Abstract Submissions Overview and Guidelines

16th Annual IAPAE Conference 2025

The International Academy of Physician Associate Educators is pleased to welcome submission of Abstracts for Presentations at the IAPAE Annual Conference taking place 29 – 31 October, 2025 at the Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest, Pretoria, South Africa.

  • Abstract Submissions Overview

The submission of Abstract for the IAPAE Annual Conference is now open.

Click here for Information about the Conference

Abstract submissions are accepted unit 07 July 2025. We will provide results of acceptance of Abstract submission by 15 July 2025. IAPAE welcomes the submission of Abstracts for the following five categories of Presentations to occur during the 3-day IAPAE Conference:

  1. Oral Scientific Paper Presentations
  2. Poster Scientific Presentations
  3. PechaKucha Presentations
  4. Palaver, Stories Under the Tree Presentations
  5. Workshops

Abstract Presentations submitted for one of these five categories should align with the IAPAE Conference Theme:

“Coming Together to Advocate for Physician Associate, Clinical Associate and Analogue Education for Expanding Clinical Practice”

The Abstracts should align with one of the five Conference Sub-Theme Tracks, including:

  1. The Impact of AI on Teaching and Learning
  2. Expanding Education through Teaching Innovation
  3. Education and Research Influences on Clinical Practice
  4. Student Readiness to Enter Workforce with Changing Needs
  5. Collaboration for Global Standards: Accreditation, Competencies, Scope of Practice

Ideally, the Abstract has links to Physician Associate, Clinical Associate and Analogue health science education and clinical practice.

Structure of the five Presentations during the conference:

  1. Oral Scientific Paper Presentations will be a 12 minute presentation by the author followed by 3 minutes for questions for a scientific research study. Or each author will present for 12 minutes, then after all authors have presented during a session, the authors will be on a short panel for a Q & A session.

  2. Poster Scientific Presentation will be the authors standing by their scientific research poster for delegates to walk around, view and ask questions during tea and lunch breaks, followed by a facilitated group discussion of the posters with the authors and delegates for 10 minutes related to a Conference Track. Posters will also be open for viewing throughout the conference.

  3. PechaKucha Presentation is a 6 minute 40 second presentation by the author with 20 power point slides, with each slide set to display for 20 seconds, automatically moving to the next slide. The slides include only images or photos, no text/words on the slide as the images and narration will tell the story. The presentation is followed by 6 minutes for questions and discussion. The PechaKucha is meant to provoke thought, imagination, humour or insight and can be any topic related to the Conference Theme and/or Sub-Themes. More info at PechaKucha website.

  4. Palaver, Stories Under the Tree Presentation is a 10 minute presentation by the author(s) followed by 5 minutes for discussion and questions. The presentation is similar to a community sitting under a tree and discussing relevant topics. The presentation can be any situation, experience, idea, activity or story by the author(s) related to the Conference Theme and Tracks. This can be by single or multiple presenters.
  5. Workshops are 1 hour long providing hands-on experience for delegates to learn from the workshop facilitator(s) on any relevant practical educational and clinical related activity. Workshop facilitator(s) will submit an abstract for consideration of presenting a hands-on, learning workshop to conference delegates.

The Abstract submission for the presentations should follow the Conference Theme and Tracks and be in line with Physician Associate, Clinical Associate and Analogue health science education and clinical practice.

“The IAPAE Scientific Committee members will review Abstract submissions in a blind-peer review structure. Announcement for acceptance of Abstracts for Presentation at the Conference will be delivered by email on 15 July, 2025.

Abstract Submission Guidelines Overview

Guidelines for Oral Scientific Paper Presentation

Abstract for Oral Scientific Paper Presentation to include the following six sections with maximum of 250 words (not including Title, Authors and Affiliations).

  1. Oral Scientific Paper Title, Author(s) & Affiliation
  2. Introduction
  3. Methods
  4. Results
  5. Discussion
  6. Conclusion

If an Abstract for Oral Scientific Paper Presentation is selected, the author(s) will be expected to submit a power point presentation prior to the scheduled presentation to the Abstract Submission Portal and to present their research work during a 12 minute oral presentation followed by 3 minutes for Q&A.

Guidelines for Poster Scientific Presentation

Abstract for Poster Scientific Presentation to include the following six sections with maximum of 250 words (not including Title, Authors and Affiliations).

  1. Poster Title, Author(s) & Affiliation
  2. Introduction
  3. Methods
  4. Results
  5. Discussion
  6. Conclusion

If an Abstract for a Poster Scientific Presentation is selected, the author(s) will be expected to submit and present their research on a poster in landscape format measuring 48″ wide x 36″ high (121.92cm x 91.44 cm). See Poster example here. At this time, it is not decided if paper/cloth poster or electronic poster submission will be required.

