Join us virtually for a day of connection, conversation, and updates at the 2026 Academic Forum Retreat. This annual gathering is a chance for Academic Forum members to stay informed on key developments from AMIA and across the informatics community, hear from leaders in the field, and take part in meaningful discussions about the future of health informatics education.
This year’s retreat is especially meaningful as we celebrate 20 years of the Academic Forum.
The program features a keynote by Charlie Harp (Clinical Architecture), who will speak about the skills needed for the health informatics workforce and how AI is shaping those expectations. We’ll also host a 20th Anniversary panel with Drs. Mark Musen, Bill Hersh, Ted Shortliffe, and Robert Greenes, who will reflect on the evolution of informatics education and share perspectives on what lies ahead.
In addition, the retreat will include community updates, a Student Working Group perspective, and a moderated discussion with opportunities for Q&A and open conversation.
Bring your ideas, questions, and perspectives—we look forward to seeing you there!
Agenda
| Time | Event | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 am – 10:05 am | Welcome | Christina Eldredge, Chair Elect, Academic Forum |
| 10:05 am – 10:20 am | State of the Academic Forum | Josette Jones, Chair, Academic Forum |
| 10:20 am – 11:20 am | Keynote: The Future of Health Informatics: Data Quality, AI, and the Work Ahead | Charlie Harp, Clinical Architecture |
| 11:20 am – 12:00 pm | AF Community Chair Updates | ALNI: Robin Austin, Chair BEC: Matthew Scotch, Chair CIPD: Veena Lingam, Chair ELC: Paul Nagy, Chair PMEC: David Gibbs, Chair |
| 12:00 pm – 12:10 pm | Student Working Group Update | Parand Shams, STWG AF Representative |
| 12:10 pm – 12:30 pm | Session: To Be Announced (details coming soon) |
|
| 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch Break – Return at 1:00 pm | |
| 1:00 pm – 1:20 pm | CAHIIM Update | Amanda Stefan, CAHIIM |
| 1:20 pm – 1:40 pm | AMIA Education Initiatives Update | Jonathan Hron, Chair Education Steering Committee Jeff Fraler, AMIA SVP Education |
| 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm | Celebrating 20 Years of the Academic Forum: From Founding Vision to the Future | Robert Greenes, Arizona State University Edward Shortliffe, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University William Hersh, Oregon Health & Science University Mark Musen, Stanford University |
| 2:40 pm – 2:55 pm | Looking Ahead & Reflecting Back: An Open Q&A on the Future of Academic Forum | Stephen Bronsburg, Nova Southeastern University |
| 2:55 pm – 3:00 pm | Closing Remarks | Christina Eldredge, Chair Elect, Academic Forum |