1. Preparing a Scientific Poster
LuAnn Wilkerson, Ed.D.
Sr. Assoc. Dean for Medical Education
Special Thanks to Alan LeFor, M.D. and Michael Galinda, MD

2. Overview Planning a Poster Presentation Preparing the Poster
“The Science”
Preparing the Poster
“The Mechanics”
Critique some Posters
Putting it all together

3. The Science: Planning your Poster

4. State a research question
Determine your purpose
State the question that guided your research
Check the literature
Share it with several people
Are any of the terms vague?
Does it seem important? Interesting?
Refine

5. Know your audience Professional specialty Placement in the meeting
Probable attendees for this session
Level of expertise with this topic
Interests
Setting

6. Determine your main points
Distill to a single story supported by 3-4 facts.
Be selective.
Leave room for
Introduction
Examples and explanations
Visual displays
Summary

7. Plan for a visual impact
Readable from 5-6 feet away
Does/Does Not Test
Clear organization
Stress of main points
Visual illustration
Charts, graphs, pictures
Color for emphasis

8. Special features Abstract is NOT generally included
Reference list is not required or limited
Case Report
Learning objective
Case description -- brief and riveting
Discussion
Implication -- single sentence linked to objective
Literature Review
Begin with the “problem” or case
Group by findings
Use first author name et al, date. Hand out list.

9. Common Problems Inappropriate level for the audience
Disorganized format
Too much detail included
Poor visuals
No interaction with the viewers

10. The Mechanics
Title
Introduction
Methods
Results
Conclusions

11. Title Select a title that communicates Author and mentor Institution
Brief
Attention grabbing
Author and mentor
Institution

12. Introduction Why is this question important?
Current perspective in the literature
Readability
Bullet points
A few sentences

13. Methods
Amount of detail is determined by how common the methodology is used
Photograph of any special equipment
Readability
Divide into sample, instrumentation, analysis
Bullet points are fine

14. Results Highest readability Data Tables
Clear statement of key findings
Bullet points or single sentences
Consider use of color
Graphs / Charts
Data Tables
Limit to essential cells
If you include a large table, consider a “blow up” of the essential cells

15. Conclusions Implications Readability Patient care
Changed scientific understandings
Future research
Readability
Succinct
Bulletted

16. Stella Resident, MD, with Michael Galinda, MD
My Special Patient
Stella Resident, MD, with Michael Galinda, MD
Internal Medicine Residency Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Learning Objectives
Discussion
Use action verbs describing your learning goals for the reader, usually recognize, diagnose, manage, etc.
Planningof the poster
Lessons that the case has to teach, and how a case like this should change the way doctors think drives the structure of the entire poster.
If a common presentation of an uncommon disease, explain how it’s like other cases.
If an uncommon presentation of a common disease, explain how it is special.
Discuss what factors might have led to this unusual presentation.
Avoid bold controversial recommendations.
Preparing
Break your discussion into several headings. E.g. Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Findings, Diagnostic Workup, Treatment Options.
Use tables and charts to highlight key points.
Not all of your scholarship needs to be in the poster, but you should be ready to quote the important literature as needed when they ask you questions
Do not include an abstract or references in the poster!!
Figure 1. Chest X-ray
Case Description
An exquisitely brief and riveting synopsis of the case.
Adhere to the standard sequence of HPI -> PMH -> Fam/SocHx -> PE -> Labs -> Studies. However, not all of the above are necessarily relevant, and may not all be included.
Consider breaking the case into sections (e.g. HPI, PMH, PE). Use visual dividers to separate sections.
ROS should be included in the HPI only when it contributes to making the presentation interesting.
Give a brief description of the treatment course and finish with the patient’s last known outcome.
Figure 2. EKG
Implications
Wrap up the points on how your case should impact clinical practice
Are there broader policy considerations that make your case even more compelling?

17. Mechanical Factors Know the dimensions you are allowed
Bring your own tacks!
Use an appropriate font size. ALWAYS use a sans serif font (e.g. Arial vs Times). Don’t MIX fonts
Format choices
Individual slides in landscape orientation mounted on poster board with banner title
Single banner poster

18. Cost Poster board, spray mount: About $15
One piece professionally printed: $ (see Class of 2012 STTP website)
A well-done poster session: Priceless!!!!!

19. Putting It All Together Posters from a surgical meeting Photographs by Alan Lefor, MD

50. Get ready…Go! Interact with your audience
Ask if you can tell them more.
Describe the purpose in one sentence
Describe the methodology concisely.
Stress the unique contributions
Be on the watch for new ideas!