The New Brunswick Medical Society was pleased to host the 2026 NBMS Health Summit on May 29th and 30th at the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, once again bringing together physicians, health partners, families, and guests for two days of learning, collaboration, celebration, and connection. More than 450 physicians, health partners and guests participated in the event, which continued the Summit’s focus on preventive care, population health, and practical opportunities to strengthen New Brunswick’s health-care system.
The weekend opened Friday with the 159th Annual General Meeting (AGM). During the AGM, members participated in governance discussions, reviewed key materials, and voted on a number of Advance Member Motions.
Following the AGM, participants gathered for a family-friendly dinner at Kingsbrae Garden, with activities for all ages, followed by the Health Summit Social in the Van Horne Ballroom. The evening provided an opportunity for physicians, families, staff, and partners to reconnect in a more informal setting and enjoy some live music, continuing the Summit’s emphasis on collegiality and community.
Saturday’s program began with breakfast, registration, and an exhibitor showcase, followed by welcome and opening remarks by Premier Susan Holt. The day included a wide-ranging lineup of speakers and sessions. Dr. Alika Lafontaine presented “Move Fast and Break Trust: What Happens After the Social Contract Dissolves,” offering reflections on trust, systems change, and the conditions needed for meaningful health-system transformation. Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng delivered “Prevention over Prescription: Use in Clinical Practice,” while Dr. Michel White spoke on “Soaring High: Achieving New Heights in the Prevention of Heart Disease.” The day also included physician-focused practice improvement sessions presented by Deloitte Canada, McInnes Cooper, and the Department of Health.
A new event app helped participants personalize their Summit experience, access speaker profiles, learn more about sponsors and exhibitors, and connect with fellow attendees. The app was also used to share special local perks available to attendees in the Town of St. Andrews.
The weekend concluded Saturday evening with the Celebration of Medicine Gala Awards, beginning with a welcome reception and followed by the gala dinner and awards presentation. The annual celebration recognized major award winners, celebrated new Life Members, marked the installation of Dr. Carl Boucher as 2026-2027 NBMS President, and closed with music from Dr. Frank Soucie’s band, Excel and the Spreadsheets.
The NBMS extends sincere thanks to event partner the New Brunswick College of Family Physicians, event sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, Indigenous partners, health partners, members, Board members, families, guests, and staff whose participation and support helped make the 2026 Summit a success. The Society looks forward to continuing these conversations and building on the ideas shared throughout the weekend as it works to support physicians, strengthen the health-care system, and advocate for the health of New Brunswickers.
Jim Johnson, Communications Specialist
