In-person vs. virtual conferences: Lessons learned and how to take advantage of the best of both worlds

Guetter, Camila Roginski; Altieri, Maria S.; Henry, Marion C.W.; Shaughnessy, Elizabeth; Tasnim, Sadia; Yu, Yangyang R.; Tan, Sanda

doi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.07.016

Cited by 11 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Other studies have investigated preferences of medical trainees with regards to intrainstitutional didactic learning opportunities and have found that trainees report difficulties with virtual learning (e.g., distractions from the physical environment) 25 similar to our findings. Looking forward, the data from this study suggest that a hybrid model may be an appropriate future direction to offer flexibility to attendees to attend remotely while preserving networking opportunities 17,[25][26][27] .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…The findings in this study suggest that the largest benefit in attending a virtual conference is the flexibility to attend from any location (79% important or very important), which offered convenience, flexibility, and comfort to participants. This is echoed in the literature with previous studies, suggesting that not only does the virtual format save time 6,7 but also that it provides an opportunity for an increased number of conference participants from distant locations 17 Fig. 5 How satisfied are you with the following aspects of virtual conferences?…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

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Residents and Fellows of US Medical Residencies and Fellowships Strongly Prefer In-Person to Virtual Conference Format

Glattke,

Tummala,

Weldon

et al. 2024

JBJS Open Access

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Introduction: Medical conferences are an integral aspect of medical education as they allow attendees to stay up to date with recent advancements in medicine, to develop presentation and communication skills, and to network and establish connections with professionals in their field of interest. But, when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was declared in March 2020, face-to-face medical conferences were suspended, and conference organizers began shifting their meetings to virtual platforms. These new virtual conferences afforded medical residents and fellows the unique opportunity to attend conferences from the comfort of their own home or workplace; however, the virtual meeting platforms did not provide attendees with the same networking experiences as in-person conferences. Since the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, medical conferences are now faced with the question of whether they should remain virtual, shift back to in-person meetings, or develop a hybrid model of both options. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze medical resident and fellow sentiments and preferences by comparing virtual and in-person conference formats. Methods: A voluntary electronic survey was distributed to medical residents and fellows across the United States through their program coordinators and directors. Results: The main findings of this study suggest that medical residents and fellows largely prefer in-person conferences (85%) as compared to a virtual format because of the networking opportunities afforded to them along with the development of camaraderie with their peers. The findings in this study suggest that the largest benefit in attending a virtual conference is the flexibility to attend from any location (79% important or very important), which offered convenience, flexibility, and comfort to participants (n = 100). Conclusion: These results support our hypothesis that despite the convenience and portability afforded by attending conferences virtually, medical residents and fellows still ultimately prefer to attend conferences in person. Overall, the findings in this study are of relevance to conference organizers in understanding the driving forces behind attendance and should be considered in determining meeting format.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 91%

Residents and Fellows of US Medical Residencies and Fellowships Strongly Prefer In-Person to Virtual Conference Format

Glattke,

Tummala,

Weldon

et al. 2024

JBJS Open Access

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“…Previous studies have highlighted how virtual formats can increase access to professional networks, despite some of the downsides of virtual formats [16][17][18]. The downsides of virtual formats include technical requirements and 'zoom fatigue' that occurs during prolonged online engagement such as virtual conferences [14,15,[25][26][27]. On the other hand, virtual programmes such as this LaMP avoid zoom fatigue by offering short, but intensive and ongoing interactions.…”

Section: Discussion (A) Success Of the Virtual Laboratory Meeting Pro...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Lighting pathways to success in STEM: a virtual Laboratory Meeting Programme (LaMP) mutually benefits mentees and host laboratories

Lotterhos,

Bernal,

Phifer-Rixey

et al. 2024

Proc. R. Soc. B.

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Developing robust professional networks can help shape the trajectories of early career scientists. Yet, historical inequities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields make access to these networks highly variable across academic programmes, and senior academics often have little time for mentoring. Here, we illustrate the success of a virtual Laboratory Meeting Programme (LaMP). In this programme, we matched students (mentees) with a more experienced scientist (mentors) from a research group. The mentees then attended the mentors’ laboratory meetings during the academic year with two laboratory meetings specifically dedicated to the mentee’s professional development. Survey results indicate that mentees expanded their knowledge of the hidden curriculum as well as their professional network, while only requiring a few extra hours of their mentor’s time over eight months. In addition, host laboratories benefitted from mentees sharing new perspectives and knowledge in laboratory meetings. Diversity of the mentees was significantly higher than the mentors, suggesting that the programme increased the participation of traditionally under-represented groups. Finally, we found that providing a stipend was very important to many mentees. We conclude that virtual LaMPs can be an inclusive and cost-effective way to foster trainee development and increase diversity within STEM fields with little additional time commitment.

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“…20,21 Therefore, an investment in technologies is favored in this new modern world to ensure continuum of communication and activities anytime. [22][23][24] Specifically for the DTHM the changes that have been implemented relate to the use of online communication tools, more structured online meetings which have replaced some in person interactions, and more targeted travel to partner countries. These changes will require ongoing assessment to see the long-term impact of the ways partnerships operate in a post-COVID-19 environment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global health partnerships in the time of COVID-19: redefining the way we work

Giachino,

Chappuis,

Beran

2023

Journal of Global Health Reports

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Background The emergence of COVID-19 disrupted several global health partnerships, with people unable to travel, meetings and conferences cancelled, and many forced to work remotely. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on global health partnerships learning from the activities of the Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine (DTHM) at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG). Methods Five members of the DTHM team as well as five local partners from ongoing projects within the DTHM in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Peru and Ukraine were interviewed. A qualitative approach was chosen employing an interpretive approach using Grounded Theory involving the application of inductive reasoning for the analysis. Results Interviewees describe both positive and negative impacts of COVID-19 for the existing partnerships. The use of on-site visits was disrupted and replaced by extra remote monitoring. Digital tools enabled the continuity of interactions ensuring that the partnership could continue to operate. Online tools allowed access to a wider audience and advantages with regards to time, cost and the environment. However, going online was unable to fully replace human interactions and exchanges which are core components of any partnership. Conclusions COVID-19 resulted in the DTHM and its partners needing to redefine and improve how partnerships were established and maintained. This change in how partnerships operated and adapted during the pandemic will require ongoing assessment to see the long-term impact of these changes in the ways partnerships function in a post-COVID-19 environment.

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In-person vs. virtual conferences: Lessons learned and how to take advantage of the best of both worlds

Cited by 11 publications

References 7 publications

Residents and Fellows of US Medical Residencies and Fellowships Strongly Prefer In-Person to Virtual Conference Format

Residents and Fellows of US Medical Residencies and Fellowships Strongly Prefer In-Person to Virtual Conference Format

Lighting pathways to success in STEM: a virtual Laboratory Meeting Programme (LaMP) mutually benefits mentees and host laboratories

Global health partnerships in the time of COVID-19: redefining the way we work

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