I'm a physician in Georgia and need your help with this

Looks like a Solidago. I would know for sure if I saw the roots as I have been pulling it out of my beds for years!

 

just,

I hope you have a great conference this weekend. It sounds interesting. Let us know if it was fruitful.

 

It's hard to tell how tall it is, but maybe Epilobium angustifolium (Fireweed), or a young Phytolacca americana (American Pokeweed).

 

I'm in Georgia also, it looks a lot like the phlox that grows in my yard.