Poster Presentations: How,

What, and Why?

Keri T. Holmes-Maybank, MDDivision of Hospital MedicineMedical University of South Carolina

SSGIM & ACP - Scientific Research

• Introduction

•Methods

•Results

•Discussion

SSGIM & ACP - Innovations

•Statement of Problem or Question

•Objectives of Program/Intervention

•Description of Program/Intervention

•Findings to Date

•Key Lessons Learned

SSGIM - Vignette

•Learning objectives

•Case presentation

•Discussion

SSGIM - Outline

•Title•Authors, institution, location•Learning objectives•Case presentation•Discussion•Conclusion (optional but encouraged)

SSGIM - Learning Objectives

•Bullet points•Only 1-3 objectives•Clear, concise•Clear link to conclusions

SSGIM - Case Presentation

•HPI•PMHx, Soc hx, Fam hx, •ROS pertinent positive/negative•PE – pertinent positive/negative•Laboratory, biopsy, and imaging •Hospital course•Treatment

•Only PERTINENT information•Bullet points

SSGIM - Discussion• Importance of this case to audience • Support learning objectives• Support conclusions• Lessons learned

• Subheading for your main message▫Diagnostic criteria ▫Diagnostic modalities▫Unusual presentation▫Description of biopsy results▫Treatments▫Guidelines▫Possible mechanisms

SSGIM - Conclusion

•Emphasize key points•Clearly linked to objectives*****

ACP - Vignette

• Introduction

•Case Description •Discussion

ACP - Poster Outline

•Title•Authors, institution, location• Introduction•Case presentation•Discussion

ACP - Introduction

•Describe the clinical context and relevance

•1-3 sentences/phrase

•BULLET POINTS

ACP - Case Presentation

•HPI•PMHx, Soc hx, Fam hx, •ROS pertinent positive/negative•PE – pertinent positive/negative•Laboratory, biopsy, and imaging •Hospital course•Treatment

•Only PERTINENT information•Bullet points

ACP - Discussion• Importance of this case to audience•Support your conclusions• Lessons learned

•Subheading for your main message▫Diagnostic criteria ▫Diagnostic modalities▫Unusual presentation▫Description of biopsy results▫Treatments▫Guidelines▫Possible mechanisms

ACP - Conclusion

•Emphasize key points•TAKE HOME MESSAGE•May be all your audience sees

Title•Center•ALL CAPS•Largest font•Smaller font for author, institution, city and

state•Upper and lower case for author, institution,

city, and state

•Affiliation – Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

Title

NEW ONSET SEIZURES: REEMERGENCE OF INACTIVE SARCOIDOSIS

Temeia Martin,MD (Resident); William Moran, MDMedical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

Content Tips

•Clear take home message•Clear why your case is of interest to audience •Design around 1-3 key points•Simple and concise•BULLET POINTS•Don’t be emotionally attached to the details•Omit details not essential to the main

message•Abstract is redundant

Figures and Tables

•Use graphs for a purpose NOT to dress up•Emphasize learning points•Simple•Label graphs very clearly•Horizontal labels•Not too many columns or rows•Do NOT get too tricky

Images

•Real draw in vignettes*****•Large, clear•Center of poster, towards top•Do NOT bury•Use arrows•Review with radiologist

References

•Really small font • If necessary can print on separate sheet

and attach to bottom right corner

Poster Tips

•Orderly, left to right•Organized•BULLET POINTS•Phrases•AVOID CLUTTER•Easy to follow flow of info

Poster Tips

•Use no more than 4 colors•No more than 3 sizes of font•No smaller than 24 point•San Serif fonts: ARIAL, Trebuchet MS,

Helvetica•Prefer black font on white background

Poster Tips

•Abbreviations as you would in conversation ▫ex: chest CT, CBC, ABG

•Generic names of drugs•Make it visual – photos, imaging, figures•Explanations on visuals

•Lisa Fennessy, Art Services•Send the proof to Lisa Fennessy by email –

no pdf•Lisa will print proof same day •Edit proof (maybe several times)•Final proof•Send the final one week before need poster

Getting Your Poster Made

Logo top left corner

References

• Tulsky A, Kouides R. Abstract Presentations. What do SGIM Presenter Prefer? J Gen Intern Med 1998;13:417-418.

•Willett LL, Paranjape A, Estrada C. Identifying Key Components for an Effective Case Report Poster: An Observational Study. J Gen Intern Med 2008;24(3):393-397.

•American College of Physicians. Internal Medicine. Preparing a Poster Presentation

•Hamilton CW. A Stepwise Approach to Successful Poster Presentations. Chest 2008;134:147-459.