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Galvanizing Community, Support, Well-Being, And Self-Efficacy: Supporting Doctoral Candidates Throughout The Dissertation Writing Process, Njeri M. Pringle, Jamie L. Workman

Journal of Graduate Education Research

Recent data published by the Council of Graduate Schools indicates approximately 40% of students who begin doctoral coursework do not complete their degree. This asserts the need for graduate schools to examine ways in which they can support their doctoral student population, particularly through the dissertation writing process. The purpose of this autoethnographic study was to explore two methods of dissertation writing support: a dissertation writing group sponsored by a graduate school and independent dissertation coaching services. The article highlights key findings from each support system and provides implications for dissertation writing group facilitators, dissertation coaches, and graduate schools.

The Emergence Of Ai Chatbots In Education, Trek Martin

Journal of Graduate Education Research

The recent advent of popular AI applications in educational contexts has sparked renewed interest in the question of AI and guided learning platforms as teaching tools. What are the possibilities for learning? In the attempt to answer that question, limitations of the field must be brought to full attention, as well an understanding of whether or not those limitations will continue into the immediate future; this research examines the technical evolution of artificial intelligence in education, from early symbolic reasoning systems to modern machine-learning-based chatbots. It then examines that evolution in terms of the key challenges it faced throughout, and …

Pandering With Worksheets: Graduate Professors’ Pedagogies, Chris Mayer

Journal of Graduate Education Research

This exploratory, arts-based study investigates how three tenured professors in a humanities department conceptualize graduate-level teaching and envision their ideal graduate classrooms. Through semi-structured interviews, qualitative coding, and arts-based interpretation, the study identifies three key tensions in their pedagogical thinking: balancing independence and structure, the stigma surrounding “undergraddy” approaches, and valuing long-term intellectual struggle as a means to master threshold concepts. Despite clear visions for ideal pedagogies, professors face significant barriers to implementing them, including time constraints and entrenched norms about what graduate education “ought” to look like. Findings suggest that despite strong pedagogical insight, professors struggle to bridge the …

Understanding Black Students Experiences Through Faithcrit, P. J. Welch, Timothy P. Westbrook, Larissa Malone

Journal of Graduate Education Research

Abstract

Many faith-based higher education institutions have sought to improve the experiences of Black students. Yet, they often fail to understand Black students' unique experiences. What are the experiences of Black students at a Christian higher education institution? This qualitative study explores the experiences of Black students at one Christian higher education institution, focusing on their social experiences, retention strategies, and faith in their academic journey. Black alumni and current students were interviewed about Black students' experiences and retention at a Christian institution. This study utilizes the theoretical lens of FaithCrit, a new branch within critical race theory that delves …

“We Are Swans:” An Ecological Analysis Of U.S. International Students’ Experiences Of Higher Education Satisfaction, Eunsong Park, Corey S. Shdaimah, Yao Wang

Journal of Graduate Education Research

International students make important contributions to the US academic landscape and broader society; however, their numbers continue to decline in the face of an unwelcoming and unsupportive environment compared to their counterparts worldwide. This manuscript presents findings from a student satisfaction survey (n = 423) that included both multiple-choice and open-ended questions. We used the ecological model and the Spanning Systems Model as a framework, looking at how individual, community, institutional, and larger societal factors impacted the experiences of international students in the US. For quantitative analysis, hierarchical multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine factors associated with student satisfaction. …

Unmasking First-Generation Graduate Students’ Strengths: An Exploratory Literature Review, Hannah K. Walker, Latosha R. Hays, Trey Massingill, Akaari L. Gallagher, Evan W. Faidley

Journal of Graduate Education Research

First-generation graduate students encounter unique challenges in higher education, navigating systemic barriers and the hidden curriculum of graduate studies. These students rely on their strengths, such as resilience, adaptability, and cultural capital, to overcome inequitable access to resources and feelings of marginalization. This exploratory literature review examines the intersectionality of identities among first-generation graduate students and their implications for navigating academic and social barriers. The authors highlight research and practices that foster a sense of belonging and cultivate community support for the sake of deconstructing the hidden curriculum. Recommendations for policy, policy, and theorical application are provided for administrators and …

Front Matter

Journal of Graduate Education Research

No abstract provided.

