Poster Prep 101 ACP Associates Council of Arizona

Why should I submit a poster? I can win a cash prize. I can win a cash prize. I can win a trip to the ACP National meeting to present my poster. I can win a trip to the ACP National meeting to present my poster. I can list it on my CV. I can list it on my CV. I may be able to publish my case or research project. I may be able to publish my case or research project. It makes my program look good! It makes my program look good!

ACP state meeting 2007 Abstract deadline is October 26 Abstract deadline is October 26 –Still have plenty of time! Meeting is December 8-9, 2007 Meeting is December 8-9, 2007 –Doubletree Hotel Tucson at Reid Park

Types of Posters Case reports Case reports Research project Research project

Case Report Easiest to prepare Easiest to prepare Potential cases are seen every day Potential cases are seen every day –Always keep a list What makes a good case? What makes a good case? –Rare disease –Unusual presentation of a common disease –Clinical presentation with a wide differential leading to an unusual diagnosis –“Classic” images that made a diagnosis

Research Poster Requires a previously established research project Requires a previously established research project Must have results and be able to draw conclusions from your data Must have results and be able to draw conclusions from your data Why is your project unique or important? Why is your project unique or important?

Mentoring Who can serve as my mentor? Who can serve as my mentor? –Senior resident –Attending physician at time of admission or consultation –Specialty consultant –Research mentor Mentoring physician can be any attending physician Mentoring physician can be any attending physician Only the 1 st author needs to be an ACP member Only the 1 st author needs to be an ACP member

Step by step construction Case reports Case reports –Title –Abstract –Discussion –Images –Captions –Tables –References –Teaching points Research Research –Title –Abstract –Hypotheses –Background and significance –Study design and methods –Results –Discussion –Tables and charts –References

What makes a good title? Case Reports Case Reports –Need a unique hook –Want judges to remember your poster –Should include the poster topic Research Research –Summarize your research question and conclusions

Abstract The first step in poster preparation The first step in poster preparation Submit for review Submit for review If accepted, include on your poster exactly as submitted If accepted, include on your poster exactly as submitted

Abstract – case report State the clinical problem State the clinical problem –Introduction –Brief description of the diagnosis or topic –Few sentences about your case Pertinent clinical background information Pertinent clinical background information Why is your case unique? Why is your case unique? State your solution State your solution –Clinical clues and studies that led to diagnosis –How you actually made the diagnosis –Be BRIEF – stick to the relevant information!

Abstract – case report State your conclusion State your conclusion –Case discussion –Diagnostic and therapeutic implications –One sentence on outcome –Carefully worded sentence to wrap up Relate to your initial assertion Relate to your initial assertion Send to mentor for review Send to mentor for review

Abstract - research Standard format Standard format –Background –Methods –Results –Conclusions

Abstract - research State the question, controversy, or new or unusual observation State the question, controversy, or new or unusual observation Describe a clinical strategy, an intervention, or a study design Describe a clinical strategy, an intervention, or a study design –Include methods, if applicable State your conclusion State your conclusion –Strengths, weaknesses, suggestions for further investigations Send to your mentor for review Send to your mentor for review

Creating the poster Now that your abstract has been accepted…what’s next? Now that your abstract has been accepted…what’s next? –Write the discussion –Select your images –Ask your program’s chief resident about resources available for poster design and printing –If you have access to media support services, turn in your files as early as possible

Discussion Elaborate on the topic Elaborate on the topic –Brief review of pertinent literature –Diagnostic methods –Treatment –Usual outcome

Images Unique or classic images Unique or classic images –Radiology –Pathology slides –Gross specimens –Photographs Charts or graphs Charts or graphs

Creating the poster Submit as MS Word files: Submit as MS Word files: –Title –Authors’ names and degrees Check spelling Check spelling Include ACP status after each name (associate, member, fellow) Include ACP status after each name (associate, member, fellow) –Abstract –Discussion –Captions –References

Creating the poster Images Images –Submit as JPEG files Provide clear instructions as to which caption goes with which image Provide clear instructions as to which caption goes with which image

Style points Remember what you learned in English class Remember what you learned in English class Use simple, declarative sentences Use simple, declarative sentences Avoid Avoid –Technical jargon –Long, complicated descriptions –Use of passive voice Ask for someone NOT in medical field to review for clarity of thought Ask for someone NOT in medical field to review for clarity of thought

Proofreading Review poster proof carefully Review poster proof carefully Resubmit corrected file if you notice an error Resubmit corrected file if you notice an error Make sure poster complies with regulations of competition Make sure poster complies with regulations of competition Give the okay to print! Give the okay to print!

Get ready for the big day Anticipate questions about your case Anticipate questions about your case –Review the involved patient’s medical record the week before –Review the pertinent literature Pick up your poster Pick up your poster Know when and where to hang it Know when and where to hang it Know your assigned judging time Know your assigned judging time

Poster judging – cases Written abstract Written abstract –Clarity of thought –Organization Poster display Poster display –Organization –Introduction –Case presentation –Graphics and figures –Discussion –Significance First author discussion with judges First author discussion with judges –Knowledge –Discussion Each area worth 5 points Each area worth 5 points Total 50 points Total 50 points

Poster judging – research Written abstract Written abstract –Clarity of thought –Organization Poster display Poster display –Organization –Background –Methods –Graphics and figures –Results –Conclusions First author discussion with judges First author discussion with judges –Knowledge –Discussion Each area worth 5 points Each area worth 5 points Total 50 points Total 50 points