Sustainability Practices

STFM is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our conferences. Below are our sustainability practices at the STFM Conference on Medical Student Education.

STFM’s Sustainability Commitment

STFM is committed to reducing the environmental impact of our conferences by embracing the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose. The following practices illustrate how these values shape our current event operations:

  • Reduce: Limiting printed materials and utilizing digital materials (emails & mobile app), limiting single-use items like water bottles, and opting for linen-free tables when possible.
  • Reuse: Using durable, long-lasting signage, display materials, and storage cases, incorporating decorative elements designed for repeated use across multiple events.
  • Recycle: Prioritizing the use of recyclable materials when possible (e.g., badge holders) and meeting at properties with strong recycling programs
  • Repurpose: Creating generic signage and other materials that can be utilized across all three conferences, reimagining materials for new uses to extend their life cycle and minimize waste.

Partners' Sustainability Practices

City of Charlotte

The City of Charlotte demonstrates a strong commitment to climate resilience and sustainability through initiatives such as:

  • The City of Charlotte has a Strategic Energy Action Plan.
  • Charlotte Green Team, discusses sustainability efforts as a hospitality industry.
  • Charlotte is also home to the Innovation Barn.

Sheraton/Le Meridien Charlotte

  • High-efficiency lighting throughout the property
  • Conscientious choice of reducing/eliminating plastic (i.e. paper straws, recycled styrofoam containers and wooden coffee stirrers)
  • Exclusive use of cage-free eggs
  • Closed-loop cooking oil system for safe and conscientious disposal
  • Automated kitchen exhaust cleaning and grease filtration system to minimize need of environmental-unfriendly chemicals for cleaning
  • Recycling receptacles throughout property in guestrooms and public space
  • Optional housekeeping selections for guests (linen reuse)

How Attendees Can Participate

Sustainability is a shared responsibility, intentional choices from each attendee contribute to a more environmentally responsible conference. Consider participating in the following actions:

  • Choose sustainable transportation such as rideshare, carpooling, or public transit.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at onsite hydration stations.
  • Offset your travel emissions by purchasing carbon credits through a carbon offset program.
  • Use the conference mobile app for schedules, maps, session materials, and other event resources to help reduce printed materials.
  • Participate in your hotel’s sustainability program: Reuse linens and towels. Turn off lights and electronics when leaving your room. Decline daily housekeeping when possible.

Questions?

If you have questions about this conference, contact Kim Sevedge at (800) 274-7928 or the email link below.

EMAIL QUESTIONS
Ask a Question
AI Chatbot Tips

Tips for Using STFM's AI Assistant

STFM's AI Assistant is designed to help you find information and answers about Family Medicine education. While it's a powerful tool, getting the best results depends on how you phrase your questions. Here's how to make the most of your interactions:

1. Avoid Ambiguous Language

Be Clear and Specific: Use precise terms and avoid vague words like "it" or "that" without clear references.

Example:

Instead of: "Can you help me with that?"
Try: "Can you help me update our Family Medicine clerkship curriculum?"
Why this is important: Ambiguous language can confuse the AI, leading to irrelevant or unclear responses. Clear references help the chatbot understand exactly what you're asking.

2. Use Specific Terms

Identify the Subject Clearly: Clearly state the subject or area you need information about.

Example:

Instead of: "What resources does STFM provide?"
Try: "I'm a new program coordinator for a Family Medicine clerkship. What STFM resources are available to help me design or update clerkship curricula?"
Why this is better: Providing details about your role ("program coordinator") and your goal ("design or update clerkship curricula") gives the chatbot enough context to offer more targeted information.

3. Don't Assume the AI Knows Everything

Provide Necessary Details:The STFM AI Assistant has been trained on STFM's business and resources. The AI can only use the information you provide or that it has been trained on.

Example:

Instead of: "How can I improve my program?"
Try: "As a program coordinator for a Family Medicine clerkship, what resources does STFM provide to help me improve student engagement and learning outcomes?"
Why this is important: Including relevant details helps the AI understand your specific situation, leading to more accurate and useful responses.

4. Reset if You Change Topics

Clear Chat History When Switching Topics:

If you move to a completely new topic and the chatbot doesn't recognize the change, click the Clear Chat History button and restate your question.
Note: Clearing your chat history removes all previous context from the chatbot's memory.
Why this is important: Resetting ensures the AI does not carry over irrelevant information, which could lead to confusion or inaccurate answers.

5. Provide Enough Context

Include Background Information: The more context you provide, the better the chatbot can understand and respond to your question.

Example:

Instead of: "What are the best practices?"
Try: "In the context of Family Medicine education, what are the best practices for integrating clinical simulations into the curriculum?"
Why this is important: Specific goals, constraints, or preferences allow the AI to tailor its responses to your unique needs.

6. Ask One Question at a Time

Break Down Complex Queries: If you have multiple questions, ask them separately.

Example:

Instead of: "What are the requirements for faculty development, how do I register for conferences, and what grants are available?"
Try: Start with "What are the faculty development requirements for Family Medicine educators?" Then follow up with your other questions after receiving the response.
Why this is important: This approach ensures each question gets full attention and a complete answer.

Examples of Good vs. Bad Prompts

Bad Prompt

"What type of membership is best for me?"

Why it's bad: The AI Chat Assistant has no information about your background or needs.

Good Prompt

"I'm the chair of the Department of Family Medicine at a major university, and I plan to retire next year. I'd like to stay involved with Family Medicine education. What type of membership is best for me?"

Why it's good: The AI Chat Assistant knows your role, your future plans, and your interest in staying involved, enabling it to provide more relevant advice.

Double Check Important Information

While the AI Chat Assistant is a helpful tool, it can still produce inaccurate or incomplete responses. Always verify critical information with reliable sources or colleagues before taking action.

Technical Limitations

The Chat Assistant:

  • Cannot access external websites or open links
  • Cannot process or view images
  • Cannot make changes to STFM systems or process transactions
  • Cannot access real-time information (like your STFM Member Profile information)

STFM AI Assistant
Disclaimer: The STFM Assistant can make mistakes. Check important information.