Digital Commons Network^™

Safely Placing Mesh In Multi-Recurrent Right Inguinal Hernia Repair With Appendectomy, Nicole Hadjiloucas Md, Nicholas Armstrong Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Patient is a 54-year-old male with a history of 5 prior inguinal hernia repairs with multiple layers of mesh who presented to our office with discomfort in his right groin, seeking elective repair. During our procedure multiple meshes were encountered, including a portion of Marlex mesh encompassing the appendix. A decision was made at the time to perform an appendectomy. Our case reviews the decision to place mesh for hernia repair, after performing appendectomy, and measures taken to limit infection. We have shown in this case that it is safe to place mesh even if the bowel is transected. …

From Dyspnea To Recovery: Multidisciplinary Management Of Hormonal Contraceptive-Associated Pe In An Adolescent, Christopher Bentsen Md, Viktoriya Bikeyeva Md, Giovanni Paolella Md, Suhaib M. Hyder Md, Kelsey Danley Md, Neal Sawlani Md, Ibrahim Shaik Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in hospitalized children is rare, with only 56 per 100,000 patients affected, predominantly females. Although rare, the use of hormonal contraceptives (HC) in adolescent females is linked to 79% of all venous thromboembolism (VTE) and PE cases. This risk is further doubled when using transdermal HC compared to oral. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the life-threatening hypercoagulable side effects of HC in adolescent women, particularly when symptoms may mistakenly be attributed to benign causes.

Description:

A 17-year-old female with no medical history presented with a two-week history of pleuritic chest pain …

Yentl Syndrome Refuted: Cholesterol Management From A Multicenter Healthcare 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:

According to the GOULD registry, the median low-density lipoprotein (LDL) after coronary revascularization is 99mg/dL. Similarly, a large-scale New York City health system cohort (2018-2023) reports 52% of those who underwent revascularization had a median follow-up LDL<70 mg>/dL.

Purpose:

Our retrospective study assesses the current practices of cholesterol-lowering therapy and secondary risk reduction strategies for patients who have undergone percutaneous intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting from September 2011 to September 2023 across all 25 Advocate Aurora Health medical centers in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Methods:

Among the 42,561 identified patients, 20,501 were excluded because of incomplete data. The primary …

Combination Therapy Versus Monotherapy And The Risk Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Among Patients On Sglt2 Inhibitors And Glp-1 Receptor Agonists, Chimezirim Ezeano Md, Mph, Ekow Essien Md, Rodolfo Alpizar-Rivas Md, Fccp

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce cardiovascular and renal events but carry a recognized risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), including euglycemic presentations. Whether combining SGLT2i with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) modifies DKA risk compared with monotherapy remains unclear. We evaluated 1-year DKA risk among adults with type 2 diabetes treated with combination therapy versus either agent alone.

Purpose:

To compare the 1-year incidence and hazard of DKA across three treatment strategies: (1) SGLT2i + GLP-1RA vs GLP-1RA alone; (2) SGLT2i + GLP-1RA vs SGLT2i alone; and (3) SGLT2i alone vs GLP- 1RA alone.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective multicenter …

Predischarge Ct Does Not Impact Detection Rate Of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Distal Pancreatectomy: A Community Quaternary Experience, Ruby Armstrong Bs, Areej Sami Md, Manuel Lamptey Ms, Kristen Kolberg Md, Mary Brandt Md, Sarah Riutta Phd, Geoffrey Bellini Md, Wesley Papenfuss Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a challenging complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). CT scan is commonly used to evaluate postop fluid collections/ POPF. We sought to identify predictive factors of POPF in our post-operative cohort with focus on patients who underwent post-operative CT due to suspicion for fistula at our institution.

Purpose:

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of POPF in all DP patients, and POPF in DP patients with negative post-operative CT (NegCT). We hypothesized that BMI (>30) would increase risk of NegCT in setting of POPF. The secondary objective of this …

The Creation And Assessment Of A Novel Faculty Development Program: Scholarship And Collaboration For Hospitalist Learners In Research (Scholar), Melanie Marsh Md, Ryan Wolf Md, Elizabeth Halvorson Md, Ms, Sheena Mckenzie Md, Mba, Faap

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

With the rapid growth of Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) and the growing number of PHM fellows requiring scholarship oversight, there is a critical need for PHM faculty who can supervise fellows in the execution of scholarly requirements. However, variation exists in faculty skill sets and available training for PHM fellows.

