This study evaluated the behavior of those who might believe that a more colloquial environment at ASTRO meetings fosters better networking and learning. It looked for gender bias and was accepted as a Late-Breaking Abstract. THREAD/ #ASTRO20

The results are reassuring as it showed that those of us with such a preference have been introducing speakers without bias towards gender. Some of us are simply less formal during introductions whether the speaker is male or female. 2/

Yet, uninformed by the results, the authors recommend the creation of a more formal culture at ASTRO meetings that is not widely accepted as necessary or valuable. 3/ @RTendulkarMD @gerard_morton @KamravaMD @PeteRossiMD @WlliamDr @DrSpratticus @tommyrochmn @jamesbyu

This deserves further discussion since formal cultures create Power Distances that have unintended consequences. We’ve all seen it growing up, and it’s not always healthy. 4/

Read more here: https://manasikakade.com/blog/2015/06/decode-a-culture-formal-vs-informal/

Isn’t a key purpose of scientific meetings to allow the audience to see the faces and hear the voices behind a name so that they are more comfortable networking with them after the session is over? Or, is it to create grandiosity and generate applause simply for recognition? 5/

Having been in many, and still in one currently, it’s my opinion that all Ivory Towers that are more relaxed function more efficiently. This fosters an environment that is more conducive to learning. 6/ @wallyjc @RamalingamMD

This includes scientific meetings, which to many appear to be yet an Ivory Tower run by a bunch of high priests. Even though it’s really run by mostly volunteers who care deeply about people with cancer. 7/

We should embrace any opportunity at scientific meetings to create environments that foster the free exchange of information and ideas. Including an opportunity to announce speakers in a manner that helps the audience learn that they are human too, just like you and me. 8/END