Preparing a Scientific Poster Lu Ann Wilkerson Ed

Preparing a Scientific Poster Lu. Ann Wilkerson, Ed. D. Sr. Assoc. Dean for Medical Education Alan Le. For, M. D. Former Chair, Applied Anatomy College & Professor of Surgery

Objectives • Planning a Poster Presentation – “The Science” • Preparing the Poster – “The Mechanics” – Critiquing some Posters • Presenting

Planning • What is the hardest part of planning?

State Your Research Question • Determine your purpose • State the question that guided your research • Focus your question: Can you tell it all? • Share it with several people – Are any of the terms vague? – Does it seem important? Interesting? • Refine

Know Your Audience • Who will attend? – Level of expertise with this topic – Interests • How much time will be available for viewing? • What is the setting?

Determine the Main Points • Distill to a single story supported by 3 -4 facts. • Be selective. • Leave room for – – Introduction Examples and explanations Visual displays Summary

Preparing the Poster

Components • Abstract and References are NOT generally used • Typical format: IMRa. D • Case Report format – Introduction • Review of the literature • Rationale for choosing this case – Case Presentation – Conclusion • References are generally not included

Title • Select a title – Accurately represents your work – Attracts the viewer – Matches the title submitted in your abstract • Authors, including your mentor • Institutional affiliations

Introduction • Why is this problem important? – Context – Literature • Can be bullet points • Can be brief

Methods • • • Sample Instrumentation Procedure IRB approval if human subjects Enough detail so the viewer can tell what you did – Sometimes a photograph – Bullet points are fine

Results • Decide on 2 to 3 key results • Display your results visually – Graphs / Charts – Data Tables – Photographs • Provide visual organizers – Subtitles – Color coding

Conclusions • What are the implications of your study? – A few bullet points are perfect • What are the limitations? • What additional studies are needed? • Include only essential references – Landmark studies – Study you are confirming or disconfirming

Mechanical Factors • Know the dimensions you are allowed (4’ x 4’) • Bring your own tacks! • Visuals should be readable from 5 -6’ away. Use an appropriate font size. • Use a Sans serif font. Don’t mix fonts. – Serif – Sans serif • Format choice – Single poster sheet – Poster board and spray mount

Cost • Color printing, Poster board, spray mount: About $15 • One piece professionally printed: $50200 • A well-done poster session: Priceless!!!!!

Let’s Critique some REAL Posters! The Mechanics and a Disclaimer! Photographs by Alan Lefor, MD

Sketch the Layout • Use a font readable from 5 -6 feet away • Use the Does/Does Not Test – Is the organization clear? – Are the main points obvious? – Is it visually interesting? • Include Charts, graphs, pictures • Use Color for emphasis

Presenting the Poster

Interact with Your Audience • Start with the viewer’s interest – Ask if you can tell them more. • Describe the purpose in one sentence • Describe the methodology concisely. – Sample – Major instrumentation • Stress the unique results. • This is the FUN of a poster compared to a regular scientific talk. You may get new ideas!

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