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2026 Department of Medicine Research Symposium

Celebrating innovation, discovery, and collaboration across the Department of Medicine

Join us on Friday, April 17, 2026, for the 19th Annual Department of Medicine Research Symposium, a signature event celebrating the depth and impact of research across the Department of Medicine.

The symposium brings together investigators, clinicians, and trainees from all divisions to share new discoveries, exchange ideas, and spark interdisciplinary collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to present their work, engage with peers, and gain valuable feedback in a supportive academic environment.

Event highlights include:

  • Oral and poster presentations
  • Keynote address by Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Ph.D., SmartState and Kitty Trask Holt Endowed Chair for Scleroderma Research, MUSC
  • Awards ceremony recognizing outstanding research contributions

All members of the Department of Medicine are encouraged to participate, including junior faculty, fellows, residents, postdoctoral scholars, staff scientists, research specialists, program coordinators, graduate students, and medical students.

Event Details

Abstract Submissions

The Department of Medicine Research Symposium welcomes abstract submissions from eligible trainees, faculty, and staff. Follow the steps below to participate.

How to Participate:

  • Step 1:  Prepare your abstract using the required Word document format. Review the abstract guidelines below before finalizing your document.
  • Step 2:  Complete the Research Symposium Abstract Submission Form and upload your final abstract.
  • Step 3:  Prepare for the Research Symposium. Review the poster and oral presentation guidelines provided on next page.

Eligibility Requirements:  To submit an abstract, you must:

  • Be a Department of Medicine junior faculty member, fellow, resident, postdoctoral fellow, medical student, staff scientist, research specialist, program coordinator, or graduate student. Medical students are eligible only if there is a direct divisional collaboration.
  • Have worked with a Department of Medicine faculty member at MUSC within the previous year.

Abstract Word Document Guidelines

General Requirements:

  • Length: Approximately 300 words (maximum of 1 page)
  • File Format: Microsoft Word document only
  • Final Version: No tracked changes or comments
  • Font: Arial, 11-point

Required Abstract Sections: 

Your abstract must be organized using the following headings and order:

  • Abstract Title
  • Participant Information: Name, title, division, and Department of Medicine affiliation
  • Introduction: Describe the importance of the research topic. Include a clear statement explaining the reason for the research or the problem being addressed. The final sentence should state the purpose of the study or the a priori hypothesis.
  • Methods: Describe the approaches used and how the research question or problem was addressed.
  • Results: Summarize key findings or outcomes from the work completed to date.
  • Conclusion: Briefly explain what was learned and the project’s implications or contributions to the field.
  • Type of Project: (e.g., clinical research, basic science, epidemiology)
  • Mentor’s Name: Include mentor name and title

Additional Information:

  • Participants affiliated with the Department of Medicine may be selected for an oral presentation.
  • Presenting authors may submit one abstract only.

Important Dates:

Abstract Word Document Deadline:  February 28, 2026, by 5:00 PM

Abstract Submission Form

Register to be a Judge

Complete the Judge Registration Form to sign up to be a judge at the 2026 Department of Medicine Research Symposium.

Register to be a Judge

Presenter Guidelines and Important Dates 

Poster Specifications:

  • Poster Size: 48” wide × 36” high (horizontal format)
    • Previously printed posters may be used if they are 48” × 36” or smaller.
  • Required Template: Department of Medicine Poster Template (48” × 36”), to be provided.

Set-Up and Presentation:

  • Poster Set-Up: Friday, April 17, from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m.
  • Presenter Attendance: Presenters must be at their posters beginning at 8:30 a.m. and remain until judging concludes (11:30 a.m.).
  • Poster Take-Down: Posters may be removed after judging (11:30 a.m.).

Awards Ceremony (attendance encouraged):

  • Time: 1:15 p.m.
  • Location: Clinical Science Building, Room 300.

Attire: Professional work attire is required.

Poster Printing:

  • Submission Deadline: Email your completed poster PowerPoint (using the required template) to Catherine Bennett at phillica@musc.edu by April 7 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Poster Pick-Up: MUSC University Press, Bee Street Garage Office, 112 Bee Street, Suite 105.

Oral Presentation Guidelines

Selection Notification:  Oral presenters will be notified approximately two weeks prior to April 17 if selected.

Preparation:

  • Review and practice your presentation with your mentor.
  • Mentors are encouraged to attend the presentation.

Presentation Details:

  • Time Limit: 15 minutes per presentation.
  • Required Template: Department of Medicine Oral Presenter PowerPoint template to be provided.

Slide Submission Deadline: Email final presentation slides to Catherine Bennett at phillica@musc.edu by April 15 at 12:00 p.m. for system upload.

  • When: Friday, April 17, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

  • Where: Clinical Sciences Building

Schedule of Events:

  • 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. - Poster Hanging  |  Clinical Sciences Building, 8th and 9th floors
  • 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Poster Presentations  |  Clinical Sciences Building, 8th and 9th floors
  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Lunch  |  Clinical Sciences Building, 300
  • 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. - Oral Abstract Presentations  |  Clinical Sciences Building, 300
  • 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. - Keynote Presentation by Carol Feghali-Bostwick, Ph.D.  |  Clinical Sciences Building, 300
  • 1:15 – 2:00 p.m. -  Research Day Poster Award Ceremony  |  Clinical Sciences Building, 300

Contact Us

Catherine Bennett, MHA
Program Manager
phillica@musc.edu