Southern Medical Association // News
May 1, 2026
100 Words: SMA President Dr. David Netscher’s May Message
I invite you to register and explore podcasts featuring Olympian and sports psychologist Lennie Waite and Joseph Maroon, neurosurgeon and researcher in concussion and dementia.
April 29, 2026
Inside SMA’s 2026 Annual Scientific Assembly: Orthopedic Chair Dr. John Elfar on Team-Based Innovation
In this special preview episode for SMA’s Annual Scientific Assembly in Houston, SMA President Dr. David Netscher is joined by orthopedic surgeon, department chair, and clinician-scientist Dr. John Elfar for an engaging conversation on leadership, collaboration, and innovation in modern medicine.
April 29, 2026
Transform Your Mornings to Boost Health and Well-Being in Busy Shifts
Self-improvement is the deliberate practice of becoming more capable, more aligned with your values, and more effective in your daily life.
April 28, 2026
Navigating the Phases of Medical School
As a post-match medical student awaiting graduation day, I have had plenty of time to reflect on the past four years of my life. It has been quite a ride to say the least. It was demanding, but it was significantly more enjoyable than originally anticipated. I met some great...
April 27, 2026
Inside SMA’s 2026 Annual Scientific Assembly: 40-Year Steelers Physician Joseph Maroon on Concussion Science
In this special preview episode for SMA’s Annual Scientific Assembly in Houston taking place November 6–7, 2026, SMA President Dr. David Netscher is joined by Joseph Maroon for an engaging conversation on concussion science, brain health, and innovation in sports medicine.
April 23, 2026
Inside SMA’s 2026 Annual Scientific Assembly: Olympian Lennie Waite on Peak Performance and Resilience
In this special preview episode for SMA’s Annual Scientific Assembly in Houston taking place November 6-7, 2026, SMA President Dr. David Netscher is joined by Olympian and sports psychologist Lennie Waite, PhD, for a compelling conversation on performance, resilience, and the mental demands of high-pressure environments.
April 22, 2026
A Self-Improvement Guide for People Who Want to Grow (and Actually Change)
Self-improvement is the deliberate practice of becoming more capable, more aligned with your values, and more effective in your daily life.
April 17, 2026
100 Words: SMA President Dr. David Netscher’s April Message
For about $500, you could purchase a Bluetooth headset, a virtual reality headset, smart AI glasses, a laptop, wireless printer, or a good dinner for four. Or, as a physician, you could maintain SMA membership for $320 and attend SMA’s Annual Scientific Assembly for $175.
April 16, 2026
SMA Announces Call for Abstracts for Its 4th Annual Virtual Abstract Competition
SMA is now accepting abstracts for its 4th Annual Virtual Abstract Competition being held the week of August 3, 2026. This preliminary competition is open to medical students, residents, and fellows who will compete for a chance to present their projects at SMA’s Annual Scientific Assembly.
April 15, 2026
A New Path to Sustainability in Medicine
We’re entering a new era—one where physicians are redefining what it means to thrive. We’re creating lives and careers that are not only sustainable, but deeply aligned with our values.
