How Clinical Congress Is Evolving

Learn What's Next

Healthcare is changing rapidly, and Clinical Congress is evolving alongside it. This year's educational program explores the innovations, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of surgical practice while continuing to deliver the practical education surgeons rely on every day.

Discover New Educational Experiences

Clinical Congress 2026 introduces new programming and educational formats designed to inspire fresh thinking and practical application.

Highlights include:

• Best of Grand Rounds, bringing member-nominated presentations to the national stage for the first time.
• Expanded programming on artificial intelligence, clinical informatics, and telesurgery.
• Sessions exploring evolving practice models, including locum tenens.
• New opportunities to learn from nationally recognized leaders through Special Sessions and Named Lectures.

Learn from Distinguished Leaders

The Named Lectures remain one of Clinical Congress's signature educational experiences, bringing together influential voices from surgery, medicine, science, public service, and beyond to share perspectives on leadership, innovation, ethics, policy, and the future of healthcare.

Build Skills You Can Apply Tomorrow

Clinical Congress continues to offer hands-on and practical learning opportunities that translate directly to patient care.

Explore:

• Didactic & Surgical Skills Courses
• Meet-the-Expert sessions
• CME-eligible education
• Specialty-focused programming across every discipline

Explore tracks and sessions on the Meeting Platform.

Connect in New Ways

Some of the most valuable moments at Clinical Congress happen between sessions.

Whether you're reconnecting with longtime colleagues, meeting surgeons who share your specialty, or taking time to recharge, Clinical Congress offers more opportunities than ever to engage with the House of Surgery.

Networking Coffee with Your Specialty

New this year, Networking Coffee with Your Specialty creates dedicated time for surgeons to connect with colleagues who share their specialty and professional interests. As part of a pilot program, attendees in colon and rectal surgery, pediatric surgery, vascular surgery, and plastic surgery can gather for informal morning conversations designed to strengthen professional relationships, exchange ideas, reconnect with mentors, and build new collaborations.

While this year's pilot includes a limited number of specialties, it reflects Clinical Congress's growing emphasis on creating intentional opportunities for connection across the House of Surgery.

A More Interactive Exhibit Hall

The Exhibit Hall continues to evolve into a destination for learning, discovery, wellness, and community.

In addition to exploring innovative products, technologies, and educational demonstrations, attendees can participate in experiences such as:

• Posturization Stretch Lab, promoting movement, posture, and physical well-being throughout the meeting.
• Community Blood Drive, providing an opportunity to give back while attending Clinical Congress.
• Paws for Pause, a puppy park featuring adoptable dogs and offering a welcoming space to relax, recharge, and support a local rescue organization.

You'll also find ACS Central, industry partners, product demonstrations, educational theaters, a career fair, the History of Surgery Poster competition, and opportunities to connect with organizations advancing the future of surgery.

Strengthen Your Professional Community

Clinical Congress brings together surgeons from every specialty, career stage, and practice setting. Whether through networking events, committee meetings, receptions, or informal conversations throughout the meeting, attendees have countless opportunities to build relationships that extend well beyond Clinical Congress.

Experience Clinical Congress

Clinical Congress is more than an educational meeting—it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the broader surgical community.

Take advantage of networking receptions, wellness activities, leadership programming, exhibits, and everything Washington, DC, has to offer while connecting with colleagues from around the world.

As new planning tools become available this summer, you'll also be able to build a personalized schedule, discover recommended sessions, and customize your Clinical Congress experience through the meeting platform and mobile app.

Every aspect of Clinical Congress is designed to help you learn more, connect more deeply, and leave inspired for the year ahead.

Build your Clinical Congress. Register today.