Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025

Third annual Ballad Health Academics and Research Summit set for Sept. 19 in Abingdon

Ballad Health’s third annual Academics and Research Summit is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Va.

This year’s theme, “Healthy Futures for a Healthier Region,” will explore the link between educational attainment and improved health outcomes. 

The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Bridgett Willey, a nationally recognized leader in healthcare education. Willey, PhD, RDMS, RVT, RDCS, RT(R), FSDM, serves as director of Allied Health Education and Career Pathways at University of Wisconsin Health and is an associate clinical professor at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

The summit brings together professionals across healthcare and academia to foster collaboration and innovation in regional health improvement efforts. Attendees will learn about academic initiatives and research being completed across the Appalachian Highlands, and can attend sessions to hear feedback from student learners, collaborate on research ideas and network with regional professionals.

Click here to register or for more information.

“We have a very active Academics and Research Department at Ballad Health, and we want to share what we do and invite collaboration across the region,” said Dr. Matthew Loos, Ballad Health’s chief academic officer. “We’re pleased to present this summit featuring Dr. Willey as our keynote speaker.

“The data shows there is a definite link between someone’s level of education and their health. The more education people receive, the healthier their lives tend to be. It’s an important connection to note as we do our work at Ballad Health to improve the health of the region’s population.”

Ballad Health’s Academics and Research Department is involved in numerous groundbreaking research and clinical trials and is consistently a top enroller for clinical trials in the United States. Clinical trials provide important research data for a wide range of conditions, specialties, drugs and treatments.

The department offers a variety of educational programs for students and residents, and upholds ethical research practices for staff and affiliated students.

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is located at 1 Partnership Circle, Abingdon, Virginia.

For questions, email leaann.williams@balladhealth.org.