Preparing Abstracts Is Fun! Keri T. Holmes-Maybank, MD Division of Hospital Medicine Medical University of South Carolina

What is an abstract? Summary of your clinical case, research, or innovation Submit to scientific organization for consideration for presentation at the organization’s conference Internal Medicine

Getting started… Ask your attending if good case Collect history and physical, progress notes, relevant labs and imaging Do literature review Start by writing what made you interested Write the case presentation

Writing an abstract – 4 C’s Concise – no excess wordiness or information Clear – readable, well-organized Cohesive – flows Complete – covers the major points Goal - Very concise statement of the major elements of your case

Abstract Tips Simple, short sentences Grammar correct Eliminate unnecessary words Avoid medical jargon Try not use > 3 abbreviations ▫ Spell out first ▫ Use common abbreviations

Abstract Tips Active voice Verb tenses consistent and correct Generic names of Rx Get REVIEWED by attending Do NOT say - first case ever reported Edit, Edit, Edit

Clear take home message Design around 1-3 key points/objectives Simple and concise Omit details not essential to the main message Want your audience to understand why your case is of interest to them Content Tips

Scientific Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion

Innovations Statement of Problem or Question Objectives of Program/Intervention Description of Program/Intervention Findings to Date Key Lessons Learned

SHM - Vignette Case Presentation Discussion Conclusion

SSGIM - Vignette Learning Objectives Case Presentation Discussion

SSGIM - Learning Objectives Only 1-3 objectives Clear, concise Clear link to conclusions Action oriented ▫ Recognize ▫ Diagnose ▫ Assess ▫ Treat ▫ Distinguish ▫ Manage ▫ Identify NOT – know or understand

Case Presentation BRIEFLY describe case ▫ Pertinent HPI ▫ Pertinent ROS pos/neg ▫ Key PMHx, SocHx, FamHx, Rx ▫ Key PE findings – pertinent pos/neg ▫ Pertinent diagnostic studies ▫ Pertinent interventions ▫ Patient outcome Only relevant info

Discussion Emphasize key points Importance of this case Different/unique Implications: teaching, practice, research? Future: do differently? ****Make sure is clearly linked to objectives**** Concise

ACP – Vignette Introduction Case description Discussion

ACP - Introduction Describes context of the case and explains relevance and importance Usually 3-ish sentences Can leave intro out and start with case description

Title Interesting Short Descriptive Summary Do not give everything away

Title NEW ONSET SEIZURES: REEMERGENCE OF INACTIVE SARCOIDOSIS Temeia Martin,MD (Resident); William Moran, MD Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

Affiliation Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

Authors Presenter should be first author Attending should be last author

SSGIM Criteria Clarity of presentation ▫ Concise, complete, organized, well-written, focused objectives Significance/relevance to general internal medicine ▫ Unique, interesting. Contextualizes and describes impact on clinical practice in internal medicine, teaching/education or future research Teaching value ▫ Offers important diagnosis, physical examination, or management pearls

Why not accepted? Poor presentation Weak discussion Lack of originality Inadequate support

Miscellaneous Oral v. poster Each organization has its own specifications ▫ Length ▫ Format ▫ Read directions!!! Do not include author in title section Make sure you have addresses

References Pierson DJ.How to Write an Abstract That Will Be Accepted for Presentation at a National Meeting. Respir Care 2004;49(10):1206 –1212. Writing a Clinical Vignette (Case Report) Abstract. Wwwacponline.org/residents_fellows/competitions/abstract/prepare/clinvin_abs.htm Clinical vignette submission info. wwwsgim.org/index.cfm?pageId=1138 Estrada C. ACP, SGIM Clinical Vignette Competition: Write an Abstact to Win! Ismail MK. How to write an abstract: abstract submission & poster presentation. SGIM 29 th annual meeting. Vignette Guidelines. Barrett NF. Developing the successful clinical abstract. evaluations.com/_pdfs/clinabst.pdf Southern Society of General Internal Medicine. Southern SGIM call for vignette submissions. Society of General Internal Medicine Annual Meeting Important Dates. verview/content.htm