Purpose:

We developed and implemented a 1-year research program for fellows and junior faculty grounded in the four pillars of Boyer’s Model of Scholarship. Scholarly productivity and self-reflective, behavior-based assessments were evaluated before and after the program.

Methods:

A needs assessment of PHM faculty at four children’s hospitals within …

Latency After Preterm Pre-Labor Rupture Of Membranes (Pprom) And Outcomes At A Single Community Hospital, Ciera Danen Md, James O. Adefisoye Phd, Jessica Jf Kram Mph, Marie Forgie Do

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM, membrane rupture <37 weeks>gestation) is associated with increased morbidity/mortality. Guidelines recommend inpatient management until the risks of pregnancy outweigh the risks of neonatal prematurity under 34 weeks’ gestation. Latency, time from PPROM to delivery, varies from days to weeks secondary to potential maternal/fetal complications. ACOG cites that most people deliver within 7.0 days with latency inversely correlating with gestational age at the time of PPROM. However, this is based on an older study out of Israel that may not be generalizable in the US. Updated studies can improve counseling for estimated gestational age at …

Characteristics Associated With Tub Entry And Delivery In Water: A Secondary Analysis Of Waterbirth Intervention Participants, Emily Malloy Phd, Cnm, Facnm, Amanda Luff Phd, Jessica Jf Kram Mph, James O. Adefisoye Phd, Valerie Oliver Cnm, Cara Wolf Dnp, Cnm, Marie Forgie Do, Maryanne Scherer Cnm, Lisa Hanson Phd, Cnm, Facnm

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Waterbirth is a pain management option that promotes physiological birth with limited availability in US hospitals. We conducted the first US-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) of hospital waterbirth, finding it was a viable option for low-risk individuals and reduced use of intravenous narcotics and epidural analgesia while increasing satisfaction. To further support person-centered care, it is important to understand which individuals who planned waterbirth ultimately gave birth in water and how preferences and medical needs shifted during labor.

Purpose:

To identify factors linked to waterbirth tub use during labor and successful delivery in water among those planning a waterbirth. …

Impact Of A Machine Learning-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool On Antibiotic Prescribing For Suspected Urinary Tract Infection In The Emergency Department, Chloe Williams Md, Alex Biskis Ms, Ravi Chacko Md, Phd, Ryan Mckillip Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) remains common in emergency departments (EDs). Machine learning (ML)–based clinical decision support tools have been proposed as a strategy to improve antibiotic stewardship, but their influence on prescribing behavior and clinician confidence remains unclear.

Purpose:

To determine the impact of an ML–based clinical decision support tool on antibiotic prescribing and clinician confidence for suspected UTI among ED providers.

Methods:

We conducted a randomized controlled, scenario-based survey with a crossover design to evaluate the impact of an ML-driven UTI decision support tool on antibiotic prescribing decisions among providers practicing at Advocate …

Pfas Exposure And Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Population-Based Exploratory Study, Ashley Robinson Do, Eli D. Ehrenpreis Md, Agaf, Facg, Ethan Anderson Do

Scientific Day

Background/ Significance:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS accumulate in human tissue and have potential for carcinogenesis. Prior studies have examined the effects of environmental exposure to PFAS on human disease and suggest a link between PFAS exposure and breast and thyroid cancer, but associations with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies have not been assessed.

Purpose:

We conducted a geographic ecological analysis to examine correlations between PFAS concentrations and the incidence of GI and other cancers across the United States.

