2024 Fall Symposium

Current residents of both California and out of state dermatology programs, as well as medical students are welcome to submit an abstract for the Case Poster Presentations at the 2024 Fall Symposium. Case poster selections will receive complimentary Conference registration.

Submitted abstracts will be reviewed by the 2024 Symposium Program Directors or their designated sub-committee. Current residents of California state dermatology programs may submit an abstract for BOTH the poster presentations and the Resident Forum; however, if selected, the abstract will only be presented during one or the other. For more details about the Resident Forum, click here.

While the Resident Forum is only open to current California dermatology program residents, the Poster Presentation is open to residents both in California or out of state, as well as dermatology fellows and medical students.

Eligibility

The primary author and presenter of any Poster Presentation abstract must be a resident in an approved dermatology training program or medical student (preferably those who intend to pursue dermatology in the future). Residents and med students may be enrolled in programs in both California or out of state (preference given to CA-programs). It is expected that chosen presenters will be able to attend the 2024 Fall Symposium in-person. Complimentary conference registration will be awarded to the Presenting Author.

Important Dates to Remember

  • Submission Deadline – July 31, 2024 @ 11:59 PM (Pacific)
  • Acceptance Notification – Monday, August 12, 2024

The submission form will close at the listed time and date of the deadline. Submissions will no longer be accepted after this time/date. Abstracts are blind reviewed by the Fall Symposium Program Directors or their designated review committee. Notifications will be sent on or about the notification date listed above and will be communicated to the listed Presenting Author (or administrative contact). This date is subject to change. Due to the volume of communications, we ask that you wait until after the notification date to check on the status of your submission.

Presentation Schedule / Set-up & Tear-down

Accepted posters must be set-up by 10:00 AM, Friday, September 6. Presenters may begin to tear down their posters on Sunday, May 5 after the last break (approx. 11:00 AM). All posters must be removed by 12:00pm on Sunday, September 8. The presenting author is responsible for the proper assembly, mounting, and presentation of his/her poster. Poster presenters will be provided with a poster number to identify where their poster will be set-up in the exhibit hall. Pushpins will be provided.

While not required, it's encouraged that poster presenters stand by their poster and be available for questions during break periods. If you are unable to be present during these hours, we encourage you to leave business cards or include your contact information on your poster, so conference attendees may reach out to you about your poster.

Posters should be prepared in advance and should be brought in person by the presenter or medical colleague attending the meeting. If you are staying at the host hotel, you may send your poster to yourself. CalDerm staff will not accept any posters on your behalf. All printing and shipping fees are the responsibility of the presenter. Posters cannot contain any industry logos, content, advertising messages, literature, contact information, etc. Industry representatives may not be involved in or relegated to the hanging/placement of the poster.

It is the responsibility of the poster presenter to tear down and pack their poster. CalDerm will not be responsible for any posters left in the exhibit hall after the closing of the exhibit hall on Sunday afternoon. Any posters left after 12:00pm, will be discarded.

Abstract Submission Guidelines
  • Abstracts should be no longer than 450-word count. This word count only includes the body of the abstract. It does not include author information or references. Abstracts should reflect content of the presentation, including the title.
  • Abstracts will be accepted as text only. Images and visual aides are not permitted; however, if selected, it's expected that you include such materials in your poster.
  • All abstracts must be submitted electronically using this online form. 
  • All correspondence related to the submission (including acceptance notifications) will be addressed to the Presenting Author, unless an Administrative Contact is listed.
  • If selected, it is expected that the Presenting Author listed will attend the 2024 Fall Symposium in-person. The Presenting Author will receive complimentary registration.
  • The Presenting Author may submit up to 2 abstracts.
  • Due to the quick turnaround between the submission deadline and selection, no changes may be made to a submitted abstract after the submission deadline.
  • Incomplete abstracts will not be considered.
  • When listing co-authors, please list all co-authors in the appropriate order. Include full name, credentials, and institution. This list will be used by CalDerm for printing purposes, if abstracts are included in conference materials. No edits will be made by CalDerm staff. Please check the listing for accuracy prior to submission.
  • Only up to (5) five references may be included.
  • Commercial involvement in the production or placement of accepted poster abstracts is prohibited.
  • Industry, trade, or product names in the abstract title or content is prohibited. Generic terms should be used instead of trade names. Any trade names will be changed to their generic or component name.
  • The use of company or product names as a means for promotion/advertising is strictly prohibited.
  • Only abstracts on completed research or case studies will be considered.  
  • Abstract content:
    • Patient History / Case Background
    • References (if applicable)
    • Treatment
    • Diagnosis
    • Laboratory Data
    • Biopsies
  • Objective / Purpose / Background
  • Design / Methods
  • Summary Results
  • Conclusion
  • References (if applicable)
  • Case Abstract
  • Other / Research
Suggested Poster & Presentation Guidelines
  • Each poster display will be 4 feet high x 4 feet wide. Please note that some or all poster boards will be double-sided, with two posters on either side of the board. Please respect the area around your poster.
  • Each poster should include the poster title and author(s) name(s). Industry logos, content, advertising messages, literature, contact information, etc., may not be included.
  • The lettering of the title strip should be at least 1" high. 
  • All poster material should be confined to the space provided (see dimensions above).
  • Text and illustrations must be readable from a distance of at least 5 feet. 
  • All lines should be heavily drawn. 
  • Typed materials should be on the largest typeface available.
  • The poster should be understandable without oral explanation in case you are unable to be at your poster when attendees view it.
  • When planning your poster presentation, aim for clarity and simplicity. To maintain a good visual balance, poster content should occupy approximately 50% of the total 4' x 4' poster board area.  An effective poster should be clear and concise.
    • The objective of the work should be stated.
    • Experimental details should be concise.
    • Tables and conclusions should be clearly stated.
    • Do not overload the poster with excessive text and data.
    • Where possible, organize tables and figures chronologically in vertical progression.