Medical team performing surgery in an operating room with surgical lights and monitors.

Submit your work for the Distinguished Edward M. Copeland, MD Resident Paper Competition

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Dates to Remember:

Submission Deadline

January 31, 2027

Finalist Notification

Early March 2027

Annual Meeting

April 24-25, 2027

Presenting Author Registration Deadline

March 31, 2027

Submit an Abstract

Eligibility & Requirements:
Distinguished Edward M. Copeland, MD Resident Abstract Competition

(All entries are encouraged. However, winners from another ACS local or regional competition will NOT be eligible as an award finalist.)

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

Entries may be submitted in any of the following categories:

  • Basic Science

  • Clinical Science

  • Commission on Cancer (CoC)*

  • Advocacy

  • Education

  • Spectacular Cases**

*CoC entries should focus on oncology and relate to the CoC's mission: improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education and monitoring of comprehensive quality care.

**Surgical cases and experiences that: are not routinely seen in practice, were treated in a unique fashion, produced knowledge and insights with educational value through their clinical presentation and/or challenge of management.


HOW ENTRIES ARE SELECTED

  • The top 3 scoring papers in each of the following categories will be selected for an oral podium presentation at the annual meeting: Basic Science, Clinical Science, and CoC.

  • The top 3 scoring papers in the following categories combined will be selected for an oral podium presentation at the annual meeting: Advocacy, Education, and Spectacular Cases

  • Entries not selected for the podium in all categories will be considered for a poster presentation

WHO CAN SUBMIT

  • Residents & Fellows: eligible for the paper competition (podium) or poster presentation

  • Medical Students: eligible for poster presentation only

  • The lead author must:

    • Be enrolled in a general surgery or surgical specialty residency/fellowship training program in Florida

    • Not be set to complete training before May 2027

SUBMISSION RULES

  • 250 words maximum per abstract

  • Maximum of 2 abstracts per primary author

  • At least one author must be a member of the Florida Chapter American College of Surgeons

  • Entries must represent original work done by the contestant while training in Florida

  • Unpublished work that has previously been accepted or presented at a national meeting is eligible.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

As a condition of submission, the presenting author agrees to:

  • Register for the annual meeting and present their work during the poster session or at the podium (if selected for the competition)

  • Ensure a faculty representative from their program is present at the annual meeting to support the medical student, resident, or fellow

Submit an Abstract

2027 Annual Meeting - Abstract Submission Guidelines