Practicing Where It Matters Most: The Future of Community-Based Primary Care 

How can we advance primary care where it matters most: in the communities we serve? During Homecoming 2026, Penn Nursing will bring together leaders, alumni, and experts for “Practicing Where It Matters Most: The Future of Community-Based Primary Care,” the Inaugural Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Program Symposium. All members of the Penn community, practitioners, students, community organizations, and more are welcome. Participants are invited to attend the full-day symposium, or register for the morning or afternoon session.

Morning Session (9:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.)

Co-sponsored by Penn LDI and Penn Commonwealth Engaged Scholars

9:30–10:45a.m.
The Future of Community-Based Primary Care: Federal Perspectives
Fireside Conversation between Donna E. Shalala, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Winifred Quinn 

11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
The Future of Community-Based Primary Care: A PA Commonwealth Perspective

Afternoon Session (1:30–6:00 p.m.)

1:45–4:00 p.m.
Interactive Breakout Sessions
(Topics to be shared soon)

4:15–5:15 p.m.
From Pioneers to Innovators: The Past, Present, and Future Impact of Nurse Practitioners
Panel and a tribute to the late Joan E. Lynaugh, PhD, RN, FAAN

5:15–6:00 p.m.
Closing Reception