The Realistic Medicine Annual Conference 2026 – Celebrating a Decade of Realistic Medicine will take place on Friday 19 June at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow.
This year’s conference aims to explore how realistic medicine has evolved in practice and how it continues to improve outcomes for the people we care for. The programme will highlight key achievements alongside ongoing challenges, supporting shared learning and collective problem solving across health and care.
This year will include the official launch of the Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2025–2026. Alongside this, there will be a focus on social prescribing and the growing contribution of arts and community-based approaches, reflecting the breadth, ambition and future direction of realistic medicine.
Attendees will hear from Professor Jill Sonke, US Cultural Policy Fellow, Director of Research Initiatives, University of Florida – an expert on the role of arts in health and care – who will explore how creative and community based approaches can enhance wellbeing, reduce health inequalities and support more holistic care. Professor Jamie Hayes, Director, Welsh Medicines Resource Centre, will also share his experiences of care and the often hidden physical, emotional and social impacts of medicines, reinforcing the importance of shared decision making. The programme includes a range of interactive breakout sessions led by experts from across the system.
Dr Babu Mukhopadhyay, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, University Hospital Hairmyres and Clinical Lead, Realistic Medicine, said: “The Realistic Medicine annual conference is a valuable opportunity for staff across NHS Lanarkshire to reflect on how far we’ve come and to learn from innovative practice happening across Scotland and beyond. It supports shared learning, strengthens our commitment to personalised care and shared decision making and helps us continue to improve outcomes for the people we care for.
“I would strongly encourage colleagues to attend and be part of the conversation in shaping the next phase of realistic medicine”.
Visit the Realistic Medicine Conference website for further information, including full details of the programme and how to register.
