Clinical case conferences are a big part of learning in Infectious Diseases (ID). They help trainees build clinical reasoning, learn from real cases, and improve their teaching skills. But let’s be honest, presenting at one can feel overwhelming. What case should you pick? How much background is enough? How do you make sure people stay interested? 

In a new review published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, Drs. Takahiro Matsuo, Pablo C. Okhuysen, and Ben J. Barnett break it all down in a super helpful and practical guide: “Ten Practical Tips for a Successful Presentation at Infectious Diseases Clinical Case Conference.”  

They start with one of the biggest questions: what kind of case should you present? Good news: it doesn’t have to be rare or exotic. What matters is that the case teaches something clear and useful. A common case with a strong teaching point is often more impactful than something unusual and confusing. 

Another great tip: keep it focused. Don’t overload your slides with every single lab and detail. Instead, highlight the important positives and negatives, and use helpful visuals like timelines or tables to make things easier to follow. 

When it comes to audience interaction, plan ahead. Think about one or two key questions you want to discuss. Don’t just throw the floor open, guide the conversation with purpose. A short summary slide or “one-liner” can help keep everyone on the same page. 

Teaching points should be sharp and memorable. Don’t try to cover the whole textbook. Instead, zoom in on two or three take-home messages that your audience can actually use, like how to choose antibiotics or avoid common diagnostic mistakes. And yes, adding citations or QR codes to your slides helps people follow up later. 

There’s also great advice on slide design, timing, and delivery. Use big, readable fonts, stick to clear visuals, and rehearse to finish on time. End with a quick summary slide to reinforce your message. And don’t forget, sharing your slides and asking for feedback can really boost your skills. 

This is a must-read for anyone involved in ID education, trainees, mentors, and program directors alike. It’s packed with useful tips that are easy to apply and will instantly level up your presentations. 

Reference 

Matsuo T, Okhuysen PC, Barnett BJ. Ten Practical Tips for a Successful Presentation at Infectious Diseases Clinical Case Conference. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2025. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofaf387. Epub ahead of print