Full Issue

Journal of Graduate Education Research

No abstract provided.

Nurse-Led Advocacy For Hiv And Hepatitis C: A Socioecological Approach Across Israel And The Philippines, Wedad M. Ashkar, James Montegrico

Global Advocacy

Background: HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) remain global public health challenges, with millions of people still undiagnosed or untreated. Nurses play a critical role in combating stigma and leading advocacy interventions in diverse cultural contexts. In Israel and the Philippines, nurses are addressing infectious disease care using multi-level strategies informed by local epidemiology and global health goals.

Purpose: This project aimed to identify, implement, and evaluate nurse-led advocacy strategies to reduce stigma and improve education, community engagement, and policy development around HIV and HCV in both Israel and the Philippines.

Methods: A socioecological model guided the development of …

Global Advocacy For Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias, Modupe F. Akintomide, Amy Reid

Global Advocacy

Background: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias represent a growing public health challenge, significantly impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems worldwide. The increasing prevalence highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to improve care and support for those affected, in alignment with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being, SDG 10 on reducing inequalities, SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and SDG 17 on partnerships for sustainable development.

Aim: To improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and their care partners through a multifaceted advocacy approach.

Methods: …

Message In A Bottle, Saptarshi Biswas

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The title of the image is inspired by a famous old song by the British rock band The Police. The song featured Sting’s evocative lyrics and captures a profound sense of isolation and longing. The song tells the story of a castaway who sends out a distress signal, only to discover that he is not alone in his feelings of loneliness. Through its haunting melody and rhythmic pulse, the track conveys themes of connection and the human experience, illustrating how, despite physical separation, people share similar struggles and emotions. The metaphor of the bottle serves as a poignant reminder of …

“Good Enough Mother”: Accepting The Imperfections Of Motherhood In Medicine, France M. Leandre

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

This article draws attention to Winnicott's concept of the “good enough mother” and how it can be applied to those in medicine. It emphasizes that no one is perfect, and our children learn best from our imperfections. I was reminded of that while kayaking on the Lost Spring Lake in Ocala, FL, and took this picture. If we can find beauty in nature’s imperfections, we can also find it within our own imperfections.

Multi-Center Survey Of Medicine Residents And Self-Assessment On Cardiac Complications In Obstetric Patients, Kevyn Niu, Christie A. Tran, Robert J. Subbiondo Md, Olubenga Oyesanmi

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Internal medicine (IM) residents receive significant cardiology training, and previous surveys have evaluated IM resident competency on obstetric (OB)-related subjects. However, there is minimal literature on self-reported competence of cardiac-specific complications in OB patients. Our study assessed self-reported comfort and competency regarding cardiovascular complications in OB patients with medical residents across several specialties.

Methods

We surveyed 207 residents across 3 specialties and 3 teaching hospitals on 10 questions regarding their self-reported confidence in managing cardiovascular complications in OB patients, including practice setting, specific cardiac issues, and stages of labor. We received 42 responses. Results were obtained using Google Sheets …

Nondominant Right Coronary Artery Occlusion Leading To An Anterior St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Taha Ahmed, Taylor Wood, Austin Harris, Rajan Desai, Garima Handa, Naoki Misumida, Amartya Kundu

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

A nondominant right coronary artery supplies a small portion of the myocardium. Albeit rare, an acute occlusion of a nondominant right coronary artery is believed to be inconsequential with minimal clinical relevance.

