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Background Information
The Houston Medical Forum is proud to present its Inaugural Research Symposium, a new event designed to showcase excellence in research, amplify community-engaged scholarship, and foster meaningful connections across disciplines and career stages. In advance of our 2026 inaugural celebration, this symposium highlights HMF’s continued commitment to advancing health equity through research, innovation, service, and mentorship.
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: University of Houston School of Medicine
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Agenda
The symposium will feature a full day of learning, collaboration, and community engagement. Speakers will include experts in health disparities, community-engagement, and research.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Registration and Breakfast
Light breakfast and coffee served during sign-in and materials pickup.
8:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Opening Remarks & Scientific Presentations
HMF leadership kicks off the day, followed by oral presentations highlighting emerging research to address disparities in care. Topics include cardiovascular disease, pediatric mental health, maternal health, sickle cell disease, cancer disparities, and more.
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Keynote Address
A dynamic keynote speaker will discuss driving medical progress to reduce health disparities.
11:20 AM – 12:20 PM
Interactive Workshops
Breakout sessions focus on medical writing, building your research CV, incorporating research into your clinical practice, and genetic and genomic disease research.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch Session
Presentation on disparities in conditions affecting brain health, focusing on neurological conditions.
1:30 PM – 2:25 PM
Poster Session and Exhibit Showcase
Browse research posters and connect with presenters and exhibitors.
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Panel Discussion
A moderated discussion exploring the importance of inclusive research practices for addressing health disparities. Panelists will share insights on community engagement, equitable study design, and navigating structural barriers in academic research.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Closing Remarks
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
HMF Awards and Scholarship Reception
Celebrate excellence in research, service, and scholarship.
Registration
Registration for the Inaugural HMF Research Symposium is now open via OneCause.
This event is free for all current HMF members, who are eligible to receive up to 6 continuing education credits (CME) as well as ABIM MOC credit).
Registration Fees for Non-Members:
- Physicians – $75
- Allied Health Professionals including nurses and pharmacists– $50
- Trainees (residents, fellows, medical and pre-medical students) – $25
- Community organization members– $25
Registration includes access to all educational sessions, continuing education credits (CME/CNE/Pharmacy CE), as well as breakfast and lunch. Registration does not include access to the awards reception.
Awards & Scholarship Reception
The HMF Awards and Scholarship Reception will be held from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM following the symposium.
This will be a ticketed event with complimentary admission for accepted poster presenters and invited speakers. More details to follow.
Submit Abstracts
We invite abstract submissions from students, resident and fellow trainees, post-doctoral fellows, physicians in training, and community collaborators in the following categories:
- Clinical Research
- Community-Engaged Research
- Health Disparities & Implementation Science
- Basic & Translational Science
Three $500 awards will be given for best abstracts across selected groups.
Abstract Submission Opens: August 15, 2025
Deadline: October 7, 2025, 11:59 PM.
Notifications Sent: November 3, 2025
For questions, email: research@houstonmedicalforum.org
CME Information
Continuing education credit will be offered for participation in the Inaugural HMF Research Symposium. Eligible attendees may receive:
- Continuing Medical Education
- Continuing Nursing Education
- Continuing Pharmacy Education
- American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credit for eligible activities
Details regarding the number of credits, accreditation statements, and instructions for claiming credit will be provided upon agenda finalization.
For questions about continuing education, please contact us at research@houstonmedicalforum.org
Conference Organizers
Symposium Co-Chairs
- Anjail Sharrief, MD, MPH
- Natalie Dailey Garnes, MD, MPH, MS.
Steering Committee
- Kenya Steele, MD
- Kevin McKinney, MD
- Esther Bonojo, BS
- Simbo Chiadika, MD, MPH
- Gabriella Tavera, BS
- Collins Mokua, BS
Symposium Coordinator
- Caitlynn Carter, BS
The symposium is a project of the Houston Medical Forum, with support from the HMF Executive Committee and its broader membership.
Contact Us
For general inquiries, abstract assistance, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
research@houstonmedicalforum.org