Preparing a Scientific Poster Lu Ann Wilkerson Ed

Preparing a Scientific Poster Lu. Ann Wilkerson, Ed. D. Sr. Assoc. Dean for Medical Education Special Thanks to Alan Le. For, M. D. and Michael Galinda, MD

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

The Science: Planning your Poster

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mechanics n n n Title Introduction Methods Results Conclusions

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

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

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

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

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

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 Preparing Planningof the poster for the reader, usually recognize, diagnose, manage, etc. • 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. Case Description • An exquisitely brief and riveting synopsis of the case. • If a common presentation of an • Break your discussion into several headings. E. g. Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Clinical Findings, Diagnostic Workup, Treatment Options. • Use tables and charts to highlight key points. uncommon disease, explain how it’s like other cases. • Adhere to the standard sequence of HPI -> PMH -> Fam/Soc. Hx -> PE -> Labs -> Studies. However, not all of the above are necessarily relevant, and may not all be included. • If an uncommon presentation of Figure 1. Chest X-ray • Consider breaking the case into sections (e. g. a common disease, explain how it is special. • Discuss what factors might have led to this unusual presentation. HPI, PMH, PE). Use visual dividers to separate sections. • 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 • Avoid bold controversial recommendations. • Do not include an abstract or references in the poster!! • ROS should be included in the HPI only when it contributes to making the presentation interesting. Implications • Give a brief description of the treatment course and finish with the patient’s last known outcome. Figure 2. EKG • Wrap up the points on how your case should impact clinical practice • Are there broader policy considerations that make your case even more compelling?

Mechanical Factors n n 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 n n Individual slides in landscape orientation mounted on poster board with banner title Single banner poster

Cost n n n Poster board, spray mount: About $15 One piece professionally printed: $3651 (see Class of 2012 STTP website) A well-done poster session: Priceless!!!!!

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

Get ready…Go! Interact with your audience n n n 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!