Join us for the 2026 National Health Science Conference!
Registration Information
Experience the Magic of Health Science Education in The Magic City – Birmingham!
Unlock new possibilities in pre-conference workshops designed to spark innovation and elevate your impact.
Immerse yourself in an expansive exhibit hall showcasing 50+ educational and industry partners ready to inspire.
Be inspired by 60+ dynamic sessions led by your peers and leading health science voices.
Pre-Conference | Monday, October 19, 2026
Conference | Tuesday, October 20 – Thursday, October 22, 2026
Location
2100 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N. Birmingham, AL 35203
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: events@healthscienceconsortium.org.
Conference Information
Call for Proposals
Enhance the conference experience by sharing your expertise! We invite you to submit workshop proposals through our Call for Proposals. Take the opportunity to shape the agenda, contribute to the dialogue, and connect with fellow industry leaders. Let your knowledge make an impact – submit your workshop proposal today and help us create a conference program that truly reflects the forefront of health science education.
Partner & Sponsors
Is your business or organization looking for ways to connect with health science educators? Visit our dedicated Partner & Sponsor page for engagement opportunities at the 2026 National Health Science Conference.
2026 Pre-Conference Speakers
See It. Touch It. Teach It. Bringing Health Science Education Back to Life
Robbi Rauzi, Co-Founder, Activities in a Pinch
Denise Abbott RN, MAED, Co-Founder, Activities in a Pinch
Melissa Hodges, Director – Core Product Management and Innovation Carolina Biological Supply Co
Candace Berkeley, Senior Product Manager - Preserved Materials, Carolina Biological Supply Company
Experience health science in action through an immersive, hands-on dissection workshop featuring the cardiovascular, visual, and nervous systems. Using Carolina’s preserved sheep heart and brain and cow eye specimens, participants will not only explore structure-function relationships, but also experience the power of Activities in a Pinch —bringing complex health science concepts to life through tangible, real-world application.
Rooted in the engagement strategies, this session demonstrates how to craft powerful instructional “hooks” that spark curiosity before the scalpel ever touches the specimen. Educators will rotate through guided dissections to identify key anatomical structures, trace blood flow and neural pathways, and connect anatomy to clinical relevance and health careers. Along the way, participants will model ready-to-use classroom engagement strategies, formative learning checks, and memorable reinforcement activities.
Aligned with the National Health Science Standards, this session equips educators with practical tools to elevate anatomy and physiology instruction—transforming lessons from passive content delivery into interactive, standards-aligned experiences that drive deeper understanding, retention, and career connections.
Precision in Practice: Integrating Suturing Competency into Health Science Education
Christy Shaw, Instructor & NPCSI Coordinator, University of South Alabama
Eleanor Odom, Instructor & South SIM Manager, University Of South Alabama
In the evolving landscape of 2026 healthcare, clinical competency is no longer just a goal—it is a measurable mandate for safety and workforce readiness. This comprehensive pre-conference session provides a robust blueprint for integrating basic suturing skills into the Health Science curriculum, bridging the gap between classroom theory and high-stakes clinical execution.
Designed for educators and practitioners across the health science spectrum—including athletic trainers, nurses, and medical assistants—this session begins with a dynamic lecture on wound assessment, instrument ergonomics, and the science of tissue apposition. The core of the experience is an immersive, hands-on laboratory where attendees will practice simple interrupted and running sutures on porcine tissue. Beyond the technical skill, the session explores the pedagogical integration of procedural simulation, emphasizing how tactile, repetitive practice builds the cognitive confidence and manual dexterity essential for clinical rotations. Participants will discuss assessment strategies aligned with National Health Science Standards, ensuring students move beyond passive observation to active clinical mastery. By mastering these instructional techniques, attendees will be equipped to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals with the “Defense-Proof” skills required in today’s demanding medical environments.
2026 Keynote Speakers
Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches
Gerry Brooks, Kentucky Educator & Administrator
Gerry Brooks is a veteran educator in Lexington, Kentucky. His educational experience includes six years in the classroom, two years as an intervention specialist, and 12 years as an administrator.
He is a passionate public speaker whose focus is on encouraging and helping teachers improve their instructional abilities. He also has a desire to help administrators successfully lead their staff.
An encouraging speaker, he has spoken to educational groups all around the nation. His focus is on encouraging teachers to improve their instruction through personal climate and culture strategies. He desires to help administrators focus on how to lead all staff in a positive and constructive manner.
His following on social media has developed through humorous videos that focus on real-world educational experiences. He is currently followed on these social media sites by over 500,000 people.
The Mastermind Behind Development
Dr. Bryant D. Collier, Organizational Strategist
Join our dynamic keynote speaker, Dr. Bryant Collier, for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation that will challenges and inspire you to reimagine what’s possible for every student you encounter.
A Georgia native and nationally respected speaker, Dr. Collier brings a message rooted in resilience, leadership, and the belief that every individual holds untapped potential waiting to be seen and developed. As the founder of BCollierSpeaks, LLC and curator of the “Baffirmed” podcast, he equips audiences with the mindset and motivation to move beyond limitations and lead with intention.
You will walk away with a renewed perspective on influence, practical ways to affirm and develop others, and a deeper commitment to seeing beyond circumstances into true potential.
2026 Sponsors & Exhibitors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Social Sponsors
Exhibitors
Why Professional Development Matters
INVOLVEMENT
Connect with health science educators from around the nation and partners who truly understand your work. These are your mentors and colleagues in education—your kindred spirits. Take a moment to reflect on what makes health science so uniquely inspiring!
INSIGHT
Explore a wealth of classroom resources, proven best practices, and innovative teaching strategies, while deepening your expertise in your specific areas of interest through the pre-conference, general, and breakout conference sessions.
NETWORKS
Seize this opportunity to engage personally with the world of health science education—meet new colleagues and NCHSE partners at our national conference. Connect with peers, exchange ideas, and forge new collaborations to discover innovative strategies that can elevate your teaching and your program.