RCMI International Symposium on Health Disparities
November 12-15, 2000
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Guidelines and Rules for Submission

It is the author’s responsibility to see that the following guidelines and instructions are followed to ensure optimal results. Abstracts that do not conform to these guidelines will be returned.

1. Size. The entire abstract, including title, author(s), affiliation(s), city and state, text and disclosure information, if applicable, must fit within the format. The character size of the type should be at least 10 point. (5”X6” Area)

2. Title. The title should be brief, clearly indicating the nature of the presentation. It should appear in title case (not all caps.)

3. Authors. List and underline the presenting author’s name, and institution.

4. Co-Authors. List the names of the co-authors and institutions.

5. Body of Abstract. State the purpose of the study (preferably in one sentence). State methods used. Summarize results presented in sufficient detail to support the conclusions. State the conclusions reached. (It is not satisfactory to say. “The results will be discussed.”). Do not use subheadings, e.g., methods, results, etc. Include tables or images only if they are simple, neat, and fit within the allowed size limits. You may include both a table and an image but no more than one of each. Use standard abbreviations, e.g., RBC. Use kg., gm., mg., ml., L. (liter), mEQ.,M (meter), and % (percent). Place a special or unusual abbreviation in parentheses after the full word, the first time it appears. Use numerals to indicate numbers, except to begin sentences. Non-proprietary (generic) names of drugs should be used.

6. No fax copies will be accepted in lieu of original abstract.

7. Subject Categories. Authors must select an abstract review category (only one) by checking the appropriate category box on the front of the abstract form.

8. Abstract Notification. Shortly after August 15, 2000, the abstract’s Presenting Author will receive a letter about the status of the submitted abstract. If you do NOT receive a letter, please send an e-mail inquiry to raiforb@msm.edu, or fax to (404) 755-7505. Your e-mail or fax will receive prompt attention. The Morehouse School of Medicine cannot respond to any abstract status inquiries before August 15, 2000. It is the responsibility of the Presenting Author to contact other authors about the status of the abstract.

9. Presenting Author. Designate a Presenting Author for each abstract. The Presenting Author is responsible for giving the oral and/or poster presentation, if the abstract is accepted. Presenting authors should speak and answer questions in English. This person will also serve as the primary contact person for the Morehouse School of Medicine and for all co- authors.

10. Co-Author Approval. Ensure that all co-authors approve of the abstract submission, publication and potential presentation. Abstracts cannot be withdrawn.

11. Prior Publication. If the abstract is published before the abstract submission deadline, it will not be published in the peer-reviewed journal after the close of the Symposium.

12. Number of Submissions. Submit as many abstracts as you wish. However, the Program Committee will consider the total number of abstracts submitted by the same author when developing the program.

13. Withdrawal Policy. Do not request withdrawal of an abstract. Once submitted, abstracts cannot be withdrawn.

14. Changes to submitted abstracts. If you must make a minor change to your submitted abstracts, it will only be accepted as a re-submission by August 20, 2000.

15. Abstract Receipt Confirmation. Contact Ms. Beatrice Raiford, immediately, if you do not receive an e-mail or fax confirmation within four (4) business days of submitting your abstract. Lack of confirmation indicates that we did not receive your abstract.

16. Deadline: Submit your abstract by July 15 , 2000. Abstracts received after the deadline will not receive a review.

17. Rejection. Abstracts will be rejected without review if: (a) the abstract is received after the deadline date, or (b) the abstract is submitted by fax.