Methods:

County-level cancer incidence rates for multiple cancers were merged with maximum PFAS drinking …

Characterization Of Mixed Metal Biogenic Manganese Oxide Materials For Catalysis And Rare Earth Element Sequestration, Elisa Morales, Jeremy Brown, Chloe Runge, Madeline York, Genesis Dennis, Cole Johnson, Anthony M. Baudino, Norman Paz-Ramirez, John Rey A. Romal, Kari Stone, Sarah E. Shaner

Chemistry Department Faculty Articles

This study explores the potential of utilizing biogenic manganese oxides (BMOs) produced by Mn-oxidizing Pseudomonas putida MnB1 to facilitate metal cation uptake for rare earth element (REE) sequestration and the synthesis of novel materials. Previous studies have shown that P. putida MnB1 efficiently oxidizes environmental Mn(II) to Mn(IV)-oxides, producing BMOs with unique physicochemical properties. Unlike their abiotic counterparts, BMOs exhibit high surface area, reactivity, and amorphous, poorly crystalline structures, making them promising platforms for adsorbing metal cations. This research study, building on the prior work, demonstrates the incorporation of ten different main group, transition, and rare earth metals into the …

When Lightning Strikes Twice - A Rare Case Of Siblings With Autoimmune Encephalitis, Crystal Banh Bs, Peter Awad Bs, Travis J. Matics Do, Usha Appalaneni Md, Sheena Mckenzie Md, Mba, Faap

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Pediatric autoimmune encephalitis is a rare condition with high morbidity. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Earlier initiation of treatment, particularly in refractory cases, improves long-term outcomes. We describe a case of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis in a child whose diagnosis and treatment were hastened due to a history of the same in her sibling, a previously described but rare occurrence.

Description:

A 4-year-old female presented with acute onset of fever, truncal ataxia, and altered speech. Her parents noted that their older daughter had similar symptoms two years ago and was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis. In our patient, …

Recognizing Synchronous Primary Lung Cancer, Noah Gordon Do, Danielle Gratza Do, Wissam Raad Md, Abdul Hamid Alraiyes Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Therefore, management decisions that follow nodule identification represent a crucial moment in patient care. Synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC) refers to the simultaneous diagnosis of two or more distinct cancerous lesions rather than metastasis from a single primary site. This phenomenon is estimated to occur in approximately 2% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Although the underlying pathogenesis is incompletely understood, carcinogen exposure is able to create a large area of genetic alteration increasing the risk of dysplasia - a concept known as field cancerization.

Description:

A 71-year-old …

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 …

Complete Radiographic Response Of Disseminated Post-Kidney Transplant Kaposi Sarcoma After Conversion From Tacrolimus To Sirolimus, Ravjot Kaur Virdi Do, Mph, Jon M. Richards Md, Eli D. Ehrenpreis Md, Agaf, Facg

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is a human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)-driven angioproliferative neoplasm that can occur after solid-organ transplantation. Post-transplant KS often involves lymph nodes and viscera and is managed primarily by reducing or modifying immunosuppression. Conversion from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) to mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors is frequently employed given potential antitumor and antiangiogenic effects. This report details a unique case of disseminated, predominantly extracutaneous KS, initially concerning for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which achieved complete radiographic response after CNI-tosirolimus conversion alone.

Description:

A woman with end-stage renal disease from congenital renal hypoplasia underwent deceased-donor kidney transplant at age …

Multimodality Imaging In Msh6-Associated Lynch Syndrome: Radiologic Contributions To Early Detection And Management Of Recurrent Gi Malignancy, Tecora Turner Md, Tisileli Tuifua Md, William Macdonald Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Lynch syndrome, caused by pathogenic variants in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, increases risk for colorectal, small-bowel, and periampullary cancers. In MSH6-associated disease, tumors may appear proficient on immunohistochemistry (pMMR) despite underlying germline dysfunction, complicating surveillance. Because lesions often arise beyond routine endoscopic reach, cross-sectional imaging plays a critical role in early detection and treatment planning.

Description:

Patient with Lynch syndrome (germline MSH6 c.3694del3, likely pathogenic, and an additional MSH6 p.S998F variant of uncertain significance in trans) developed invasive colon adenocarcinoma at age 38 with pMMR by immunohistochemistry. Years later, endoscopy suggested a duodenal lesion with high-grade dysplasia; contrast-enhanced …

A Rare Case Of Primary Breast Merkel Cell Carcinoma In A Male Gendered Patient, Sydney A. Pekarek Do, Archana Chandrashekar Do, M Bassel Attasi Md, Emily E. Klosterman Do, Joslyn Albright Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive, rare neuroendocrine tumor, typically arising in the skin. However, there are few documented cases of neuroendocrine tumors of breast parenchyma with Merkel cell differentiation. This accounts for less than 0.1% of all breast cancers with almost all cases being described in females.