Case Presentation

We present a case of a middle-aged man who presented with chest pain and an electrocardiogram demonstrating anterior ST-segment elevation. An emergent coronary angiogram revealed acute thrombotic occlusion of the proximal nondominant right coronary artery with no significant obstructive atherosclerotic disease in the dominant left coronary circulation. Balloon angioplasty of the occluded vessel followed by implantation of a drug-eluting stent resulted in the resolution of …

Ovarian Dysgerminoma With Tubo-Ovarian Torsion In An 11-Year-Old Child: A Rare Occurrence But A Significant Differential Diagnosis In Acute Abdomen, Charu Chandra, Keeranmayee Mishra, Rahul Mangal, Chirag Doshi, Apurba Anshuman Mishra

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Ovarian tumors are quite uncommon in the premenarchal age group, with the majority being functional cysts. Malignant tumors are unusual in this age group, making the diagnosis of ovarian malignancy in children quite challenging. Dysgerminoma is the most common malignant ovarian germ cell tumor in females. The clinical symptoms often include abdominal pain, distension, a palpable mass, reduced appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

Case Presentation

We discuss the case of an 11-year-old premenarchal girl who was brought to the emergency department with abdominal pain persisting for 3-4 days, which had intensified over the 24 hours before she arrived at the …

Brown Umbilical Nodule: A Case Of Primary Cutaneous Endometriosis, Richard G. Bindernagel Jr., Aleia Boccardi, Taylor C. Jindia, Parth Patel, Jaimie Bryan, Addie Walker, Summer Moon, Richard Miller

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Endometriosis is a common condition in which endometrial glands and stroma are implanted outside the uterine cavity. Rarely, the skin can be involved.

Case Presentation

We describe a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented to the dermatology clinic complaining of a brown umbilical nodule with slight erythema. It was occasionally painful and hemorrhagic. She denied a history of endometriosis and abdominal surgeries. A shave biopsy of the nodule was consistent with a diagnosis of cutaneous endometriosis. The patient was referred to her gynecologist for further evaluation and treatment.

Conclusion

This unique case demonstrates primary cutaneous endometriosis in the …

Sevoflurane In Status Asthmaticus: A Case Report And Literature Review, Amelia L. Gurley, Thomas W. Church, Sana Hadyah, Brandon Abrajan, Julia Cheree Glavinic

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Sevoflurane and other inhaled anesthetics are gradually entering provider awareness as rescue therapies for patients in refractory status asthmaticus. This paper documents a case report and a literature review involving the use of sevoflurane to treat status asthmaticus.

Case Presentation

A 27-year-old man presented to the emergency room in acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to status asthmaticus, refractory to multiple therapies and requiring intubation. He was successfully extubated following sevoflurane administration in the operating room, and his care was complicated by transient hypotension. A multidisciplinary effort was critical in ensuring successful and timely therapy.

Methods

We performed a literature …

Educational Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Discovers Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma, A Case Report: Clinical Implications And Review Of The Literature, Minh Q. Nguyen, Moshe Bengio, Vu H. Tran

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an indispensable tool for emergency physicians in assessing intra-abdominal pathology due to its real-time visualization, portability, and cost-effectiveness. While POCUS is not traditionally focused on adrenal gland assessment, incidental findings of adrenal masses during examinations have been reported. Our patient presented with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and was found to have a large adrenal mass, discovered incidentally, during thoracic ultrasound.

Case Presentation

This case report presents the discovery of an adrenal mass in a patient with respiratory distress due to a COPD exacerbation, emphasizing the importance of sonographers’ ability to identify …

A Complex Case Of A Large Fibroid Uterus Compressing The Inferior Vena Cava Causing Recurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis And Pulmonary Embolisms, Jessica Gil, Jessica Klingensmith, Lauren Hendrix, Patrick J. Stocker, Olugbenga Oyesanmi

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Uterine fibroids have been found to increase the risk for venous thromboembolism. There have been other case reports linking large uterine fibroids, pulmonary embolisms, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) together due to compression of blood vessels and increased venous stasis. This case report will discuss a case of a large fibroid uterus compressing the inferior vena cava causing a patient with few risk factors to have recurrent DVTs and pulmonary embolisms.

