As the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) prepares for its upcoming annual meeting, The National, we’re taking some time to preview the event to give attendees an idea of what they can expect when they arrive at the four-day event. 

Even if you’ve not signed up to attend just yet, registration is still open, and discounts are available for members who pre-register by August 4, 2026. Registration includes exhibit hall entry, educational sessions, and refreshment breaks. Students and residents can attend The National for free.

Below, we have outlined a few key sessions that attendees will likely not want to miss out on. All dates and times are accurate as of July 6, 2026. Some descriptions have been edited for clarity and brevity. For a complete look at the full schedule, visit the event’s official website to view the full program.

Session Highlights at The National 2026

Thursday, August 6

  • Keynote: Future of Health Care
    • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
    • Description: This session will discuss the rapid pace of change in health care, the needs of an aging patient population, building future-ready teams that are resilient and future-ready, and the evolution of care delivery models. 
  • New Drugs and Therapeutic Trends
    • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Description: This session is set to focus on GLP-1 perioperative impact, non-opioids pain medication, Class IV laser therapy, and liposomal bupivacaine. 
  • Fix It Without the Knife: Cutting Edge of Conservative Therapies
    • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    • Description: The session features discussion on conservative care, point-of-care ultrasound, diagnosing cancer, and incorporating injury prevention and restoration into practice.
  • Fix It With the Knife: Minimally Invasive Surgery
    • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    • Description: Attendees will hear from experts regarding the dos and don’ts of minimally invasive surgery for bunions and other deformities.

Friday, August 7

  • Breakfast Symposium: Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
    • 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
    • Description: This session focuses on “all things painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy,” with a focus on identifying patients who may benefit from spinal cord stimulation.
  • Regenerative Medicine
    • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Description:  Attendees will learn how to incorporate shockwave therapy, injectables, peptides, redlight therapy, and PRP into their practice.
  • How Do I…?
    • 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    • Description: This session will cover using biomarkers, managing swelling, and talking about mental health with patients.
  • At the Speed of Sound: Surgical Blitz
    • 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
    • Description: Packed with clinical pearls, this session is set to discuss surgical topics including bunion osteotomy pitfalls, plantar plate repair, nerve pathology surgical repair, and more.

Saturday, August 8

  • Breakfast Symposium: Optimizing Wounds
    • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
    • Description: Attendees will learn about optimizing wound care outcomes and how to best help patients manage nutrition and blood sugar control and plan for treatment next-steps.
  • Bridging Generations to Strengthen Patient Care
    • 2:00 PM – 2:25 PM
    • Description: Every generation speaks a little differently—learn how to connect with patients and coworkers of all ages, avoid communication mix-ups, and keep the whole care team on the same wavelength.
  • Complications Remix: Metatarsus Adductus Complications Quick Debate
    • 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
    • Description: Attendees to this session will feature discussion on complications regarding muscle flap complications, surgical complications, nerve complications, fibular IM nail complications, and more.

Sunday, August 9

  • Breakfast Symposium: Ethics in Diagnostic Innovation
    • 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM
    • Description: No description provided.

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