Description:

We present here a 62-year-old, immunocompetent, Hispanic male with a palpable and painful right sided breast mass, present for three to four months. On the exam, a four-centimeter mass was palpated in the 9 o’clock region of the right breast without associated skin nodularity or dermal attachment. Diagnostic mammography …

Staging Laparoscopy For Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Experience From A Large Quaternary Care System, Mary Brandt Md, Astrid Levesque Bs, Rebecca Kirschner Md, Geoffrey Bellini Md, Wesley Papenfuss Md, Dawn Wankowski Ms

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Detection of radiographically occult metastatic disease (ROMD) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains vital for staging. There is no standardized approach, but borderline resectable or locally advanced disease, CA 19-9 > 394, location in the pancreatic body or tail, and no neoadjuvant therapy are predictive of ROMD and often used to select patients for staging laparoscopy. Peritoneal washings have been used at the time of laparoscopy to further detect occult disease, with positive cytology considered by NCCN guidelines to be metastatic (M1) disease.

Purpose:

We sought to study characteristics of patients undergoing laparoscopy with or without washings to inform a …

The Effectiveness Of Implementation Of A Point Of Care Ultrasound Curriculum For Pediatric Residents, Ashley Anderson Do, Peyton Cleary Do, Claudia Zarcula Do, Karan Patel Do, Elizabeth Price Do, Jacob R. Hutton Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the inpatient and emergency department settings. Pediatric residency programs across the United States have failed to incorporate POCUS training into their curricula despite strong resident interest.

Purpose:

Currently, pediatric residents at Advocate Children’s Hospital – Park Ridge does not receive POCUS training. Thus, we sought to institute a POCUS curriculum to address that training gap.

Methods:

Residents took a 15-question examination via Google Forms to assess baseline knowledge of POCUS. Over the course of 4 weeks, residents received four separate lectures given by POCUS trained pediatric …

Herpes Zoster Infection As An Adverse Reaction To Treatments For Ulcerative Colitis: A Review Of Reports To The Fda Adverse Events Reporting System (Faers), Nick Adimi Md, Ethan Anderson Do, Bilal Ahmed Do, Eli Ehrenpreis Md, Agaf, Facg

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Many new treatment options for ulcerative colitis (UC) have become available in recent years, including dual-mechanism strategies and single-agent approaches. Among available treatments, JAK– STAT inhibitors carry an increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ) with an associated FDA Black Box warning.

Purpose:

This study aims to compare FDA-approved UC therapies and their relative association with HZ using reported data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database (FAERS).

Methods:

The FAERS database consists of voluntarily reported post-marketing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). 32,229,802 total reports from Jan 1968 to September 2025 were evaluated. Reports of ADRs of all FDA approved …

The Rhythm Of Sedation: Comparison Of Methohexital, Propofol, And Etomidate For Ed Cardioversions, Maria Hajiharis Pharmd, Ami Shah Pharmd, Andrew Mcinerney Pharmd, Bcemp

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Cardioversions in the emergency department (ED) allow for a controlled shock to be delivered to the heart to restore normal sinus rhythm in dysrhythmic states such as atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia. Sedation used during this procedure helps to reduce anxiety, pain, and discomfort. There are several general anesthetics available, and those with a quick onset and recovery time with minimal side effects are favorable. Current data is limited, with one retrospective review by Bauer and colleagues comparing methohexital to propofol and etomidate for procedural sedation in ED cardioversions finding no statistically significant difference in the time from first …

Vibrating Mesh Vs. Jet Nebulizers For High-Dose Albuterol In Copd Exacerbations: A Non-Inferiority Study, Laura Reindl Ms, Rrt-Accs, Rrt-Nps, Sarah Bazelak Msc, Kristen Knox Rrt, Shanna Schuele Msc, Katlin Huizenga Rrt, Malik Hodges Rrt, Kimberly Parker Rrt, Jennifer Lester Pharmd, Sadashiv Santosh Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Inhaled β-agonists are central to the management of COPD exacerbations, and high-dose albuterol is often administered via jet nebulizer (JN) to ensure adequate bronchodilation. Vibrating mesh nebulizers (VMNs) may enhance aerosol delivery efficiency and substantially reduce treatment time compared to JNs, but evidence comparing these devices for high-dose therapy in COPD exacerbations remains limited.

