Description of Program Sessions 

Problem-Solving Sessions

Two-hour Problem-Solving Sessions are designed for intensive, small group discussion focused on a particular issue, theme or problem. The presenter introduces the sessions by providing stimulus material and is also responsible for organizing small group interaction on the topic. A variety of small group formats can be used to explore potential solutions or alternatives. At the end of the small group sessions, the groups share their ideas, and a summary statement is developed.

Skill Acquisition Sessions

Skill Acquisition Sessions are typically two-hour instructional sessions in which presenters teach particular skills or techniques. The session should accomplish specific learning objectives designed to provide Generalists with increased competence in some area of medical education. The session should include opportunities for practice and feedback. When this is not possible, the sessions must include time to discuss how skills can be applied in the participants' work settings.

Descriptive sessions provide: a)  overviews of projects, programs, or strategies or b) results of research and scholarship in medical education. The Program Committee will identify and group common topics among the selected proposals. A moderator will be chosen to coordinate the presentations and help facilitate discussion and exchange between the audience and presenters. Each two-hour Descriptive Session will include several 10-15 minute presentations with the time allotted for audience discussion and exchange. If an individual or group wishes to submit a set of presentations to be grouped together as one Descriptive Session, please contact the Program Chair, Nicole Borges at nicole.borges@wright.edu

Digital Poster Sessions (New)

The Generalists in Medical Education is introducing a new session type: digital posters.  The purpose of this session type is to have multiple presenters share unique programs, policies, measurement strategies, or projects that focus on medical education and its improvement. Digital posters may target a variety of topics, such as:

• Innovative educational and assessment strategies for students, residents and faculty
• Use of technology to support learning and development
• Inter-professional educational opportunities
• Curriculum and faculty development, testing and evaluation, and student services.  

All accepted submissions will be formatted into no more than 3 slides, configured with a 30’’ width and 24’’ height.   
Each presenter will have 3 minutes to share the poster slide(s), which will be projected for a large group setting.
After all presentations are introduced, attendees will be invited to learn more about the projects by joining authors for a roundtable discussion  allowing for a more in-depth examination of the topic.  Presenters will be expected to provide handouts to participants.

Panel Discussions

A Panel Discussion features several individuals presenting their ideas regarding a specific issue or topic and responding to questions. Panel Sessions may run for one to two hours. A moderator will facilitate panel comments and audience participation. Proposals for Panel Discussions should include identification of all panelists, an abstract by each panelist to clarify their perspective on the topic, anticipated total session time, and the method by which audience interaction will be facilitated.

Roundtable/Poster

The purpose of the Roundtable/Poster is to provide an informal mechanism for sharing experiences, ideas, curricula, research and scholarship in medical education. Works-in-progress and completed-works are both encouraged.

Other

Entirely new and innovative session formats may be submitted for consideration. The Program Committee will evaluate the appropriateness of the submission. If you have particular questions about the suitability of such a concept,please contact the Program Chair, Carol Thrush thrushcarolr@uams.edu