

Trip Characteristics

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  • Faculty & CME Details
  • Venue Information
  • Itinerary & Schedule
  • Pre-And-Post Trip Information
  • Need Air?

Faculty & CME Details

Dr. Sol Stern

Dr. Sol Stern

Specialty:

Family Medicine & Pain Management

About The Speaker

Dr. Sol Stern obtained his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Toronto in 1982 after obtaining a BSc and MSc at the same university.  He started a family medicine practice in Oakville, Ontario in 1983 and has been practicing in Oakville ever since. Dr. Stern spends about 1/4 of his time involved in CME and has developed and collaborated on many CME workshops including the topics of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic pain management. He has presented over 1000 CME programs over the last 20 years. He is married and has 4 children and 7 grandchildren.

This course is designed for family physicians, specialists, and allied health care professionals. The aim is to provide evidence-based material, as well as practical and relevant clinical pearls that will be easy to implement into one’s own medical practice. Conference attendees will be invited to complete a pre-course Needs Assessment to assist the faculty with the development of their presentations.

Conference Tuition
Conference Tuition Book Before February 3rd, 2025 Book After February 3rd, 2025
FP $1045 $1195
Specialist $1045 $1195
Resident, Retired, NP, RN, PA, Other $845 $995

Venue Information

Explore Sicily and Malta – two island paradises nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Sample specialties in Palermo’s colorful food market. Taste award-winning olive oil and learn about the Slow Food movement at a local farm. Explore Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples (UNESCO) with a guide. Spend three nights in Taormina, perched above the Ionian Sea. See Mount Etna from a different perspective on an off-road excursion. Engage with Malta’s dynamic past on a leisurely 5-night stay. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.

Additional Noteworthy Features

Land's End Hotel, Tas-Sliema

Beyond the vivacious atmosphere of a sun-drenched island, lies Land’s End, the perfect get-away for those wishing to savour the Mediterranean in all its splendour. Nestled away, not too far off Malta’s iconic Sliema waterfront, this hotel overlooks the magnificent bastions of the country’s capital city, Valletta.  

Hotel Villa Carlotta, Ragusa

Welcome to Villa Carlotta, a design hotel in Ragusa, an enchanting place suspended between land and sea, between city and countryside. Housed in an ancient farmhouse, this prestigious Boutique Hotel tells, through its unique style, the history of the Ragusa area.  

Hotel Caparena, Taormina

An emerald green paradise at Taormina Mare gazing over the enchanting Mediterranean sea is where you'll find a resort so settled in its own natural habitat, that rest and perfect holidays are the only things that can be promised. The warm and inviting ambience of the Hotel Caparena, with its terracotta floors, the elegant fabrics, its pool and terraces, provide complete sensory experiences to be discovered and absorbed.  

Itinerary & Schedule

Date Port / Location Arrival Time Departure Time Notes / Details
October 2nd Sliema, Malta
October 3rd Sliema, Malta 8:00am-12:15pm / 1:30pm - 4:30pm
October 4th Sliema & Valletta, Malta
October 5th Sliema & Gozo, Malta
October 6th Sliema, Malta
October 7th Ragusa, Sicily 4:00pm-6:00pm
October 8th Ragusa, Sicily
October 9th Ragusa, Sicily 8:00am - 11:00am
October 10th Ragusa - Siracusa & Taormina, Sicily
October 11th Taormina, Sicily 4:00pm - 6:00pm
October 12th Taormina & Mount Etna, Sicily
October 13th Taormina

Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1 Thurs October 2 Sliema, Malta

Uncover Malta’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming wth mysterious prehistoric temples and Renaissance architectural masterpieces. Today you will arrive in Malta, one of the worlds smallest countries. Accommodation: Land’s End Boutique Hotel, Tas-Sliema

Day 2 Fri October 3 Sliema, Malta

Sliema is a welcoming Maltese resort town with a lively waterfront promenade.. You will Spend your day in CME learning sessions. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3 Sat October 4 Sliema—Valletta—Sliema

