Annual Meeting

2026

Join us for the Annual Meeting featuring expert speakers, practical clinical education and valuable networking opportunities. Connect with colleagues from across Maryland while earning CME and exploring the latest advances in osteopathic medicine.

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ABOUT

ABOUT EVENT

Join us for the 2026 Maryland Association of Osteopathic Physicians Annual Meeting, where innovation, education, and collaboration come together to advance osteopathic medicine. Over three days, attendees will experience high-quality continuing medical education, interactive sessions, leadership discussions, scientific research presentations, and valuable networking with colleagues from across the region. The conference also celebrates the future of our profession by bringing together practicing physicians, residents, and medical students in an environment that fosters learning, mentorship, and lifelong professional connections.

ABOUT

MAOP Scientific Research Exhibit (SRE) Competition

The MAOP Annual Scientific Research Exhibit provides a unique opportunity for medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing physicians to showcase their scholarly work and contribute to the advancement of osteopathic medicine. Participants are invited to present original research, quality improvement initiatives, clinical case reports, and educational projects to colleagues from across the region.

ABOUT

MAOP 2026 PechaKucha Competition

MAOP Annual Meeting 2026 is proud to introduce the inaugural MAOP PechaKucha Competition — a dynamic, high-energy presentation event designed to showcase innovation, creativity, and fresh perspectives in osteopathic medicine. PechaKucha (pronounced peh-cha koo-cha) is a rapid-fire presentation style featuring 20 slides displayed for 20 seconds each, creating concise and engaging presentations that last just over 6 minutes. The format is fast, visual, and designed to inspire conversation and connection.

SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS

With more than 50 years, combined experience in the medical osteopathic field

TYLER CYMET

DO

DAVID AFZAL

DO, MSEd

MARC GRUNER

DO, MBA, RMSK

Featured Plenary Session

Edward A. Gonsalves, Esquire

What Gets Physicians Sued: Real Cases, Real Outcomes, Real Lessons

What actually puts physicians at risk of a lawsuit—and what can be learned when a case goes wrong? In this compelling plenary session, two experienced attorneys will examine real medical liability cases, revealing the decisions, documentation issues, communication breakdowns, and unexpected circumstances that influenced their outcomes. Attendees will leave with practical lessons they can apply immediately to reduce risk, strengthen patient communication, and better protect themselves and their practices.

DISCOVER MARYLAND DURING YOUR STAY

SCHEDULE

ANNUAL MEETING FULL SCHEDULE

Explore the preliminary program of presentations, panels, hands-on learning and networking opportunities.

Friday, October 9, 2026

  • 10:00am-1:00pm Exhibitor Setup
  • 12:45pm Welcome and Opening Remarks by Course Chair David Afzal, DO, MsED
  • 1:00-2:30pm Practical Lifestyle Interventions for Reversing Metabolic Syndrome by Catherine Feaga, DO
  • 2:30-2:40pm Petcha Kucha
  • 2:40-2:50pm Petcha Kucha
  • 2:50-3:00pm Petcha Kucha
  • 3:00-4:00pm Title TBA by Tyler Cymet, DO
  • 4:00-5:30pm HIGH IMPACT PLENARY SESSION

What Gets Physicians Sued: Real Cases, Real Outcomes, Real Lesson by Edward A. Gonsalves, Esquire and Herman A. Rodriguez, Esquire

  • 5:30-7:30pm resident's Welcome Reception and Scientific Research Exhibit and Dedicated Exhibit Time
  • 7:30pm Program Concludes for the Day

