How Does the Judging Process Work? 

Judges work in teams of at least three (3), and include at least one (1) osteopathic physician, one (1) researcher (may be practicing DO, MD or PhD with research experience), and at least one trainee (resident or student). Each team must, as a group, give an evaluation of each poster or oral presentation based on criteria established in four domains: 

 1. Presentation (organization/layout)     

 2. Introduction/ Background

 3. Description of methods (data and analysis)

 4. Discussion (overall clarity of thought)

Submission Categories

      1. Basic Science Research Abstract Format

      2. Clinical Medicine (Research Study) Abstract Format

      3. Clinical Vignette (Case Report) Abstract Format

Do I Need to Have Research or Judging Experience to be a Judge?

No. The MOA will provide experienced judges on each judging team to help train anyone who wants to participate. Our goal is to increase participation of students, residents, fellows and practicing physicians, in addition to the research community in Michigan. 

Categories

1. Basic Research
To improve human health, scientific discoveries must be translated into practical applications. These discoveries typically begin at the bench with basic research - in which scientists study disease at a molecular or cellular level.

2. Clinical Research
Patient-oriented investigations conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as tissues, specimens and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator directly interacts with human subjects. This area of research includes: mechanisms of human disease; therapeutic interventions; clinical trials; development of new technologies; analysis of existing datasets; epidemiologic and behavioral studies; public or community health, or social determinants of health.

3. Clinical Vignette or Case Report
Report one or more cases that illustrate a new disease entity, or a prominent or unusual clinical feature of an established disease. It may include a summary of pertinent patient history, physical findings, laboratory data, or management description.

4. Quality Improvement (QI), Patient Safety (PS), or High-Value Care (HVC)
Projects or research that demonstrate the aspects of Quality Care as defined by the Institute of Medicine: Safe (injury avoidance or mitigation to patients and/or providers); timely (reduce waits and delays for patients and/or providers); effective (based on scientific knowledge, extended to all likely to benefit, while avoiding underuse and overuse); equitable (provide consistent quality, without regard to personal characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, geographic location, and socioeconomic status); efficient (avoid waste, including waste of equipment, supplies, or ideas); patient centered (respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values, ensuring patient values guide clinical decisions. High Value Care: In addition to IOM quality care definition: improving patient care through communication (aligning patient values and concerns into care plans) or advancing effectiveness of population health management.

Preparing Your Abstract Submission

For a good all-around resource for preparing to submit abstracts or posters, please visit:
American College of Physician’s Guide to Preparing for the Abstract Competition.

Link: View a Case Presentation example                                                                                                                                                                 
Link: View a Research Presentation example

Judging Criteria 

Judges will assess each exhibit on multiple criteria established by the SRE Committee consistent with generally accepted standards for competitive scientific research displays, including presentation (organization/layout), appropriate introduction/background, clear description of methods, data and analysis, thoughtful discussion and overall clarity of thought. They will judge case presentations on a unique set of weighted criteria. Displays should be readily understood with or without the author present.

The subject matter should be current and of interest to practicing clinicians. Although the committee encourages prospective studies, subject matter need not be limited to new research.

Whenever possible the exhibit should promote osteopathic principles as they relate to the clinical situation or scientific aspect of the display.

The concept of a research exhibit by definition means the display will be graphically interesting.

Materials You Bring (in person competitions only)

Use large mailing tubes for ease in transporting exhibit posters. MOA provides "T" pins and tape, if you prefer other mounting materials, please bring your own. You are responsible for printing and costs associated with your poster.

The following guidelines are offered to assist you with a successful presentation:

Content and Text
The research display should focus on Hypothesis or Objective, Methods, and Results of Objectives. A short and legible introduction and summary of conclusions are essential. Your presentation should contain succinct headings that organize and logically display the information. Use large print, including heavy block letters if possible. Keep the text and figure legends explicit and brief.

Graphics
Graphics should be explicit and brief – charts, drawings, and illustrations should be similar to those you would use in making slides. Illustrations must be read from distances of about 3’ or more. Also, use color to effectively add emphasis. Ensure all illustrations are made beforehand. Do not mount your presentation materials on heavy board because they may be difficult to keep in position.

Liability
SRE exhibitors shall assume full responsibility for damage and shall indemnify and hold harmless the MOA, and the convention venue from all liability, which may ensue from any cause whatsoever. The MOA does not guarantee or protect the exhibitors against any loss, theft, or damage of any kind. You are responsible for any personal valuable property that may be left unattended.

Contact Melissa Budd, CME Program Manager

(517) 347-1555 x 112
Melissa Budd contact form