Why Attend Conferences?
Conference attendance demonstrates academic engagement with your specialty. Presentations — oral or poster — are scored portfolio activities in most training applications. They also provide networking opportunities that can open doors to research collaborations, fellowships and jobs.
Types of Conference Presentation
Oral Presentation
- Typically 5–10 minutes with 2–3 minutes for questions
- Higher portfolio value than a poster
- Requires a more polished abstract — higher selection threshold
Poster Presentation
- Most common starting point for residents
- Physical or ePoster format depending on conference
- Often includes a 3-minute pitch period (poster walk)
- Widely available — major conferences accept dozens to hundreds of posters
Prize Presentations / Competitions
- Many specialty societies run trainee research prizes — highly competitive but excellent portfolio value
Finding Conferences
By country and specialty:
| Country / Scope | Examples |
|---|---|
| UK — Surgery | ASiT, ASGBI, specialty RCS meetings |
| UK — Medicine | RCP Annual Conference, BTS, BSG |
| USA — All specialties | ACS, AHA, ACEP, APA, ARS annual meetings |
| Canada | CMA General Council, Royal College Annual Meeting |
| Australia/NZ | RACS Annual Scientific Congress, RACP Congress |
| International | UEGW, ESMO, ISS, EANS |
Abstract Writing Tips
- Follow the structured format: Background / Aim / Methods / Results / Conclusion
- Word limits are strict — typically 250–300 words
- Lead with your result in the conclusion — don't save the punchline
- Have a senior colleague review before submission
- Submit early — many conferences accept on a rolling basis
Funding Conference Attendance
- Most training programmes have a study leave and study budget — apply through your programme administrator
- Medical schools, royal colleges and professional associations often offer trainee travel grants
- Presenting at a conference increases your chance of securing funding
- Virtual/hybrid conferences significantly reduce cost barriers