Title: SMA 2026 Annual Scientific Assembly: Advancing Practice Performance through Knowledge, Leadership, and Innovation: Lessons Learned From Sports Medicine

Target Audience: This conference is designed for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Accreditation Statement: Southern Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation Statement: Southern Medical Association designates this activity for a maximum of 15.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please Note: This activity is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and may be accepted by state boards for CE credit. Participants should verify acceptance with their state licensing board.

Conference Program Planning Committee
David Netscher, MD - Medical Director
G. Waldon Garriss III, MD, MS, MBA, MHA - Chair
Richard Leggett, MD - Vice Chair
Randy Glick, BSB/pm, MCP, Program Director
Michael Angel, MD,
Desiree Burroughs-Ray, MD, MPH, FAAP
Lawrence Carter, Jr., MD
Cary Cavender, MD
Elizabeth Edwards, MD
Christopher Jackson, MD, FACP, FSSCI
Daniel Morris, MD
Mohammed Afraz Pasha, MD
Daniel Matthew Sherrer, MBA, FASA, FAACD

Disclosures of Relevant Financial Relationships

Southern Medical Association adheres to the policies and guidelines, including the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited CE, set forth to providers by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and all other professional organizations, as applicable, stating those activities where continuing education credits are awarded must be balanced, independent, objective, and scientifically rigorous. All persons in a position to control the content provided by Southern Medical Association are required to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible company within the past 24 months. All financial relationships reported are identified as relevant and mitigated by Southern Medical Association in accordance with the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited CE in advance of delivery of the activity to learners. The content of this activity was vetted by Southern Medical Association to assure objectivity and that the activity is free of commercial bias.

A full list of disclosure information for faculty will be provided during the conference.

The planners for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

2026 Annual Scientific Assembly Schedule
Friday, November 6

All educational sessions take place in Helix Hall at the TMC³ Collaborative Building.

7:00–7:50 am
Breakfast

7:50-8:00 am
Opening Ceremony

8:00-9:00 am
Keynote Speaker: Cady Coleman
Mental & Physical Lessons Learned from Long Endurance Space Flight
Journey beyond Earth with former astronaut Cady Coleman as she shares unforgettable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and peak performance from life in space — and how they apply to leadership and medicine here at home.

9:00-10:00 am
Moreton Lecture

10:00-10:15 am
Break

10:15-10:45 am
Stronger Together: The Multidisciplinary Model in Sports Medicine
John Elfar, MD
Discover why the strongest outcomes happen when experts work together. This session highlights the power of a collaborative, team-based approach to elevate sports medicine care.

10:45-11:30 am
From Injury to Innovation: The Science of Tissue Repair
John Elfar, MD
From innovation to implementation, explore how regenerative medicine is transforming recovery after injury and redefining what’s possible in tissue repair.

11:30 am-12:00 pm
Lunch

12:00-12:45 pm
Office-Based Ultrasound – In Diagnosis and  Therapy/Guiding Treatment
John Fowler Jr., MD
See how point-of-care ultrasound is revolutionizing real-time decision-making, bringing sharper diagnostics and targeted treatment.

12:45-1:30 pm
From Image to Impact: Ultrasound-Guided Diagnosis and Therapy
John Cianca, MD
Move beyond the image and into action with practical techniques that enhance precision, improve outcomes, and elevate patient care.

1:30-3:30 pm
From Head to Toe: A Joint-by-Joint Expert Panel
Shoulder: Phillip Williams, MD
Elbow: Adil Ahmed, MD
Wrist & Hand: David Netscher, MD
Discussion
Knee: Bruce Moseley, MD
Foot & Ankle: Bill Granberry, MD
Back: Nicholas Stetkevich, DO, MPH
Shoulder to spine, wrist to ankle — leading experts break down today’s most pressing musculoskeletal challenges in this fast-paced, practical panel packed with clinical pearls.

3:30-3:45 pm
Break

3:45-4:30 pm
Going for Gold: Safely Returning Older Adults to Mobility and Fitness
James Wagner, OTD
Help your aging patients thrive. Learn smart, evidence-based strategies to safely restore mobility, build strength, and support lifelong activity.

6:00-9:00 pm
Members Reception at Daikin Park*
5:30 pm: 1st bus leaves for Daikin Park
6:15 pm: 2nd bus leaves for Daikin Park
8:00 pm: 1st bus departs Daikin Park
Join us for an unforgettable Members Reception at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros, to connect, celebrate, and enjoy an evening in true championship style.

