Tough cases take top honors at the NJAFP 2019 Poster Contest

The 27 final entries in this year’s NJAFP Poster Contest showcased the breadth of issues tackled by family physicians. Actinomyces to hyponatremia to necrotizing fasciitis to vaccination to women’s health. The People’s Choice and first place Resident awardees both showcased tough cases, catching the attention of online voters and the judges on site at the NJAFP 2019 FamMed Forum, NJAFP’s largest annual meeting. While visiting with authors, AAFP President-Elect Gary LeRoy, MD, (Ohio), commented on the uniqueness of those two projects long before the votes were in. The way these authors studied and presented their data set them apart.

Praise for Poster Authors

Dr. LeRoy added that overall, “the posters were an exceptional demonstration of the depth of knowledge and creativity of the talented young people selecting the specialty of Family Medicine. Bravo!”

Other judges echoed Dr. LeRoy’s praise, adding that it was a challenge because all the posters were excellent. Long-time judge Jeff Zlotnik, MD, said, “I had the same ‘problem.’ Most of my scores were very close because the posters were so good!!’

What Qualities Got the Judges’ Attention?

The overall high quality of entries showed in the final scores with one or two points separating the first and second place winners from the rest of the submissions. Winning posters scored higher in creativity and organization. Quality and clarity were the greatness weakness of the low-scoring posters.

What will you do in 2020 to create a winning poster??

Check list for 2020:

• Call for abstracts will open February 14, 2020
• Abstract submission deadline will be April 15, 2020
• NJAFP encourages more physician and medical student entries!
• Physicians: Need a project for a 2020 poster? Check out these two NJAFP QI projects. Both projects are data-driven with specific goals to improve outcomes with a focus on health disparities. Think PDSAs and monthly data submissions. Residency programs welcome!!
  • https://njafp.org/content/adolescent-adult-immunization-echo-project
  • https://njafp.org/content/residency-program-collaborative

To the many, many PY3s who authored posters, good luck to you! If you stay in NJ, NJAFP hopes to see a poster from you in 2020 under the physician category!