2026 VASAM Annual Conference

Saturday, October 24, 2026
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE: “Long‑Acting Buprenorphine: Innovations from General to Perinatal Care”
Michelle Lofwall, MD, DFAPA, DFASAM
Professor of Behavioral Science and Psychiatry & Bell Endowed Chair of Alcohol and Addictions, University of Kentucky College of Medicine; Medical Director, First Bridge and Straus Clinics

“Forever Young? Improving SUD Treatment Outcomes for Youth”
Marc Fishman, MD
Medical Director, Maryland Treatment Centers
Associate Professor, Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

“Compulsion, Control, and the Brain: A Deep Dive into Behavioral Addictions”
Emily Brunner, MD, DFASAM
Medical Director
Gateway Recovery Center

“Treating PTSD in Addiction Settings: Practical Skills You Can Use Tomorrow”
Ajay Manhapra, MD
Section Chief, Pain Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hampton VA, Medical Center, Hampton, VA

Fellow-in-Training Presentations (2) 

Medical Student Poster Presentations

Check back soon for the program layout! 

The Hilton Norfolk – The Main will serve as the host venue for the VASAM 2026 Annual Conference. Located in downtown Norfolk, The Main boasts views of the Elizabeth River and is steps away from the waterside. There are dozens of restaurants and activities within walking distance and the hotel has an indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. 

Sleeping rooms are available for a special group rate of $209 on a first-come first served basis. Book your room today here! 

Friday, October 23, 2026
Morning Session: Learner Chooses One (3.5 Hours)

“Agents of Change: Building Harm Reduction Where You Practice”
Lauren ‘LB’ Canary, MD, MPH 
PGY-2, Family Medicine
Carilion Clinic- Virginia Tech Carilion SOM

Danny Clawson, MPH
Executive Director
Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition

“Addiction 101”
Hannah Kissel-Smith, MD
Assistant Professor in Addiction Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA

Afternoon Plenary Session (3.5 Hours) 

“When the Brain Won’t Log Off: Insomnia in Addiction”
Maha Alattar, MD
Sleep Medicine, Neurology
VCU Health

Shannon Jenkins, MD
Sleep Medicine, Neurology
VCU Health

WELCOME RECEPTION