Online registration for the 2020 ACGME Annual Educational Conference in San Diego next month is still open – but only through the end of January! So as you review session descriptions and plan your conference schedule, here are five key reasons to stay through the end of the conference on Saturday evening, February 29.
Starting first thing in the morning and throughout the afternoon, Saturday’s schedule is packed with rich, exciting, informative educational sessions. From faculty development to well-being for coordinators, IMGs, and all members of the GME community to collaboration with the C-Suite to responsible use of social media; from specialty-specific town hall sessions to the approaching conclusion to the transition to a single GME accreditation system to the ACGME Self-Study; from working with struggling learners to issues for underrepresented minorities and women in medicine to mentoring—and so much more—Saturday promises to be a day packed with opportunity to grow, connect, and digest important issues facing graduate medical education today.
Of course you won’t want to miss the Marvin R. Dunn Keynote Address at 10:00 a.m., set up as a fireside chat between ACGME President and CEO Dr. Thomas J. Nasca and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician, professor, and public health activist who spearheaded the efforts to publicize and fix the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The Marvin R. Dunn Keynote Address has historically sparked significant and meaningful discussion among attendees and provided an opportunity to hear from exceptional leaders in the field. This year is absolutely no exception. The presentation will take place at the Hilton Bayfront, but both conference hotels will also have designated areas at which to view a livestream of the talk. Following the Keynote, Dr. Hanna-Attisha will be available to sign copies of her book, which will be available for purchase in the Exhibit Hall bookstore!
Outstanding sessions and unique and inspiring keynotes are part of what always makes the Annual Educational Conference so special. But for 2020, some new opportunities make it worthwhile to pay close attention to Saturday’s agenda when planning your conference experience.
Closing Plenary
In an exciting development, the conference will offer a Closing Plenary. Nationally-renowned physician, educator, and researcher Dr. Eric Topol will deliver what promises to be a fascinating and insightful presentation, Towards High-Performance Medicine with Deep Empathy, a look at artificial intelligence and how it has already and could impact the practice of medicine. The Closing Plenary begins at 4:15 p.m. at the Hilton Bayfront. Dr. Topol will also be available immediately after the presentation to sign copies of his books, which will be available for purchase throughout the conference in the Exhibit Hall bookstore!
Toast on the Terrace
Unlike in years past – and unlike at many other conferences – the 2020 Annual Educational Conference will conclude with an opportunity for attendees, speakers, and ACGME leaders and staff members to come together one more time as a group for a celebratory toast. The Toast on the Terrace, held at the Hilton Bayfront following the Closing Plenary, will give everyone a final chance to reflect on their conference experience, connections they made or strengthened, ideas that were sparked, and more. One of the highlights of this conference each year, noted in many conference evaluations, is the strong sense of community fostered throughout various conference events and activities. Let’s celebrate that together!
San Diego and More!
Over three packed days, attendees will hustle between two hotels to get the most of the rich conference content on the schedule. This may leave little time to enjoy the city of San Diego, so stay after Saturday’s Toast on the Terrace and take advantage!
At the Hilton Bayfront that night, the ACGME will host a family-friendly movie night, featuring Toy Story 4! The first 50 guests will receive a cozy fleece blanket, and everyone can settle in for some popcorn and soft drinks and a relaxing movie experience. More information is forthcoming.
San Diego’s neighborhoods host a variety of beautiful and exciting offerings. The famous Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town (within easy walking distance of the conference hotels) include a range of restaurant, bar, and other nightlife options. Museums and parks, naval and maritime activities, and waterfront paths and cafes are easily accessed throughout the area. A ferry ride away is Coronado, with the historic Hotel del Coronado (famously haunted!) and lots more to do and see. All in all, we hope this conference enriches your learning, and that being in beautiful San Diego provides you with a chance to reflect and relax.
Haven’t registered yet? Remember, online registration closes January 31 – so register ASAP!
Follow us here, and on Twitter and LinkedIn, for more about the conference and other ACGME news and updates. Remember to follow and use the conference hashtag #ACGME2020! We’ll see you in San Diego!