The 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, held 19-21 February in San Diego, California, US, brought together close to five thousand graduate medical education (GME) professionals from across the globe to learn, share, and network.
ACGME-I thanks all of the international attendees who traveled to attend and participate in three days of invigorating discussions that strengthened community and continue to build on the shared knowledge of the collective gathering.
Learning at #ACGME2026
More than 120 educational sessions gave attendees a plethora of learning opportunities. Topics included artificial intelligence (AI) in GME, well-being, supporting struggling learners, faculty development, remediation strategies, tips for site visits, and more.
ACGME-I presented its annual “Update on ACGME-I Accreditation” session, which discussed accreditation decisions made at the recent Review Committees-International meeting, as well as other timely topics. ACGME-I President and Chief Executive Officer James A. Arrighi, MD opened the session, after which Associate Executive Director William Hart delved into the details and statistics of accreditation decisions from the past academic year. The Chairs of the Medicine-Based Review Committee, Sawsan Abdel-Razig, MD, MEHP, and the Surgical/Hospital-Based Review Committee, Paula Termuhlen, MD, FACS, discussed proposed Requirements revisions and the process behind variances, pathways to licensure implications for international medical graduates in the US, and more.
Dr. Abdel-Razig and her colleague Seher Ahmad, MA, MBChB from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi also presented the “Future-Proofing Medical Professionalism: Innovations and Insights in Remediation” session, which provoked deep conversations with the audience about challenges in emerging areas like digital professionalism, entrustable professional activities as a result of AI integration, AI’s role in remediation, and more.
ACGME-I partner ACGME Global Services led a session entitled “Global Implementation of CBME: Insights for GME Leaders in the US and Beyond.” Panelists included ACGME/ACGME-I Vice President, International Outreach Halah Ibrahim, MD, MEHP; Sophia Archuleta, MD of the National University Health System (Singapore) and member of the ACGME-I Board of Directors; and Lyuba Konopasek, senior vice president of Intealth and executive director of FAIMER. The three led the conversation on global drivers behind the adoption of competency-based medical education in different health and education systems, how it’s being implemented across regions, and how international approaches offer insights to US GME, as well as implications of the movement to the physician workforce.
Dozens of research and innovation posters were on display at the conference, and attendees had opportunity to engage with their presenters. Posters from several ACGME-I-accredited Sponsoring Institutions showed the strength of GME scholarship globally.
Networking at #ACGME2026
As in any professional gathering, networking is one of the most important aspects of the 2026 ACGME Annual Educational Conference. The opportunities to engage with fellow GME professionals from around the world were numerous, during both scheduled events and impromptu moments throughout the event.
The annual International Reception was a highlight, with more than a hundred attendees from over a dozen countries. Attendees grew their professional network in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere, old friends became reacquainted, new friendships were made, and a wonderful time was had by all!
The ACGME-I and ACGME Global Services booth at the ACGME Hub in the conference Exhibit Hall was also a focal point for connecting, where the international community and those seeking to learn more about the ACGME’s and ACGME-I’s international activities came together.
Ready to Think About #ACGME2027?
It’s never too early to start planning for the 2027 ACGME Annual Educational Conference, scheduled to take place 25-27 February 2027 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, US.
Watch the video on this page! The ACGME-I team hopes to see many from the community in San Antonio in 2027!