Members of the Sepsis Conference planning committee. Photos courtesy of Cottage Health.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health brought together physicians, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory care practitioners and other clinicians from across the region on Friday, Sept. 18, for the 2026 Sepsis Conference, a multidisciplinary educational event focused on the recognition, treatment and management of sepsis.
The conference offered a day of education highlighting evidence-based practices, emerging research and new approaches to caring for patients with sepsis.
Presentations addressed key areas in sepsis care, including maternal sepsis, antibiotic stewardship, the use of artificial intelligence in sepsis management and recent clinical research.
Featured speakers and presentations included:
- John Ozimek, DO — Maternal Sepsis: Early Recognition, Rapid Response and Saving Lives Andrea Zambrano, MD — Antibiotic Stewardship in Sepsis: Balancing Urgency and Precision
- Gabriel Wardi, MD, MPH — Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Transform Sepsis Management
- Natalie Achamallah, MD — Sepsis Snip-Its: A Rapid Review of Today’s Most Influential Studies
“The Sepsis Conference reflects our ongoing commitment to providing healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge and tools to recognize and treat sepsis effectively while celebrating those who dedicate themselves to improving patient outcomes,” said Laura Canfield, Laura Canfield, Chief Nursing Officer at Cottage Health.
The conference also included a special Honoree Luncheon recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Cottage Health’s Sepsis Program and efforts to advance sepsis awareness, education and patient care.
This year’s honorees were Maggie Cote, BSN, RN, and Jeff Fried, MD, who were recognized for their dedication and contributions to improving sepsis care.
The luncheon also highlighted the stories of sepsis survivors, offering attendees a personal perspective on the impact of the condition and the importance of early recognition, rapid intervention and coordinated care.
By bringing together clinical experts, frontline caregivers and survivors, the Sepsis Conference supports continued collaboration, education and innovation aimed at improving outcomes for patients affected by sepsis.
About Cottage Health | CottageHealth.org
Cottage Health is a not-for-profit health system providing advanced medical care on California’s Central Coast. In the past year, its hospitals in Goleta, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley cared for 20,833 inpatient admissions, 93,281 emergency department visits and 1,971 newborn deliveries. With more than 700 physicians, including specialists typically found only at university medical centers, Cottage offers expert, comprehensive care. As a teaching institution, it trains physicians through residency programs in medical, surgical, pediatric and radiology specialties. Cottage Health is home to the Central Coast’s only Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center and an advanced comprehensive stroke center. Its specialty services include Cottage Children’s Medical Center, Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, the Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute, Cottage Heart & Vascular Center and Cottage Center for Orthopedics. Beyond its hospitals, Cottage expands care through primary and specialty clinics, urgent care centers and 24/7 provider access via Cottage Virtual Care.
Presenters at the Sepsis Conference.
Honorees recognized during the Sepsis Conference.