On November 16, 2024, the MOHAN Foundation and the Network and Alliance of Transplant Coordinators (NATCO) hosted a masterclass titled “Why Write – Learn the Art of Writing an Abstract.” The session was designed for employees of the organizations and NATCO members, with Dr. Rajeev Kumar, MBBS, MS, MCH, FAMS, Professor of Urology at AIIMS New Delhi, serving as the keynote speaker. The event was moderated by Ms. Pallavi Kumar, Executive Director of MOHAN Foundation's NCR office.
The masterclass aimed to equip transplant coordinators with the critical skill of writing effective abstracts to showcase their work, research, or innovative ideas. A well-crafted abstract is essential for scientific writing as it captures the essence of research, highlights key insights, and fosters collaboration. Mastering this skill enhances the visibility of their work, enables meaningful contributions to professional forums, and drives advancements in transplantation.
Dr. Rajeev Kumar emphasized the significance of writing, not only as a means of sharing knowledge but also for gaining recognition among peers. He highlighted the need to address global disparities, such as the "10/90 gap," by showcasing region-specific research, particularly from underserved areas. Writing and publishing, he noted, are sustainable pathways for professional growth, especially in the Global South, where challenges often differ significantly from those in Western contexts.
The session provided participants with practical guidance on the nuances of abstract writing. Key points included:
• Maintaining clarity and simplicity in language.
• Adhering to ethical standards, such as avoiding plagiarism and ensuring data accuracy.
• Understanding the differences between journal and conference abstracts. While journal abstracts typically have strict word limits (around 250 words) and prohibit figures, conference abstracts allow for more flexibility, including the use of tables and other visual elements.
Participants also learned about the dual roles of conference abstracts—serving as both summaries for invited lectures and as precursors to full research papers. Structured formats using headings such as Introduction, Methods, Results, and Conclusion/Discussion (IMRaD) were recommended for clarity and alignment with submission guidelines. Dr. Kumar advised attendees to draft the manuscript first and then write the abstract, ensuring consistency and precision.
During the Q&A segment, participants raised insightful queries, including:
• How to approach methods when conducting a literature review for articles on incentives for organ donation, especially in the context of South Asia and India.
• Whether to write the abstract before or after completing the article.
• Best practices for aligning case study abstracts with structured formats.
• Choosing between active and passive voice in abstract writing.
• Crafting effective titles for organ donation articles when most available data stems from review articles and secondary sources.
Dr. Kumar likened an abstract to a "gatekeeper" for an article, underscoring its role in determining whether readers and reviewers engage with the work. He advised keeping abstracts simple, clear, and impactful to improve the likelihood of acceptance, publication, and citations.
The session concluded with participants gaining actionable insights into writing structured and engaging abstracts. The 40 attendees left equipped with the tools to enhance the visibility of their work and contribute meaningfully to the field of transplantation.
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