Monday, Oct 19, 2026 | Virtual Event

IHA’s Health Literacy Annual Research Conference

Overview

The Health Literacy Annual Research Conference is an interdisciplinary meeting for investigators dedicated to health literacy research. It is an opportunity to advance the field of health literacy, a method to raise the quality of our research, and a venue for professional development.

HARC 2026 will include several sessions on Health Literacy and Cancer.

Our aim is to attract a full range of investigators engaged in health literacy research including those involved in a broad array of public health, health services, epidemiology, translational, and interventional research activities.

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Registration Is Now Open

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Keynote
Decoding Multi‑Cancer Early Detection:
The Critical Role of Health Literacy in the Next Era of Cancer Screening

Christine Gunn

Associate Professor
The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice

Why Health Literacy Matters

Pre-med students spend years preparing to understand the science of medicine, yet communication and health literacy are often introduced later in medical education.

Health literacy influences how people find, understand, evaluate, and use health information and services. Future physicians play an essential role in helping patients understand their health, navigate the healthcare system, and participate in decisions about their care.

Developing these skills early helps prepare future physicians to communicate more effectively, build trust with patients, and deliver patient-centered care.

Who This Conference Is For

This conference is created and led by undergraduate pre-med students for their peers who are preparing for careers in medicine and want to better understand the role of communication and health literacy in delivering patient-centered care. Whether participants are just beginning their pre-med journey or preparing to apply to medical school, the conference provides an opportunity to explore the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that will support them throughout their medical education and future careers.

To reduce barriers and make early exposure to health literacy accessible, this conference is offered at no cost.

What to Expect

Through interactive presentations featuring health literacy experts, physicians, medical students, and fellow pre-med students, participants will explore the foundations of health literacy and its role in patient-centered care.

Participants will gain practical communication strategies, hear real-world perspectives from healthcare professionals and students, and leave with ideas they can begin applying throughout their undergraduate education as they prepare for medical school.

Share With Your Network

If you work with students, please consider sharing this opportunity with:

  • Pre-health advising programs 
  • Public health or biology departments 
  • Student organizations 
  • Mentorship or pipeline programs 

Please share this conference with your students and networks!

HARC 2026 is sponsored by:

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