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MedStar Health and Georgetown University 2026 Symposium

On April 28, 2026, MedStar Health and Georgetown University came together to hold the 2026 MedStar Health–Georgetown University Research & Education Symposium at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel Conference Center located in Bethesda, Maryland. This annual event is a cornerstone for showcasing the academic talents and innovative research occurring within their collaborative health system.

A Gathering of Experts

With over 1,000 attendees, the symposium featured more than 375 research presentations and workshops. These presentations ranged from clinical care to translational science, population health research, and cutting-edge medical and nursing education. The attendees included physicians, nurses, researchers, educators, and students, all aiming to leverage their collective knowledge to improve patient care.

Dr. Stephen R.T. Evans, MedStar Health’s chief medical officer, remarked, "The Symposium demonstrates what is possible when we harness the full strength of our academic community. From groundbreaking research to innovative educational approaches, our program reflects our commitment to bettering patient care in our communities."

Keynote Presentations

This year's symposium featured impactful keynote speakers that underscored the partnership’s dedication to academic excellence. Dr. Eliana Bonifacino, an academic hospitalist and associate professor from Georgetown University School of Medicine, addressed the future of health professions education, particularly focusing on the rising integration of artificial intelligence in clinician training.

Another noteworthy presentation came from Dr. Julie A. Freischlag, a leadership advisor at Advocate Health. Previously a chief academic officer at Atrium Health, she shared her insights on leadership and the vital role of research in enhancing patient care. Her perspectives resonated with attendees eager to improve their practices through innovative research.

Fostering Future Leaders

The symposium also prioritized the recognition of emerging talent in the healthcare field. Awards for Best Oral Abstracts were presented to a group of residents and fellows, showcasing their research talent:

• - First Place: Seunghee Han, MD; Sara Kiparizoska, MD; and Margaret Hornick, MD
• - Second Place: Ardashvardhan Tangella, MD; Alexandra Snyder, MD; and Navya Vemula, MD
• - Third Place: Gregory Furletti, MD; Patrick Mooney, MD; and Jeffrey Breton, MD

In addition, the event acknowledged individuals for their top-scoring abstracts centered on health professions education, with Jose (JV) Nable securing the first place, followed by Katie DePalma and Theodora Balis.

Strengthening a Strategic Partnership

The significance of the event goes beyond just academic achievement; it symbolizes the robust partnership between MedStar Health and Georgetown University. According to Dr. Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., executive vice president for health sciences at Georgetown University Medical Center, opportunities like the symposium are crucial for reinforcing their shared mission.

He emphasized the importance of creating a future that celebrates discovery and fosters the growth of future leaders in healthcare — driven by health, hope, and healing for all communities.

This collaboration exemplifies the potential impact that can arise when leading academic institutions unite. As both organizations look towards the future, they remain committed to advancing healthcare education and research, ultimately enhancing patient care throughout their communities.