This biennial event, LEADERSHIP SUMMIT - Developing Solutions to Improve Public Health, brings together three distinguished speakers who will explore the most urgent issues shaping healthcare today—payer, provider, and government, locally and/or nationally. Each keynote will illuminate the state of healthcare, highlight persistent challenges, and share innovative strategies for advancing health equity from their perspective.  In a time marked by economic and policy uncertainty, our shared commitment to equity and collaboration has never been more vital. 

Healthcare disparities and inequities remain significant public health challenges, requiring collaborative solutions across healthcare systems, providers, payers, and government agencies. This session will examine the current state of public health, highlighting critical issues such as maternal and infant mortality, vaccine guidance and acceptance, access to adequate health insurance and healthcare services, social determinants of health, and environmental health concerns and more. 

Through perspectives from payer, provider, and government leaders, we will explore the challenges facing their respective organizations and discuss strategies, initiatives, and solutions designed to advance health equity, improve health outcomes, and reduce healthcare disparities. Participants will gain insight into opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and the role of leadership in addressing persistent public health challenges.

Beyond inspiring speakers, attendees will enjoy dynamic networking sessions, engaging exhibits, and a festive atmosphere as we celebrate the close of 2026 and look ahead with optimism to the coming year.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This activity is designed for physicians, healthcare executives, public health professionals, healthcare administrators, policymakers, government health officials, healthcare payers, academic leaders, and other healthcare professionals involved in healthcare delivery, public health policy, population health, and efforts to advance health equity. Advocates are welcome to attend, learn, explore, and support IOMC's mission. 

Join us to connect, learn, and be inspired.

SPEAKERS

• Lakshmi Emory, MD, MPH, Regional Vice President of Health Services & Chief Medical Officer (FIDE, Medicaid, MDSP), Humana  

• Ngozi Ezike, MD, President and CEO of Sinai Chicago

• Garth N. Walker, MD, MPH, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify key public health challenges contributing to healthcare disparities, including maternal mortality, vaccination gaps, inadequate insurance coverage, social determinants of health, and environmental health risk;
• Describe strategies and initiatives implemented by payer, provider, and government organizations to improve healthcare access, advance health equity, and address disparities in patient outcomes;
• Discuss opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and leadership to develop sustainable solutions that improve public health and address the needs of underserved populations.

We welcome your involvement and look forward to meeting you. 

ACCREDITATION AND CREDIT DESIGNATION

Physician Credit

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and the Institute of Medicine of Chicago. The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
       

The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Other Participant Credit
Other participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. For information on the applicability and acceptance of Certificates of Participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME, please consult your professional licensing board.

PARKING 

Valet Parking Available: $22.00.  Other convenient options are available at Spot Hero Parking here. 

SPONSORS 

Sponsors and Exhibitors - download brochure here.

Prospective sponsors and exhibitors are invited to reach out for partnership opportunities at sponsorship@iomc.org.