Physicians from across the UK and beyond will come together for Medicine 2026, the annual conference hosted by the RCP. Taking place on Wednesday 13 – Thursday 14 May 2026 at the RCP at Regent’s Park in London and online, the 2-day event will provide essential clinical updates, expert perspectives and practical guidance on the policies, technologies and specialty developments shaping the future of medicine. The conference is designed to help clinicians navigate a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. From digital transformation and artificial intelligence to changing models of care and specialty-specific challenges, the programme aims to equip delegates with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt and lead within modern healthcare systems.
Addressing the changing landscape of medicine
Healthcare is undergoing profound change, driven by advances in technology, new policy priorities and growing pressure on services. Medicine 2026 will bring together clinicians, researchers and healthcare leaders to discuss how physicians can respond to these shifts while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn continuing professional development (CPD) credits while hearing from leading experts across a range of fields. Sessions will combine clinical insights with practical advice, allowing delegates to translate new knowledge into everyday practice. The conference will focus not only on emerging science and clinical innovation but also on the broader systems and societal factors influencing healthcare delivery. This includes discussions on workforce challenges, patient-centred care and the growing role of digital technologies in diagnosis and treatment.
‘It was a wonderful experience to attend Medicine 2025.’ – Medicine 2025 conference delegate
Practical skills and in-person experiences
Alongside the main conference programme, Medicine 2026 will offer a series of in-person workshops and hands-on training sessions aimed at supporting professional development beyond clinical practice. These sessions will provide practical guidance on topics such as publishing academic research, supporting physicians working in areas affected by conflict, and understanding how artificial intelligence tools can assist clinical decision-making. Delegates attending in person will also be able to take part in immersive simulation-based training. These sessions are designed to help clinicians practise essential skills using specialist equipment in realistic scenarios. Among the practical workshops are demonstrations exploring how AI technologies can assist clinicians in identifying anatomical structures during regional anaesthesia, as well as training sessions focused on CPAP and non-invasive ventilation techniques. The aim is to provide an environment where clinicians can experiment, learn and refine their skills in a supportive setting while keeping pace with emerging technologies.
Collaboration across specialties
A central theme of the conference is collaboration across specialties. Medicine 2026 has partnered with several medical specialty societies to ensure that the programme reflects the latest clinical priorities and challenges facing physicians in different areas of practice. Partners include the UK Kidney Association, the Association of British Neurologists and the Joint Specialty Committee for Palliative Medicine. Through these partnerships, the conference will deliver sessions that highlight new research, evolving treatment approaches and the practical realities of caring for patients with complex conditions. The collaborative approach is intended to encourage knowledge-sharing across disciplines and to highlight the importance of integrated care as healthcare systems become increasingly interconnected.
‘Really interesting speakers and topics covered. Highlights into prevention rather than only clinical management is also important and I am glad this was highlighted during this conference.’ – Medicine 2025 conference delegate
Specialty updates on key clinical challenges
The programme will feature several focused sessions addressing pressing issues in specific areas of medicine. One session will examine chronic kidney disease and the transition from early detection to long-term management. Speakers will discuss how earlier diagnosis and integrated care between primary and secondary services can help slow disease progression and improve outcomes for patients. The session will also explore the patient perspective on the healthcare system’s shift from analogue to digital pathways, reflecting broader changes in how services are delivered and accessed. Another session will focus on neurological emergencies, particularly the assessment and management of headache and blackout presentations in emergency departments. Clinicians will examine strategies for rapid diagnosis and risk assessment, as well as the appropriate use of clot-busting treatments in stroke care. Palliative care will also be a key area of discussion. A dedicated session will explore new approaches to delivering medicines and supportive care in the home and community settings. Speakers will highlight innovations such as alternative medication routes and the development of virtual palliative care wards. The session will also address the sensitive but vital issue of communicating with patients and families about hydration and nutrition during the final weeks of life.
Keynote sessions and expert speakers
Medicine 2026 will feature a range of keynote presentations and panel discussions from leading figures in clinical research, healthcare policy and medical practice. Among the headline speakers is Professor Ben Goldacre, professor of evidence-based medicine at the University of Oxford. Known for his work advocating improved research methods and greater transparency in science, Goldacre will deliver a keynote exploring the journey from ‘bad science to better data’. His talk will reflect on the challenges of improving research standards while engaging policymakers, researchers and the public in addressing complex issues around medical data and evidence. Another session will focus on the future of acute medicine. Dr Vicky Price, a consultant at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and president of the Society for Acute Medicine (SAM), will lead a discussion examining new models of care designed to improve outcomes while reducing pressure on hospitals. Topics will include the growing use of 'hospital at home' services, which enable patients to receive treatment in their own homes rather than being admitted to hospital. The session will also explore the intersection of homelessness and healthcare, highlighting the importance of prevention and tailored care for vulnerable populations. Panellists will additionally consider how clinicians can avoid unnecessary or potentially harmful interventions, particularly near the end of life, when overtreatment can sometimes occur.
‘The topics were well selected and focused mainly on our day-to-day practice which was really helpful.’ – Medicine 2025 conference delegate
The role of AI in healthcare
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a significant role in future healthcare delivery, and Medicine 2026 will examine both its opportunities and challenges. A panel session led by Professor Alastair Denniston, chair of the UK National Commission on the Regulation of AI in Healthcare, will explore how AI technologies could transform the NHS. The discussion will address potential applications ranging from diagnostic tools and clinical decision support systems to workflow automation and population-level data analysis. However, speakers will also examine the regulatory, ethical and practical challenges associated with implementing AI in healthcare settings. Ensuring safety, maintaining transparency and building public trust will all be key themes of the conversation. The session aims to provide clinicians with a clearer understanding of how AI may shape their work in the coming years and how healthcare systems can adopt these technologies responsibly.
‘Exceptional choice of topics and very rich panel discussions.’ – Medicine 2025 conference delegate
Access beyond the conference
To ensure that the event remains accessible to a wide audience, Medicine 2026 will be delivered in a hybrid format. Delegates can attend in person at the RCP's venue at Regent’s Park venue or join online from anywhere. All registered participants will also be able to access conference sessions on demand after the event. Recorded content will remain available until 12 August 2026, allowing clinicians to revisit key talks and catch up on sessions they may have missed. This extended access is intended to support ongoing professional development and to make the insights from the conference available to busy healthcare professionals who may not be able to attend every session live.
‘Very good sessions, this is my second year of attending the conference. It is easy to switch between sessions when using the online platform.’ – Medicine 2025 conference delegate
Looking ahead
As healthcare continues to evolve, conferences like Medicine 2026 play an important role in bringing clinicians together to share knowledge, debate ideas and explore solutions to common challenges. By combining clinical updates, practical training and discussions on emerging technologies and policy changes, the event aims to provide physicians with the tools they need to navigate the next era of medicine. For the RCP, the conference represents an opportunity not only to highlight advances in medical science but also to foster collaboration and leadership within the profession. With its mix of expert speakers, specialty insights and hands-on learning opportunities, Medicine 2026 is set to offer a comprehensive overview of the issues shaping modern healthcare – and the innovations that may define its future. Explore the programme and book your tickets for the conference now.
This article was produced for the April 2026 version of Commentary, the RCP's membership magazine.