Spring Greetings AUPHA Colleagues:
As we approach early June, I’m looking forward to gathering with many of you in San Diego for the 2026 AUPHA Annual Meeting—one of the most energizing moments of our year as a community.
This year’s theme, “Future Fluent by Design: Developing Leaders for a Transforming World,” feels especially timely. The pace of change in healthcare—and in higher education—continues to accelerate. Our responsibility is not simply to respond, but to anticipate and lead. That means designing learning experiences that prepare graduates to think critically, adapt quickly, and shape what comes next in healthcare delivery and policy.
Our annual meeting program reflects that challenge. From June 9 to 11, we’ll come together at the Bahia Resort Hotel for conversations that span innovation, leadership, teaching and learning, assessment, and the growing role of data and AI in our field. Just as important as the formal sessions, though, are the opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues who understand both the complexity and the importance of what we do.
We’re also fortunate to have a strong group of featured speakers. Kevin Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, will open our pre-conference with insights on leadership and transformation. Christy O’Gaughan will push us to think more deeply about the role of data and analytics in shaping healthcare’s future. And sessions like the Pattullo Lecture and the AUPHA Forum—this year focused on “Medicaid at 60”—will challenge us to consider the broader context in which we educate and lead.
But what keeps many of us coming back year after year isn’t just the content—it’s the people. The Annual Meeting is where long-standing professional relationships are renewed and new ones begin. It’s where ideas that start as casual conversations turn into collaborations, research, and innovation. In an increasingly virtual world, that kind of connection matters more than ever.
Whether you are a long-time attendee or considering joining us for the first time, I hope you will be part of this year’s gathering. Bring your perspective, your questions, and your willingness to engage.
I look forward to seeing you in San Diego!
Warmly,
Dan