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A Phenomenological Study Examining The Challenges Mothers Face With Reentry Into The Workforce After Giving Birth, Carrie Bell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of new mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) who reentered the workforce in Arkansas. The study aimed to discover the psychological, organizational, and social difficulties these mothers experienced during the transition from maternity leave to regular employment. Using feminist theory, attachment theory, and social constructivism as guiding frameworks, the study investigated the effects of gendered workplace structures, interrupted maternal-infant bonding, and sociocultural expectations in shaping how mothers perceived themselves and their work. A purposive sampling strategy was applied to select participants who had returned to work within one year …

The Perceived Effects Of Safety Coaching On Safety Knowledge And Training Transfer: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study, Dariusz Krajewski

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Workplace safety remains a concern in municipal environments, where time and resource constraints limit training. This phenomenological study involved an examination of municipal employees’ experiences with safety coaching and how these experiences influenced the transfer of safety knowledge into daily work practice. Transfer of training theory, social cognitive theory, and transformational leadership theory were the theoretical foundations for this study.

The researcher conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with 15 participants. Data analysis followed Moustakas’ (1984) phenomenological approach. The methodological process involved bracketing, horizontalization, clustering into themes, textural and structural descriptions and essence description. The researcher clustered the thematic findings into seven …

Nearly 99% Of 2025 Illinois Wesleyan Grads Employed Or In Graduate Programs, Emily Bollinger

Press Releases 2020-2029

No abstract provided.

From Identification To Support: Improving Postpartum Depression Detection And Referral In Postpartum Care, Jennifer M. Hall, Gail W. Salter

Group: Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately one in seven women in the United States and poses significant risks to maternal well being and infant development. Despite routine use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) shortly after childbirth, gaps persist in consistent follow up, early detection, and timely referral particularly during the vulnerable period between hospital discharge and the four to six week postpartum visit. This quality improvement project implemented patient navigator services to strengthen continuity of care and enhance early recognition of PPD. Guided by Cheryl Beck’s Modified Grounded Theory of PPD, “Teetering on the Edge,” and her middle range …

From Agroecology To Democratic Resilience: Community-Based Food Security And Climate Adaptation In West Sumatra, Dina Yulianti, Virtuous Setyaka, Arry Bainus, Deasy Silvya Sari, Akim Akim

Jurnal Wacana Politik

The West Sumatra has a high index of food security and because of its dependence on modern farming systems that are chemical based, farmers are susceptible to environmental degradation and market forces worldwide. Through the Critical International Relations (CIR) approach of Robert W. Cox, this paper analyzes how community-based agroecological practices can be the solution to a transition between climate change adaptation and democratic resilience in West Sumatra. The current study is dedicated to the case of Cheap Staple Rice Fields (Sawah Pokok Murah - SPM) an agroecological farming system, a grassroots movement that helps to break free of the …

From Bronchioles To Blasts: A Diagnostic Turn In A High-Risk Infant, Danielle Dejournett Md, Marie-Ellen T. Sarvida Md, Travis J. Matics Do

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Acute respiratory distress in infancy is commonly attributed to viral bronchiolitis; however, children with trisomy 21 represent a high-risk population in whom alternative diagnoses must be considered. In these patients, respiratory symptoms may reflect congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, airway anomalies, reactive airway disease, and many more pathologies. In the setting of subtle bleeding manifestations, it is important to include hematologic and oncologic diseases in the initial diagnostic approach.

Description:

An 11-month-old male with trisomy 21, bicuspid aortic valve with aortic root dilation, laryngomalacia, and dysphagia presented to the emergency department for three days of congestion, increased work of …

2026-05-20 The Moon Sets On The Lee Center With Final Production Our Town’, Keagen Brooks-Torres

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

2026-05-20 Is Hantavirus Worth Freaking Out Over?, Maya Deguzman

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

2026-05-20 [Incoherent Screaming As I Login To Linkedin], Kaitlyn Delfs

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

2026-05-20 The Block Pop-Up Harbors Mobile Coffee Culture, Hadia Noor Ahmed

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

2026-05-20 Week In Review May 14-20, Kaitlyn Delfs

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

2026-05-20 We’Ve All Come To Look For America: Inside Seattle U’S Spring Choral Concert, Hannah Mwangi

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

2026-05-20 Uncontested Sgsu Election Sees Lackluster Voter Turnout, Kean Mathis

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

A Quality Improvement Evaluation Of Sickle Cell Pain Crisis Management In Community Hospitals: Assessing Length Of Stay Data Across Inpatient Provider Groups, Stephen Smetana Do, Insia Rizvi Md, Magdalena Flejsierowicz Md, Dawn Wankowski Ms, James O. Adefisoye Phd

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) often results in vaso-occlusive pain crises (VOC), leading to recurrent emergency department visits and hospital admissions. American Society of Hematology (ASH) guidelines recommend rapid initiation of intravenous opioid therapy—within one hour of ED arrival— and standardized management pathways. Despite these recommendations, individuals with SCD remain under-recognized and under-treated in community hospitals. Practice variability may contribute to delayed analgesia, inconsistent patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) use, stigmatizing documentation, and prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS). Institutional review found inpatient VOC care processes and documentation as key targets for quality improvement.

