ElevateMeD’s Explosion of a Dream 2026 Celebrates the Leaders Transforming the Future of Medicine
Explosion of a Dream 2026 Celebrates the Leaders Transforming the Future of Medicine
Honoring Those Who Lead While Investing in Those Who Will Follow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, AZ – ElevateMeD is proud to announce its annual fundraising gala, Explosion of a Dream, taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at The Camby in Phoenix, Arizona. The evening will celebrate ElevateMeD’s continued growth as a national pathway for future physicians while honoring individuals whose service is shaping healthcare for generations to come.
The 2026 celebration will feature the presentation of two of ElevateMeD’s most distinguished honors. Dr. Richard Carmona will be recognized as the recipient of the 2026 Breaking Barriers Award, celebrating a lifetime of distinguished public service, physician leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing public health. Pedro Cons, Chief Executive Officer of Adelante Healthcare, whose decades of service have strengthened healthcare organizations and fostered meaningful partnerships across the nonprofit, healthcare, and public sectors, will receive the ElevateMeD Trailblazer Award for his visionary approach and lasting impact.
Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Dr. Naomi Coles, a 2025–26 ElevateMeD Scholar, whose journey from Scholar to physician exemplifies the impact of the ElevateMeD program. Her story reflects the resilience, purpose, and commitment that define the next generation of physician leaders.
Guiding the evening’s program will be Susan Casper, Community Anchor and Community Relations Manager of Arizona’s Family. Known for her deep roots in the Arizona community and her commitment to social impact, Casper brings warmth and purpose to this year’s event as emcee.
“Explosion of a Dream brings together the people, purpose, and progress that define ElevateMeD. We honor extraordinary individuals who paved the way while investing in future physicians who will shape healthcare for generations to come. Even during challenging times, our community has made it possible to expand our program pathways and create new opportunities from childhood through residency and beyond.”
“Explosion of a Dream brings together the people, purpose, and progress that define ElevateMeD,” said Jeffrey Armstrong, Executive Director of ElevateMeD. “e honor extraordinary individuals who paved the way while investing in future physicians who will shape healthcare for generations to come. Even during challenging times, our community has made it possible to expand our program pathways and create new opportunities from childhood through residency and beyond.”
Explosion of a Dream is a signature event within the organization’s annual Scholars Summit, presented by Premier Scholars Summit Sponsor LocumTenens.com. Throughout the weekend, ElevateMeD Scholarship recipients from across the country gather for mentorship, professional development, and community engagement, with the Saturday evening gala bringing Scholars, supporters, and partners together to celebrate the future of medicine.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the ElevateMeD Scholars Program, which provides selected medical students with scholarships, access to long-term physician mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and entry into a national network of forward-thinking medical professionals.
The event begins at 6:30 PM and will include inspiring stories, meaningful recognition, opportunities to support the next generation of physician leaders, and a celebration of ElevateMeD’s continued growth and impact. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available now at: dream.elevatemed.org.
ABOUT ELEVATEMED:
ElevateMeD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to elevating medicine by providing scholarships, mentorship, leadership training, and financial management education to the next generation of physician leaders. Through our Scholars Program, we aim to increase representation in medicine and improve cultural competence among physicians to reduce health disparities. Learn more about our mission and vision by visiting elevatemed.org and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @elevatemedinc.
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