Professionalism and Advocacy:
Achievements, Barriers, Complexities

June 3-5, 2026, in Camden, NJ (near Philadelphia) and/or virtually via Zoom
Advocacy—supporting oneself, others, and systems to promote equity and well-being—is a core responsibility of all healthcare professionals. This international hybrid conference invites health professions educators, clinicians, public health experts, and ethics professionals, as well as their trainees, to explore how different forms of advocacy align with and elevate professionalism. Through global perspectives and open discussions, we will examine achievements, barriers, and complexities in this vital area of professional conduct. We welcome abstracts highlighting creative, rigorous, and impactful work across learning, clinical, community, and system environments.

Conference themes related to professionalism and advocacy include, but are not limited to:

• Importance of Advocacy for Healthcare Professionals – Generational and Cultural Differences
• Advocacy Training Programs and Effective Teaching Methods
• When to Advocate for Patients, Learners, Co-workers?
• Self-Advocacy – A Key to Wellness and Success for Patients, Learners and Professionals
• Intra- and Inter-professional Advocacy in Teams (e.g., Priorities Negotiations)
• Who Needs Help - Patients, Providers, Systems?
• International Perspectives on the Role of Advocacy in Healthcare
• Advocacy and Professionalism: Balancing Opportunities and Boundaries
• Advocating for Justice and Peace – An Ethical Responsibility of Healthcare Professionals?

For complete submission requirements, session types and descriptions, and a link to submit, visit the APHC 2026 June Abstract Submission page.