Start your exploration of Malta with a panoramic cruise of Valletta’s Grand Harbour aboard traditional Dghaisa boats. Then, it’s on to the Three Cities, a conglomeration of three fortified towns of medieval heritage. Once the setting of battles by the Knights of Malta, this area preserves endless layers of the past. Connect with the heart of the neighborhood at a Band Club, where locals gather to learn music and marching for the local festivals. (B)

Day 4 Sun October 5 Sliema—Gozo—Sliema

Today we have a full day exploration of the Isle of Gozo,* the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago and home to the Ggantija temple complex (UNESCO), which is older than Stonehenge. (B&L)

Day 5 Mon October 6 Sliema—Maltese Village Experience

Enjoy a morning at leisure and in the afternoon we will visit Mdina – the “Silent City” and Malta’s ancient capital. You will immerse yourself in Maltese traditions as you board a retro bus for a village where daily life and customs remain unchanged. Experience an Impact Moment as you are hosted for dinner at a local band club. Band clubs have a special place in the community. A source of intense pride and with a solid place in Maltese social culture, the band club's premises are an ideal meeting point for locals to exchange gossip, play a game of pool or engage in village festa activities. (B,L&D)

Day 6 Tues October 7 Sliema—Ferry to Sicily—Ragusa Countryside, Italy

Early this morning, grab your bags and hop on a ferry to Sicily. Pause in the seaside town of Pozzallo for a Sicilian breakfast. As in most of Italy, breakfast in Sicily is a simple but tasty affair, traditionally consisting of a pastry and cappuccino. Continue your culinary exploration of the Sicilian countryside with a visit to a family-owned herb farm to learn about their production of organic aromatic plants. Then, during lunch, enjoy dishes enlivened with herbs grown on the farm. A delightful way to experience the region’s unique and delicious flavours. This afternoon, settle into your hotel for a leisurely 3-night stay in the Ragusa countryside. There will be a 2hour CME Session after check in. (B, L, D) Accommodation: Hotel villa Carlotta, Ragusa

Day 7 Wed October 8 Ragusa Countryside—Ragusa-Ibla—Ragusa Countryside

Make your way to Ragusa-Ibla (UNESCO), a time-worn city perched upon a hill. Meander through its late-Baroque neighbourhood with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, retreat to your countryside resort just outside the city or linger in town for a dinner on own. (B)

Day 8 Thurs October 9 Ragusa Countryside

This morning we will be in a CME Session and in the afternoon you will join a tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica (UNESCO). During this tour, you’ll enjoy a savoury brunch featuring fresh ricotta at a countryside restaurant before venturing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples. (B)

Day 9 Fri October 10 Ragusa Countryside—Siracusa—Taormina

Take in the rugged landscape of South-Eastern Sicily en route to Siracusa (UNESCO). Then, it’s your choice! Discover the expansive Neapolis, the ancient Greek colony established 27 centuries ago -OR- take in the ancient city's most precious treasures during a visit of the archeological museum in company of a local expert. This afternoon, relax during a bus transfer to Taormina, a charming resort town perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. (B) Accommodation: Hotel Caparena, Taormina

Day 10 Sat October 11 Taormina

Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theatre. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the early afternoon on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs. There will be a 2hour CME session before dinner.(B)

Day 11 Sun October 12 Taormina—Mount Etna—Taormina

See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna (UNESCO). Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. Back in Taormina, gather with your fellow travellers as you recount memories of the Mediterranean islands accompanied by Sicilian food at dinner, surrounded by local musicians. (B, D)

Day 12 Mon October 13 Taormina

Say goodbye to Sicily and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today. Transfers will depart from Hotel Villa Diodoro Taormina to Catania Airport. (B)

Pre-And-Post Trip Information

There are no pre or post tours created for this itinerary.  To build your own, or simply add hotel nights, please speak with your Advisor.
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