Get advice on how to present your research, both in poster and podium presentations, from those in the know: past winners and judges of the AMA Research Symposium.
Be clear and concise
“Judges only have a short time to review each poster or presentation, so be clear with any important takeaway points and how [your work] may influence or impact future research or clinical management,” said Tracey Henry, MD, a health policy fellow at Georgetown University Medical Center who presented winning research at the AMA Research Symposium in 2013.
Former judge Carol Berkowitz, MD, executive vice chair in the department of pediatrics at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and professor of clinical pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, said she looks for the “succinct presentation of the case, what was unique about it, what the take-home message is and how this message can be applied to other patients.”
Former judge Jacqueline Bello, MD, director of neuroradiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said she looks for presentations that are sharply focused, structured well and “as simple and straightforward as possible.”
She added that the results should be “clearly communicated, in terms of their importance, potential implementation and further exploration.”
Show enthusiasm for your work
“Be natural and animated,” said Gbolahan Ogunbayo, MD, an internal medicine resident at Rochester General Hospital, who presented winning research at the AMA Research Symposium in 2013. “It’s difficult to combine both, but you want to be animated without making [the judges] feel like you’re being fake. You have to show some enthusiasm and excitement about your work.”
Practice, practice, practice
“You should practice presenting to your colleagues or someone with expertise in your topic of research to prepare for the kind of questions you may be asked by the judges,” Dr. Henry said.
You also should practice how you’ll show the judges that you’re engaged and knowledgeable, said Dr. Ogunbayo. He added, “make a determined effort to try and connect with your audience. Make them feel like they’re in the scenario you’re describing in your case.”
Follow the rules and be prepared
“Arrive early to set up your poster or to load your presentation on the computer and make sure it plays,” said Dr. Henry. “Follow the guidelines and stay within the allotted timeframe for your presentation. Don’t lose points because you didn’t adhere to the guidelines.”
More than 300 students, residents, fellows and international medical graduates (IMG) will present their original research at the 12th annual AMA Research Symposium Nov. 7 in Dallas. The research competition submissions will be on display during the 2014 AMA Interim Meeting.
The competition consists of two components: Podium presentations will take place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by poster presentations from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. All meeting participants and physicians in the local area are invited to attend.
You tell us: What are your best research presentation tips? Comment below at AMA Wire® or on the AMA-RFS Facebook page.
