Digital Commons Network^™

The Rem Series, James W. Conkis

Student Projects

James Conkis is a film photographer who blends traditional photography with modern

digital methods. James’ work is a way to consolidate memories from past experiences from

growing up in the Midwest. He strives to take timeless images that make people question when

they are taken. James takes photos with medium format 120 film, and 35mm film cameras. He

develops his own film, makes his own darkroom prints, and edits scans in Photoshop. James

Conkis is currently attending Northern Illinois University to receive a BFA in Photography. His

current series of dreams, The REM Series, is a continuation of night film …

Young Bay Staters Report Considerably Lower Mental Health, Higher Stress Than Older Mass Residents 4/29/2026, Unh Survey Center

All UNH Survey Center Polls

Seven in ten Massachusetts residents rate their mental health as very good or good but a quarter say that their mental health has declined over the past 12 months. Three in eight report feeling bothered by feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge at least several days in the past two weeks and a quarter have felt that they lack companionship at least several days in that time. A quarter of Bay Staters report high levels of stress, with politics, work, international news, and household finances the most common contributors to daily stress. Massachusetts residents report most often dealing with stress …

Revolutionizing Hematology/Oncology Education With Visual Storytelling And “Gamification” For Internal Medicine Residents, N Smith1, A Patel1, J Dechet, C Powell

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Hematology/oncology ranks among the lowest scoring sections on in-training exams for internal medicine residents. Prior resident feedback expressed a need for an improved didactic curriculum that was applicable to internal medicine residents and board examinations Aim: To enhance curriculum through multimodal education by integrating traditional didactic presentations along with specific lectures utilizing visual storytelling, memory palaces, and gamification. Methods: Trainees completed a 5-point Likert scale survey on their perceptions of hematology and oncology with a 16-question quiz before and after the curriculum. Multimodal lecture series created using "murder mystery" and "jewel heist" to teach hemolytic anemia, team-based Jeopardy-style format …

Breakthroughs In Cervical Cancer Screening: Hpv Self-Collection At Pmg Milwaukie Family Medicine Clinic, Brandon Bartlett, Sataj Johnson, Emily Miyasako, Rachel Gallagher, Daniel Ruegg

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Background: Cervical cancer screening is a cornerstone of preventative healthcare and cancer screening in primary care. Based on data from the CDC, in the US alone, the rate of new cervical cancers each year is ~13,000, accounts for ~4,000 deaths annually, and disproportionally effects people of color and people of low SES (CDC, 2025). In our clinic (PMG Milwaukie), the rate of cervical cancer screening has remained around 70% for years, which is below the national average of ~75% (Healthy People, 2021). Primary HPV screening with self-collected swabs has been used successfully for years outside of the US, improving screening …

Improving Post-Hospital Medication Reconciliation In A Rural Primary Care Clinic Through An Rn-Led Workflow, Jack Kennady

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Context/background: Adverse events after hospital discharge are common and represent a major patient safety concern. Approximately 1 in 5 patients experience a safety event after discharge, and 39% of these events are adverse drug events (ADEs), with 26% considered preventable. Medication discrepancies during transitions of care contribute significantly to these events, with an estimated 40% of medication errors resulting from inadequate medication reconciliation. Rural primary care clinics face additional challenges, including limited communication between inpatient and outpatient systems and inconsistent reconciliation workflows. Improving medication reconciliation during the transition from hospital discharge to outpatient follow-up represents an important opportunity for family …

Improving Recognition Of Chronic Kidney Disease In A Federally Qualified Health Center Through A Quality Improvement Initiative, Rachel Monroe, Evan Saulino, Kathleen Mckenna

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Context/background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 15% of adults in the United States, yet nearly 90% of affected individuals are unaware of their diagnosis. Early identification in primary care enables interventions such as blood pressure optimization, renin –angiotensin system blockade, and kidney -protective medications that can significantly delay disease progression and postpone dialysis. Screening and diagnosis gaps disproportionately affect high -risk populations, including Latinx patients and immigrant agricultural workers commonly served in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). National CKD screening rates among patients with diabetes or hypertension remain low, leaving many high -risk individuals unscreened for kidney disease. Improving …

Communication Strategies To Support Collections And Budget Management, Evan Rusch, Heidi J. Southworth, Nat Gustafson-Sundell, Lisa Baures, Daardi Mixon, Joe Holtermann

Library Services Publications

As budget management grows more challenging, we will need to communicate as successfully as possible to achieve the best possible outcomes. Communication with departments and administration about budget management and related changes to collections can be crucial to maintain constructive relationships and to improve cooperative planning. Academic libraries often rely on librarian liaisons to communicate directly with departments, but additional communication efforts are sometimes pursued. Our library has recently focused on collections communication across a range of projects and audiences. These projects have included a budget reduction plan and major print deselection project, as well as ongoing, prospective budget management. …

April 29, 2026 General Faculty Minutes, University Of South Carolina

Faculty Senate

No abstract provided.

