Medical Student Research Forum & Poster Day

General Formatting Instructions

• No tab stops at the beginning of the paragraph.
• No references should be included in the abstract.
• Max word count: 250.
• Format as Word Doc
• Each of the 5 sections below must be included with one blank line after Section 3.
• Refer to the example abstract to clarify the instructions.

Section 1: Abstract Title

• Use bold font.

Section 2: Author Names

• The presenting author’s name should be in bold font.
• Each author should be listed as follows: first name, middle initial (if desired), and last name.

Section 3: Author Department and School Affiliation

• List the department and school of each author.
• Use official department and school names.
• Begin each department and school affiliation with a different numbered superscript (e.g., 1, 2, 3).

Section 4: Abstract Body (Max 250 words)

• Body section titles should be in bold followed by a colon.
• Do not write body section titles in all capital letters.
• Do not add a space between body sections.

Content:

• Introduction: What is the topic?
• Objective: Which problem/knowledge gap were you trying to address?
• Methods: How did you go about addressing this problem?
• Results: What was the outcome of your project?
• Conclusion: What does it all mean for your discipline, society, etc.?

Section 5: Acknowledgements (if applicable)

Section 6: Figures (if applicable)

Watch our Video: How to Design an Abstract

• Size: 36” x 48” (landscape orientation)

• PDF Format

• Required Sections: Title, Author(s), Institutional Affiliation, Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion, and References

• Design Tips: Use large fonts, high-contrast colors, and minimal text. Figures and visuals should be clear and labeled.

Watch our Poster Design Tips Video 

Abstract books showcase the research presented by Keck students at the annual Medical Student Research Forum.

• 2020 Abstract Book
• 2022 Abstract Book
• 2023 Abstract Book
• 2024 Abstract Book
• 2025 Abstract-Book

KSOM Poster template  (Example)

KSOM Poster template (Blank)

KSOM Power Point template

Is it a requirement to submit a poster?

• No, poster printing is available free of charge if submitted, but students may choose to print and bring their own poster at their own expense. It is not mandatory to submit a poster to us, but it is mandatory to show up on presentation day with a poster in hand.

Can I present a poster that I printed for a different conference?

• Yes!

I applied for a plenary presentation, should I still make a poster?

• Yes, plenary presentation spots are highly selective and not guaranteed so please plan accordingly.