CONNECT 2026 Recap and Photos

Texas College of Emergency Physicians (TCEP) hosted CONNECT 2026 in Rockwall, TX, from April 10 – 11, 2026. TX. More than 260 attendings, residents, fellows, and medical students attended, creating a high-energy, collaborative environment focused on advancing emergency care across Texas.

CME Program Highlights
This year’s CME program featured an engaging mis of expert-led lectures designed to address both clinical and practice-based challenges in emergency medicine. Sessions covered a range of timely and impactful topics including adolescent opioid addiction, human trafficking identification and intervention, updates to the Texas Medical Practice Act, and a forward-looking discussion on the evolving landscape of emergency medicine.

In addition to earning CME credits, participants satisfied key Texas Medical Board licensure requirements – making CONNECT professionally valuable and immediately applicable to clinical practice.

Resident Program
The Resident and Fellow track delivered targeted programming while also providing full access to the broader CME curriculum. Dedicated sessions focused on real-world preparation for life beyond training, including financial planning, and a candid panel discussion on “what we wish we had known” early in our careers. These conversations offered practical insights and mentorship, helping trainees navigate the transition into independent practice with greater confidence.

A highlight of the weekend was the return of OlEMpics – a high-energy, team-based competition where residents and fellows tested their medical knowledge, competed in field-day style challenges, and took part in a photo scavenger hunt.

Medical Student Program
CONNECT 2026 continued its commitment to cultivating the next generation of emergency physicians through a dynamic medical student program. Attendees participated in hands-on skills workshops, connected directly with residency program leaders, and gained practical guidance on pursuing a career in emergency medicine. The program provided a strong foundation of knowledge, mentorship, and inspiration for students preparing to enter the specialty. View photos.

Additional Highlights

Annual Research Forum - More than 60 abstract abstracts were presented by medical students, residents, fellows and researchers from across Texas, showcasing innovative work and advancing the field. Congratulations to this year's winners:

Medical Student Winner: Madison Machler (Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Lubbock)
Resident Winner: Dharshana Krishnaprasadh, MD (Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Lubbock)

Awards Ceremony – TCEP recognized outstanding contributions to emergency medicine:

Michael Wainscott Legacy Award – Caitlyn Minutella, MD; UTHealth Houston
James Hayes Legacy Award – Robert Simonson, DO, FACEP
President’s Award – Helen Greenberg
Outstanding Medical Students in EM – link to page recognizing this year’s winners.

Exhibit Hall – Attendees explored a robust exhibit hall featuring the latest innovations, resources, and solutions designed to support emergency physicians and improve patient care.
Annual Business Meeting – Members received updates on key initiatives, advocacy efforts, and organizational priorities, and participated in leadership elections shaping the future of TCEP.

CONNECT 2026 once again demonstrated the strength and unity of the Texas emergency medicine community. The meeting’s success was made possible by the active participation and engagement of attendees from across the state. Thank you to everyone who joining us – we look forward to seeing you next year.

To view all photos from CONNECT 2026, click here. Note these photos may be downloaded and used for personal use only. Any commercial inquiries should be directed to the photographer.