Purpose:

To evaluate provider-group variation in LOS, PCA …

Lupus Turmoil - Rare Cardiac Manifestations Of Sle, Abhishek Gowda Do, Mph, Joaquin Solis Md, Anna Trier Md, Phd, Aijaz Noor Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has variable manifestations. Pericarditis is the most common cardiac manifestation (20%), whereas myocarditis is rare, occurring in approximately 1–2% of cases. Cardiac tamponade is also rare, but possible in lupus pericarditis. Heart failure develops in 2-3% of patients. While stress cardiomyopathy can occur, sustained heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) due to inflammatory myocarditis is uncommon.

Description:

A 40-year-old woman with SLE complicated by lupus nephritis induced end-stage renal disease had multiple admissions for renal failure and progressive cardiac decline. Chest x-ray initially showed new, sudden onset cardiomegaly. Transthoracic ECHO (TTE) …

Oncologic And Surgical Outcomes For A Novel Approach To Esophagectomy: A Retrospective Analysis At A Large Community Health System, Ruby Armstrong Bs, Kristen Kolberg Md, Dawn Wankowski Ms, Geoffrey Bellini Md, Wesley Papenfuss Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Esophagectomy is a cornerstone of esophageal cancer treatment. Open esophagectomy has potential for complications and difficult recovery. Transhiatal Endoscopic Esophageal Mobilization (TEEM) is a novel minimally invasive method of esophagectomy that decreases morbidity and length of procedure via a dual-team approach from the abdomen and neck.

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the oncologic and perioperative outcomes of TEEM esophagectomy over a 10-year period.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent TEEM esophagectomy between January 1, 2015- December 31, 2024 at our institution using the STS database. Patients without esophageal cancer were excluded. Demographics, intraoperative data, …

Assessing Ventilator Education Needs In Ukrainian Intensive Care Units: Informing Future Training Initiatives, Laura Reindl Ms, Rrt-Accs, Rrt-Nps, Bernie Pagels Bsrt, Rrt-Accs, Rrt-Nps, Michael Shallcross Md, Vladyslav Dieiev Md, Msc

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is lifesaving but requires consistent, evidence-based application to prevent patient harm. Despite international guidelines, global practice remains inconsistent, and skill gaps persist in areas such as waveform interpretation, patient–ventilator dyssynchrony, and ventilator liberation. In Ukraine, war-related system strain and variable access to standardized training may amplify gaps in MV practice.

Purpose:

To describe self-reported MV competence, perceived barriers, and preferred training formats among Ukrainian ICU clinicians to inform future MV education initiatives.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous web-based survey of clinicians caring for ventilated adults in Ukraine, distributed by the Ukrainian Society of Anesthesiology between …

Multicenter Analysis Of Pulsed Field Ablation Freedom From Atrial Arrythmias By Lesion Set In Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, Hinduja Nallamala Do, Lynn Erickson Ms, Pmp, Jim Kanani Mph, Milica Starcevic Bs, Austin Deets Md, Rebecca Riley Do, Abhishek Gowda Do, Mph, Atul Bhatia Md, Mahmoud Ali Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Catheter ablation via pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the first-line treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). It is unclear whether additional lesions with PVI using the pulsed field ablation (PFA) technique affect outcomes in this population.

Purpose:

We aimed to assess freedom from atrial arrythmias in patients with PAF stratified by lesion set at 12 months.

Methods:

From March 2024 to July 2024, PAF patients (n=184) from 4 different centers within a hospital system underwent first-time ablation with PFA. Recurrence was defined as any atrial arrhythmia ≥30 seconds in duration after a 90-day blanking period. Patients were divided into …

Improving The No-Show Rate At The Sinai Family Care Center, Kylie Mcallister Do, Nica Lim Md, Kymarie Kuster-Kosmoski Md, Keyonna Taylor-Coleman Md, Lisa Sullivan Vedder Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Patient no-show (NS) rates in residency-based primary care clinics are a common problem. Adverse effects include disruption in continuity of care, inefficiency, reduced productivity, delayed care, increased ED visits, and negative impact on resident learning. Studies examining approaches to reducing NS rates in the primary care setting have been conducted, but the best approach remains unclear and is likely highly dependent on unique clinic characteristics. At the Aurora Sinai Family Care Center (FCC) clinic, the overall NS rate was 27% in 2024. Currently, all FCC patients receive automated call reminders two days before a scheduled appointment. This project implemented …

Assessing The Learning Curve For A Novel Approach To Esophagectomy Within A Large Community Health System, Ruby Armstrong Bs, Isaac Kriley Md, Kristen Kolberg Md, Sarah Riutta Phd, Geoffrey Bellini Md, Wesley Papenfuss Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Transhiatal Endoscopic with Transcervical Endoscopic Esophageal Mobilization (THE TEEM) esophagectomy is a minimally invasive novel approach to treating esophageal cancers and is a technically demanding operation requiring multiple surgical specialties. This study aims to identify the learning curve for this novel approach.