Case Presentation

The patient was a 35-year-old woman who presented with repeated unprovoked thrombosis episodes. The patient had a full workup after the first episode of DVT and …

Using Dexcom G7 In Critically Ill Infant With Hyperinsulinemia On High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation Support, Chad E. Ward, Timothy Clark, Eric Velezquez

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Life threatening hypoglycemia can occur during critical illness in infants with underlying hyperinsulinemia or metabolic conditions, such as glycogen storage diseases. Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can provide insight into glycemic trends with this high-risk patient population in the intensive care setting. Barriers to usage of CGMs in the intensive care unit include familiarity with CGMs devices among staff, safety, and cost.

Case Presentation

We describe the first reported case of safely utilizing the newest Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor in an infant with hyperinsulinemia undergoing high frequency oscillatory ventilator (HFOV) support for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) …

A Case Report And Evaluation Of Intrauterine Gas Of Unknown Origin, Chrystal Stallworth, Diane Gilbertson, Michele L. Mccarroll, Timothy Kremer

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Most reports of intrauterine or endometrial gas have been reported in the setting of underlying gynecologic malignancy or infection. The significance of this case report is to give a presentation of a patient presenting with intrauterine gas who subsequently was identified as having neither an infectious nor malignant cause for such a finding.

Case Presentation

The patient is a 56-year-old postmenopausal woman who presented with “hip pain” and was found to have incidental intrauterine gas on a pelvic computed tomography. She underwent in-office and outpatient hysteroscopies with resection of a submucosal fibroid. Her final pathology was returned as benign, …

Recurrent, Acute Limb Ischemia Secondary To Arterial Thrombosis: A Devastating Complication In The Setting Of Severe Covid-19 Infection, Shaikh Afaq, Kyle S. Strouse, Sini Saju, Olugbenga Oyesanmi, Mohamad Eid, Salman Muddassir

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

COVID-19 infection, particularly with the Delta variant, has been associated with a heightened risk of thromboembolic events due to a profound hypercoagulable state. While venous thrombosis is more commonly reported, arterial thrombosis—including acute limb ischemia—has emerged as a serious complication with significant morbidity and mortality.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 53-year-old man with severe COVID-19 pneumonia who developed recurrent acute limb ischemia secondary to an aortic mural thrombus. Despite therapeutic anticoagulation and multiple surgical interventions—including thrombectomy, angioplasty, and stenting—the patient experienced repeated episodes of arterial thrombosis. His clinical course was further complicated by pneumothorax and hemothorax, …

Understanding Challenges Faced By Female Graduate Medical Education Trainees: A Qualitative Content Analysis Of Physician Coaching Requests, Nathalie Dieujuste, Adrienne Mann, Kimiko Dunbar, Pari Shah Thibodeau, Tyra Fainstad, Brooke Dorsey Holliman

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Physician burnout, particularly among female graduate medical education (GME) trainees, is a growing concern that affects physician wellness and patient safety. Professional coaching has shown promise in improving physician wellness. The Better Together Physician Coaching program (BT) is a web-based, group-coaching program, piloted using female GME trainees, aimed at improving key indicators of well-being, including burnout and impostor syndrome. In this qualitative study, we aimed to understand the challenges faced by female physician trainees shared in the pilot of the BT coaching intervention.

Methods

A total of 101 female physician trainees participated in the BT pilot. A sample of …

Converting Usmle Step 1 To Pass Or Fail: The Potential Impact On Applicants Who Are Female Or From Underrepresented Groups, Haris Ahmed, Peter Yu, Brendan Rosamond, Jonathan Lall, Scott Zimmerle, Said Maldonado, Nicole Lyons, Ashlynn N. Mills, Yoolim Alex Seo, Angelica C. Rodriquez, Jacqueline E. Levesque, Oluwatunmininu A. Anwoju, Zuhair Ali, Rajeev Raghavan, Mike Liang

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

In January 2022, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 exam became pass/fail and the transition to using USMLE Step 2 scores for residency interview screening appeared imminent. While this change was intended to result in holistic reviews of residency applicants, the impact remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine how USMLE scoring changes might affect female candidates and applicants from underrepresented groups (URM).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of all applicants to a single institution. Data for applicants were extracted from their 2021-2022 residency applications and included age, race, sex, medical school, …

