Annual Scientific Session
Join us for an exciting day of cutting-edge research, thought-provoking discussions, and networking with leading experts in the field of surgical outcomes.
Join us for an exciting day of cutting-edge research, thought-provoking discussions, and networking with leading experts in the field of surgical outcomes.
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location:
AGU Advancing Earth and Space Sciences
2000 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
John R. Clarke Keynote Speaker
Atul Gawande, MD, MPH
Dr. Gawande is a renowned surgeon, author, and public health innovator. He holds the John and Cyndy Fish Chair in Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is the Samuel O. Thier Professor of the Practice of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. He was Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID from January 2022 to January 2025. Prior to that, he co-founded and chaired Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation where he is now Distinguished Professor in Residence, and Lifebox, a nonprofit organization making surgery safer globally. From 2018-2020, he was CEO of Haven, the Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JPMorgan Chase healthcare venture.
Dr. Gawande is also a longtime writer for The New Yorker magazine and has written four New York Times best-selling books: Complications, Better, The Checklist Manifesto, and Being Mortal. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has won two National Magazine Awards, AcademyHealth’s Impact Award for highest research impact on healthcare, and a MacArthur Fellowship. And he is executive producer for three documentary films: the Emmy-nominated adaptation Being Mortal (2016), the Oscar-nominated film To Kill A Tiger (2024), and The New Yorker film Rovina’s Choice (2025).
Learn more about John R Clarke
Previous Keynote Speakers
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2025; H. Gilbert Welch, MD, MPH
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2024; Caprice Greenberg, MD, MPH; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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2023; Stephanie Wheeler, PhD, MPH; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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2022; Michael J. Barry, MD, MACP; Massachusetts General Hospital
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2021; Nancy Baxter, MD; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
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2020; Larry V. Hedges, PhD; Northwestern University
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2019: Robert M. Wachter, MD; University of California, San Francisco
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2018: Ashish Jha, MD, MPH; Harvard University
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2017: John Birkmeyer, MD; Sound Physicians
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2016: John A. Spertus, MD, MPH; University of Missouri-Kansas City
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2015: Jane L. Holl, MD, MPH; Northwestern University
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2014: David A. Asch, MD, MBA; School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
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2013: Joe V. Selby, MD, MPH; Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute
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2012: Richard Gershon, PhD; Northwestern University
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2011: Brian Mittman, PhD; Kaiser Permanente
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2010: Sean Tunis, MD, MSc; Founder, Center for Medical Technology Policy
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2009: David Meltzer, MD, PhD; University of Chicago
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2008: Robert H. Brooks, MD, ScD; UCLA
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2007: Michael J. Berry, MD; Massachusetts General Hospital
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2006: Mark R. Chassin, MD, MPP, MPH; Mount Sinai School of Medicine
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2005: Atul A. Gawande, MD, MPH; Brigham and Women’s Hospital
FEATURED PANEL: Mixed Methods Research
This panel will highlight how combining qualitative and quantitative approaches can enhance the evaluation of healthcare systems. Panelists will discuss practical applications, best practices, and strategies for using mixed methods to improve quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes across diverse settings, including how these approaches are incorporated into funded research grant applications.
Pasithorn Amy Suwanabol, MD, MS
University of Michigan
Meghan Lane-Fall, MD, MSHP
Columbia University
Awaiting Speaker Acceptance
FEATURED PANEL: Research Funding
This panel will explore strategies for securing research funding in today’s challenging environment. Panelists will share insights on identifying funding opportunities, preparing competitive proposals, and navigating the review process, providing practical guidance to help researchers at all career stages succeed.
Awaiting Speaker Acceptance
Awaiting Speaker Acceptance
Awaiting Speaker Acceptance
Call for Abstracts
The abstract submission will Open May 1!
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- Submission Deadline Tuesday, June 30.
- You will be notified of your selection by July 17.
- If accepted to participate, SOC staff will provide additional instructions and guidance for registration and travel logistics. Presenters are responsible for their own travel and event registration expenses.
Location
- Scientific Session Location: AGU Advancing Earth and Space Sciences (2000 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009)
- Session Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Session Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm (ET)
Instructions
- Poster Presentation Format: We are excited to return to the tradition of printed posters, bringing back the visual impact and interactive discussions often lost in virtual or digital displays. Posters dimensions will be confirmed at a later date. Push pins will be provided.
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Set Up
- Participants may begin setting up their displays at 12 p.m. Posters must be ready for viewing by 3 p.m.
Future Dates
Saturday, October 16, 2027 | San Diego, CA
Saturday, October 21, 2028 | Boston, MA
Past Annual Scientific Sessions
Previous SOC Meeting Agendas:
2025 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2024 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2023 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2022 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2021 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2020 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2019 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2018 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2017 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2016 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2015 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2014 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2013 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2012 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2011 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2010 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2009 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2008 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2007 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2006 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)
2005 SOC Meeting Agenda (PDF)