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ForwardMercy College of Health Sciences 19th Annual Research Symposium - Intelligent Futures: Learning and Healing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
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Before enrolling in this educational activity, you must log in or create an account. If you have questions about the Symposium, please contact Dr. Ryan Marr, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, at [email protected] or 515-643-6679. |
Call for Poster Abstracts
The planning committee for the Mercy College of Health Sciences 19th Annual Research Symposium invites you to submit a poster abstract. The symposium will provide an engaging forum to discuss the latest opportunities, resources, and strategies for helping educators and healthcare professionals effectively integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into education and healthcare delivery.
The committee is looking for poster abstract proposals on AI in education and healthcare delivery. We are also open to healthcare-related projects, even if they do not directly address the symposium's main theme. The symposium is an excellent opportunity to share your work with colleagues from diverse healthcare fields.
While submissions on all relevant topics are encouraged, the committee is especially interested in research and scholarly work in the following areas:
- AI applications in healthcare delivery
- AI in medical education and training
- AI support for clinical diagnoses
- Best practices for implementing AI in clinical workflows
- Ethical considerations of AI in healthcare and education
- Healthcare-related research and practice innovations
- Holistic health and technology-enabled care
Important Dates
- Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 11:59 pm CT
- Final instructions via email: Thursday, March 19, 2026. All poster abstracts are invited to participate in the Symposium. No financial compensation is provided.
- Posters will be on display Monday, March 23, 2026, from 12:00 - 4:30 pm, with presenters at their posters from 12:00 - 1:00 pm and 1:45 - 2:00 pm.
PURPOSE
This symposium aims to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and healthcare delivery by bringing together educators, healthcare professionals, researchers, and IT specialists. The event seeks to foster dialogue on how AI can enhance learning outcomes and improve patient care. Our goal is to promote understanding, collaboration, and innovation at the intersection of technology and human well-being.
EDUCATIONAL NEED
Current practices in education and healthcare often fail to leverage the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve learning outcomes and patient care. This gap exists due to a limited understanding of AI applications, insufficient training on integrating AI tools into workflows, and concerns about ethical and privacy implications. Many professionals lack confidence in adopting AI-driven solutions, resulting in missed opportunities for improved outcomes.
This symposium addresses these gaps by educating participants on evidence-based AI applications, exploring ethical frameworks, and demonstrating practical implementation strategies. The educational need is evident from growing demand among educators and healthcare providers for guidance on responsible AI use, as well as documented challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. By equipping attendees with knowledge and actionable tools, the symposium aims to enhance decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and foster innovation in teaching and healthcare delivery.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe key applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and healthcare delivery.
- Analyze ethical and practical considerations for integrating AI into clinical and educational workflows.
- Demonstrate strategies for incorporating AI tools to improve patient outcomes and learning experiences.
- Evaluate potential barriers to AI adoption and propose solutions to overcome them.
AGENDA
All times listed are in Central Time. The agenda is subject to change.
| Time | Presentation Title and Speaker | CE Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 pm | Registration and Poster Viewing | 0.0 |
| 1:00 pm | Preparing Students to Thrive in the AI Era Eric Manley, PhD | 1.0 |
| 2:00 pm | Generative AI and the Future of Professional Practice: Ethical and Legal Challenges Christopher Porter, PhD | 1.0 |
| 3:00 pm | Panel Discussion - AI Across Disciplines: Preparing for a Transformative Era Becky Deitenbeck, MS, PMP Eric Manley PhD Christopher Porter, PhD | 1.0 |
| 4:00 pm | Adjourn | 0.0 |
Becky Deitenbeck, MS, PMP
Faculty, Computer Science and Faculty Lead, Artificial Intelligence at Des Moines Area Community College
Eric Manley, PhD
Professor of Computer Science at Drake University
Christopher Porter, PhD
Associate Professor of Computer Science, Director of Artificial Intelligence, Co-Chair of the Math and Computer Science Departments, Drake University
Accreditation Statements
- MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) through the joint providership of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) and Mercy College of Health Sciences. DMU designates this live activity for 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- DO: Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this activity for a maximum of 3.0 AOA Category 2-A credits and will report CME and specialty credits commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.
- Other healthcare providers: This activity is designated for 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
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Educational Grants
No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity.
Disclosures
The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, or devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The activity director is responsible for determining educational content and selecting speakers.
Relevant to the content of this educational activity, the following individual(s) have no conflict(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
- Victor Babich, PhD - Planning Committee Member
- Becky Deitenbeck, MS, PMP - Speaker
- Archana Indira, MD - Planning Committee Member
- Linda Knowles - Planning Committee Member
- Eric Manley, PhD - Speaker
- Ryan Marr, PhD, MDiv - Activity Director and Planning Committee Member
- Jeannine Matz, PhD - Planning Committee Member
- Joseph Moravec, DMin - Planning Committee Member
- Christopher Porter, PhD - Speaker
- Theresa Smith, PhD, MSN, RN - Planning Committee Member
- Rebecca Steidl, PhD - Planning Committee Member
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only. It is not a substitute for a healthcare provider's independent medical judgment regarding diagnostic and treatment options for a specific patient's medical condition.
Available Credit
- 3.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- 3.00 AOA Category 2A
- 3.00 CE Contact Hour(s)
Price
There is no cost to attend.
If you have questions about the Symposium, please contact Dr. Ryan Marr, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, at [email protected] or 515-643-6679.