The Midwest Foot & Ankle Conference
The Midwest Foot & Ankle Conference

2026 Conference

Call for Scientific Abstracts

An abstract is an outline of research that has been completed and is being prepared for publication. Abstracts and posters previously submitted to other meetings, conferences and seminars (encore submissions) are welcome and will be considered.

The top ten (10) finalists will present an oral presentation in the general session on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The top three (3) abstracts will compete for first prize ($500), second prize ($250) and third prize ($100). All winners will receive recognition on The Midwest website, social media channels, and promotional materials for the following conference year.

2026 Deadlines and Timeline:

February 12th
Abstract Submissions Due

February 26th
Notification of Acceptance

March 5th
Hotel Reservation Deadline
Book Here

March 12th
Digital Posters Due

March 18th
Conference Registration Deadline

February 12, 2026

Abstract Submissions Due

February 12, 2026

February 26th, 2026

Notice of Acceptance

February 26th, 2026

March, 5th, 2026

Hotel Reservation Deadline

Book Here

March, 5th, 2026

March12th, 2026

Digital Posters Due

March12th, 2026

March 18th, 2026

Conference Registration Deadline

March 18th, 2026

General Guidelines:

  • All submissions must have at least one podiatric fellow, resident, or student listed as lead author.
  • Must be original, clinical, and/or basic science works of the presenting author.
  • Once abstracts are submitted, they are considered final and no changes, addenda, or additional authors will be permitted.
  • A corresponding author must be selected at the time of submission.
  • Notification of acceptance or rejection of an abstract and future correspondence will be made to corresponding author.
  • There is no limit to the number of co-authors.
  • Research must include a minimum follow-up of one year for results describing surgical procedures.
  • Trade names should not be used.
  • Abstracts and digital posters should not be commercial in nature or promote any product.
  • No logos permitted other than identification of hospital/practice, residency, or school.

 

Scientific Content Areas Accepted:

  • Arthritis
  • Biomechanics
  • Diabetic Foot
  • General Podiatric Care
  • Geriatrics
  • Limb Salvage
  • Orthopedics
  • Pathology/Dermatology
  • Pediatrics
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Sports Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Wound Care


Abstract Submission Process:

  • Complete the Abstract Submission Form
  • Identify author name(s) and corresponding author.
  • Acceptable study designs include case report, case series, cohort study, cross-sectional, meta-analyses, systematic review, prospective controlled trial, and retrospective review.
  • Title should be concise and define abstract appropriately; cannot be changed after submission.
  • Word limit – 350.
  • Format – Microsoft Word ONLY.
  • Include a blind copy (for review committee) and non-blind copy (for publication).
  • Each abstract must include:
    • Title: The title of research as the authors anticipate it will appear if published.
    • Authors: Include all persons who will be listed as authors when the manuscript is submitted for publication. It is customary to list the persons responsible for the greatest part of the project as first author and those making the largest contribution second and so on. This is left to the authors’ discretion. The first author listed does not have to be the presenting author.
    • Purpose: Describe what the authors hoped to discover with the research project.
    • Methods: Include a brief description of the methods used to carry out the project, including the statistical analysis performed.
    • Results: Describe what results were found and any statistical analysis performed. It is important to note if differences between the study groups were statistically significant.
    • Conclusion: Include the authors’ opinions on the relevance of results.
  • Charts, graphs, and tables may be included to provide additional research information or findings.
  • References should be included and do not count toward total word count (max 35 references).
  • Affiliation(s) and/or financial interest(s) associated with the research must be disclosed.
 

 Grading, Acceptance, and Competition:

  • Blind grading and acceptance (author’s names will not be identified to review committee).
  • Graders are podiatric physicians and acceptance is influenced by:
    • The study content and clarity
    • Clinical or research data to support the study’s conclusions
    • Minimum follow-up of one year per patient for results describing surgical procedures
    • New or modified techniques as they relate to diagnosis, surgery, barriers, or other phases of podiatric complications.
    • Presentation, validity, proper scientific format, originality, and adherence to abstract guidelines.
  • Only the submitted written abstract (MS Word document) will be reviewed and graded for awards.
  • Corresponding author will be notified by email of acceptance or requested edits and feedback.

 

Awards:

  • Lead author or designated corresponding author (one person only) will receive complimentary registration to the 2026 conference.
  • Top ten (10) accepted abstracts will be selected by a panel of judges and are eligible to present their research in a five (5) minute live oral presentation in the general session on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Top three (3) abstract winners will receive:
    • First place $500
    • Second place $250
    • Third place $100
  • Awards will be given to the primary or designated corresponding author/oral presenter only onsite at the conference.

 

Poster Format:

  • All accepted abstracts are presented in a digital 16×9 (1920×1080) Power Point (.pptx) poster format. Complimentary digital poster templates are available here.
  • Physical paper posters are not displayed.
  • Power Point (.pptx) format required; do not use PDF, Keynote, Google Slides, or any other digital format.
  • One (1) 16×9 Power Point slide per accepted abstract.
  • Digital posters will be displayed on flat screen monitors through the exhibit hall and conference common areas, and will be online here at themidwestfac.org/abstracts for one-year post-conference.
  • Content requirements will be the same as traditional paper poster format and should include:
    • Content
    • Introduction/Purpose
    • Methods
    • Procedures
    • Case Report
    • Analysis
    • Results
    • Conclusion
    • References (max 35)
    • Financial Disclosure/Affiliation (associated with this research only)

 

Eligibility:

  • The Midwest Executive Council and abstract judges are ineligible to participate in the award competition, with the exception that residents or fellows supervised by the referenced parties may participate.
Abstract Submission Form
For questions and additional assistance,

contact us at abstracts@themidwestfac.org or (312) 201-6771.