2026 Annual Scientific Assembly Schedule
Saturday, November 7

All educational sessions take place in Helix Hall at the TMC³ Collaborative Building.

7:00–7:50 am
Breakfast

8:00-9:00 am
Keynote Speaker: Joseph Mar0on, MD
50 Years of Caring for Elite Athletes
Join a legendary sports medicine physician for a remarkable look back at five decades of caring for elite athletes — and the current innovations that continue to advance the field today.

9:00-10:00 am
Top 16 Presenters from SMA’s Virtual Abstract Competition
Be among the first to hear standout research selected from SMA’s Virtual Abstract Competition — showcasing fresh ideas and rising voices in medicine.

10:00-10:15 am
Break

10:15-11:15 am
Top 16 Presenters from SMA’s Virtual Abstract Competition - continued
Be among the first to hear standout research selected from SMA’s Virtual Abstract Competition — showcasing fresh ideas and rising voices in medicine.

11:15 am-12:00 pm
Helping Athletes Navigate Musculoskeletal Disorders
David Ring, MD, PhD
Navigate the complexities of musculoskeletal disorders in athletes with expert insight into safe, patient-centered care, ethical considerations, and protecting athlete health—while also addressing the role of medications, including injectables, as part of a broader treatment approach.

12:00-1:00 pm
Lunch

1:00-1:45 pm
Translating Sports Psychology to Mental Wellbeing of Exercise and Making a Successful Practice
Lennie Waite, PhD
Unlock the mindset strategies used in sports to strengthen resilience, enhance performance, and build a more successful, sustainable medical career.

1:45-3:15 pm
Prescribing Movement: The Science Behind Exercise Therapy: A Panel Discussion
An Effective Weight Loss Program: Cody Moore, MD
Benefits of Exercise on Diabetes Management, Calcium Metabolism, and Bone Health: Ruchi Gaba, MD
Sports and Nutritional Supplements: Roberta Anding, MS, RD
The Benefits of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health: Scott Sherron, MD
Get the data behind the movement. This engaging panel dives into the science of exercise therapy, from weight loss and diabetes to bone and heart health.

3:15-3:30 pm
Break

3:30-5:30 pm
Charting Your Course: Career Development for IMGs and U.S. Physicians: A Panel Discussion
Academic Practice: David Netscher, MD
Private Practice: Azita Madjidi, MD
Multispecialty/Nontraditional Path: Anand Mohan, MD, MBA
Public Sector/Rural Health: Awaiting confirmation
This dynamic panel serves as both a guide for IMGs and a guide for all. Explore various career pathways and discover why building a meaningful career in medicine truly takes a team.

7:00-10:00 pm
SMA Annual Dinner & Member Recognition at the Blossom Hotel*
“Houston Nights: Celebrating Our Members, Our Mission, Our Momentum”
Join colleagues for an unforgettable evening. Set against the spirit of Houston, this special night honors our members, recognizes excellence, and reflects on the shared mission and momentum moving us forward together.

*Tickets for the dinner are purchased separately.

Registration is Open for the 2026 Annual Scientific Assembly.

If you have any questions, contact [email protected].

Register for the Assembly

Registration Fees

Book Your Room

Please Note: The special group rate at the Blossom Hotel Houston is available through October 9, 2026 and is subject to availability based on the remaining rooms in the group block.

About the Hotel

Just minutes from the Assembly venue at the TMC³ Collaborative Building in Helix Park, the Blossom Hotel Houston places you in the heart of the city near the Museum District, Hermann Park, and the Texas Medical Center. Enjoy easy access to top dining, museums, and attractions, then unwind with modern accommodations, a rooftop bar and pool, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Blossom Hotel Houston, Curio Collection by Hilton
7118 Bertner Avenue
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (832) 734-8888

Room Rates

Room Rate: $169 per night (plus tax and fees) for single/double occupancy
Check-In: 4:00 pm
Check-Out: 11:00 am
Valet Parking: $49.00 per night

About Houston

Houston—the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the United States—is a vibrant, globally diverse destination where more than 145 languages are spoken. This rich cultural mix fuels an exceptional food scene, thriving arts community, and dynamic neighborhoods. Just minutes from downtown, the leafy Museum District sits between Midtown and the Texas Medical Center and is home to 19 world-class museums, including The Menil Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Together, these renowned institutions draw nearly seven million visitors each year.

Book Your Room

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