Celebrating Excellence in Nursing Research and Medical Innovation

The inaugural Northern California Nursing Research and Innovation Conference on May 14 and 15 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together over fifty research and evidence‑based practice (EBP) posters from enthusiastic and dedicated nurses – some of whom were presenting for the very first time. The two‑day event was a vibrant showcase of nurse‑driven initiatives, reinforcing Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to excellence in nursing practice and patient care.

Nursing Research and Innovation Highlights

Keynote speakers set the tone for the conference, with Dan Weberg, PhD, MHI, RN, FAAN discussing the future of AI in nursing and Erica Hooper, DNP, RN, CNS, CNL, PHN and Rayne Soriano, Ph.D., RN, NE‑BC emphasizing the importance of Caring Science within our Professional Practice Model. Dynamic and inspirational aptly describe the Research and Innovation Academy Conference. It was an opportunity for nurses to cross-pollinate best practices, challenge the status quo, and embrace a spirit of inquiry. The event also featured golden nuggets of knowledge on abstract preparation and becoming a peer reviewer for professional journals.

The conference was a platform for recognizing outstanding work. Several awards were presented to recognize exceptional contributions:

• Most Innovative Poster Award: Given to a team from the Antioch Medical Center for their work promoting quality and safe care.
• Most Abstract and Poster Submissions: The Santa Clara Medical Center team, with 14 shared at the conference.
• Best Poster Design: Received by the team from the Modesto Medical Center for their work improving the pediatric patient experience.

Toby Marsh, MSN, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, NCAL Regional Chief Nurse Executive and Vice President of Clinical Integration, captured the spirit of the event perfectly, stating, “The future is really bright. This is the best time to be a Kaiser Permanente nurse and nurse leader in Northern California.”

Medical Management of HIV/AIDS and Key Infections (MMAKI)

The Medical Management of HIV/AIDS and Key Infections Conference is a continuing medical education (CME) course presented by the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases & Global Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. The symposium provides three full days of focused, topical education and updates on HIV, ART management, HIV dermatology, hepatitis, COVID-19, and key infections for clinicians from around the world. Each year’s agenda reflects recent advances, discoveries, and emergent issues.

The agenda is geared toward intermediate to advanced HIV clinicians and ambitious, committed beginning clinicians. Our course is unique in that it provides a “New Clinicians Track” with five additional didactic lectures for beginning clinicians. Dr. Diane Havlir, MD, Division Chief of HIV, Infectious Diseases & Global Medicine at UCSF – Zuckerberg San Francisco General delivers the keynote address at MMAKI 2024.

California Rheumatology Alliance 20th Annual Meeting

The 2024 CRA Medical & Scientific Meeting marks a significant milestone for the California Rheumatology Alliance – We’re celebrating our 20th anniversary! For the past two decades, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to advancing rheumatology care, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and innovating new solutions to improve patient outcomes. The 20th ASM promises to be a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, discover new perspectives, and network with fellow members.

ALMA National Convention 2024

The American Lebanese Medical Association National Convention took place September 13-14, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA. The convention featured a Student / Resident / Fellow Poster Competition during the conference. Students and residents displayed posters about research or a clinical case, contributing to the academic depth of the gathering.

Summary of Medical Conferences and Scientific Meetings

Below is a summary of the events and educational opportunities described in the provided materials:

• Northern California Nursing Research and Innovation Conference: Held May 14-15, 2024; focused on AI in nursing, Caring Science, and EBP.
• MMAKI CME Course: A three-day course covering HIV, hepatitis, and emerging infections; includes a New Clinicians Track.
• 2024 CRA 20th Annual Meeting: Held May 18-19, 2024, in San Francisco; focused on advancements in rheumatology care.
• ALMA National Convention: Held September 14, 2024; featured research poster competitions for students and residents.