The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) has announced its 2026 Annual International Conference (AIC) Steering Committee. This distinguished group of medical experts and members of IFM Executive Leadership will provide strategic input for IFM’s 33rd AIC, which will be held in San Diego, CA, and via livestream from May 27-30, 2026.
The AIC Steering Committee includes practitioners from a variety of scopes of practice and geographic locations who are recognized experts in functional medicine and the delivery of patient-centered care. The members are:
- Robert Bonakdar, MD (California)
- Maria Ximena Condines Chicurel, MD, IFMCP (Colombia)
- Kara Parker, MD, IFMCP (Minnesota)
- Serena Satcher, MD, IFMCP (Georgia)
- Michelle Harreld, MS, IFM Director of Medical Education
- Amy R. Mack, MSES/MPA, IFM Chief Executive Officer
“It is a tremendous honor to collaborate with these renowned clinical experts in functional medicine and the delivery of patient care as we work to shape AIC 2026,” said Mack. “IFM learners will benefit from the wealth of experience and expertise our steering committee members have to offer.”
According to IFM, the Steering Committee primarily supports the selection of clinical themes and the lineup of educational presenters. AIC explores the latest research and evidence-based practices to inspire and empower health care practitioners in their application of functional medicine in patient care. AIC topics will include advances in functional medicine research, clinical applications of artificial intelligence, personalized nutrition, genomics, the gut-brain axis, biorhythm and circadian health, women’s health, the implementation of functional medicine in conventional health care institutions, and more.
“I am pleased to be planning AIC 2026 alongside these pioneers and thought leaders in functional medicine,” said Harreld. “Their global expertise and deep knowledge in applying functional medicine across diverse practice settings will equip learners with the latest practical insights, tools they can put to use right away in their clinical work.”
In the following weeks, IFM will release its request for posters, speakers, exhibitor prospectus, press pass application and more.
For more information, visit www.ifm.org/aic.
