The 2026 Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit is set to take place on March 27, 2026, at the Taylor Performing Arts Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. This summit aims to convene prominent national and local health experts to discuss advancements in health sciences.
Keynote Address by Mary Joy Garcia-Dia
The highlight of the event will be the keynote address given by Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, the program director for nursing informatics at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Garcia-Dia is a leader in enterprise-wide digital innovation within the Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation. Her presentation, titled “The Evolution of Care Through Innovation,” will explore how informatics and digital transformation are reshaping patient care and nursing practices.
Attendees can expect a comprehensive discussion that highlights the critical role of technology in healthcare, particularly in improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Garcia-Dia’s insights will be particularly valuable as healthcare continues to evolve in response to technological advancements.
Summit Objectives and Audience Engagement
The summit aims to foster collaboration and dialogue among healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators. By bringing together experts from various backgrounds, the event seeks to inspire innovative approaches to health challenges faced today.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the latest research, share best practices, and discuss the future direction of health sciences. With an emphasis on practical solutions, the summit promises to be a pivotal platform for inspiring change in the healthcare landscape.
This event underscores Missouri Southern State University’s commitment to advancing health sciences and its role as a hub for innovation in the sector. As the date approaches, further details regarding additional speakers and breakout sessions will be announced, enhancing the summit’s offerings for attendees.








































