The Evolving Landscape of Conferences

From the June 9, 2023 issue of the Transformational Times

This is the Kern MedEd Blog's 300th published post!

The Evolving Landscape of Conferences 

 

By Tavinder Ark, BSc, MSc, PhD 

 

A data scientist returns to an annual conference after a 10-year absence, and notices dramatic shifts in the diversity of medical professionals and disciplines represented, and another shift that warrants reflection... 

 

 

I attended the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) conference for the first time in 10+ years. I was immediately struck by the multidisciplinary nature of the event, reflective of the increasing complexity of healthcare itself. It was amazing to see the breadth of topics addressed, from how to change gun control based on the cost of caring for survivors to the care of incarcerated patients to online coaches for students. 

 

As a data scientist, my knowledge of data and statistical insights are critical to inform healthcare strategies and improve patient outcomes. The opportunity to learn about the real-life problems with which the medical field is grappling is always one more reason these conferences are worthwhile. It is important for data scientists to understand the context of the physicians’ world and the role that patient-centered care plays. By understanding the emphasis on individual patient needs, preferences, and values, data scientists can develop research questions, capture data, and analyze data with a more applicable model and reference. 

 

How conferences are changing

Initially, it was slightly intimidating to be surrounded by a sea of medical professionals. But it didn't take long to appreciate the convergence of disciplines. The diversity of professionals was a clear testament to the evolving nature of medicine, one that increasingly recognizes the importance of data analysis and evidence-based research. 

 

However, the changes were not only evident in the composition of attendees. Over time, I've noticed that the nature of conferences has significantly evolved. Traditionally, conferences were forums for collaboration, fostering relationships and cross-pollination of ideas. They were less about personal gain and more about the collective progress of the field. 

 

Regrettably, the trend seems to have shifted toward individualistic promotion. Presentations have become a platform for showcasing one's research, often overshadowing the invaluable aspect of collaboration. In some ways, it feels like we're losing part of the essence that makes conferences so enlightening and beneficial. 

 

Moments of collaboration and conversation

But it's not all gloom. One of the biggest highlights of the SGIM conference for me was the opportunity to present my research in medical education. The interface between data science and medicine has never been more exciting or necessary. Sharing my findings and receiving feedback from a broader medical community was both humbling and insightful. 

 

Moreover, despite the trend of individual promotion, there were moments of genuine collaboration. Networking events provided the chance to meet fellow researchers, fostering connections that would extend beyond the conference. Additionally, the poster presentations became a platform for productive discussions, reinforcing that the spirit of collaboration is still alive, albeit interspersed with instances of individualistic pursuits. 

 

Looking at the bright side, this shift may be interpreted as a reflection of the growing competitiveness and fast-paced evolution in healthcare. More than ever, medical professionals and researchers must keep abreast of the latest developments and prove their competency. 

 

With that all said, the SGIM conference was a valuable experience, despite the evident evolution in its nature. For all its pros and cons, it reminded me that in the face of changing dynamics, it's up to us -- the attendees -- to preserve the spirit of collaboration and harness the power of shared knowledge for the betterment of healthcare. 

Why collaboration remains important

 

Even as we strive to gain recognition for our work, let's not forget that the true essence of these conferences lies in the cross-fertilization of ideas, the collective growth of our understanding, and our shared commitment to improving patient care. The beauty of knowledge lies in its shared growth. And the SGIM conference, with all its evolution, remains a valuable platform to contribute towards that goal. 

 

Tavinder K. Ark, BSc, MSc, PhD, is a faculty member and the Director of the Kern Institutes Data Science Lab at MCW.