October 6, 2025
The Futures Program, jointly run by PALTmed and the Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) Medicine, was created to introduce residents, fellows, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals to a career in PALTC medicine. Since its inception in 2001, more than 1,500 individuals have graduated from the program—including many who’ve gone on to hold leadership positions in PALTmed.
One of those individuals is Suzanne Gillespie, MD, RD, CMD, a graduate of the Futures Class of 2005 and PALTmed’s president from 2022 to 2023 (when the organization was known as AMDA). She is chairing the on-site program at PALTC26 in Anaheim, CA, because, as she explains, ”I am so grateful for the solid foundation of knowledge, mentors, and engagement in PALTC that the program provided me. Contributing to the current on-site program allows me to pay forward the gift to the next generation of PALTC leaders.”
Emily Butler, DO, CMD—a member of the Futures Class of 2021—is serving as vice chair since she “wanted to give back to the program that has given me so much. I made some very valuable connections during my Futures experience and learned a great deal about the interdisciplinary career I am now pursuing. I am looking forward to sharing that with the next class of participants.”
Applications are being accepted through November 10, 2025. Both Dr. Gillespie and Dr. Butler highly recommend the experience to anyone interested in a career in PALTC. ”If you're considering the Futures Program, my advice is simple: lean in fully. This isn’t just another leadership development experience—it’s an opportunity to connect with and grow in the field of PALTC,” Dr. Gillespie explains. “As a Futures Program participant, you attend our annual professional association meeting. You’ll be surrounded by passionate, forward-thinking professionals who care deeply about the same things you do. The relationships you build—both with peers and mentors—can become lifelong sources of support and collaboration.”
Dr. Butler adds, “The advice I would give to someone considering participating in Futures is—just do it! I can say that I have not met a single person who regretted this learning opportunity and the connections made! We would be excited to grow and learn with you!”
While the meeting agenda is still being finalized, plans include interactive case studies presented by participants, as well as a discussion with interdisciplinary team members from a local skilled nursing facility. In addition, the program’s 25th anniversary will be celebrated in a variety of ways, likely including special recognition of past and current participants, and a gathering of the alumni, mentors, and visionaries who’ve helped build the field of PALTC and the participants who will continue to advance the field in the years ahead. Stay tuned for more details.
If you’re interested in participating in the Futures Class of 2026—or know someone who is—more details are available on the PALTmed website. The application deadline is November 10, 2025.
One thing that has no deadline is donating to the Foundation for PALTC Medicine to support the Futures Program. As Dr. Gillespie notes, “I would strongly encourage anyone who recognizes the importance of high-quality PALTC clinicians to join me in donating to the Foundation. Your gift can make a huge difference to the development of the PALTC workforce.”