The North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM), in partnership with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, will host the 2026 North Carolina Medical Journal (NCMJ) Symposium on June 17, 2026, at Campbell University.

This year’s symposium, “Pharmacists as Catalysts for Better Health,” will bring together healthcare leaders, educators, and clinicians from across the state to explore the evolving role of pharmacists in improving access to care and advancing health outcomes—particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The event will feature interdisciplinary discussions focused on:

• Strengthening community-based care through pharmacy partnerships
• Addressing gaps in rural health access
• Identifying policy opportunities to support innovative care delivery models

For the NC STAR Network, this symposium aligns closely with our commitment to expanding access to evidence-based substance use disorder care and supporting interprofessional collaboration. Pharmacists play a critical role in advancing harm reduction, improving medication access, and strengthening care coordination—key priorities across our network of academic centers, partner sites, and community organizations.

This event offers a valuable opportunity to engage with stakeholders across North Carolina, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to improving health outcomes statewide.