Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) will host the 2026 Virtual Opioid Education Symposium on Monday, April 20, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The title for this year’s event is MOVING AWAY FROM OPIOID RELIANCE; Interprofessional Perspectives; Strategies for Detecting Opioid Misuse and the Communication that Follows.
“This year’s symposium focuses on how health care professionals across disciplines can better recognize the signs of opioid misuse and engage in the difficult but necessary conversations that follow,” said Dr Brandy Fuesting, executive director of interprofessional education and assistant professor of public health at LMU-DCOM. “By bringing together interprofessional perspectives, the event highlights practical strategies that support earlier detection and more coordinated, compassionate responses to opioid misuse.”
As always, the symposium series is a free event offered not only to students, but also to health care providers, community leaders, frontline law enforcement, and other service-oriented care providers. The symposium is open to the community, and upon registration, participants will receive a link for viewing the live simulcast.
Dr. Fuesting added, “Events like this symposium create opportunities for health care professionals, students, and community partners to learn from one another and strengthen the collaborative approaches needed to address complex issues like opioid misuse.”
This year’s symposium emphasizes interprofessional approaches to detecting opioid misuse and strengthening communication practices that promote compassionate care and reduce opioid reliance. Attendance will include, but not be limited to, students from osteopathic medical education, physician assistant, family nurse practitioner, pharmacy, and social work programs. All interested course directors, community leaders, community partners, and other trained medical professionals are also invited to attend this free event.
Please register using this link: OES2026 Community Stakeholder Registration. Those who register will receive a link to view the symposium along with a program.
For any questions about the event please contact Jeremy Buchanan at Jeremy.Buchanan@LMUnet.edu.
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, and at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
