Poster at ARVO during exam time

[U4iA]

Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I apologize for posting in this forum but I know that you all are best able to address my concerns.

For some time, I have had an interest in ophthalmology. Recently, I completed a research project and I have the opportunity to present a poster at ARVO next summer. Unfortunately, the conference is scheduled right before a comprehensive term final so I will have to fly in, present, and fly out. Secondarily, I will have to spend close to $500 when all is said and done.

QUESTION: Do you think that presenting at ARVO is worth these sacrifices if I will have little time to take in the conference?

If it weren't for the term final, I know I would greatly enjoy the experience. With it, I am a little hesitant and looking for guidance.

Any responses are appreciated!

All the best!

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[rubensan]

it is difficult to say how much experiences now will be "worth" in the future. given your interest in ophthalmology, presenting a poster or paper at ARVO can only help your career. i think a goal for the first ARVO should be presenting your poster rather than "taking in the whole conference." there will be plenty of time to study on the plane and in the hotel room.

good luck!

 

[ryangeraets]

I would echo Rubensan's comment...meetings (especially larger ones) can be a bit overwhelming at times, and at this point in your career (getting ready to apply to ophtho) your main concerns should be BOTH doing well on your rotations AND doing the extra things that can make you stand out as an applicant (things like presenting at ARVO). Rubensan's point about there being plenty of time to study on the plane and in the hotel are exactly right, if I were in your shoes I'd go to present (not to party late in Miami/Ft Lauderdale or to attend every paper presentation/speaker) and study for your exam.
Good luck!

 

[DOapplicant]

if you're really pressed for time, you could just go for the day you present your poster (depending you long of a plane ride you have)

i just submitted my abstract yesterday but i'm doubtful it is going to be accepted.
even you have something strong enough that you're already certain it will be accpted i would not pass up the opportunity if i were in your shoes.

good luck.👍

 

[U4iA]

thanks for the feedback everyone!

 

[DrShakens]

I'm a 3rd year now who was in the same boat as you last year. I got accepted as first author for research I did the summer after 1st year so I had to go. Too bad my Step 1's were a couple weeks away and I was in the middle of the Kaplan Prep program.

I lucked out with my presentation day being Sunday so I flew down Saturday morning, studied on the beach and in my hotel room Saturday night, presented Sunday afternoon and then caught a flight home that night to be back for class Monday morning.

It was a very intense weekend and I wish I could have stayed for the whole time (the residents I got to know over the year told me I missed out on some sweet pharm-sponsored dinners) but I did meet a number of people all over the country just on that one day I was presenting my poster. Many people said they were very impressed to have a 2nd year student down there as a first author including the residency director of my own school.

IMHO, I think it's worth the trip. If the studying is really stressing you out, just know that you have 2 plane rides to study on. Also, you really only have to be there for the 3-4 hours you have to stand by your poster so you can spend all the other time with your nose in the books. As for the cash, think of it as an investment in your future and from what I'm told by attending ophtho's, it's worth it.

Hope my advice helps, I just submitted another abstract last week so maybe I'll see you down there this spring.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

From what I hear it's not terribly hard to get an abstract accepted for ARVO right? It's not exactly rigorous peer review is it? But anyhow, you should still go and present. You can handle finals easy, and you'll get to meet a lot of people. You should also make your PI pay for it.

 

[Flyfisher]

All of the posters I ever submitted were accepted, and I have seen some pretty weird posters there, so don't be surprised if yours gets in. My posters (2) were pretty weak themselves being pharm company sponsored clinical research on comfort of antibiotics in kids.

Now that I'm actually in medical school, I won't be at ARVO for the first time in five years. I guess I'll survive, but I'm going to miss the free booze/food and the hotel pool at 3 am....
🙁

 

[GuP]

How do you convey these posters/abstracts on your CV and SFmatch application? Are they considered publications?

 

[rubensan]

There should be a section in your CV entitled "Abstracts and Short Communications." I used one of my own as an example of how to cite an ARVO abstract:

Sanchez R, Garg S, Chu Q, Wong M, Lam TT. Cytokines in Retinal Ischemia. IOVS 2002;43: ARVO E-abstract 782.

Hope this helps.

 

[DOapplicant]

thasks for the words of encouragment regarding poster abstract submission.
i'd definately be psyched to go and present.

good luck to anyone reading this and still amidst the interviewing process!

 

[indytx]

When do we find out whether our abstract is accepted for ARVO?

 

[KBerg21]

According to the ARVO website, notification of accepted abstracts will be made on February 2, 2007, by an email to the primary author.

http://www.arvo.org/eweb/AM2007/pdf/AM2007_call_for_abstracts.pdf
(Top left column of page 3)

 

[GuP]

Does ARVO make much of a difference in your app? To be honest, almost anyone can get a poster in - there is not much quality control. I currently have two submissions as a third year - one first, and another third author. Will this actually make a difference in me landing a residency spot?

 

[4424]

it helps. it's better than just doing research. at least it has been presented. every one of my interviews have mentioned my research and arvo, etc so at the very least, it's something to talk about. but yes i do think it helps.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

it helps. it's better than just doing research. at least it has been presented. every one of my interviews have mentioned my research and arvo, etc so at the very least, it's something to talk about. but yes i do think it helps.

Hrm, how much would it help if say the abstract eventually became an IOVS first author paper?