Guidelines for PechaKucha Presentation
PechaKucha presentations follow a Japanese inspired story-telling format which has the speaker talking and sharing the information with the power point changing slides automatically every 20 seconds. The slides have only images or photos, with no words or text, as the story comes from the speaker and the images. There are 20 slides, at 20 seconds per slide, for a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds for the presentation. The word “PechaKucha” is Japanese for “chit chat.” Learn more about PechaKucha. Abstract for the PechaKucha should include the following 6 sections with maximum of 250 words (not including Title, Authors and Affiliations).

  1. PechaKucha Title, Author(s) & Affiliation
  2. Introduction
  3. Background
  4. Content of the story
  5. Rationale for telling the story
  6. Conclusion of the story

Guidelines for Palaver, Stories Under the Tree Presentations

In Africa, and in many countries it is a custom to share discussions under a tree, a place to create or maintaining social links, often in the shade of a large tree. We invite Abstracts for Palaver presentations to be submitted for consideration. This is an opportunity to share an interesting educational or clinical idea, question, situation, event, conflict or process relevant to the conference theme and or tracks. The presenter or presenters have 10 minutes to present with no power point, only talking or with visual aids (not power point) with 5 minutes for follow up discussion and questions. Abstract for the Palaver talk should include the following six sections with maximum of 250 words (not including Title, Authors and Affiliations).

  1. Campfire Story Title, Author(s) & Affiliations
  2. Introduction
  3. Context for the talk
  4. Main theme of the palaver
  5. Short description of the talk
  6. Concluding take away point

Guidelines for Workshops

We invite Abstract submission for a workshop which can be on any topic related to the theme, tracks or health sciences education or clinical practice. The workshop content and delivery should be hands on with application of learning for the participant to engage with an activity, skill, or learning event to end the workshop with new knowledge, skills and attitudes. If successful, a workshop facilitator will have 1 hour to conduct a hands on, active participation workshop during one of the three days of the conference. Abstract for the workshop should include the following 6 sections with maximum of 250 words (not including Title, Authors and Affiliations).

  1. Workshop Title, Author(s) & Affiliation
  2. Introduction
  3. Learning objectives
  4. Description of the Activity
  5. Timeline of the Activity to take place in 1 hour
  6. Reasons persons would attend this workshop
  • Abstract Submission Guidelines for Authors

Please follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth submission process.

1. Registration and Login

IAPAE Members: Log in at the IAPAE Abstract Submission Portal using your IAPAE Username and Password
Non-IAPAE Members: Create a new account at the IAPAE Abstract Submission Portal.
Any person returning to the abstract portal: Log in with your username and password to submit or manage your abstract(s).

2. Abstract Submission Process
Step 1: Submit a new Abstract
Once logged in, on the Dashboard, click on the “+ New Abstract” button.

Step 2: Fill in New Abstract Information
Enter Title: Use clear, concise language (max 20 words).
Abstract Body: Paste your abstract in the provided text box, include required Section Headings and text per the Abstract Guidelines above (max 250 words)
Keywords: Provide 3 relevant keywords.

Step 3: Select the Sub-Theme and Track
Choose the relevant sub-theme track for your Abstract

Step 4: Enter the Author Information
Author name, email address, and affiliation.
Add additional Authors as needed by clicking on the + button.

Step 5: Presenter Information
Presenter name and email address, repeat is same as Author
Select Presentation Category for your Abstract
Add additional Presenters as needed by clicking on the + button.

Upload Supporting Files (only if you are successful to present your abstract)
If you are successful to present your Abstract, you will be asked to upload a power point (if required), your head shot photograph and Bio (max 100 words) for the conference proceedings

Step 6: Accept the Terms & Conditions and click on Submit button at top of page

3. Formatting Requirements
Use Times New Roman, 12-point font, single-spaced.
Structure: follow the Abstract Guidelines above for each Presentation.
Do not include tables, figures, or references within the abstract.

4. Submission Confirmation
After submission, you will receive an email confirmation.
You can view your submission until the deadline.

5. Peer Review Process
Abstracts will undergo blind peer review.
Notifications regarding acceptance or rejection will be sent via email.

Important Notes
Abstracts with incomplete information or not following guidelines may be rejected without review.
Ensure all co-authors have approved the submission.
Contact IAPAE for technical issues at info@iapae.org

For any queries, please reach out to Email: info@iapae.org

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT HERE
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