Breakthrough Medicine 2026:
New Drugs Shaping the Future of Care
Equipping Clinicians for a New Era of Therapeutics
Saturday, November 07, 2026
Kansas City Library Plaza Branch
4801 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
Who is going to be there?
Physicians, trainees, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and healthcare team members.
Interested in Attending?
Click the registration link below to start the process
Learn more about the Exhibitors below
About Breakthrough Medicine 2026
Breakthrough Medicine 2026 is a forward-looking medical conference dedicated to equipping physicians with the knowledge needed to navigate today’s unprecedented wave of pharmaceutical innovation. As new therapies rapidly reshape treatment standards across specialties—from oncology and dermatology to cardiology, neurology, infectious diseases, pain management, and chronic condition management—clinicians must stay informed to deliver the highest-quality, evidence-based care.
This conference brings together clinical experts, industry innovators, researchers, and frontline care team members to explore the most impactful new drug approvals, breakthrough therapeutics, and emerging technologies transforming patient outcomes. Through CME-accredited sessions, case-based discussions, and data-driven presentations, attendees will gain practical insights into mechanisms of action, indications, safety profiles, access and reimbursement considerations, and real-world implications for patient management.
Designed for busy clinicians seeking clear, actionable updates, Breakthrough Medicine 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of the treatments shaping the future of care—empowering physicians to adopt new therapies confidently, thoughtfully, and ethically in their day-to-day practice.
Join us as we look ahead to the next era of modern medicine and the innovations that will define it.
Meet Our Speakers
World-class experts sharing their knowledge
Steve Kosa, MD
Dr. Steven C. Kosa is a board-certified neurologist, and subspecializes in headache medicine . Mayo Clinic-trained, he directs the NKC Health Headache Clinic and chairs the Practice, Policy, and Ethics Section for the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting.
Maia P Deza Leon, MD
Dr. Maria Paz Deza Leon, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMKC and a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Children’s Mercy Kansas City. Her research focuses on respiratory viruses and pandemic preparedness. Board-certified in pediatrics, she dedicated her career to healthcare epidemiology, antimicrobial stewardship, and optimizing pediatric healthcare delivery.
Matthew Lindquist, DO
Dr. Matthew Lindquist, DO, DABOM, FAAP, is a triple board-certified obesity medicine physician, pediatrician, and internist. As the founder of MoKan Weight Loss & Metabolic Health, he specializes in the complex biological intersection of metabolic health and ADHD. Dr. Lindquist is an active medical educator, speaker, and regional obesity society board member.
Melissa McKittrick Zapf, MD
Dr. Melissa McKittrick Zapf is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Board-certified in anesthesiology with fellowship training in pain medicine from Vanderbilt University, she specializes in comprehensive clinical care and perioperative pain management solutions.
Brittan Oliver, MD
Dr. Brittany Oliver, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at UMKC School of Medicine. Recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, she specializes in pigmentary disorders, including hyperpigmentation. She is committed to improving diagnosis and care across diverse skin tones.
Christopher Sirridge, MD
Dr. Christopher F. Sirridge, MD, is a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. Mayo Clinic-trained, he specializes in benign and malignant blood disorders, clotting abnormalities, and geriatric hematology. Dr. Sirridge combines extensive clinical expertise with a commitment to providing advanced, compassionate oncology care.
Agenda
| Saturday, November 07 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast/Visit Exhibits | |
| 8:00 - 8:05 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks | |
| 8:05 - 9:00 AM | GLP-1 and Similar Therapies: Beyond Diabetes | Matthew Lindquist, DO |
| 9:00 - 9:05 AM | Break/Visit Exhibitors | |
| 9:05 - 10:00 AM | Novel Migraine Medications | Steve Kosa, MD |
| 10:00 - 10:20 AM | Break/Visit Exhibitors | |
| 10:20 – 11:25 AM | Vaccines of 2026: Essential Updates for Clinicians | Maria P Deza Leon, MD |
| 11:25 – 12:30 PM | Networking Lunch | |
| Exhibitor Showcase | ||
| 12:30 – 1:25 PM | Innovations in Non-Narcotic Pain Management | Melissa McKittrick Zapf, MD |
| 1:25 – 2:20 PM | Advances in Biologic Therapies | Brittany Oliver, MD |
| 2:20 - 2:30 PM | Break/Visit Exhibitors | |
| 2:30 – 3:25 PM | Advances in Oral Anticoagulation | Christopher Sirridge, MD |
| 3:25 – 4:00 PM | Incorporating New Therapies Into Everyday Practice | Panel |
| 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks | Brad Garstang, MD |
Attendee Cost
Cost Including in Membership:
KCMS Membership (active KCMS members including partner member hospitals: University Hospital - Kansas City and North Kansas City Health)
Non-members: $155
CME Accreditation Statement:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint-providership of the Institute for International Medicine and the Kansas City Medical Society. The Institute for International Medicine is accredited by the Kentucky Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Institute for International Medicine designates this Live activity for a maximum of 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
