Conference Equity in Community Medicine: A Brief Analysis of Financial and Geographical Barriers to Participation at Community Medicine Conferences

Abstract

Background: Academic conferences in community medicine offer valuable learning platform for postgraduate residents and faculty. However, to demonstrate commitment towards conference equity, financial and geographical barriers need to be enumerated and eliminated. Materials & Methods: Academic medical conferences representing the specialty of community medicine or preventive and social medicine, held between 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024, were included under the study. Variables identified for the study included registration fees, location, affiliation to professional society, geographical scope, presence of virtual/hybrid component, and availability of scholarship/travel grant for postgraduate residents. Results: None of the conferences were held in resource-constrained states of India – the North Eastern Region (except Assam) and islands of Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep. Only 2 out of 31 conferences had virtual or hybrid component and none of the conferences offered financial support for postgraduate residents. The study found no significant difference in conference registration fees between members and non-members for postgraduate residents and faculty. Conclusions: Registration fees and location of conferences are critical geographical and financial barriers to effective participation. Membership to societies offer no advantage over non-membership in terms of financial benefits of participation at conference.