Opening Plenary
Heart Rhythm 2026 opened in Chicago on April 23, 2026, with an Opening Plenary that set the tone for the meeting.
Local hosts Bradley P. Knight, MD, FHRS, and Cynthia E. Bender, MSN, APN-CNP, welcomed the global EP community to the Windy City.
HRS President Mina K. Chung, MD, FHRS, followed with a presidential address covering the Society's expanded publication capacity, the launch of a new PFA data registry, growing global initiatives, and HRS's accelerating advocacy work.
And in her first address, HRS CEO Christina Wurster shared her vision for the Society, from a new digital learning platform and redesigned UpBeat.org to a global research network and the growing HRX innovation ecosystem.
About This Year's Keynote Speaker
Will Flanary, MD, is an ophthalmologist and part-time comedian. He moonlights in his free time as “Dr. Glaucomflecken,” a social media personality who creates medical-themed comedy shorts for an audience of over 5 million across social media. He co-hosts the medically themed podcast Knock Knock, Hi! alongside his wife, Kristin Flanary, also known as "Lady Glaucomflecken."
Dr. Flanary's humor has been shaped by the tribulations of med school and residency, as well as by his experiences as a patient. He is a two-time testicular cancer survivor and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survivor, saved by his intrepid wife and her timely CPR.
Initially used as a creative outlet to cope with these health challenges, Dr. Flanary's comedy has evolved over time to examine the realities of the U.S. healthcare system, academic publishing, and professional life in medicine.
Visit Glaucomflecken.com to learn more.