Patients First… at the 19th Annual Meeting!

ISMPP is thrilled to report that 720 attendees gathered at the 19^th Annual Meeting of ISMPP, April 24-26, 2023, in Washington, DC – a new record-high attendance!

The theme for the 19th Annual Meeting was Patients First. Patients are no longer just the end user in the medicines-development lifecycle. They are increasingly co-authoring peer-reviewed publications that could enhance patient care and understanding of the lived experience. However, there is still a long way to go for patients to be truly involved and integrated as partners in medical research and medical communications. This theme explored the patient journey and partnership opportunities to leverage their experiences and insights and maximize healthcare outcomes.

This article shares highlights and photos from the 19th Annual Meeting.

Attendees, and those who did not attend, have the following options to explore the sessions and member research posters presented at the 19^th Annual Meeting:

• The Publication Plan has posted 19^th Annual Meeting reports from Day 1, Day 2 morning and Day 2 afternoon, and Day 3 on its website. Thank You Very Much to ISMPP’s Media Partner for the 19^th Annual Meeting!
• ISMPP members can access Session Slide Decks approved for posting by presenters in the 19th Annual Meeting Archive.
• Member Research Posters are accessible to everyone in PDF format in the 19th Annual Meeting Archive.

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“The ISMPP meetings have always provided me an opportunity to connect with new and former colleagues, enhance my learning around specific practices, and generate new ideas to bring back “home”. This year’s Annual Meeting was no exception; to sustain Patients First, we, as ISMPP members, have a responsibility to drive the accessibility of science and to make the lived experience visible among all stakeholders.”
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Three Keynote Speakers Spotlight Patient Engagement and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Patients have AUTHORity
  • Sharon Terry, CEO, Genetic Alliance
• Four crises in science and communication
  • Derek Thompson, Writer, The Atlantic
• The 4th Industrial Revolution in Life Science: Reshaping Healthcare and Medical Communication with AI
  • Loubna Bouarfa, CEO, Okra.AI

Plenary & Parallel Sessions

Plenary sessions covered a number of timely, practical topics including: patient participation in clinical research, generative AI in medical communications, GPP and patient partnerships, the power of language and terminology, omnichannel communication planning, and changes in the publishing world.

Parallel sessions offered smaller, more interactive forums to discuss a variety of current topics of interest with attendees selecting their sessions, including publication analytics, patients as authors, developing patient lexicon, embracing AI, working with patient advocacy groups, and much more.

Networking… Both the Social and Educational Kind!

Networking events were held throughout the meeting to expand upon the educational discussions from roundtable and workshop settings, and to catch up with friends and meet new colleagues at the social receptions and during food breaks.

Roundtable sessions addressed a wide variety of current topics at different tables – in many cases expanding on topics from the meeting program. Pre- and post-meeting workshops educated on such topics as digital engagement in publications, AI, social media, patient engagement in PLS, and the ever-popular introduction to publication planning and advanced publication planning.

Several networking opportunities were hosted to talk to long-time and new peers, including a First Timer and New Member Meet & Greet, Early Arrivals Welcome Reception, Poster Presentation Reception, Networking Luncheon, and Awards Reception. Attendees were wholeheartedly welcomed to the in-person 19^th Annual Meeting.

Awards Night!

The inaugural ISMPP Professional Excellence Awards Reception was held the evening April 25 at the 19th Annual Meeting. The awards were established to honor the work and dedication of members who have a proven track record of excellence and achievement in the medical publications and communications profession. Award nominations were collected through peer submissions and reviewed by the Professional Excellence Awards Selection Committee.

ISMPP is proud to recognize the following outstanding members for their achievements:

Lifetime Achievement Award Yvonne Yarker The ISMPP Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious award ISMPP can bestow on one of its members. It may be presented to a current member of ISMPP or emeritus member who has made notable and significant contributions with distinguished achievement to the Society, helping advance the medical publication and communication profession. President’s Award Dawn Lobban The President’s Award recognizes an ISMPP member who has distinguished themselves as “gamechangers” or “transformational” in their service to the Society.

Outstanding Committee Member Award Sonia Schweers The Outstanding Committee Member Award recognizes individuals who have served or are serving on an ISMPP Committee(s) and recognizes the outstanding efforts and work the individual has put forth. Rising Star Award Simon Stones The Rising Star Award may be presented to ISMPP members with no more than five years of experience in the profession who have demonstrated significant contributions to medical publication and communication. It is meant to recognize “future leaders” within the Society.

CMPP Award Dana Fox The CMPP Award is designed to recognize a current ISMPP CMPP™ that best exemplifies the roles and responsibilities of a CMPP. The award encompasses the commitment to ethical and transparent data dissemination standards and leadership in upholding and fostering integrity and excellence in medical publications.