Name: Ochsner Health Research
Address: US

Day 1
Thursday, October 29, 2026

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Virtual Opening Session & Poster Presentations
With an optional group watch opportunity where you can view the virtual program in person from Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans in Monroe Hall.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Welcome & Networking Reception
The Brent House Atrium | 1514 Jefferson Highway | Jefferson, LA 70121
The reception is opened to all registrants and will be held at Ochsner Medical Center- New Orleans in the Brent House Atrium. Once you register for the conference, you must RSVP to attend the reception. You will receive a form to RSVP once you register.

Day 2
Friday, October 30, 2026

8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
In Person Conference
6th Floor Conference Center | The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center
1515 River Road | Jefferson, LA 70121

Keynote Speaker
Dr. Maxim Topaz, PhD, RN, MA, FAAN, FIAHSI, FACMI — “AI in Nursing: From Promise to Practice and the Guardrails in Between”

Tablescapes Contest
This year’s theme is “The Future of Nursing.” The contest is open to groups of four or more who register. We invite participants to showcase their creativity and team spirit through a nurse-inspired tablescape. Funds raised through the conference support the Nursing Empowerment Fund, which helps power the future of nursing at Ochsner and in our community.
View Details

Dr. Maxim Topaz, PhD, RN, MA, FAAN, FIAHSI, FACMI

Dr. Maxim Topaz, PhD, RN, MA, FAAN, FIAHSI, FACMI is a tenured Associate Professor at Columbia University School of Nursing, a Senior Research Scientist at VNS Health, and Health AI researcher. His career began as a combat medic and registered nurse, which shaped his commitment to improving patient care through technology. A Fulbright Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and among the first nurse scientists to complete a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Topaz bridges the gap between clinical practice and cutting-edge AI. His research focuses on developing AI-based tools for patient prioritization and risk prediction, with particular emphasis on home healthcare and unbiased AI. He is an international keynote speaker, past president of MEDINFO, co-chair of an NIH AI review section, and is recognized among Stanford’s top 2% of scientists in Health Informatics. Highlights: 220+ Dr. Maxim Topaz, PhD, RN, publications • $25M+ in research funding • 30+ grants • Top 2% Stanford Scientists

Early Bird Registration (July 18, 2026 – October 1, 2026)

Full conference - includes Day 1 Virtual Opening Session and Poster Presentations, Welcome & Networking Reception, and Day 2 in-person Conference.

Ochsner Employees, Students, and Faculty - $100.00
Non-Ochsner attendees - $135

Virtual only - includes Day 1 Virtual Opening Session and Poster Presentations.

All attendees - $25.00

Hotel Accommodations

If you are traveling, we recommend the Brent House Hotel.

Location: 1512 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, Louisiana 70121
Discounted room block for conference attendees through Sept. 28, 2026
Free parking
Check in any time after 3 pm on Oct. 29th + Check out by 12:00 pm on Oct. 30th

Ochsner Employee Reservations (cost center or credit card)

Non-Ochsner Attendee Reservations

The annual nursing conference, hosted by Ochsner’s System Nursing Professional Development team, provides a dynamic forum for nurses and interdisciplinary colleagues to share best practices, learn from peers and researchers, and connect with others committed to advancing healthcare. The target audience for the conference is nurses, interprofessional colleagues, and healthcare professionals, including Ochsner and non-Ochsner employees.

About The Center for EBP & Nursing Research

The Center for EBP & Nursing Research at Ochsner Health is a hub of information and guidance. We exist to support and assist Ochsner nurses and students navigate EBP and research processes. We are committed to facilitating the conduct of cutting-edge research and innovative evidence-based practice (EBP) projects. Our goal is to ignite a spirit of scientific inquiry in nurses at all levels to change practice and lives.

Serve the healthcare community by fostering the integration of research into quality healthcare outcomes through innovation and education. Promote nursing research and EBP to support clinical inquiry, optimize patient outcomes, and improve system efficiency.

Create a culture where EBP guides clinical practice and research creates the evidence to guide EBP.

Guidance with: