This invitation is open to all Ethics Section members! This is an opportunity for you to contribute directly to Ethics related activities/discussions at Congress 2027.
***Deadline = Oct 1st, 2026!***
The Connect and Converse sessions are designed to create interactive, discussion-driven learning experiences that encourage meaningful engagement among SCCM members. These sessions provide an opportunity for sections to collaborate, share expertise, and foster interdisciplinary dialogue on timely and relevant topics in critical care.
New for 2027: These sessions will be accredited educational activities and will now include full A/V capabilities to enhance learning through focused presentations combined with interactive discussion.
Session Format & Expectations
- Interactive Focus: Sessions should prioritize audience engagement, dialogue, and exchange of ideas rather than traditional lecture-style presentations.
- Presentation Component: Limited, concise presentations are encouraged to frame the discussion (recommended 10–15 minutes total).
- Discussion-Driven: At least 50% of the session should be dedicated to moderated discussion, Q&A, case-based interaction, or audience participation.
- A/V Utilization: Rooms will include full A/V capabilities; presenters should leverage slides or multimedia only to support-not dominate-the conversation.
- Collaboration Strongly Encouraged: Given limited availability, sections are encouraged to partner with other sections to develop joint proposals that reflect diverse perspectives.
- Room Setup: Rooms will include a lectern and head table at the front, round tables towards the front of the room, and several rows of theater seating in the back to support the interactive focus of these sessions.
Proposal Requirements
Section proposals should be submitted via the link provided below and include:
- 2–3 clearly defined learning objectives (aligned with accreditation requirements)
- Brief session description (150–250 words)
- Proposed format (including how audience engagement will be achieved)
- Preliminary faculty/moderator list
- Description of collaboration (if multiple sections are involved)
Selection Considerations
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance and timeliness of topic
- Strength of interactive format
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Alignment with SCCM educational priorities
- Feasibility within the session format
Timeline, Key Deadlines & Submission
- Proposal Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026
- Review and selection process: October 1 - October 16, 2026
- Notifications to sections: October 19, 2026
- Final content due: February 15, 2027
Link to submit proposal: 2027 SCCM Congress | Connect and Converse Session Proposal – Fill out form
Additional Notes
- Not all submitted proposals will be selected.
- Joint submissions that demonstrate strong collaboration and engagement strategies are highly encouraged and may be prioritized.
Contact : For questions or guidance on proposal development, please contact Cathy Sormalis at csormalis@sccm.org
------------------------------
Preeti R. John MD, MPH, FACS, FCCM, HEC-C
Surgeon, Intensivist, Certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant,
Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System,
Clinical Associate Professor, Dept. of Surgery,
University of Maryland School of Medicine,
Baltimore, MD
------------------------------