Purpose:

To evaluate the learning curve for a novel approach to esophagectomy.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 154 consecutive patients who underwent THE TEEM between 2/2015 and 12/2021 was conducted. Patients were divided into chronologic quartiles by surgery date (Q1-Q4). Demographics and perioperative outcomes were compared, including length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) disposition, ICU …

Procedure Metrics And 30-Day Clinical Outcomes Of Two Pulsed Field Ablation Platforms For Atrial Fibrillation: A Comparative Study, Kareem Malas Md, Lynn Erickson Ms, Pmp, David Boulware Ms, Kevin Sattler Phd, Austin Deets Md, Hinduja Nallamala Do, Rebecca Riley Do, Abhishek Gowda Do, Mph, Milica Starcevic Bs, Mahmoud Ali Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) for the management of atrial fibrillation is efficacious and safe. As adoption rapidly grows, there is interest in understanding how commercially available PFA platforms differ in operational characteristics and short-term clinical outcomes.

Purpose:

We compared procedural metrics and 30-day clinical outcomes between the first-time use of the Boston Scientific FARAPULSE pentaspline and Medtronic Affera Sphere-9 PFA systems.

Methods:

We analyzed the first cases who underwent PFA with no prior ablation using the pentaspline (n=35, 55.6%) or the Sphere-9 catheter (n=28, 44.4%) at our center. Continuous variables are presented as median (Q1, Q3) and categorical variables …

Preoperative Self-Assessment Of Cognition In Older Patients Undergoing Elective Orthopedic Surgery, Kymarie Kuster-Kosmoski Md, Sarah Riutta Phd, Brandon Bukovitz Md, Ariba Khan Md, Mph

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Postoperative delirium is a significant problem in older adults undergoing surgery. The risk varies widely by surgery type; for elective orthopedic procedures delirium may occur in >40% of older adults. Many factors influence the risk of delirium; evidence indicates age and pre-existing cognitive impairment are the strongest predictors of postop delirium. Our institution does not have a robust preop screen for cognitive impairment and postop delirium risk in older adults undergoing elective orthopedic procedures.

Purpose:

To preoperatively administer a brief cognitive screening tool, the AD8, to older adults undergoing elective joint replacement surgery to (1) assess feasibility of administering …

Identifying Obstetric Care Needs And Experiences Among Rohingya Refugee Women In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Michelle Lin Bs, Amulya Suresh Bs, Sarah Yapo Bs, Dahlia Tesfamichael Md, Manuel Lamptey Ms, Dawn Wankowski Ms, Jessica Jf Kram Mph, Elizabeth Corey Md, Mph

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Rohingya refugee women in the United States face barriers to obstetric care, including language isolation, gender norms, prior trauma, and unfamiliarity with Western healthcare systems. Milwaukee hosts the largest Rohingya community nationwide (~3,000 residents), yet little is known about their perinatal care experiences.

Purpose:

Our quality improvement project aimed to characterize obstetric needs and care experiences among Rohingya women in Milwaukee and inform community-centered interventions.

Methods:

We conducted a quality improvement study of Rohingya women who delivered at Aurora Sinai Medical Center from 2019 to 2023. Eligible participants were foreign-born Milwaukee County residents with at least one prenatal visit. …

How Low Can We Go? Trends In Cholesterol Management After Coronary Revascularization Across A Multi-Center Health System, Anya Lei Koza Do, Venkateswara Gogineni Phd, Tanvir Bajwa Md, Suhail Allaqaband Md, David Boulware Ms, M Fuad Jan Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Cholesterol management is a well-studied secondary prevention measure to mitigate the risk of procedural failure and future cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Purpose:

This study sought to characterize the level of adherence to cholesterol-lowering regimens in post-PCI and post-CABG patients across Advocate Aurora Health (AAH) medical institutions in hopes of improving knowledge about adherence to secondary prevention cholesterol guidelines for those at risk after coronary artery revascularization at AAH medical centers.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study with 22,060 patients who were eligible for review. The patients used lipid-lowering therapy as …

Inadvertent Removal Of Infected Hepatic Artery Stent Graft Causing Recurrent Cholangitis During Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography With Internal–External Biliary Drain Placement, James Costin Md, Ross Whitlock Md, Laurence Donahue Md, Elliot Berger Do, Praveen Sankrithi Do

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Endovascular stent-grafts are established treatments for hepatic artery stenosis and pseudoaneurysm. In rare cases there have been reports of migration/erosion, infection, and possibly serve as a persistent nidus for bacteremia. There have been reported cases of infected hepatic arterial stents and coils spontaneously excreted into the bowel and others requiring surgical intervention for removal including liver transplant. We report the first case in which percutaneous biliary access and internal– external drain placement coincided with endovascular stent migration with ultimate nonoperative removal/excretion of an infected proper hepatic artery stent-graft and resolution of recurrent cholangitis.

