
Improving Hearing Health for Indigenous, First Nations, and Rural Communities
February 24-25th, 2026, Scottsdale, Arizona
Supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health Award Number R13DC020098

Dr. Matthew Bush is a nationally recognized physician-scientist and board-certified otolaryngologist at the University of Kentucky, where he serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. With dual degrees in medicine and research, Dr. Bush has dedicated his career to advancing hearing health equity, particularly in underserved and rural populations. His interdisciplinary research focuses on disparities in access to hearing health care, hearing loss interventions, and outcomes among rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Through NIH-funded studies and community-based initiatives, he has been instrumental in developing models to improve hearing health services for vulnerable populations. Dr. Bush will serve as the invited co-chair for the 2026 Population Hearing Health Care Conference, where he looks forward to contributing to this year’s theme: “Improving Hearing Health for Indigenous, First Nations, and Rural Communities.” He brings deep expertise in rural health disparities and a commitment to building inclusive, sustainable hearing care systems.
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Improving Hearing Health for Indigenous, First Nations, and Rural Communities
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Our conference features scientists from hearing science and diverse disciplines present cutting-edge population health research. Gain valuable insights to inform policy decisions and shape the future of population health and hearing care.
Connect with like-minded researchers and build lasting relationships. Our conference provides ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Stay at the forefront of population hearing health with our conference's focus on the latest research and policy developments. Our sessions cover a wide range of topics, all aimed at improving hearing care at the population level
Take a hands-on approach to learning with our interactive workshops, designed to provide practical skills and strategies for population health research. Our roundtables are led by experienced researchers and offer a unique learning experience.
Our keynote speakers include thought leaders, innovators, and individuals with lived experience, sharing their inspiring stories and insights to motivate and empower you.
With tailored mentoring sessions and opportunities to network with leading experts, we're here to usher in the next generation of hearing health leaders and scientists.
Day 1 of the Population Hearing Health Care Annual Conference (subject to change)
Conference Chairs: Kelly Reavis, PhD & Michelle Arnold, PhD
Conference Program Chair: Matthew Bush, MD
Speaker: Matthew Bush, MD
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery
University of Kentucky, USA
Topic: Addressing Hearing Health Disparities in Rural Communities
Speakers: Julia Toman, MD and Zach Porterfield, MD PhD
(Toman) Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
(Porterfield) Center for Global Health and Inter-Disciplinary Research
University of South Florida, USA
Topic: Screening for otitis media and hearing loss with primary care in South Africa
Speaker: Wid Alhassani, BS
University of South Florida, USA
Topic: Cholesteatoma recidivism and hearing outcomes in a district hospital in rural Western Cape
Panel: Matthew Bush, MD; Julia Toman, MD; Zach Porterfield, MD PhD; Wid Alhassani, BS
On your own
Speakers: Joshuaa Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP and Natalie Pak, PhD, CCC-SLP
(Allison-Burbank) Center for Indigenous Health, John Hopkins University, USA
(Pak) Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of South Florida, USA
Topic: Language is Medicine on the Navajo Nation
Panel: Joshuaa Allison-Burbank, PhD, CCC-SLP; Natalie Pak, PhD, CCC-SLP; Lived Experience Speakers
Day 2 of the Population Hearing Health Care Annual Conference (subject to change)
Conference Program Chair: Matthew Bush, MD
Speaker: Lilian Wairimu Mokoh, MMed
Department of Surgery, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Topic: Developing a National Ear and Hearing Care Program in Kenya
Conference Chair: Michelle Arnold, PhD AuD
Awardee: Susan Emmett, MD MPH
Center for Hearing Health Access, University of Arkansas, USA
Topic: Reimagining Hearing Health Access in Rural Communities
Speakers: Clarice Meyers, AuD; De Wet Swanepoel, PhD
(Meyers) hearX Group
(Swanepoel) Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Topic: Measurement in resource-constrained settings
On your own
Speaker: To Be Confirmed (Australia — Livestream)
Topic: Hearing Health in Indigenous Australian Communities
Panel: Susan Emmett, MD MPH; Catherine McMahon, PhD; Clarice Meyers, AuD; Matthew Bush MD
Speakers: Mathew Bush, MD, Kelly Reavis, PhD MPH, Michelle Arnold, PhD AuD
Supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health Award Number R13DC020098

Submit your LATE-BREAKING abstract for the PopHHC Conference poster session to showcase innovative research and insights in population health and hearing care. Late Breaker Deadline: January 12th, 2026.
**STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD** applications must include a 500-word abstract and a 500-word personal statement describing your motivation for attending the conference. Abstracts in line with the conference theme are encouraged and will be prioritized. Abstract deadline: October 31st, 2025.
(Formerly: The Scottsdale Plaza Resort & Villas)
Conference will be held at:
Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas
EL Teatro Room Meeting Room
7200 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Direct Booking Link:
https://book.passkey.com/e/51171026
Room rates are $259/night for a standard room. Rate does not include tax, gratuities, or breakfast. The resort fee of $32 per room/per day is waived for PopHHC attendees.



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