The Rocky Mountains provided a fitting backdrop for the annual meeting of the next generation of pediatric scientists. The 2026 PSDP Annual Meeting brought together trainees from across the country for two transformative days of inspiration, mentorship, and community.
An Energizing Start
Scholars arrived ready to hit the ground running. The meeting opened with personalized advising sessions, giving trainees dedicated time to reflect on their individual trajectories with seasoned mentors. Workshops and career-building sessions led by national leaders filled the first day with practical insight and forward-looking conversations, from navigating the path to independence to building a research program that endures. The Frontiers in Science resident scholars joined PSDP scholars in the afternoon for inspirational sessions on successful pediatrician-scientist journeys led by PSDP alumni scholars and lessons on being an excellent mentor/mentee by the Warshaw lecturer Dr. Kathy Edwards. “It was an honor to lead the FIS programming for this year’s Annual Meeting. I was inspired by the curiosity, collaboration, and great research. I am proud to be part of this supportive learning community advocating to advance child health through scientific discovery,” notes Dr. Stephanie Davis, Department Chair of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Science
Day two began with senior PSDP Scholars and Guest K12 Scholars presenting their work to peers and leaders alike, sparking dialogue that crossed disciplines and institutions, and highlighting the talent and promise of these young innovators. The Frontiers in Science Symposium featuring mid and senior career pediatrician scientists brought high energy and high stakes to the stage, spotlighting bold ideas that change practice and emerging discoveries led by pediatrician scientists. Interactive panels with top innovators in the field rounded out the scientific program, offering candid perspectives on what it takes to push boundaries in pediatric medicine, and what a career in pediatric research can achieve. The day ended with Dr. Kathy Edwards, a giant in vaccine development and safety, who provided her perspective on a career focused on advancing the world’s most live-saving tool, immunization.
Building the Collaborations That Will Shape Pediatrics
Some of the meeting’s most meaningful moments happened between sessions. Near-peer mentoring created space for an honest exchange among trainees at different stages of their journeys. Networking receptions crackled with energy and possibility, while hands-on grant writing workshops gave scholars tangible tools to translate their ideas into funded science.
A Celebration of Achievement
The graduation ceremony that followed was a moment of pride for the entire PSDP community, a recognition of how far these scholars have come, and a send-off into their exciting new chapters ahead. The meeting closed with a celebratory poster session that put PSDP Scholars’ achievements on full display, drawing admiration and lively scientific exchange.
Dr. Sallie Permar summed it up perfectly, “The PSDP Annual Meeting is a cornerstone event for pediatrician-scientist scholars committed to advancing the health of children. We are grateful to every scholar, mentor, and leader who make the PSDP the premier program in training pediatrician scientists and an energizing and unforgettable annual meeting experience.”