How to Navigate a Scientific Meeting and Make It Worthwhile? A Guide for Young Orthopedic Surgeons

Scientific meetings provide a unique opportunity within the academic and professional orthopedic community to further education, explore intellectual interests, share knowledge, network with colleagues, and find a welcomed reprieve from the hustle of clinical duties to revel in the company of like-minded individuals. Conscientious preparation and planning are indispensable leading up to the meeting in order to maximize utility and time. Understanding available resources and specific events encompassed within the meeting such as abstract presentations, poster tours, small-group “breakout” sessions, panel discussions, vendor exhibitions, and technical demonstrations and knowing how to make the best use of them demand its own research and execution of a “preoperative plan.” At the conclusion of these meetings, attendees should feel a rejuvenated spirit stemming from intellectual vivification, rekindling of old relationships, and forging of new ones. These efforts and takeaways then form the basis for future academic pursuits, research collaboration, and excitement for the next opportunity to partake in similar meetings.