ACP National Abstract Competitions

Basic Research

To improve human health, scientific discoveries must be translated into practical applications. Such discoveries typically begin at the bench with basic research—in which scientists study disease at a molecular or cellular level.

Clinical Research

Patient-oriented research. Research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as tissues, specimens and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator (or colleague) directly interacts with human subjects. This area of research includes: mechanisms of human disease; therapeutic interventions; clinical trials; development of new technologies; analysis of existing datasets; epidemiologic and behavioral studies; outcomes research and health services research.

Quality Improvement-Patient Safety

Submissions can report on efforts to improve patient safety or outcomes measurement. Such efforts may be projects developed and initiated to promote patient safety and/or processes that have improved or created a safer environment for patients. Abstracts may also be submitted that relate to the use of outcome data, how to measure and convert data into information.

High Value Care

Projects that focus on: reducing waste in the system (unnecessary testing and treatment or inappropriate setting for care), minimizing harms (radiation exposure, medication side effects), or improving patient care through communication (incorporating patient values and concerns into care plans).

Physician Well-being and Professional Fulfillment

A project or initiative focused on improving physician well-being and/or the practice/training environment. Projects may focus on improving practice culture; creating more positive learning environments; addressing mental health and stigma; reducing burdens that contribute to burnout, etc. Submission should demonstrate a measurable impact on physicians within your practice, chapter, program, or health system.

Clinical Vignette

A clinical vignette is a report of one or more cases that illustrates a new disease entity, or a prominent or unusual clinical feature of an established disease. It may include a summary of pertinent patient history, physical findings, laboratory data, or management description.

The CARE statement provides useful guidance for preparing case reports.

CARE Case Report Guidelines
The CARE guidelines were developed by an international group of experts to increase the accuracy, transparency, and usefulness of case reports. For additional information, please visit www.care-statement.org.