ONSMS & NCABL Convene Historic Joint Annual Conference

The 135th Joint Annual Scientific Conference brings physicians and attorneys to one table, August 14–16, 2026, at Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, NC.

The Old North State Medical Society (ONSMS), North Carolina’s oldest physician organization, founded in 1887, will host its 135th Joint Annual Scientific Conference in partnership with the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers (NCABL), Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, 2026.

The event takes place at Hotel Ballast, 301 North Water Street in Wilmington, NC, on the Cape Fear riverfront. The conference opens Friday afternoon, August 14, continues with a full-day medical program beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, and concludes with the Joint Prayer Breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 16.

Under the theme “Bridging Justice & Health: Collaborative Leadership in an Era of Uncertainty,” the gathering unites two professions that serve the same communities from different shores. A bridge stands only when both sides are anchored—medicine on one bank, justice on the other—and for three days in Wilmington, physicians and attorneys will build that span together.

An Exciting Medical Program Across Three Domains

The medical program is organized around three domains, each addressing a pillar of the health of North Carolina’s communities:

Health Equity — confronting health disparities head-on and advancing care that reaches every community, from the coast to the mountains.

Healthcare Workforce Readiness Pipeline — cultivating the next generation of physicians and health professionals, from early exposure through residency, so the workforce reflects the communities it serves.

Technology and Innovation — examining how clinical trials, emerging technologies, and data can be harnessed to deliver affordable, trustworthy, and equitable care.

Physicians attending the conference can earn 8.25 continuing medical education (CME) credits across the scientific program.

Keynote Voices

The conference features two of the nation’s most influential public voices. Dr. Eddie Glaude, distinguished scholar, author, and commentator, will deliver the Saturday luncheon keynote. The Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II, President and Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach and architect of the Moral Monday Movement, will deliver the message at the Sunday Joint Prayer Breakfast.

Dr. Cedric M. Bright, ONSMS President, stated, “We believe that access to healthcare is a right that empowers individuals to live their best lives. Timely justice protects our communities from undue harm. This conference puts both professions in the same room because our patients and our communities deserve the very best in access and treatment and protection from predatory justice practices. They have the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Zenobia Edwards, EdD, Executive Director of ONSMS stated, “This historic convening is another stride in our relentless pursuit of health equity for every North Carolinian. Medicine and justice have always served the same communities through different lenses. Together in Wilmington, we will bring the most important issues facing our communities into focus through education, innovation, and collaboration.”

Registration

Full conference registration is open now at onsms.org. For those who can join for the heart of the scientific program, a Saturday Only registration is available for $225. Tickets to the Sunday Joint Prayer Breakfast featuring Rev. Dr. Barber may be purchased separately for $45.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Organizations and individuals are invited to support this landmark gathering. Sponsorship levels begin at $100 and extend to $21,000 and above, with recognition at every tier and advertising, exhibit space, and event access at higher levels. Every sponsorship is a plank in the bridge. To request the sponsorship packet or discuss a partnership, contact Dr. Zenobia Edwards at (984) 246-0190 or email [email protected].

The Old North State Medical Society

Founded in 1887 and affiliated with the National Medical Association, the Old North State Medical Society (ONSMS) is North Carolina’s oldest physician organization, dedicated to advancing health equity, strengthening the physician workforce, and improving health outcomes in rural and limited-access communities across the state. Learn more at onsms.org.

The NC Association of Black Lawyers

The North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers (NCABL) was established in the mid-20th century to support Black attorneys facing discrimination and exclusion from mainstream legal organizations. NCABL has its roots in the civil rights movement, advocating for greater inclusion and representation of African Americans in the legal profession.

For more information, and to register for the 135th Joint Annual Scientific Conference, please visit onsms.org/135th-annual-scientific-conference.