Diseases Commons^™

Towards The Elimination Of Viral Hepatitis In Clinton County, New York, Michael H. Le

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Chronic viral hepatitis is a major public health issue, affecting approximately 300 million persons globally. In Clinton County, New York, chronic viral hepatitis remains a major concern, with incidence rates for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) in the top quartile and hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) in the 3rd quartile for the state in 2022. This current study aimed to identify the trends in incidence and prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis in Clinton County, rates of HBV birth dose vaccination, and to reflect on the experiences in treatment and prevention of chronic viral hepatitis at a community health clinic in …

Diabetic Foot Wound Care, Richard Q. Vuong

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Diabetic foot wound care educational pamphlet developed during the family medicine rotation for 3rd-year medical students. This project was developed in Brookfield, CT.

Improving Identification Of Dermatological Conditions In Skin Of Color, Sam Afshari B.S., Simran Kalsi M.S.

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Vermont primary care practitioners are less likely to have experience diagnosing dark skin tones given that the state population is 94.2% white. Only 4.5% of images in general medicine textbooks and 4-19% of images in dermatology textbooks depicted darker skin. Black patients are significantly less likely to see a dermatologist, which highlights the importance of diagnosis at the primary care office.

Tackling Access To A Healthier Life, Edom Alemayehu Girma

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Obesity is a known risk factor for complications during childhood and later in adult life. While numerous factors play a role in the prevalence of obesity, this project focused on better intervention for obesity management in the family medicine clinic located in Plattsburgh, NY. Interviews and literature searches were conducted to determine possible strategies to better assist patients in attaining their sustainable weight loss goals and an overall healthier lifestyle.

Lifestyle Changes In Covid-19 Pandemic And Impact On Modifiable Stroke Risk Factors, Kelly J. Chan

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in the USA. Underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease predispose an individual to increased risk of stroke. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic presents many challenges to these patients in terms of active health management and maintenance. A screening tool was developed to assess patient patterns of lifestyle behavioral changes measured by modifiable risk factors for stroke (medical condition management, diet, exercise, and smoking habits).

Community Health Interventions To Reduce The Burden Of Radon-Related Lung Cancer, Benjamin Weaver

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. One in seven homes in Vermont has elevated levels of radon, but most patients are unaware of radon as a risk factor for lung cancer or that radon testing and mitigation services are available to them. To promote increased testing and mitigation of radon we screened patients presenting to a Family Medicine practice in Vermont about whether they had had these services done in their home. We also developed a patient education resource for providers to give to patients who had more questions about radon …

Blood Pressure Management Education, Lauren G. Gernon, Cara Rathmell

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

The expansion of telehealth with COVID-19 and recent recommendations to use at-home blood pressure monitoring to diagnose and monitor hypertension have increased the need for materials and education for clinicians and patients. A pilot project in Primary Care Internal Medicine UVM in Essex, VT, produced an electronic medical record dot phrase and compiled educational materials to initiate nurse visits for at-home BP measurements. Materials and experience with this pilot was researched for initiation of a similar program at UVM Family Medicine Hinesburg.

Family Medicine Resident Education On Perioperative Management Of Patients On Anticoagulation, Hanna Mathers

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Family Medicine residents at CMMC in Lewiston, Maine manage patients in an outpatient clinic as well as on an inpatient family medicine teaching service. Many patients in the community are anticoagulated for native valve atrial fibrillation and undergo surgical procedures both in the inpatient and outpatient setting. Residents are often asked on to determine the necessity and timing of anticoagulation discontinuation for patients that they see. With patients on newer oral anticoagulants and various degrees of risk, it can be a challenge to make an informed choice. Residents have found that they would feel more confident in perioperative management of …

Quality Improvement: Cervical Cancer Screening Rates Within Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Dylon K. Gookin

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Nearly 8 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. However, powerful screening tools exist that enable us to detect and manage cervical changes before they develop into cervical cancer. In spite of this, cervical cancer screening rates remain low for many providers. This public health project sought to identify and address a cause for low cervical cancer screening rates within the Hudson Headwaters Health Network. A literature review determined that education and mailed invitation letters were proven methods for improving cervical cancer screening rates. Following a review of the local population demographics, West Mountain Health …

Diet Management For Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Michael A. Persaud

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

In Southbury, Connecticut, diabetic diet management is an issue that perturbs both primary care providers and their patients. This project seeks to ameliorate the lack of readily available resources for diabetic dietary considerations. A brochure was made including helpful dietary information for patients that are unable or unwilling to see a Certified Diabetic Educator. As the incidence of diabetes continues to rise, patient education will be a powerful tool to help patients manage their diabetic care.

Window Of Opportunity For Opiate Dependence, Scott C. Mitchell Ii

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Opiate dependence is a prevalent problem and there is a need for current regional information for those seeking to break opiate dependence. There is a small window of opportunity for these patients to seek and find help before they give up and return to using. This project provides a pamphlet with current resources for opiate dependent individuals to get help in a rapid period of time for the Bangor, Maine area.

Education On Tick Bites, Tick Borne Disease, And Prevention In Middlebury, Vt, Florence Dibiase

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Tick borne disease and tick encounters are continuing to increase significantly in Vermont, and represent a significant portion of primary and urgent care visits. In order to spread awareness and educate both providers and patients as to the incidence, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of tick borne diseases, an informational guide was made. This guide includes information for providers including up to date statistics, a tick identification and life cycle guide, and a chart explaining symptoms, lab findings, diagnosis, and treatment of the diseases found in Vermont. It also includes a patient education handout with a cut out identification card. This …

Combating Diabetes In Chittenden County: A Healthcare Provider Referral Campaign To Increase Patient Participation In The Vermont Diabetes Prevention Program, Samantha Magier

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

As of 2016, diabetes affects more than 29 million people in the United States and is the 7th leading cause of death nationwide. In Vermont, 1/10 people are diagnosed with either diabetes or prediabetes, with 6% of Vermonters affected by prediabetes and 5% of Chittenden Country affected by prediabetes. The public health burden of this chronic disease is immense: diabetes costs Vermont an estimated $543 million each year and is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations, and adult-onset blindness. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar is higher than normal but not at the diagnostic threshold of diabetes. Prediabetes …

Integrating Care: The Primary Care Provider’S Role In Age-Related Macular Degeneration In Eastern Maine, Homer Chiang, Steven Coffin

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Objectives: To assess general patient knowledge of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including risk factors, early signs, treatment options, and low-vision resources. We also aimed to assess primary care provider practice patterns including early detection, timely referral to ophthalmology, and management after diagnosis of AMD.

Methods: A 20-point patient questionnaire was distributed to all adult patients at check-in by front office staff at the Center for Family Medicine office in Bangor, ME. Additionally, a looping waiting room slideshow and informational exam room flyer were created for patient education. A 10-point online questionnaire was distributed to residents and faculty at the Center …

Lyme Disease Awareness In Downeast Maine, Justin L. Genziano

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Lyme disease is endemic in the state of Maine with 1,399 probable and confirmed cases reported in 2014. The rate in coastal Hancock County has doubled since 2012, and has the third highest rate of infection in the state.

Medical providers in Hancock County have observed an increase in anxiety and concern about Lyme disease in the community, and have found that much of this is driven by hearsay or unreliable information from the internet. The goal of this project …