As children, we’re encouraged to ask questions and dream big. But, as we become adults, our imagination is tamed by perceived practicality and social conformity. What if we let ourselves ask creative questions again? Where might our search for answers lead?

We believe that human creativity and imagination are at the heart of scientific inquiry and medical discovery, and that progress begins with a single idea. That belief is what inspired this year’s theme:

TEDMED 2016 is about asking questions, the importance of conversation and dreaming big. It’s about imagining the possibilities that motivate progress in health and medicine, which can be summed up in two simple but powerful words: “What If?”

We’ll explore questions like:
– What if we created beauty in response to life’s most difficult challenges?
– What if we expose and tackle invisible threats to health?
– What if we were the architects of aging?
– What if we treated pandemics as though we lived in a borderless world?
– What if health is determined not by how, but where, we live?

At TEDMED 2016, we will experience the unmatched power of asking “what if” in health and medicine. Our program will explore a range of topics including unique approaches to understanding increasing longevity, novel visualization techniques for medical education and clinical care, therapeutic uses of 3D printing, innovations in treating mental health, and creative ways to embrace our humanity. Click here to see the priority topics considered for the TEDMED 2016 program.

We’ll begin announcing this year’s lineup of speakers, performers and innovators in the coming weeks. We look forward to sharing more details with you, the TEDMED community.

Join us this November 30–December 2 in Palm Springs, CA, as we explore provocative and inspiring questions and discussions that drive us toward a healthier world. If you have any questions about attending, please email admissions@tedmed.com.