Page 111 - Journal of Special Operations Medicine - Fall 2017

SOMA CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

Special Operations Medical & Scientific Assembly (SOMSA)
May 13-17, 2018
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC

SUBMISSION DEADLINE – November 3, 2017

General Information
The Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) is calling for abstract submissions for the research program of the Special Opera-
tions Medical and Scientific Assembly (SOMSA 2018) to disseminate emerging and ongoing research initiatives, in addition to enabling
scholarly collaboration among colleagues and members of operational medicine.
The full spectrum of research is considered, including proof-of-concept, basic science, evidence-based practice initiatives, structured
case reports, systematic/integrative reviews, clinical studies, experimental/quasi-experimental and other scholarly works. We seek in-
novative, rigorous, original research as focus submissions in topics relevant to the mission of SOMA. We expect medics and forward
providers to co-author/co-present relevant submissions and will give significant preference to submissions with medic collaborators. The
use of the English language is expected. Studies in progress are welcome to submit abstracts, provided at least pilot and/or preliminary
analyses are completed by SOMSA 2018.
“Expert panels” or consensus-based approaches to SOF medicine are ineligible for consideration in the research program and are
directed to submit abstracts for general program presentations.
Focus Areas
In particular, we seek and strongly encourage abstract submissions addressing:
1) neuroendocrine and/or physiological influences on mental health and suicidality (in particular, rigorous studies or developed hypoth-
eses that refute, redefine, and/or reframe assumptions and previous findings on resilience, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD],
biomarkers, neurocognition, etc.)
2) practice advancement (in particular, prolonged field care advancements and technologies)
3) research-driven training (in particular, using internet and social networking platforms, studies examining simulation vs live-tissue
training, etc.)
4) biomedical/engineering breakthroughs (in particular, proof-of-concept and/or nascent devices, technologies, pharmacotherapies,
blood products, etc.)
How to Submit
Please submit a brief, 300-word abstract using this link by 1600 EST on November 3, 2017. The abstract submission site will be open
until the deadline of November 3, 2017. Submissions must be entered into this electronic system. Submissions received after this date
will be considered only if there is a shortage of adequate submissions. Abstract submissions must follow APA or MLA abstract format
guidelines, including key words.
Format
Title, Author name(s) and affiliation(s), Background, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Acknowledgements. If the work requires, you
may use another format. No figures, tables, images or symbols may be used except < and the like. By convention, abstract word count
does not include acknowledgement which is technically not part of the abstract. For the same reason, author names, affiliations and title
do not count in the abstract word count.
You are required to acknowledge any funding, prior presentations, conflicts of interest and any scientific or ethical oversight. Lack
of acknowledgement of any of these items indicates absence and will result in rejection of submission. All authors and presenters must
be identified by name, rank or title, position, organization, city, state, country.
Notification
Submissions will be considered for podium presentation or poster. You may state your preference in your submission, but final selection
will be made by the committee. You will receive acknowledgement of receipt of your submission within one week and a reply regarding
your acceptance by December 8, 2017.
Caveats: All Candidates Must Read Carefully
Please note that previous presentations at SOMSA, rank/position within SOMA or any other organization, and/or affiliations or author-
ity with military units, Special Operations medicine (whether formal or informal) are not considered nor factored in abstract reviews or
acceptance. The review process is impartial to influence. Inquiries about inclusion in the research presentations and/or solicitations for
preference directed toward any member of SOMA/SOMSA leadership or staff regarding the research presentations, other than general
questions about submission processes or presentation details, will result in that applicant and their associated co-investigators being
immediately barred from consideration, acceptance, and/or revocation of accepted presentation, whether poster or podium in nature.
Submissions are judged solely on scientific merit and contributions toward current and future research and practice priorities.
Awards
Awards will be presented for top platform and top poster as judged by a review committee.
All communication will be to the one e-mail address you provide within the abstract submission. Any inquiries should be directed
to the SOMA Executive Office at soma-education@kellencompany.com.

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