2026 Copic Medical Foundation Grantee Summit
The 2026 Copic Medical Foundation Grantee Summit, held April 30–May 1 in Denver, brought together both past and new grantees for two days of learning, connection, and collaboration. The Summit focused on how healthcare systems can become more future ready while remaining deeply human centered amid rapid technological change.
As healthcare continues to evolve through digital tools, data innovation, and emerging AI-driven solutions designed to reduce fragmentation, the Summit examined a critical question: how can these advances truly improve care if people—patients, families, clinicians, and communities—are not kept at the center of decision making? Through grantee presentations, interactive discussions, and facilitated sessions, participants explored how inclusive, human centered leadership can strengthen trust, connection, and impact alongside technological progress.
The agenda featured a keynote address, “Leading Change in a Changing World,” delivered by Dan Hyman, M.D., which offered a forward looking perspective on healthcare transformation. Additional sessions included a Copic led discussion on human centered leadership in a digital era, as well as an interactive panel and solutions lab focused on practical strategies for advancing more connected, equitable, and effective care systems.
The Summit reinforced Copic Medical Foundation’s commitment to building a collaborative, learning oriented community focused on reducing fragmentation. By convening grantees across disciplines, regions, and care settings, the Foundation continues to support shared learning and cross pollination of ideas that help translate innovation into meaningful, real world improvements in how care is delivered and experienced.
“It was wonderful to participate in the 2026 Copic Grantee Summit. The teams who received grants both last year and this year are doing inspiring work due to their commitment, especially to underserved communities. I hope our discussion of change leadership strategies during my presentation proves helpful as they redesign their work systems to achieve dramatically improved outcomes.” ~Dan Hyman, M.D.
Meet Megan Conklin, Our New Copic Medical Foundation Executive Director
"It is a privilege to step into the role of Copic Medical Foundation Executive Director and build on the strong groundwork already in place. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such a dedicated community and to contribute to work that is making a meaningful difference.”
My career has been shaped by a consistent throughline: connecting people, resources, and ideas to create lasting impact. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked across nonprofit, higher education, and healthcare spaces, with a focus on aligning mission-driven work with real community needs. As a social worker by training, I am particularly drawn to systems-level change—thinking not only about immediate impact, but about how we shift structures, expand access, and create opportunity upstream.
Throughout my career, I’ve most valued the opportunity to partner with grantees and content experts to explore what’s possible. I’m energized by those conversations—by identifying opportunities, building ideas, and helping bring them to life in ways that create meaningful, lasting change.
I also come to this role with a deep appreciation for Copic Medical Foundation as a former grantee. In 2023, I partnered with the Foundation through my work at MSU Denver and I experienced firsthand the thoughtfulness and intentionality that define this organization’s approach. That perspective now shapes how I see our role—not just as a funder, but as a committed collaborative partner to our grantees’ work.
The work is also deeply personal for me. My mom is a semi-retired nurse after more than four decades in practice, and some of my earliest memories are of listening to her and her colleagues around the kitchen table discussing their days. Those conversations gave me an early, unfiltered understanding of both the challenges and the deep sense of purpose that come with working in healthcare. They shaped my respect for the people who show up every day to care for others, as well as for the systems that support them—and the opportunities to strengthen and improve those structures.
More recently, I’ve experienced the healthcare system from the perspective of a parent. Navigating care for my child through his Type 1 diabetes diagnosis has deepened my appreciation for the partnerships between caregivers, patients, and clinical teams. It has also reinforced the importance of access, coordination, and compassionate support. Above all, it has been a powerful reminder that behind every program, policy, or grant are real people and families whose lives are directly impacted.
What has stood out to me most in getting to know the broader Copic community is the clarity of purpose and the depth of commitment behind it. From supporting clinicians across multiple states to investing in nonprofit partners throughout the country, there is a shared dedication to improving health outcomes and supporting the people who work every day to achieve them.
As Executive Director, I am focused on continuing to strengthen partnerships with and among organizations working toward systems-level change in the communities they serve—particularly efforts that are sustainable, scalable, and replicable. The most effective solutions are already taking shape across the country, and our role is to help amplify and support that work.
I’m committed to fostering a strong, connected community of grantees and changemakers—one grounded in learning, collaboration, and shared purpose. I know I am joining a team and network of partners who bring deep expertise and commitment, and I look forward to learning from and working alongside them.
2026 Copic Medical Foundation Grantees
The 2026 Copic Medical Foundation grantee cohort includes organizations working across healthcare delivery, community care, research, and workforce development to reduce fragmentation and improve continuity of care.
2026 Grantee Highlights:
- Greater Regional Medical Center (IA): Expanding mobile integrated healthcare to deliver safer, more coordinated post discharge care through in home follow up.
- North Dakota State College of Science Foundation (ND): Building a community health worker training program to strengthen care continuity across rural and Tribal communities.
- City Care (OK): Providing medical respite and coordinated services to support recovery and safe transitions for people experiencing homelessness.
- MedStar Health Research Institute (MD): Advancing an AI enabled virtual pulmonary clinic to improve follow up and reduce missed cancer diagnoses.
- Promise Healthcare (IL): Improving perinatal care coordination and mental health support for low income and uninsured mothers.
- Northwest Center (WA): Expanding a hospital to home model to better support families transitioning home from the NICU.
These projects each reflect the Foundation’s continued investment in practical, collaborative approaches to improving care transitions and reducing system fragmentation.
The Copic Humanitarian Award has honored over 50 volunteer physicians across seven states
Humanitarian nominations are open for the 2026 recipients.
Every day in healthcare, there are moments where physicians are truly making a difference. From dedicating time to underserved patients to playing a role in filling the gaps in rural healthcare, there are thousands of stories that demonstrate how one person can change the lives of many.
Copic recognizes these physicians and gives back to their local communities through the annual Copic Humanitarian Award. We specifically look to recognize those individuals who unassumingly volunteer outside the spectrum of their day-to-day lives. The recipient of the award designates a $10,000 donation from Copic to be provided to a healthcare related 501(c)(3) organization within their respective state.
If you know a worthy candidate, please nominate him or her for this award. Nomination periods are open for the following states:
- Colorado: March 1—August 15
- North Dakota: April 1—August 31
- Utah: March 1—July 31
- Minnesota: April 1—June 30
Find more information and links to the nomination form at www.uat.copic.com/humanitarian-award.
The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to constitute legal, medical, or other professional advice; instead, this information is for general informational purposes only. The specifics of each state’s laws and the specifics of each circumstance may impact its accuracy and applicability, therefore, the information should not be relied upon for medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation.
Article originally published in Copic’s Copiscope 2Q26 newsletter.
