From October 24-26, 2024, the Southern Medical Association (SMA) hosted its 116th Annual Scientific Assembly in Atlanta. The event brought together professionals across various medical specialties, providing an opportunity for attendees to fulfill mandatory DEA requirements on opioids and substance use disorders, while engaging in discussions with expert faculty on topics ranging from finding joy in medicine to the impact of AI on clinician performance. Other key areas included sessions on hypertension and cardiovascular disease, professional boundaries, racial disparities in provider-patient communication, as well as palliative care, music therapy, and the environmental impact on patient care. In addition to these educational sessions, attendees had the chance to interact with exhibitors showcasing the latest in medical advancements.

"This year’s Assembly was a success, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved,” noted SMA Executive Director Randy Glick. “We are excited to build on this momentum as we look forward to next year in New Orleans.”

In addition to the educational sessions, physicians-in-training had the chance to showcase their research as they presented oral and poster abstracts, competing for more than $9,000 in awards. Another Assembly highlight was the Third Annual SMA SMArt Bowl, a medical trivia contest featuring teams of medical students and residents competing for $5,000 in prize money.

The Assembly concluded with two celebratory events: SMA recognized outstanding medical students with more than $14,000 in scholarships in support of their educational journeys, and attendees gathered for the installation of Loretta Loftus, MD, MBA, as SMA’s 119th President.