On behalf of the American College of Surgeons, it is our distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Quality, Safety & Cancer Conference (QSCC). Orlando brings sunshine, vibrant energy, and just the right spark of adventure, making it the perfect backdrop for our newly unified conference as we explore the future of quality improvement and collaboration together.
This year marks an exciting new chapter as we bring together the strengths of the Quality and Safety Conference and the ACS Cancer Conference into one reimagined experience. While cancer has long been part of quality and safety, we have now fully integrated the entire cancer care team. The content reflects the complexity, coordination, and collaboration required in real-world care delivery, creating a more cohesive forum that delivers deeper insights, stronger connections, and practical strategies to enhance patient outcomes and institutional performance.
Our 2026 theme, “QI Powered by AI,” reflects both the momentum and responsibility before us. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming health care, and technology alone does not drive improvement. Multidisciplinary teams are the driving force behind QI efforts. This year’s conference emphasizes resilience, learning, and growth, grounded in the understanding that meaningful improvement often comes from examining failure. By working through challenges and learning from setbacks, we strengthen our systems, enhance patient care, and build organizations capable of adapting in a rapidly changing environment.
As AI continues to reshape how we deliver care, this resilience becomes even more essential. While there is significant excitement around AI, our focus is on the practical application of how these tools can be used today to drive meaningful improvements in quality and safety. We recognize the importance of thoughtful implementation, continuous evaluation, and maintaining the human insight that underpins effective care.
QSCC is designed for the entire care team, from frontline clinicians to executive leaders. The program is intentionally multidisciplinary, encouraging shared learning and collaboration across roles, specialties, and settings. Sessions feature more interactive, case-based formats that emphasize practical problem-solving, along with a strong focus on return on investment, altogether ensuring that improvements in care are aligned with measurable value and organizational priorities.
The conference begins on Thursday, July 30, with a full day of expert-led preconference sessions offering hands-on learning and actionable strategies. General sessions begin Friday morning and will challenge perspectives on topics such as the role of AI in quality improvement, how leaders prioritize QI, and how organizations can learn from failure to drive progress. Across more than 50 breakout sessions, 26 abstract podium presentations, and expanded cancer-focused programming, you will find specialty-aligned content spanning multiple program and content tracks, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests and goals. The Quality Improvement in Action sessions showcase real-world success stories and the multidisciplinary teams behind them, bringing together voices from the front line to the C-suite to share how meaningful improvements were achieved. These sessions not only celebrate a culture of quality and collaboration but also provide clear, actionable steps that attendees can adapt and implement within their own organizations.
We are honored to welcome two distinguished keynote speakers. Chaunté Lowe, four-time Olympian and breast cancer survivor, will share a powerful story of resilience and the importance of the care team. Dr. Jonathan Chen of Stanford will offer insight into how we prepare the healthcare workforce to effectively and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into practice.
Beyond the educational sessions, QSCC fosters meaningful connections. We look forward to welcoming you to the Welcome Reception on Friday evening, as well as the Abstract Poster and Exhibitor Networking Reception on Saturday.
We are grateful for your participation as we launch this new era of QSCC together. Welcome to the 2026 ACS Quality, Safety & Cancer Conference!
Sincerely,
Clifford Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, FASCRS
Senior Vice President, ACS Quality Programs
Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS
Medical Director, ACS Cancer Programs
