2026 Event Information
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
Orlando, Florida
We are excited to invite everyone back to Disney for the 12th Annual Pediatric Research Forum for Medical Students! This program is sponsored by the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP), the Society for Pediatric Research, the University of Florida Department of Pediatrics, and the College of Medicine Office of Educational Affairs. Pediatrics is an ever-changing field of discovery and innovation, and today’s research will lead to tomorrow’s cures!
- The Pediatric Research Forum for Medical Students is an exciting opportunity for students to share their research with peers.
- The event takes place September 5, 2026, at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts in Orlando, Florida.
- The forum, open to all medical students, will take place in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Oral and poster presentations will be available for basic science research, clinical research, quality improvement projects, and case report/series.
Keynote Speaker
Rachel Leon, MD, PhD
Rachel is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, and the Associate Director of the NeuroNICU Program and Associate Director for Research for the Fellowship in the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She completed the MD/ PhD program in her home state at West Virginia University studying basic neuroscience followed by pediatrics residency and neonatal-perinatal medicine fellowship at Indiana University. Her translational research focuses on placental influences on brain development in fetuses with congenital heart disease with the overarching goal of improving their neurodevelopmental outcomes. She uses a combination of advanced MRI and multi-omic techniques with an emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and team science.
Program Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:45am-8:15am | Breakfast |
| 8:15am-8:30am | Welcome Remarks |
| 8:30am-9:45am | Oral Presentations (Group 1) |
| 9:45am-10:00am | Transition to Posters Presentations |
| 10:00am-11:30am | Power Talk Presentations (Odd) |
| 11:30am-11:45am | Transition to Keynote |
| 11:45am-12:45pm | Keynote Presentation |
| 12:45pm-1:00pm | PMSRF Group Photo |
| 1:00pm-2:00pm | Lunch & Career Discussions |
| 2:00pm-2:30pm | Break and Exhibits |
| 2:30pm-4:00pm | Power Talk Presentations (Even) |
| 4:00pm-4:15pm | Transition to Oral Presentations |
| 4:15pm-5:30pm | Oral Presentations (Group 2) |
| 5:30pm-5:45pm | Forum Conclusion and Awards Presentation |
Abstract Submission & Registration
Submitting an Abstract (Required for Acceptance)
Submission Deadline is June 19, 2026. You will receive an email notification of acceptance and presentation type by July 8, 2026.
Registration (Required for All forum attendees)
Attendance will be limited to a total of 70 registrants to comply with Disney safety protocols. The cost to attend and present at the forum is $100 per student. Registration information will be made available to students following their abstract acceptance notification.
Hotel Accommodations (If you require a room)
The Florida Chapter of the AAP has secured an amazing hotel room block at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort for a discounted rate. Information on how to book a room will be included in your abstract acceptance notification email.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact us at pedsresearchforum@peds.ufl.edu
Past Event Photos
