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Hot Topics highlights timely issues and emerging discussions shaping the practice of medical publication and communication. As scientific, regulatory, and technological developments continue to evolve rapidly, this section focuses on topics gaining attention now and offers perspectives that help the ISMPP community stay informed, anticipate impact, and navigate change with confidence.

 

 

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Joining ISMPP offers numerous benefits for medical publications and communications professionals. Learn more.

2026 Annual Meeting of ISMPP

April 19-22, Washington, D.C.

The Integrated Era: Purpose, Partnerships, Personalization

Today’s medical publications and communications profession demands a deeper integration of stakeholders, systems, content, workflows, and technologies. This year’s theme explores how integrating a shared purpose, meaningful partnerships, and effective personalization drive more impactful communication.

 

Explore Annual Meeting Content by Career Level

The ISMPP Annual Meeting offers rich content for professionals at every stage of their career. Whether you are building foundational skills, refining strategy, or shaping enterprise‑level direction, the program includes sessions, formats, and networking opportunities designed to meet you where you are.

Explore highlights and tips tailored to your career level to help you plan an experience that delivers practical value and lasting impact.

 

 

Poll Results—When a Bespoke AI Tool Falls Short: Balancing Quality, Timelines, and Governance

You are a medical writer at an agency using a pharmaceutical company’s internally developed generative AI tool to draft a manuscript reporting results from a phase 3 clinical trial. Although the tool is approved for use and initially performs well, you begin to identify inaccuracies that require substantial human correction, reducing its expected efficiency. With tight timelines, organizational expectations, and scientific integrity all at stake, what would you do?

One Year Later: How is GenAI in Practice Evolving?

The 2026 GenAI in Practice Survey of ISMPP Members is now open! Help us understand how the use of generative AI across medical communications and publications has evolved over the past year—and where members need education, practical resources, and guidance next.
Whether you participated last year or not, and whether you use AI frequently, occasionally, or not at all, we want to hear from you. Look for your SurveyMonkey invitation in your inbox and complete the survey by Thursday, September 24.

Making Science More Accessible: Publishing Standalone Plain Language Summaries of Publications

Standalone plain language summaries of publications (PLSPs) can help bridge the gap between complex scientific research and real-world understanding—but developing them effectively requires more than simply translating technical language. Drawing on the experiences of two publication teams, this Content Lab article explores practical approaches to strategic PLSP planning, patient involvement and collaboration, resource considerations, and the responsible use of AI.

When a Bespoke AI Tool Falls Short: What Would You Do?

You are a medical writer at an agency using a pharmaceutical company’s internally developed generative AI tool to draft a manuscript reporting results from a phase 3 clinical trial. Although the tool is approved for use and initially performs well, you begin to identify inaccuracies that require substantial human correction, reducing its expected efficiency. With tight timelines, organizational expectations, and scientific integrity all at stake, what would you do?

Slowing Down to Speed Up: Rethinking Productivity, Trust, and AI in MedComms

At the 2026 European Meeting of ISMPP, keynote speaker Michael Siller challenged a common assumption: that speed and rigor are opposing forces. Drawing on examples from history, psychology, and workplace dynamics, he argued that sustainable speed is achieved not by working harder or faster, but by intentionally slowing down to build resilience, adaptability, and trust. The result is a practical framework for navigating complexity, strengthening collaboration, and approaching AI-enabled workflows with greater confidence.