Submission Deadline - December 11, 2009 at 11:59PM Eastern Time

Welcome to the Online Abstract Submission System! In order to submit your abstract using our online system, please print and follow these directions:

• Step 1 - carefully read the content and formatting instructions below. The format instructions have changed for 2009.

• Step 2 - download an abstract submission document. This Microsoft Word file is pre-formatted to comply with all formatting criteria. To download it, click here. Save the file to any location on your computer. If you do not use Word, click here for instructions on creating your own submission document.

• Step 3 - create your abstract using the abstract submission document you saved in Step 2. You may use any Word features, including inserting or pasting charts and graphs into the document. The final document must adhere to all formatting, font and size specifications as noted below. Failure to do so may result in return of your abstract for revision.

  All of the following format criteria must be met (review Format Instructions for information on how to do this):

  • The document size must be 3.7"w x 11"h
  • The margins must be 0.25" on all sides
  • The font must be Times New Roman and 10pt in size
  • The line spacing must be single spaced
  • All paragraphs should be fully justified (flush on both left and right margins)
  • Maximum character count of 3000 (spaces are not included in the count)
  • A single table, chart, or photo may be included, but the maximum character count is then reduced to 2775.
  • Sections in your abstract should start with section headers in bold, followed by a colon character. They should not be in all caps, italics or underlined (e.g. Introduction:, Methods:, Results:, Conclusion:, etc). They must be located at the beginning of a paragraph, and on the left side of the page and must not be on a separate line by themselves.
  • Do not use highlighting, bold, capitals, italics or underlining for emphasis within the abstract
  • Title, author and institution information must not appear in the abstract
  • Do not acknowledge research grant support in the abstract



• Step 4 - submit your document. Click here to access the abstract submission form. Fill in all fields requested.
     Two awards are available for eligible submitters. Click the link below for more information:
       New Member Award
       Resident Award 
   Locate your abstract submission document using the Browse button at the bottom of the form to enter its filename in the appropriate field, then press the Submit button.

• Step 5 - save your confirmation number. You will receive an immediate confirmation on your web browser and you will also receive one via email. This number is required to monitor the status of your submission or to submit a revision prior to the deadline. If you do not receive a confirmation, contact Technical Support immediately.

• Step 6 - Your confirmation will contain a link to provide information on all authors, and to suggest a discussant if your abstract is accepted for oral presentation. Click the link and provide all information requested.

• Step 7 - Your confirmation will also contain a link to provide a disclosure of any conflicts of interest should your abstract be accepted for presentation. Click the link and provide all information requested.

• Step 8 - your abstract will be checked to make sure it conforms to all of the format guidelines listed above. If it does not, you will receive an email detailing what changes are needed. Once you have made the changes, you can submit your revised abstract by clicking on the Revise an Abstract link on the left side of this page. Do not resubmit your revision as a new abstract submission. Your original submission form will be displayed with all of the information previously provided. Just select your revised abstract file using the Browse button at the bottom of the form and click submit. You will receive another email stating that your abstract is complete once all guidelines are met. Once your abstract passes format guidelines, you cannot submit any further revisions.

If you require any technical assistance in this process, please email or call us using the contact information below.