We look forward to welcoming you April 27-May 1, 2026 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina USA
2026 Scientific Assembly – Medical Mobility Empowering SOF Effectiveness
SOMA is the only medical association in the world that brings together the unique blend of prehospital, tactical, wilderness, austere, disaster, and deployed medicine. SOMA 2026 provides the opportunity for military and civilian medical providers, academia, and industry partners from around the world to meet and exchange ideas. It is the largest gathering of SOF medical providers in the world that includes U.S. military, foreign military, domestic tactical law enforcement, and tactical EMS providers.
As our strategic partner, the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) has designated the SOMA Scientific Assembly as the official TEMS conference for NTOA. This partnership signifies the commitment of both organizations to medical support to tactical operations in both the military and nonmilitary settings. 
Call for Presentations, Labs, & Research – Open Now!
The 2026 Program Committee is seeking high quality submissions from the special operations medical community for our 2026 conference schedule. The schedule includes hands on training labs, concurrent track presentations and research podium presentations and posters. Track presentations should be related to the following content areas: Military Special Operations Forces, International, Tactical Emergency Medical Services, Brain Health, Medical Support of Irregular Warfare, Austere Resuscitative Surgical Care, Human Performance and Resiliency, and Research. Learn more details regarding each of these tracks. Labs are longer training sessions that may include clinical and didactic training. Lab formats include 2, 4 or 8 hour training sessions and submissions can be for skill levels that range from basic to advanced. All submissions should address important medical challenges and issues, increase the knowledge and skills of SOF and non-military prehospital providers, and promote the development of best practices and technologies.
SUBMISSION FORMAT
Submissions are broken down into four main categories: Labs, Podium Track Presentations, Podium Medic Clinical Vignettes and Research.
- LABS: In-depth, hands-on education/training for SOF medics and providers working in austere environments. Lab options are 2-hour, 4-hour, and 8-hour. Two- and four-hour labs will be expected to repeat at least once to maximize training opportunities. Full-day (8-hour) labs typically run on Monday.
- PODIUM PRESENTATIONS & MEDIC CLINICAL VIGNETTES: Podium and vignette sessions are 20 or 30 minutes. Please select the track that best applies when submitting.
- RESEARCH: Submit to Original Research, Process/Quality Improvement (QI/PI), or Case Report/Vignette. Guidance: Case Reports/Vignettes are poster-only. Original Research and QI/PI will be considered for podium by default unless you select “Poster only.”
REQUIRMENTS
Faculty/Presenter Requirements
- Presenters must be available to present at the assigned date/time.
- All presenting faculty must attend in person (no virtual attendance option).
- Presenters/lab faculty receive complimentary Scientific Assembly registration. (If faculty/presenters would like to attend a lab there are additional fees.)
Proofreading & Publication: Submitting authors are responsible for proofreading. Sections of accepted labs and educational proposals will be published in the SOMA mobile app and on the 2026 Assembly website as submitted.
Submission Components
- Short session summary/description
- Presenter CV(s) (upload)
- Learning Objectives
- Quiz Questions (for CME/CE)
- Content References
Program Selection: The Program Committee strives to present a balanced program that meets the needs of our diverse assembly attendees from throughout the world. Acceptance of labs, podium presentations, and medic clinical vignettes is at the sole discretion of the committee.
SCORING/SELECTION CRITERIA
- Does the lab or presentation promote the development of new best practices and/or technologies?
- Is the topic current and relevant for SOMA attendees?
Are there clear, appropriately scoped, and achievable learning objectives? - Does the faculty/speaker have the background/expertise/experience to deliver the content?
- Does this presentation increase the knowledge and skills of SOF and non-military prehospital providers?
- Are the anticipated roles of faculty/presenters clearly defined?
- Is the topic/speaker free of commercial bias?
The Scientific Assembly began as a forum for military medics to share lessons learned in the field. SOMA is committed to supporting and amplifying special operations military medics by providing cutting edge up-to-date training and education. As such, we strongly encourage active-duty military medics to submit. Our Program Committee and track leaders are available to answer questions and assist you in completing submissions. If you have questions, contact Amanda Gaster at [email protected] to be connected with the appropriate committee member to assist you.
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