Formats for a chapter programme
A chapter programme can combine talks, readings, outings, panels and short discussions, giving members different ways to learn and meet colleagues.
Talks and readings
AMWA’s Southwest chapter paired an award presentation at its 2007 banquet with a medical journalist’s lecture about covering AIDS. A videotape of the lecture was made available on the chapter website.
The Florida chapter’s 2006 meeting with a Scripps Florida scientific-operations executive introduced members to the research facility’s work. The Carolinas chapter’s March 2009 evening with an emergency physician and memoir author combined readings, discussion of becoming a writer and audience questions.
Educational outings
In September 2008, Florida chapter members visited a medical-illustration exhibit with a private guided tour, lunch and time in gardens and other galleries. The guide was a former registered nurse, and an invited medical illustrator provided additional commentary. Members viewed illustrations of anatomy, disease and procedures and learned about medical illustration’s history.
Panels
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s 2007 panel for the Delaware Valley chapter brought together health, healthcare and communications executives, moderated by its public-affairs director. Discussion covered the foundation’s role in healthcare, insurance and public-health issues such as childhood obesity, as well as resources and advice for medical communicators.
A career panel can help members assess whether another specialism suits them by giving each speaker one area to present. The New England chapter used this format in summer 2009 for publications, regulatory writing and continuing medical education.
Networking and short discussions
Good topics can encourage attendance, according to AMWA chapter delegates in 2010. Speed networking gives participants five minutes to exchange information one-to-one before moving to the next person. Panels, five- to fifteen-minute quick seminars and roundtables can offer varied presenters and focused ideas. Panels aimed at people entering the field can also provide direction, and the Chicago-area chapter was trying a job fair in 2010.