Format of Sessions: Hot Topic presentations are oral and are a total of 20 minutes in length including 15 minutes of presentation and 5 minutes for questions and answers presented by one author of the proposal. Hot Topic presentations are organized into separate sessions over the course of the Annual Meeting. Presentations are in-person only.

Program Selection: In selecting Hot Topics presentations, the Program Committee strives to present a balanced program that meets the needs of our culturally diverse, multidisciplinary meeting attendees from throughout the world. Acceptance of Hot Topics is at the sole discretion of the committee.

Key Scoring/Section criteria include:

• • “Hotness” & Innovation – New or recent developments or particularly relevant since the last SAHM Annual Meeting that are presented with a unique or different spin.
  • Represents a broad overview of a hot topic and does not reflect the findings or methodology of any specific research project or data analysis
  • Significance of content to Adolescent and Young Adult Health and Medicine
  • Clarity of proposed content & learning objectives
  • Represents a broad overview of a hot topic and does not reflect the findings or methodology of any specific research project or data analysis.
  • Supports SAHM’s goal to be inclusive of diverse populations and nationalities.

View Scoring Rubric

Updating Accepted Presentations: Given that the relevance of presentation topics may evolve between the time of submission and the actual presentation, the Program Committee acknowledges the presenter’s subject-matter expertise and is committed to collaborating with them to ensure the content remains current and accurate.

Presenter Requirements: Though multiple authors may be listed on the submission, only ONE author may present. The presenting author must be available to present at the time and date assigned by the Program Committee between March 3-6, 2026. If your submission is accepted for presentation, the presenting author is required to register to attend the in-person meeting at the standard rates based on training and membership status.

Proofreading and Publication: Proofreading, including spelling and punctuation, is the responsibility of the submitting author. Please review the proposal carefully before submission as your writing is a reflection of you, your organization and SAHM, if accepted. Sections of accepted proposals will be published on the SAHM 2026 Annual Meeting website and the meeting conference app.

To complete your Hot Topic submission, please provide the following through the online submission:

• • Hot Topic Title (Up to 250 characters, excluding spaces)
  • Educational Objectives (250 characters or less, excluding spaces, per objective)
    All Hot Topic proposals require a minimum of three educational learning objectives, which should be measurable descriptions of what attendees should be able to do upon completion of the proposed presentation. Objectives are used to structure the content of an educational activity, and may include tasks such as “list”, “compare”, or “explain. Do not use words: understand, appreciate, learn, know, or familiarize. Please note that learning objectives are not an overview or outline of the presentation. Objectives of accepted proposals will be listed on the SAHM 2026 Annual Meeting website and conference app.
    Example of objectives: Analyze the current epidemiology of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic;  Identify and verbalize effective HIV prevention strategies; State an alternative intervention framework for approaching prevention of HIV among adolescents and young adults.  For additional guidance on creating objectives, please visit: Writing Learning Objectives: Writing Learning Objectives (aamc.org)
  • Description of Hot Topic Content (250 words or less): Using three (3) clear bullet points that tie into the leaning objectives and provide a good overview of the presentation, please include a compelling description of the significance of the presentation topic to the field of adolescent health and medicine, and the relevance of the presentation to our diverse, multidisciplinary and international meeting attendees.
  • Explanation of why this will be a Hot Topic in 2026 (250 words or less): Building off of the description above, explain why the topic presented will be considered “hot” and meaningful to adolescent health and wellness in 2026 as opposed to other years.
  • Name & Contact information for the Presenter: The presenter will be listed on the SAHM 2026 Annual Meeting website and conference app. Information required: Full name, credentials, institution (including department and division, if applicable) and email address. Only one speaker is permitted to present per proposal. If the presentation has additional contributors, they can be added in this section within the submission form and will be included on all public facing information regarding the presentation as a contributor.
  • If multiple authors, acknowledgement that only one author may present is required.
  • Presenter Expertise (1,200 characters, excluding spaces): Please highlight content and educational expertise of the presenter that contributes to the presentation of this topic.
  • Presenter Curriculum Vitae (CV): The CV for the presenting author is required upon submission. Please upload the CV with the following naming convention: presenter’s last name, first name in the document name, for example: Smith, John. Documents must be uploaded as a PDF. Word documents are not accepted.
  • Virtual Learning Adaptability Throughout the Year: If your proposal is accepted to the SAHM 2026 Annual Meeting program, is your proposal adaptable for virtual learning opportunities either synchronously or asynchronously via an online platform, such as Zoom Meetings, before or after the in-person meeting throughout the year? (Please note: Responses to this question are for informational purposes for planning and will not impact the Program Committees decision to accept your proposal).
  • Faculty Disclosures: ALL Hot Topic presenters are considered faculty for the annual meeting and MUST disclose whether or not they have any financial relationship with commercial interests, including but not limited to, participation on speaker bureaus or advisory boards, receipt of grant support, etc. Should the proposal be accepted, a link to a disclosure survey will be provided and it must be completed by the deadline noted in the acceptance communication.