NACST 2026 Conference

The NACST 2026 Conference brings together leaders in physician-scientist training, MD/PhD program directors, administrators, and national stakeholders for a full day of strategic discussions, data sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

Held in Bethesda, MD, this year’s meeting focuses on training innovation, workforce outcomes, admissions strategy, and specialty advising in a rapidly evolving academic and funding environment.

This highly interactive meeting features:

• National updates from NIH and NIGMS leadership
• Strategic insights on T32 training grants and peer review changes
• Data-driven discussions on MD/PhD workforce trends and outcomes
• Practical approaches to admissions yield challenges and applicant behavior
• Cross-institutional best practices in specialty advising and career alignment
• Lightning talks showcasing innovative, replicable program models
• Dedicated administrator roundtable programming
• Built-in networking and collaboration time

• NIH Priorities & T32 Strategy
• NIH updates, peer review changes, and funding landscape
• Panel with reviewers, PIs, and NIH representatives
• Postgraduate Training Pathways
• Focus on specialties without well-established PSTPs
• Surgeon-scientist and non-traditional pathway insights
• MD/PhD Workforce & Outcomes Data
• National outcomes survey initiative
• Benchmarking and program evaluation strategies

• Admissions & Yield Strategy
• Data-driven discussion on applicant behavior and waitlist trends
• Pre-conference survey results presented live
• Lightning Talks
• Rapid presentations highlighting innovative program practices
• Specialty Advising Best Practices
• Aligning trainee goals with specialty-specific research expectations
• Incorporating workforce data into advising strategies
• Concurrent Administrator Programming
• Roundtable discussions on T32 requirements, operations, and challenges

• Networking Reception & Free Time
• Dinner & Bert Shapiro Award Ceremony

• MD/PhD Program Directors & Leadership
• Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) Directors
• Program Administrators
• NIH/Training Grant Stakeholders
• Academic Leaders in Biomedical Training

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Host or Publisher NACST Organization