A Hard Problem: Managing Constipation In The Geriatric Population, William G. Jones, Veeraen Jonnalagadda, Alexandra E. Thomson, Victoria Grumbles, Chase Cottle, Christian Robertson, Maulikkumar Patel

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Constipation is a common condition among geriatric patients with different presenting symptoms and potential serious complications. Additionally, the condition causes a significant burden on our healthcare system. Here, we summarized recommendations from several societies, including the American College of Gastroenterology, American Geriatrics Society, and American Academy of Family Physicians to provide guidance on managing constipation with geriatric patients. Our aim was to emphasize the importance of prevention of constipation in this population and methods to do so. We also give recommendations on how to manage constipation when it does develop and how to manage it across different healthcare settings. These …

An Acknowledgement To The Hca Healthcare Journal Of Medicine's Reviewers And Editors For The First Half Of 2025, Juan A. Sanchez, Graig Donini

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine would like to thank those behind the scenes who make this publication possible. Our journal would not be possible without the assistance of our peer reviewers, authors, and board members.

The Red Dusk Coffee Shop: The Application Of Tension In The Cozy Fantasy Genre, Kelli M. Lynch

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the methods by which cozy fantasy writers apply literary tension within their works. Because they write within a genre that focuses on low stakes and high comfort, cozy fantasy writers must strike a balance between soothing the reader and keeping the reader interested in the narrative. The critical paper highlights several cozy fantasy writers and how they generate tension without compromising the genre-defining cozy essence. Finally, the thesis contains a complete cozy fantasy novella. The novella features Erik Juntunen, a coffee shop owner in the Keweenaw Peninsula who employs humans and figures …

Empowering Youth Tackle Football Athletes: A Content Analysis Of Nonlinear Pedagogy’S Influence On Autonomy And Practical Applications In Youth Tackle Football, Benjamin Jay Andelman

Masters Theses

Youth tackle football offers an environment that promotes both positive mental and physical benefits for young athletes. Despite the positive benefits associated with sports, participation is on the decline. The content analysis found connections between the prevailing prescriptive coaching methods in youth tackle football and the adverse mental effects on young athletes. This study, utilizing a qualitative content analysis of existing academic literature, proposes a practical application of Nonlinear Pedagogical principles in the youth tackle football practice context to develop a coaching model that promotes athlete autonomy, thereby increasing positive mental benefits for the youth athlete. Leveraging Ecological Dynamics, Constraints-Led …

An Analysis Of Feminist Biblical Scholarship Through Case Studies In Judges, Erika Conner

Masters Theses

This thesis examines the rise and significance of feminist biblical scholarship, particularly as it engages the book of Judges. Feminist approaches to Scripture have often been criticized as politically motivated or ideologically biased, yet they also claim to offer corrective readings to centuries of male-dominated interpretation. This study situates feminist scholarship within its historical development and cultural context, beginning with the reconstruction of women’s societal, familial, religious, and agricultural roles in ancient Israel. Building on this foundation, it undertakes a comparative analysis of three key figures in Judges, Deborah, Jael, and the unnamed Woman of Thebez, first through traditional interpretations …

Spiritual Dialogue Alchemy: Renewing The Mind Through Screenwriting, Cynthia Elaine Jeffress

Masters Theses

Emotional Entanglement is a romance drama adaptation that delves into the craft element of emotional dialogue alchemy in film adaptation. This approach, grounded in a rigorous, qualitative research-based methodology, aims to transform a novella into a cinematic language that is suitable for the visual and auditory experience of film, while preserving the essence of the original author's voice and intent. The screenplay explores themes of friendship, divorce, forgiveness, second chances, and redemption, inviting the audience to reflect on their spiritual journey. This thesis compiles an artistic statement that clarifies the writer's nature, purpose, process, and the vision of specific works …