IMPACT Symposium

Innovation in Medical Pedagogy, Curriculum, and Technology, an invite-only international symposium for leaders in medical education.

Health care providers collaborating.

Why IMPACT?

Launched in 2019, IMPACT began as a unique convening of senior leaders from international medical schools at Harvard Medical School to explore emerging trends and best practices in medical education. The inaugural symposium sparked strong engagement and created a powerful space for collaboration and learning. 

The community reconvened virtually in 2021 to examine the evolving educational landscape in a post-pandemic world, followed by Emerging Trends from the IMPACT Community—a virtual forum hosted in 2022 to sustain momentum and deepen global connections. Together, these experiences have built a vibrant, international network of academic leaders committed to advancing education and strengthening health systems worldwide. 

IMPACT 2025 - Leadership & Learning in the Age of AI

In collaboration with the Harvard Macy Institute and Harvard Medical School, we invite medical school deans and senior educational leaders from around the world to join us for IMPACT 2025 – Leadership & Learning in the Age of AI.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes medical education and health care, leaders are faced with the critical challenge of integrating these technologies in ways that enhance learning, improve patient outcomes, and uphold ethical standards. AI has the potential to revolutionize everything from curriculum design and assessment to clinical decision-making and patient care, but its implementation requires careful consideration of data privacy, bias, regulatory implications, and institutional readiness.

The first session will focus on Strategic Decision-Making: AI Integration in Medical Education, examining how institutions can effectively incorporate AI while addressing ethical, policy, and curricular challenges. The second session, Practical Implementation and Best Practices in AI Integration, will provide real-world examples, case studies, and frameworks to help leaders integrate AI across education, research, and clinical practice. The final session, Future Directions and Leading Change, will explore the evolving role of AI in medical education and discuss strategies for guiding institutions through ongoing advancements and disruptions in the field.

Each 3.5-hour session, held in October, December, and January, will explore the opportunities and challenges of AI in medical education and health care delivery, with the final 30 minutes dedicated to connecting with your fellow colleagues. 

Learning Objectives

Recognize the Expansive Role of AI in Medicine

  • Understand how AI is transforming clinical care, education, research, and health systems, and identify opportunities to leverage AI in support of institutional goals.

Equip Leaders with Strategic Insights for AI Integration

  • Develop the knowledge and perspective needed to lead AI efforts, including aligning initiatives with mission-driven priorities, anticipating challenges, and fostering organizational readiness. 

Provide Practical Tools and Frameworks for Implementation Across Mission Areas

  • Apply actionable tools and implementation frameworks to support the effective, scalable, and ethical integration of AI across core mission areas.

Cultivate and Support Innovation and Collaboration

  • Build a collaborative environment that encourages experimentation, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and innovation in the development and application of AI solutions. 

Schedule

This session, with a welcome and overview from HMS Dean George Daley, will focus on how deans and senior leaders can establish strategic priorities and lead their institutions through the rapidly changing landscape of AI in medical education. Leading voices will share frameworks, resources, and their latest insights to help inform vision, strategy, and decision-making. 

Session speakers include: 

  • Rich Schwartstein will present “The Opportunities and Challenges of AI in Medical Education: Insights from Millennium Conference 2025” 

This session will delve into the operational realities and opportunities of AI implementation in medical schools. Hear from experts sharing case studies, practical strategies, and hands-on tools for integrating AI across curricula, assessment, and institutional workflows with effectiveness and equity. 

Session speakers include: 

  • Bernard Chang, MD, Dean for Medical Education; Harvard Medical School
  • Adam Rodman, MD, MPH, FACP, Director of AI Programs for the Carl J. Shapiro Center for Education and Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center 

Examine leadership strategies for navigating disruptive innovation and seizing opportunity in a rapidly evolving landscape. This final session will focus on transformative leadership, cultivating communities of practice, and envisioning next steps for ongoing collaboration and learning. 

Session speakers include: 

  • TBD

Benefits Included

  • Nine-hour webinar series
  • HMX AI in Medicine course admittance for four participants from your organization
  • Regular follow-up from HMS
  • Certificate of completion

  • In support of improving patient care, Harvard Medical School is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

    The Harvard Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 10.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.