Purpose:

This quasi-experimental, before-and-after non-inferiority study evaluated clinical outcomes associated with transitioning from continuous JN to VMN delivery of high-dose albuterol in the emergency department (ED).

Methods:

This institutional review board–approved study was conducted in the ED of a tertiary care hospital. Historically, high-dose albuterol …

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 …

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 …

Institutional Experience Of Concomitant Atrial Fibrillation Ablation And Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion, Hammam Shereef Md, Lynn Erickson Ms, Pmp, Gregory J. Fischer Bs, Jim Kanani Mph, Jasbir Sra Md

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Catheter ablation is a class 1 indication for treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an alternative option to anticoagulation in patients with AF and a contraindication to long-term anticoagulation. Combining catheter ablation and LAAO in a single procedure, referred to as the concomitant procedure, has emerged as a strategy for management of AF.

Purpose:

To assess the efficacy and safety of the concomitant procedure at a single center.

Methods:

In this retrospective observational study, data were collected on 28 patients who underwent LAAO with either the WATCHMAN FLX-PRO (n=26) or the Amplatzer Amulet …

Epidemiology Of Oral Cavity Cancer In Women: Identifying Age Groups At Risk, Nikhita Vemulapalli Do, Rafia Ali Md, Eli Ehrenpreis Md, Agaf, Facg

Scientific Day

Background/Significance:

Oral cavity cancer has historically been more prevalent in men, largely attributed to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Emerging data, however, suggests shifting patterns with a rising disease burden among women. This study aims to identify the age groups of women contributing most to this trend.

Purpose:

To evaluate age-specific incidence trends of oral cavity cancer among women over time.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, population-based analysis using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, Registry 17. In our analysis, female patients diagnosed with oral cavity cancer between 2000 and 2022 were included. …

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Silent Progression To Sudden Collapse: Prosthetic Valve Failure With Root Pseudoaneurysm, Suhaib M. Hyder Md, Giovanni Paolella Md, Christopher Bentsen Md, Besher Kashlan Md, Shoeb M. Hussain Md

Scientific Day

Introduction/Background:

Structural complications following prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) may progress subtly over time, with early imaging abnormalities often underestimated. Delayed recognition can result in abrupt hemodynamic collapse. This case highlights the importance of maintaining suspicion for evolving prosthetic valve pathology despite initially reassuring studies.

Description:

A 57-year-old male with prior surgical bioprosthetic aortic valve and ascending aortic root replacement developed progressive dyspnea resulting in acute hypoxic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock (CS). Three months earlier, a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) demonstrated mild aortic insufficiency (AI), leaflet thickening, and a small hypodensity, deemed nonspecific given negative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). Repeat TTE during …

The Problem Of Evil: Theodicy Of Afterlife, Christian C. Anyanwueze

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The problem of evil has remained a central issue in philosophical theology, prompting both ancient and contemporary scholars to propose various theodicies and defenses concerning the existence of evil in a world created by an omnipotent, omniscient, and wholly good God. While Plantinga’s Free Will Defense, Hick’s soul-making theodicy, and the Augustinian-Thomistic greater-good tradition offer significant contributions to the discussion, each faces important limitations. Plantinga’s model functions primarily as a logical defense and leaves unresolved questions concerning transworld depravity and eschatological fulfillment, while Hick’s instrumental use of evil as a means of soul-building has been criticized for potentially compromising divine …

Examining Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’S “Letter From Birmingham Jail” Through A Historical Lens Of Black Theology And Evangelical Theology: Forming A More Perfect Theology, Lisa P. Christian

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

A key theological justification for nonviolent resistance in the Civil Rights Movement is “Letter From Birmingham Jail.” This dissertation presents a historiographical and theological analysis of King’s letter, arguing that it serves as a framework for critiquing the validity of Black and Evangelical theologies’ responses to injustice. It engages in a critical dialogue between Black theology and evangelical theology, examining how theologians such as James H. Cone and Carl F. H. Henry interpret King’s claims about justice, morality, and nonviolent resistance within the context of segregation in the 1960s South.

Tracing key theological developments that shaped the doctrines, dogmas, and …