Last week Sutter Health joined more than 3,000 medical students, educators and health care leaders in Pittsburgh for the 2026 Annual Medical Education Conference, a premier national convening of future physicians.
As the conference’s leading sponsor, Sutter’s presence reflected its continued commitment to strengthening the physician workforce and supporting the next generation of caregivers across the communities it serves.
Hosted by the Student National Medical Association, AMEC brings together aspiring physicians from across the country for several days of workshops, keynote discussions and networking. The focus: leadership, advocacy and the future of medicine.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Generations with Hope: Illuminating the Voices and Vision of the Future of Medicine,” set the tone for conversations about how emerging physician leaders will shape and lead care in the years ahead.
Meeting communities where they are
Throughout the conference, Sutter’s Graduate Medical Education team connected with students and faculty, sharing how the organization is expanding physician training opportunities across Northern California.
Dr. Dineen Greer
“Being at AMEC is incredibly energizing,” said Dr. Dineen Greer, vice president and designated institutional official for GME at Sutter Health. “You see firsthand the passion and purpose these future physicians bring to medicine. It reinforces why our role in training and supporting them matters for the patients and communities who will depend on their care.”
From conversation to action
Sutter contributed to the conference through two featured workshops designed to support learners at key moments in their training.
Dr. Linda Herman, emergency medicine physician and associate program director for the Sutter Roseville Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program led a session focused on building foundational clinical skills, including how to read EKGs, and offered practical insights for medical students navigating their training and career paths.
A second session, led by Dana Beckton, vice president and chief inclusion and belonging officer, Dr. Greer and physician leader Dr. Adora Matthews, director of the Sutter Rehabilitation Institute informed students how to speak up, share ideas and advocate for patients during their training. The session explored how physicians can lead with purpose, advocate for patients and contribute to meaningful change within their organizations and communities.
On the ground at AMEC
Sutter residents played an active role at AMEC 2026, connecting with students, sharing their experiences and representing the next generation of physician leaders.
“Attending AMEC 2026 was a fulfilling experience centered on mentorship, representation and community, especially reconnecting with students from the previous year,” said Dr. Abiolah Telesford, a third-year internal medicine resident at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. “I shared my training experience, promoted inclusion, and facilitated an EKG workshop. Connecting with like-minded future physicians was inspiring and reinforced my commitment to mentorship and education.”
“Being able to table and talk about Sutter Health with the next generation of physicians during AMEC was a full-circle moment for me,” said Dr. Anastacia Azor, a first-year surgery resident at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. “I remember being in their shoes not that long ago—connecting with programs, attending sessions and falling in love with Sutter Health for the first time. It’s a special opportunity to make an impact on these students during a pivotal time in their journey and to have the chance to potentially meet my future co-residents.”
Participation in AMEC is one of many ways Sutter continues to invest in the future of medicine. The organization is building pathways for learning, mentorship and leadership development, extending beyond the classroom into real-world care. For more information, visit sutterhealth.org/education/gme.