Description:

A patient with complex prior …

Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia: A Case Report And Literature Review, Andrew Cecil Do, Meti Shagi Md, Syed Basit Haider Md, Syed Ali Gardezi Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is an ultra-rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by excessive fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) secretion from phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors, resulting in hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia. Diagnosis is frequently delayed due to nonspecific symptoms and difficulty localizing small tumors.

Description:

A 55-year-old male presented with 16 months of progressive muscle weakness, multiple bilateral metatarsal fractures, and chronic bone pain. Laboratory evaluation revealed profound hypophosphatemia (1.6 mg/dL), markedly elevated FGF23 (455 RU/mL), and evidence of renal phosphate wasting (TRP 35%, TmP/GFR 1.04 mg/dL). Initial FDG-PET/CT was non-localizing. Upon referral, specialized re-interpretation at a tertiary referral center identified faint focal uptake …

The Unobstructed Infarct: Minoca At The Intersection Of Hormones And Amphetamines, Garrett Weber Do, Patrick Disterhaft Do, Adam Pampori Md, Blair Tilkens Do, M Fuad Jan Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) represents approximately 6– 8% of all myocardial infarctions and is more common in younger patients and women.

Description:

A 20-year-old woman taking adderall and combined oral contraceptives presented with her second episode of sudden-onset central chest pain at rest. Troponin was elevated, and EKG showed nonspecific ST-T wave changes. Transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated an ejection fraction of 63% with a small area of hypokinesis in the mid-anterolateral and inferolateral walls. Cardiac MRI suggested a recent myocardial infarction in a diagonal branch territory with active inflammation. Left heart catheterization revealed normal coronary arteries. She …

A Rare Complication Of Gallstone Pancreatitis: Cholecystocolonic Fistula, Gregory Capelli Do, Adil Ghafoor Md, Nalini Guda Md, Facg

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Cholecystocolonic fistulas are rare, occurring in less than 0.5% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy. However, when they do develop, they can lead to complications such as colonic perforation, gallstone ileus, and infection. Here, we present a case of a patient who developed a cholecystocolonic fistula alongside gallstone-induced pancreatitis.

Description:

An 81-year-old woman with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension presented to the emergency department with acute onset abdominal pain. Laboratory results revealed a total bilirubin of 1.0 mg/dL, AST of 103 U/L, ALT of 119 U/L, ALP of 880 U/L, lipase of 6,421 U/L, and a WBC count of 11.8 …

A Multimodal Approach To Restoring Cervical Radiculopathy-Induced Dexterity Loss That Emphasizes The Role Of Chiropractic Care: A Case Report, Mya Reese Dc, Jeffrey Malone Dc, Jessy Johnson Dc, Dacrb, Venkateswara Gogineni Phd, Eric Kirk Dc, Daco

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve root becomes mechanically compressed or chemically inflamed. This can cause an array of symptoms along the dermatomal distribution of the affected nerve including neck stiffness, pain in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, impaired deep tendon reflexes, upper extremity weakness, numbness, paresthesia, and loss of fine motor control. This case illustrates a collective approach among healthcare professionals to restore a patient's fine motor skills by treating cervical radiculopathy with chiropractic care.

Description:

A 59-year-old female patient presented with right shoulder pain associated with radiculopathy into her 2nd-4th digits. She endorsed weakness in …

Implications Of The Dobbs Vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization Decision On The Incidence Rate Of Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancies, Nirja Inamdar Do, Haley Primuth Md, James O. Adefisoye Phd, Jessica Jf Kram Mph, Elizabeth Bruce Bs, Marie Forgie Do

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) requires timely diagnosis and treatment as delays increase the risk of rupture and maternal morbidity/mortality. Delays to reproductive healthcare access due to legal ambiguity, clinic closures, and widespread misinformation post-Dobbs vs. Jacksonmay have increased the incidence of ruptured EPs in Wisconsin. Similar delays may have also been experienced during COVID- 19 increasing ruptured EPs.

Purpose:

To examine the impact of restricted reproductive healthcare access in Wisconsin post-Dobbson EP rupture incidence proportion (IP), presentation, and management.

Methods:

Our retrospective cohort study looked at EPs within one healthcare system at 63 facilities located predominately …