Facebook
X
LinkedIn
ForwardUpper Midwest Quality Conference 2026 | Sustaining Excellence: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal in Healthcare - Live (in-person)
Course Directors: R Ross Reichard, M.D., and Melissa Gulden, D.B.A., M.A.
July 22, 2026 - Hilton Hotel - Rochester, Minnesota
This course serves as a celebration and educational opportunity, to share stories and real-world examples of how process improvements have positively influenced outcomes in patient safety, service, experience, and equity for patients and staff alike. The goal of the conference is thus to educate, inspire, and galvanize staff to engage in quality activities that improve the value provided to our patients.
Call for Abstracts
Abstract submissions are now open for the Upper Midwest Quality Conference 2026 | Sustaining Excellence: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal in Healthcare.
Abstracts are sought for poster displays and presentations
Online abstract submission form
Deadline for Upper Midwest abstract submission – June 5
Abstract Eligibility
Original abstracts that either have or have not been presented at other meetings will be considered. Projects that address quality improvement or research are welcome.
Notification of Results & Display of Posters
All submitted abstracts will be automatically approved for poster creation. Posters will be on display throughout the duration of the conference.
Target Audience
This symposium is designed for a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals committed to advancing quality and safety, including physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, dentists, pharmacists, allied health staff, behavioral health specialists, researchers, and healthcare executives. From students and residents to seasoned clinicians and leaders, this event supports anyone dedicated to improving patient outcomes and driving excellence across the Upper Midwest.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Apply evidence-based quality improvement (QI) methodologies, such as UTS, to drive sustainable improvements in patient safety, service, and outcomes.
- Demonstrate strategies for building resilience and psychological safety within healthcare teams to support staff well-being and culture renewal.
- Implement effective quality improvement strategies to enhance processes, outcomes, and value across diverse healthcare settings, engaging leadership and teams in continuous improvement.
- Utilize case-based learning and hands-on sessions to enhance skills in publishing and disseminating QI work.
- Foster inclusive, patient-centered care by implementing communication techniques and process improvements that advance equity and experience for both patients and staff.
Attendance at any Mayo Clinic course does not indicate or guarantee competence or proficiency in the skills, knowledge or performance of any care or procedure(s) which may be discussed or taught in this course.
Quality Conference - Hilton Rochester
Stay where the meeting is taking place! The Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area, recognized as one of the top Hilton hotels in the Americas, is known for its exceptional service and modern comforts. Enjoy direct access to all sessions, on site dining, and premium amenities in the heart of downtown Rochester.
Quality Conference - Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown offers a comfortable stay within walking distance of the meeting location, with convenient access to the Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area via Rochester’s downtown skyway system.
All travel and lodging expenses are the sole responsibility of the individual registrant.
Course Directors:
R. Ross Reichard, M.D.
Melissa A. Gulden, D.B.A., M.A.
Mayo Faculty:
Nelly Tan, M.D.
Guest Faculty:
Ross Coffman
Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Credit Statements:
AMA
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
AAPA
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 6.00 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
ACHE
By attending the Upper Midwest Quality Conference 2026 | Sustaining Excellence: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal in Healthcare offered by Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science participants may earn up to 6.00 ACHE Qualifying Education Hours toward initial certification or recertification of the Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) designation
ANCC
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science designates this activity for a maximum of 6.00 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 6.00 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Other Healthcare Professionals:
A record of attendance will be provided to all registrants for requesting credits in accordance with state nursing boards, specialty societies or other professional associations.
For disclosure information regarding Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development accreditation review committee member(s) and staff, please go here to review disclosures.
Available Credit
- 6.00 AAPA Category 1
- 6.00 ACHE
- 6.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
- 6.00 ANCC
- 6.00 Attendance
- 6.00 IPCE
Sponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities
This course offers the unique opportunity for a variety of sponsorship opportunities, including the ability to interact with healthcare providers and highlight their products and services through an exhibit. 
Click here to see the sponsorship prospectus for full details.
If you are interested in supporting this course with a sponsorship or exhibit, please complete the Letter of Agreement.
Contact: Cami Greden
Price
Before registering, please update your profile.
Commitment to Belonging and Inclusion
Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development (MCSCPD) strives to foster a learning environment in which all individuals are valued, allowing all to achieve their fullest potential.
Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary requirements; however, some requests may not be feasible based on venue kitchen capabilities. Attendees will be contacted in advance if a dietary restriction cannot be fulfilled.
The Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development strives for fully accessible learning experiences. If you anticipate any barriers while attending this course, please reach out to the course coordinator who will be in touch with all registrants. If you need disability-related accommodations, please contact the Office of Wellness and Academic Support – Disability Access Services at MCCMS.DS@mayo.edu.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
View Cancellation and Refund Policy
All requests must be submitted in writing using the Contact Us Form.
Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions of Registration.