Preparing a Scientific Poster

LuAnn Wilkerson, Ed.D.

Sr. Assoc. Dean for Medical Education

Alan LeFor, 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: IMRaD• 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: $50-200

• 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