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2027 Central Florida Multidisciplinary Research Symposium

Hosted by Lakeland Regional Health

February 17 | 2-5 PM

  • All attendees must register for the event.
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A day of discovery, research, and connection!

Join us for an enlightening day of knowledge exchange and collaboration at our Research Symposium. Discover what sets our research team apart as we showcase the forefront of emerging research and medicine.

The 2027 Research Symposium will feature:

+ Poster Sessions

+ Breakout Presentations

Schedule of Events | April 24, 2025

  • 10:30AM — Check-In and Registration Opens
  • 11:30AM — Lunch
  • 12:30PM — Keynote Speaker, Dr. Joel Fernandez
  • 1:30PM — Poster Session
  • 3:30PM — Podiums and Break-Out Rooms
  • 4:30PM — Awards
  • 5:00PM — Conclusion

Our Vision

To create a culture of multidisciplinary excellence where research, innovation, and education intersect to optimize patient care and health.

Here at Lakeland Regional Health, we recognize the community’s need for advanced medical treatments and technology. With Polk County rapidly growing in population, we see this need becoming increasingly crucial to providing patients with the best possible care. We are thrilled to see the newest advancements in care happening right here in our community.

The Next Chapter of Research Starts with YOU

Lakeland Regional Health invites you to submit an abstract in research, project, methodology, and/or theory development/conceptual format to be considered for podium or poster presentation.

Submission Requirements

Please read through our abstract instructions before submitting.

If you would like to submit an abstract, click here.

  • Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. No extensions will be granted.
What to Submit

Abstract Information

  • Click here for detailed information on eligibility and criteria.
  • The body of your abstract must not exceed 500 words.
  • Please submit your abstracts for completed or in-progress research.
  • All individuals involved in the study must be listed in the Authors section of the submission form. If the study was supported in full or in part by a grant, include the grant number and granting organization in the funding section on the Title page.
  • References are discouraged.

When Formatting Your Poster for Print, Please Avoid: 

  • Modifying template fonts, text sizes, or colors.
  • Relocating or deleting text boxes.
  • Extending text beyond the designated boxes, into the yellow margin area, or off the page.
  • Placing graphics or photos that extend into the yellow margin area or off the page.
  • Moving the logo.
  • Removing the background.

For In-Person Poster Presentations:

  • Please refer to our poster template here.
  • All posters must be 3 ft wide x 4 ft high (36″ x 48″), portrait style (not landscape).
  • Posters are to be uploaded using the following naming convention: LastName_ThreeWordDescription

How to Submit
  • All completed and eligible submissions will be reviewed by the Program Committee and qualified volunteers.
Selected Submissions
  • Notifications will be sent in mid-March 2026
  • Selection of abstracts for presentation at the annual conference will be based on scientific merit.
  • The Program Committee will schedule papers in podium or poster sessions and will assign the times of such.
  • All presenters are required to register for the conference and attend in person unless otherwise arranged.

Abstract Submission for the 2027 Central Florida Multidisciplinary Research Symposium is now Open.

Selected Submissions:

  • Notifications will be sent in early January
  • Selection of abstracts for presentation at the annual conference will be based on scientific merit.
  • All submitted abstracts will be considered for in-person poster presentation, with a select group being selected for podium presentations. Times will be communicated to those presenting in the weeks leading up to the event.
  • All presenters are required to register for the conference and attend in person unless otherwise arranged.
Submit Abstract
View the Schedule
research symposium schedule

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What sets Lakeland Regional Health’s research team apart?

To ensure we are providing patients with well-informed and innovative care; we aim to be at the forefront of emerging research and medicine. Through our dedication to research at Lakeland Regional Health, we are providing cutting-edge treatments to our patients. Currently, we have 110 ongoing studies and have been awarded 1.2 million dollars in research funding. These are just some of the incredible steps taken toward a healthier community in Polk County.

Research with Patients in Mind

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in research funding

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ongoing studies

Lakeland Regional Health Research is centered around patients and increasing the health of our community. Here are some of the ways our team is dedicated to advancing treatments, solutions, and care.

ACTIV-6
  • Dr. Arch Amon and his research team at Lakeland Regional are actively enrolling participants in the ACTIV-6 trial. ACTIV-6 is a study funded by the National Institutes of Health and Duke University to evaluate the effectiveness of repurposed medications in reducing COVID-19 symptoms in an outpatient setting. As participants in this clinical trial, LRH patients are given access to medications that may have an impact on feeling better quicker after a COVID-19 diagnosis. Some of the medications that are being studied in the ACTIV-6 trial include ivermectin, fluticasone, fluvoxamine, flucox, and montelukast.
PCORI

Through collaborations with the University of South Florida, Dr. Francisco Chebly and his team are participating in a PCORI-funded project evaluating the effectiveness of a transitional care plan (peer support, additional care team resources, etc.) on reducing the 30-day readmissions of Black and Latin/Hispanic patients after being discharged from an inpatient stay in the hospital.

COVID in the ED

Dr. Regan and Dr. Barbera have recently conducted a study that involved surveying patients in the Emergency Department that tested positive for COVID-19. Survey questions included things like demographics, distance from the ED, vaccination status, and where they received their vaccinations. Preliminary analysis showed that those who received their vaccinations from retail stores (i.e., Walmart, Publix, etc.) were more likely to present to the ED with symptoms of COVID-19 and/or a positive COVID-19 test.

Hands-on Learning and Collaborative Care

The mission of the Lakeland Regional Health Graduate Medical Education program is to educate and train residents to become specialists and subspecialists ready to serve patients. The comprehensive specialties and services available at Lakeland Regional Health provide a variety of educational and training opportunities. To learn more about our programs and future programs, please visit our website or email us.