Applications Are Open for the 2026 AHS Resident Education Program
The American Headache Society is now accepting applications for the 2026 Resident Education Program, taking place October 23–25, 2026 at the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center in Los Angeles, California. The program is designed for first and second year adult and pediatric neurology residents, as well as trainees in other specialties, and offers an immersive weekend introduction to headache medicine led by experienced faculty and clinicians.
Now in its tenth year, the Resident Education Program was founded in 2017 by current AHS President Matthew Robbins, MD, FAHS, with a clear goal: inspire more junior trainees to consider a career in headache medicine. More than 480 residents have participated since the program launched, many of whom have gone on to pursue the specialty and care for patients with headache disorders.
Hear from co-chairs Melissa Rayhill, MD, FAHS, and Sara J. Pavitt, MD about what makes the program worth your time:
Over the course of the weekend, participants engage in expert lectures, small-group workshops, and interactive discussions covering the diagnosis, treatment, and management of headache disorders. The curriculum spans foundational topics, like headache in adult and pediatric patients, through more advanced areas including emerging therapies and emergency and inpatient management. Beyond the clinical content, residents get direct access to faculty who bring genuine enthusiasm for the field and share the experiences that drew them to headache medicine.
Participants leave the program prepared to diagnose and manage headache conditions using evidence-based pharmacologic, nonpharmacologic, procedural, and behavioral approaches, and to engage in scholarly activity in the field.
How to Apply
Applications open July 1 and are due August 9. Final decisions will be distributed on or about August 24. To apply, submit the online application form along with a 100–200 word statement of interest, a current CV, and a letter of support from your program director.
Accepted participants receive reimbursement of up to $1,500 for eligible travel and lodging expenses, along with a complimentary one-year AHS Trainee membership or an extension of an existing membership.
Resident Education Program Committee
The 2026 program is co-chaired by Melissa Rayhill, MD, FAHS, of the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine (SUNY), and Sara J. Pavitt, MD, of UT Austin Neurosciences at Dell Children's. Committee members include Ashhar Ali, DO; Amy Gelfand, MD, FAHS; Peter J. Goadsby, MD, PhD, FAHS; Matthew S. Robbins, MD, FAHS; and Niushen Zhang, MD, FAHS.
Whether you're actively considering headache as a specialty or just curious about the field, the weekend is built to give you the tools, connections, and perspective to take the next step. Learn more about this year's Resident Education Program, or explore additional resident resources from AHS, including fellowship opportunities and discounted membership options.