Saturday, October 10, 2026

  • 7:30-8:30am Breakfast with Exhibitors
  • 8:30-9:30 am Disorders of the Eye by Gail Feinberg, DO
  • 9:30-10:30am Stroke in Young Women by Anthony Dekker, DO
  • 10:30-11:00am Dedicated Exhibit Hours
  • 11:00-12:00pm Your Medical Practice in the Election Season by Joyce Johnson, DO and Jim Calderwood, Esq.
  • 12:00-1:00pm Sponsored Lunch
  • 1:00-2:00pm Cancer Screening Updates by Gail Feinberg, DO, MsED
  • 2:00-3:00pm The Use of GLPs in Chronic Pain by Neil Spiegel, DO, MBA, RMSK
  • 3:00-3:30pm Dedicated Exhibit Hours
  • 3:30-6:00pm OMT Skills Lab by John Coppinger, DO
  • 6:00pm Program Concludes for the Day

Sunday, October 11, 2026

  • 7:30-8:15am Breakfast with Exhibitors
  • 8:15-9:00 am MAOP Membership Meeting Presided by Neil Spiegel, DO, MBA, RMSK
  • 9:00-10:00am Musculoskeletal Pearls for Primary Care: What You Shouldn’t Miss by Marc Gruner, DO, MBA, RMSK
  • 10:00-11:00am Suicide Risk Assessment by Heather PM Theibert, DO
  • 11:00-12:00pm Osteoporosis by Howard Feinberg, DO
  • 12:00pm Closing Remarks
  • 12:15pm Program Concludes

Marc Gruner

DO, MBA, RMSK

Dr. Gruner Presents on Musculoskeletal Pearls for Primary Care: What You Shouldn’t Miss

Musculoskeletal complaints are among the most common—and sometimes most challenging—conditions encountered in primary care. In this practical session, Dr. Marc Gruner will highlight key examination findings, diagnostic clues, red flags, and treatment considerations that primary care physicians should not overlook. Attendees will gain actionable insights to help them recognize important conditions, make confident clinical decisions, and determine when further evaluation or referral is warranted.

  • Marc Gruner, DO, MBA, RMSK Presents on Musculoskeletal Pearls for Primary Care: What You Shouldn’t Miss

Neil Spiegel

DO, MBA, RMSK

Dr. Spiegel Talks About The Use of GLPs in Chronic Pain

As the therapeutic applications of GLP-1 receptor agonists continue to expand, their potential role in chronic pain management is generating growing interest. Dr. Neil Spiegel will explore the emerging evidence, possible mechanisms, and clinical considerations surrounding the use of GLP-1 therapies in patients with chronic pain. Attendees will gain a timely perspective on how these medications may influence inflammation, weight-related pain, and overall patient outcomes.

  • Neil Spiegel, DO, MBA, RMSK: The Use of GLPs in Chronic Pain

Heather PM Theibert

DO

Suicide Risk Assessment Presented by Heather PM Theibert, DO

Recognizing and responding to suicide risk is a critical responsibility for physicians across every specialty. Dr. Heather PM Thiebert will provide practical guidance for identifying warning signs, conducting an effective risk assessment, and determining appropriate next steps for patients who may be in crisis. This timely session will help physicians approach these difficult conversations with greater confidence while connecting patients with the care and support they need.

  • Heather PM Theibert, DO: Suicide Risk Assessment

2026 Annual Meeting Location

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine

Hagerstown MD

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine Community is the MSOM Difference Western Maryland's largest healthcare provider, with a 120-year legacy of providing community-based care, is proud to have launched the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine to train physicians who will be socially responsible, professionally accomplished, and community-oriented.

We Thank Our Sponsors

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS

Hampton Inn Hagerstown

Hagerstown, MD 21740
1716 Dual Highway
Rate: $144 per night

About Hampton Inn Hagerstown A stay at Hampton Inn Hagerstown places you in the heart of Hagerstown, a 4-minute drive from Maryland Theater and 11 minutes from Greenbrier State Park. This hotel is 9.5 mi (15.3 km) from Hagerstown Speedway and 10.2 mi (16.3 km) from Crystal Grottoes Caverns.

REGISTER FOR 2026 ANNUAL MEETING

Confirmed dates are October 9-11, 2026 • Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine Hagerstown MD


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