Shaping the Future of Burn Care: ABA’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan
Thursday, April 16, 2026
The American Burn Association’s 2026–2028 Strategic Work Plan outlines the key priorities that ABA leadership will focus on over the next three years to advance burn care, strengthen the professional community, and improve outcomes for patients and families.
Developed through conversations with members, committees, and leaders across the burn community, the plan reflects the areas where ABA can make the greatest impact today, and where focused effort will matter most in the years ahead.
The plan translates ABA’s vision, mission, and values into practical initiatives that support clinicians, researchers, educators, and advocates across the burn care field.
Vision: To be the defining global resource for burn care
Mission: Improve the lives of everyone affected by burn injury
Values: Integrity • Innovation • Collaboration • Compassion
Explore the full plan, get involved, and help turn strategy into impact.
"This strategic plan reflects our commitment to leading with purpose and supporting every member of the burn care community," said ABA President Jeffrey Carter, MD, FABA. "It’s about turning values into action that makes a real difference for patients, teams, and systems."
Turning Strategy into Action
The strategic plan identifies the priority areas where ABA will focus its efforts from 2026–2028, but the real impact comes through the work of ABA’s committees, volunteers, and professional community.
Committee chairs and members will play an important role in shaping, refining, and implementing many of the initiatives outlined in the plan. From developing educational resources and research programs to strengthening quality initiatives and prevention strategies, the work ahead will be collaborative and member-driven.
Throughout the coming year, ABA leadership will be working closely with committees and volunteers to translate these goals into practical programs, resources, and opportunities that directly benefit the burn care community.
What this Strategic Plan Means for ABA members
For ABA members, the strategic plan translates into practical tools, new opportunities, and stronger professional support.
Members will see expanded educational offerings, improved data and quality resources, new leadership and mentorship opportunities, and strengthened advocacy efforts that elevate the role of burn care nationally.
Whether you are a clinician, researcher, nurse, therapist, administrator, or advocate, these initiatives are designed to support your work and strengthen the systems that care for burn patients and families.
Strategic Pillars and Goals
For a complete view of ABA’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, including all five pillars, detailed goals, and practical examples of impact, please explore the full plan here . Seeing the full plan provides context for how each pillar drives meaningful change across education, research, quality care, prevention, and leadership, and how members can engage with these initiatives.
Education
Goal 1 (2027): Modernize and define an ABA core burn curriculum
Practical Example: Burn nurses use the standardized blueprint to train ER teams, ensuring consistent, evidence-based care.
Goal 2 (2027): Provide a transparent, ABA-managed open-access fellowship directory
Practical Example: Residents and fellows can explore verified programs, compare requirements, and access guidance modules, leveling the playing field for applicants.
Goal 3 (2028): Expand ABA’s reach through on-demand and community education
Practical Example: A burn nurse uses the Community Toolkit in a local school to teach fire safety while reinforcing ABA’s prevention mission.
Research
Goal 1 (2027): Cultivate the next generation of researchers
Practical Example: PhD scientists and clinician-researchers receive mentorship and training, strengthening the research pipeline.
Goal 2 (2028): Build a sustainable research funding platform
Practical Example: Early-career investigators receive seed grants to launch multicenter studies, leading to publications and recognition.
Goal 3 (2028): Expand dissemination and impact of burn research
Practical Example: JBCR publishes curated collections and special issues, broadening global access and integrating CE/CME opportunities.
Quality
Goal 1 (2026): Strengthen data infrastructure through BCQP integration
Practical Example: Verified centers analyze outcomes and drive measurable quality improvements.
Goal 2 (2027): Advance burn center verification and engagement
Practical Example: Pediatric centers pilot new verification standards, demonstrating value to administrators and communities.
Goal 3 (2027): Strengthen operational readiness and interdisciplinary care
Practical Example: Hospitals complete disaster training modules, preparing teams for mass-casualty events.
Prevention
Goal 1 (2027): Create a national prevention infrastructure
Practical Example: Fire departments and schools adopt ABA-endorsed toolkits, improving community safety.
Goal 2 (2027): Drive advocacy and awareness of key issues
Practical Example: National campaigns and school-based initiatives reach children, families, and professionals with safety messaging.
Goal 3 (2028): Embed survivor perspectives and peer support into research
Practical Example: Peer support programs coordinate survivor engagement, informing research and enhancing care delivery.
Governance & Leadership
Goal 1 (2026): Modernize governance and increase transparency
Practical Example: Members access clear pathways for committee roles and leadership opportunities.
Goal 2 (2026): Enhance sustainability and advocacy capacity
Practical Example: ABA strengthens partnerships and funding initiatives to support research, education, and prevention efforts.
Goal 3 (2027): Foster leadership development and diversity
Practical Example: Participants in the ABA Leadership Academy gain trauma-aware leadership skills applicable to clinical practice.
"This strategic plan reflects the areas where ABA leadership believes we can make the greatest difference for the burn community over the next three years," said ABA CEO Ed Dellert, RN, MBA, CAE. "Our goal is to support our members with the tools, partnerships, and programs they need to lead, innovate, and improve care for patients and families.”
A Plan Built for the Burn Community
ABA’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan is more than a roadmap; it reflects a shared commitment across the burn care community to strengthen how we work together to improve patient outcomes, advance research, and support the professionals who care for burn survivors.
Achieving these goals will require collaboration across disciplines, committees, burn centers, and partner organizations. Many of the initiatives outlined in the plan will benefit from the collective expertise of clinicians, researchers, nurses, therapists, prevention leaders, survivors, and industry partners working together toward common priorities.
Rather than operating in isolation, ABA’s approach over the next three years will emphasize cross-collaboration and shared leadership, ensuring that ideas, expertise, and innovation flow across the organization to create the greatest possible impact.
We invite you to explore the plan, identify where your experience and interests align, and help shape the work ahead.
Together, we can continue to advance burn care and improve the lives of those affected by burn injury.