Thursday 30th April – Friday 1st May 2026
Take AIM Fellows
The Society of Acute Medicine (SAM) Spring Conference returned to Cardiff this year, delivering two fantastic days filled with high‑quality talks, lively discussions, impressive posters, and invaluable networking. And of course, no SAM conference would be complete without the traditional conference dinner — complete with great entertainment and a brilliant atmosphere.
TakeAIM at SAM Cardiff
TakeAIM had its usual stall, and once again it proved incredibly popular. Delegates were keen to hear about the upcoming TakeAIM Conference, both in terms of attending and submitting abstracts. One particularly heart‑warming moment came from a delegate who attended last year’s TakeAIM event and has since been offered a training post in Acute Medicine — a wonderful success story that captures exactly why TakeAIM exists.
We also highlighted our current recruitment round, which closes later in May, and we’ve already received some excellent applications. The TakeAIM Fellows put in a huge effort to distribute merchandise, and the famous spinning wheel drew plenty of attention — including from SAM President Dr Vicky Price, who couldn’t resist getting involved.
Conference Highlights
The programme was packed with excellent sessions, but several themes stood out:
Stroke & Pulmonary Embolism
Two pillars of Acute Medicine, these sessions were particularly informative and sparked thoughtful discussion. The talks provided practical insights and reinforced the importance of early recognition, latest guidelines rapid intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration. There was also a talk on managing breathlessness and in particular investigating for pulmonary embolism in pregnant patients which always causes concerns for clinicians and patients.
Teamwork & Leadership
A series of inspiring presentations showcased the outstanding work happening across acute medical units nationwide. Speakers emphasised the value of strong leadership, cohesive teams, and a culture that supports both staff and patients.
Caring for Older Adults
Given that many patients seen in Acute Medicine are elderly, several sessions focused on frailty, over‑medicalisation, and the need to challenge assumptions. There was a strong emphasis on alternative pathways aimed at keeping patients out of hospital where appropriate — a theme that resonates deeply with the ethos of Acute Medicine.
Point‑of‑Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
No SAM conference would be complete without POCUS. As always, the session delivered fascinating cases and practical learning points, reinforcing its growing role in acute care.
Day Two: Wellness & Trainee Engagement
The second day began with opportunities for delegates to take part in a fun run and tai chi, both of which were very well received and added a refreshing wellbeing element to the conference.
The trainee session was once again well attended. Talks covered out‑of‑programme opportunities, including additional accreditation in Stroke Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine. This was followed by an Open Trainee Forum, which generated excellent discussion and highlighted the enthusiasm and ambition of the next generation of Acute Medics.
Looking Ahead
Overall, SAM Cardiff was a fantastic conference — energising, educational, and full of the collaborative spirit that defines Acute Medicine. The TakeAIM team left feeling inspired and excited for what’s ahead.
We’re now looking forward to the TakeAIM Conference in June, where we hope to continue building momentum, supporting trainees, and showcasing the very best of Acute Medicine.