Outreach & Events
Be among the first to learn when the 2026 Annual Conference registration is available (and other important updates) by signing up for SMI updates by email.
You can also learn the latest by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Mark you calendars to join us in 2026!
UNC Sports Medicine Institute 5th Annual Conference
September 25, 2026
More details coming soon!
UNC Running Symposium: April 9-10, 2026
More details and registration: bit.ly/UNCRunningSymposium2026
Our 2026 Speaker list will include:
Evan Adler, PT, DPT, MBA, OCS – UNC Therapy Services
Kim Chapman, MPH – Founder/Owner, Bull City Running Company
Catherine Duncan, PT, DPT, ATC, SCS – UNC Therapy Services
Mbong Henry, PT, DPT – Radiance Physical Therapy
Dr. Landon Irvin, MD – Asst Prof of Family Medicine – UNC Sports Medicine
Rachel Jones, MS, RD, LDN – Registered Dietitian – UNC Health Alliance
Dr. Michelle Joshua, Ph. D, CMPC – Work It Out Sport & Performance Psychology
Mary Lacke, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS – UNC Therapy Services
Phil Miller, PT, DPT, CSCS – UNC Therapy Services
ACL Research Retreat X: April 9-11, 2026.
This event will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, and professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge related to ACL injury prevention, rehabilitation, and long-term outcomes.
To learn more about the event, keynote speakers, and registration, please visit our website: https://tarheels.live/aclresearchretreatx2026/
Location
Carolina Club, Alumni Center
Hill Alumni Center, 106 Stadium Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Ongoing Mission
The ACL Research Retreat aims to unite researchers, clinicians, and professionals to share and discuss the latest scientific advancements across the ACL injury continuum—from initial injury risk and prevention through rehabilitation and long-term outcomes. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the Retreat seeks to strengthen the scientific foundation for clinical decision-making, enhance patient care, and identify emerging directions for impactful ACL research. Proceedings from the meeting will be published in the Journal of Athletic Training. Our expectation is that the Retreat will make a valuable contribution to the existing body of literature, continue to strengthen the foundation for evidenced-based interventions, and identify critical areas for novel scientific inquiry.
Call for Abstracts
We welcome submissions of original research related to ACL injury, including mechanisms, prevention, rehabilitation, recovery, and long-term outcomes. Priority will be given to abstracts within the following domains:
- Biomechanics & Neuromuscular Control
- Primary and Secondary Injury Prevention
- Rehabilitation & Recovery
- Long-Term Outcomes & Risk of Osteoarthritis
Submission Portal Opens: December 1, 2025
Submission Deadline: January 19, 2026
Notifications Sent: January 31, 2026
Proceedings from the Retreat will be published in the Journal of Athletic Training.
Evidence-informed Examination and Treatment of the Lumbar Spine: May 8, 2026
More details and registration: bit.ly/UNCSpineConfMay2026
Our Speaker list will include:
J. Quinlon “Quinn” Curtis, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Michael McMorris, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Eric Hartmann, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT