The 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference—the premier event for graduate medical education—returns February 19-21, 2026, in San Diego, California. This year’s program promises transformative conversations, and two sessions that stand out as must-attend are the Marvin R. Dunn Keynote Address and the Thomas J. Nasca Lecture.
Marvin R. Dunn Keynote Address
Named for a visionary in medical education, the Marvin R. Dunn Keynote Address brings together thought leadership and bold ideas. Taking place Saturday morning, February 21, Amy C. Edmondson, PhD will deliver her keynote, entitled, Why Psychological Safety and Teaming Matter in Medical Education. The talk will explore why psychological safety is foundational for high-quality communication, decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving in health care.
Dr. Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School and a globally recognized expert on psychological safety and team dynamics. Her research has shaped how organizations foster collaboration and innovation in complex environments.
Expect a dynamic presentation that blends personal narrative with actionable insights for educators, clinicians, and leaders.
Thomas J. Nasca Lecture
Rounding out the conference on Saturday afternoon, the Thomas J. Nasca Lecture honors former ACGME President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nasca’s enduring commitment to professionalism and humanism in medicine. The 2026 session will focus on leadership and empathy in an era of rapid change, challenging attendees to balance innovation with compassion. It’s a powerful reminder of the values that define graduate medical education (GME). Timothy P. Brigham, MDiv, MS, PhD, immediate-past Chief Education Officer and Chief of Staff at the ACGME, will deliver this year’s lecture, entitled The Courage to Care—Heart of Medical Education. Dr. Brigham is widely respected for his leadership in advancing physician well-being and professionalism. His work emphasizes the humanistic core of medicine and the courage required to lead with empathy.
Why These Sessions Matter
Both keynotes are more than presentations—they are calls to action. They will invite the audience to reflect on the principles that shape medical education and the future of health care delivery. Regardless of your role in GME, these sessions will offer insights that resonate and inspire.
Join Us in San Diego
Don’t miss these cornerstone events at #ACGME2026. Register now to secure your spot and be part of the conversation that will shape the next chapter in GME. Register by the Early Bird deadline December 18 to secure the best rate!