6th Annual Virtual National DAC Med Conference
“When Lived Experience Leads: Advancing Inclusivity for People with Disabilities in Healthcare”
About the 6th Annual Virtual National DAC Med Conference
“When Lived Experience Leads: Advancing Inclusivity for People with Disabilities in Healthcare”
Saturday, October 10th, 2026
Founded at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, DAC Med now operates with both Northwestern and national leadership. Together, we are proud to be hosting the 6th Annual Disability Advocacy Coalition in Medicine (DAC Med) National Virtual Conference on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This year’s theme is “When Lived Experience Leads: Advancing Inclusivity for People with Disabilities in Healthcare,” highlighting the contribution of those with disabilities within healthcare. The conference will feature engaging speaker sessions, patient panels, research presentations, and more.
Abstract submissions are now open, and the DEADLINE IS EXTENDED to September 18, 2026 (11:59 PM CDT). Decisions will be released on September 21.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Registration will close on Thursday, October 1st, at 11:59 PM CST.
Click below to register or submit your abstract for the 2026 conference!
Keynote Speaker: Anne Messman, M.D. M.H.P.E.
Anne Messman, M.D., M.H.P.E., is the associate dean of Graduate Medical Education for the Wayne State University School of Medicine, as well as the Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Emergency Medicine. She also serves as the medical education fellowship director for the Department of Emergency Medicine, and previously served as an associate director of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Sinai-Grace Hospital. Her academic interests include medical education research, physician wellness, and disability in medicine.
Click here to listen to Dr. Messman's Docs with Disabilities episode with Dr. Lisa Meeks, who was last year's conference speaker!
Click below for last year's (2025) full conference program, including accepted abstracts, speaker information, and more!