2026 AWS Annual Conference

Keynote Speaker: Dana Suskind, MD 

Dana Suskind, MD, is Founder and Co-Director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, Founding Director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program, and Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics, and Public Policy (affiliated) at the University of Chicago. She has dedicated her research and clinical life to optimizing foundational brain development and preventing early cognitive disparities, with an emphasis on helping parents and caregivers leverage their power as brain architects. Her pioneering research extends into the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and early childhood, exploring how emerging technologies can enhance—rather than replace—the pivotal role that caregivers play in building healthy young brains. Dr. Suskind is a recognized thought leader on the national stage and celebrated author of “Thirty Million Words,” “Parent Nation,” and her most recent book, “Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity, and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI.”

Conference Faculty 

Meet the distinguished speakers and featured faculty members presenting at the AWS Annual Conference 2026.

Jessica Burgess, FACS, MD

Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University

Christina M. Colosimo, DO, FACS, MS

Loma Linda University

Carolyn De La Cruz, MD

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Anahita Dua, MD

Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School

Lillian Erdahl, MD

University of Iowa

Paula Ferrada, FACS, FCCM, MAMSE, MD

Inova Health System

Tanaz Ferzandi, MBA, MD

University of Southern California

Shannon Marie Foster, MD, FACS

SMF Facilitation Services

Erin M. Garvey, FAAP, FASCS, MD

Phoenix Children's

Geeta Lal, MD

University of Iowa Healthcare

Amy E. Liepert, MD

AdvoMed

Kelly M. Malloy, MBA, MD

University of Michigan

Jessica A. Minesinger, CMOM, CMPE, FACMPE

Surgical Compensation & Consulting

Christen M. Russo, MD

Columbia University Medical Center

Sharon L. Stein, FACS, FASCRS, MD

The Intentional Surgeon/Case Western Reserve University

Dana Suskind, MD

The TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health

Sarah M. Temkin, FACS, MD

1001CUTS the film

Diem Vu, BS, MD

Mayo Clinic

Regan Williams, FAAP, FACS, MD, MSE

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Jennifer Whittington, FAS, MD, PhD

East Tennessee University, Ballad Health Network

Martha A. Zeiger, FACS, MD

Surgeon Coach