Inspired Healthcare Conferences

A few years ago, I got involved in a project that led me to contemplate this topic. How can we make symposia and conferences more rewarding to attendees and presenters while providing an added value proposition to all stakeholders?

So many of us have been to scientific conferences to learn about cutting-edge treatments and all the up-to-date research that exists on our chosen topic.  During the lost years of COVID-19, when all in-person conferences went online, there were no opportunities to meet your medical and scientific heroes. However, attending conferences became more inclusive during these times because the cost of attending an online symposium was usually a fraction of the cost of attending in person. However, presenting one’s work, discussing issues, troubleshooting problems, networking, and socializing are much more efficient and rewarding when they happen in person.

Personal stories

Imagine getting an insider’s view of what each speaker is literally “bringing to the table.”  Each of these key opinion leaders (KOLs), subject matter experts (SMEs), accomplished clinicians, or scientists has a personal story to tell.  How did they get to where they are in their career, what inspired them, who were their mentors? The audience listens to their presentations of the latest results from clinical and preclinical experiments, paving the way for the next therapeutic breakthrough. This is exciting, but what if another resource was available to conference attendees?

Paying it forward

A resource where they can learn about their favorite speakers, get a glimpse into their life’s journey, and find out what molded them into the person they see standing there on that stage.  This would take attending these meetings to a whole other level. Young and impressionable PhD and medical students, post-docs, and interns alike would be able to understand the presenter’s background and maybe relate to that speaker on a personal level, be inspired, follow in their footsteps, or take some of their advice. A way of “paying it forward” in a community where collaboration is critical to success and progress.

Inspiring leaders

Of course, as a medical writer, I focus on conferences in the biomedical space. I get personal gratification and inspiration because I have the opportunity to speak with highly talented physicians and scientists who are changing the landscape of science and medicine. Recently, I interviewed a few KOLs in the field of hematology-oncology for an annual meeting called the Annual Indy Hematology ReviewTM. The organizers of this conference publish a yearly journal showcasing a few speakers who will be presenting. This journal serves a great purpose in encouraging attendees, inspiring speakers, and promoting an atmosphere of general excitement surrounding the event.

Personal growth

Circling back to the big picture, conferences should be made accessible spaces for mentorship and personal growth that transcend any one particular field of interest. This should include every conference within the STEM world (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Those of us in STEM careers are applying knowledge and skills from these fields to solve problems, create new technologies, and improve our understanding of the world around us. Think about it for a minute. The implications are endless and potentially life-changing.