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2025 | Issue 4

SMDM Events and Happenings

From The Editor

by Helen Colby, PhD

Welcome to the new look of the email newsletter! If you have any comments or suggestions about the new newsletter format, have ideas for regular articles that should be included, or would like to contribute something to the next issue, please let me know at hcolby@iu.edu. I would love to hear from you!

From The President – Meeting Debrief

by Beate Jahn, PhD

Dear SMDM Members, Colleagues, and Friends,

As we close 2025, I’m profoundly grateful for what our community accomplished together. This was a year of exceptional member engagement, new partnerships, and meaningful impact proving that when SMDM leans in collectively, we advance the science and practice of better decisions for better health.

From the Oslo Meeting Co-Chairs

by Emily Burger, PhD, and
Torbjørn Wisløff, MSc, PhD

Hello from the 2026 Annual Meeting co‑chairs, Emily & Torbjørn,

In this quarter’s newsletter, we wanted to share some of our approaches to getting a head start on designing the content for the 2026 Annual Meeting in Oslo. In addition to the standard program, the Program Committee—together with several dedicated SMDM member volunteer ambassadors—has curated a set of symposia, panels, and debates.

These sessions allow us to showcase the kinds of high‑quality, distinctive formats that SMDM is known for, especially in regions where the Society may be less familiar and where strong examples help convey who we are.

Building Trust Through Science Outreach: From Ann Arbor to Online Skill-Building

Effective science communication strengthens public trust

The Society’s Patient Advisory Council (PAC) launched a three-part series to help SMDM members develop these skills. The first session, held live in Ann Arbor during the 2025 Annual Meeting, introduced participants to foundational outreach principles and demonstrated how narratives can make scientific messages more relatable. This symposium set the stage for two subsequent online sessions designed to further develop skills.

SIG events are open to members and non-members alike, and registration is complimentary.

Learn more about all of SMDM’s active SIGs on our website.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES NEW

AUTO-RENEW FEATURE

Beginning this year, SMDM is offering the option to transition from our traditional annual membership renewal process to a convenient auto-renew system. This new offering reflects feedback from many members who expressed a desire for a simpler, more seamless renewal process. With auto-renew, your membership will continue uninterrupted each year, ensuring ongoing access to SMDM resources and programming. You will no longer need to set reminders or worry about lapses that could interrupt your membership—everything will renew automatically using your preferred payment method.

We also want to emphasize that auto-renew is designed with member control at its core. Members will receive advance notice before each renewal, including the upcoming dues amount and the scheduled renewal date. You can expect the first of these reminders to arrive around 30 days before your membership expiration date, and another reminder 2 weeks before. You can update your payment information or opt out of auto-renew at any time through the SMDM portal. We hope this new process will enhance member experience by making one thing in your life a bit easier!

Learn More

CDC Survey

The SMDM Career Development Committee (CDC) is planning to host online events throughout the year, in addition to our programming at the Annual Meeting.

We would like your feedback on which potential topics may be of interest.

Take Survey

Job Postings

Here are the most recent job opportunities since our last newsletter.

One-year post-doctoral fellowship in economic analyses and health impact modeling (vaccines)

View Job

2026 EDUCATION EVENTS

Propose a Virtual Course for 2026

The Education Committee welcomes your proposal for a virtual course at any time! They are currently planning for 2026, so now is a great time to submit your proposal.

Faculty for virtual courses are paid an honoraria of USD 200 per course, which is split amongst multiple faculty. Virtual courses are usually 3-4 hours in duration.

Propose a Virtual Course

SMDM Innovate brings you cutting edge methods in the field of medical decision making

The Education Committee is pleased to announce three upcoming SMDM Innovate webinars. Each complimentary webinar is one-hour, and open to all.

SMDM Core Course Certificate Program

We will once again offer our Core Course Certificate Program in February-March 2026. These introductory-level Core Courses cover foundational aspects of medical decision making. Everyone who completes all four Core Courses (it does not have to be all in one year) receives a certificate.

SMDM Newsletter 2025 Issue 4: December

From The Editor

From The President – Meeting Debrief

From the Oslo Meeting Co-Chairs

2026 EDUCATION EVENTS

Propose a Virtual Course for 2026