Wavyleaf Basketgrass (Oplismenus Undulatifolius) Invasion Is Associated With Changes In Soil Microbial Communities, Michael R. Fulcher

Biology Faculty Publications

Introduced invasive plants can alter the composition of resident soil microbial communities, which may disrupt ecosystem function and facilitate continued invasion success. Wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus undulatifolius) is a high-risk, non-native invasive plant currently confined to the Mid-Atlantic United States but with the potential to colonize forest understory across the eastern United States. In this study, we characterized soil microbial communities from locations spanning the invaded range using amplicon sequencing to understand the impacts of wavyleaf basketgrass establishment on resident soil microbiomes. We compared the diversity and structure of microbial communities from invaded and uninvaded forest soils, as well …

Raising The Barb: Evaluation Of Phenobarbital Use For Alcohol Withdrawal In Patients On General Medicine Floors, Seth Arakawa, Jason Frederick, Anthony Le

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Abstract: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can present as a spectrum of symptoms such as a mild headache, gastrointestinal issues, and diaphoresis. However, if not treated properly, it can progress to severe hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens. Current guidelines from the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommend benzodiazepines as first line agents for alcohol withdrawal with phenobarbital recommended as an adjunct agent or replacement to benzodiazepines by providers who are familiar with its use. Although most evidence supporting phenobarbital in AWS comes from critical care settings, emerging data suggest it may also be safe and effective in general ward patients. …

A Rare And Fatal Complication Of Herpes Simplex Virus (Hsv) Infection, Natalie Bolton, Jeffrey Youker

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome characterized by overactive immune activation, cytokine storm, and uncontrolled hemophagocytosis. Primary HLH is familial and most often seen in infants, whereas secondary HLH occurs more frequently in adults and is triggered by infections, malignancies, or autoimmune disorders. Clinically, secondary HLH often mimics sepsis but fails to respond to standard therapies, contributing to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Without timely intervention, HLH can result in extensive tissue damage, multiorgan failure, and death. In rare cases, central nervous system (CNS) involvement may occur, manifesting as histiocytic infiltration that can be misinterpreted as malignancy or infection. …

Behavior Change In A Young Woman: The Secret Lies In The Ovarian Tumor, Matthew Moritz, Md, Linh Tang Taylor, Md, Olivia L Snir, Stephanie Griffith, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Autoimmune encephalitis is a rare immune-mediated disorder characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms. Anti-NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) encephalitis, the most common subtype, affects approximately 1 in 1.5 million people annually. We present a case of a young female with new-onset hallucinations, behavioral changes, and personality disturbance. Case Presentation: A 32-year-old female with remote methamphetamine use and recent trauma presented with acute mental status changes, aggression, emotional lability, and hallucinations. Vitals were normal; on exam she appeared confused, agitated, and displayed unusual behavior, including hallucinations. Initial evaluation revealed mild leukocytosis, but otherwise normal urine drug screen, chest radiograph, TSH, ANA, VDRL, heavy metal …

Cloudy Consequences: Exploring Vaping-Induced Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Jennifer Wong, Do, Omar Pandhair, Abby Lindseth, Md, Cameron Miles Long, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Abstract: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease caused by abnormal accumulation of surfactant within alveoli. Vaping of electronic cigarette smoke has recently been described as a cause of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in two case reports. We add to this rare literature by describing a case of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis induced from vaping in a young woman with confirmed granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibodies as the proposed mechanism. Introduction: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) results from inappropriate accumulation of pulmonary alveolar surfactant due to dysregulated granulocyte/ macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) signaling.1 Its incidence is approximately 0.2 cases per million with …

Ecmo As A Bridge To Lung Transplant For Refractory Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease, Matthew Moritz, Omar Pandhair

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) antibody is most frequently associated with dermatomyositis with various degrees of clinical manifestations including rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD), inflammatory arthritis, vasculopathy, and other cutaneous findings. Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) is frequently associated with RP-ILD and has high mortality rates. Here we present a case of anti-MDA5 associated RPILD but without other features of dermatomyositis that did not respond to standard immunosuppressive therapy. A 41-year-old woman with recently diagnosed interstitial lung disease and polyarthritis previously on methotrexate presented with progressive dyspnea and worsening hypoxemic respiratory failure. She was previously admitted for respiratory failure two …

Evaluating Outcomes Of Long-Acting Injectable Antiretrovirals For Hiv Treatment And Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis In A Pharmacist-Managed Clinic Setting, Kaitlin Repass, Pharmd, Melissa Yokoyama, Pharmd, Farnaz Khoshnahad, Pharmd, Bcacp, Char Hunt, Pharmd, Ms, Bcacp

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

No abstract provided.

Hydroxocobalamin In Septic Shock Management – Should It Be Introduced Sooner?, Linh Tang Taylor, Md, Cameron Miles Long, Md, Omar Pandhair

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Treating sepsis involves timely antibiotics, adequate fluid resuscitation, and vasopressor support if shock develops. Plasma concentrations of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfides are elevated in early sepsis, contributing to vasoplegia,1 a pathology that isn’t addressed by vasopressors. High-dose hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12) does, and therefore, has long been explored as a potential adjunct to vasopressors, though no consensus or official guidelines for its use have been published. Case Report: A 26-year-old man who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia a few months prior presented to the emergency room for fever, weakness, and emesis. He was found to be profoundly hypotensive …

Hypercalcemic Crisis After Open Mitral Valve Replacement, Andrew Sunwood, Do, Jason Heino

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

59. Hypercalcemic Crisis After Open Mitral Valve Replacement Andrew Sunwood, DO Background: Hypercalcemic crisis is a rare manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism characterized by a sudden increase in serum calcium levels to >14 mg/dL with symptoms of hypercalcemia including adverse gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, and even predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias. There is only one other documented case of hypercalcemic crisis occurring after open heart surgery. Case information: 69-year-old female with a history of primary osteoporosis on alendronate and valvular heart failure presented for mitral valve replacement. Preoperative lab work did not show evidence of electrolyte abnormalities. She under- went open bioprosthetic …

A Case Of Pembrolizumab Associated Sjs/Ten Spectrum Reaction, Lauryn Orsillo, Do, Alex Zhu, Md, Linh Tang Taylor, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as pembrolizumab, are becoming increasingly more common.1 They are associated with a variety of cutaneous immune-related adverse events which can range from drug eruptions to life-threatening Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/ toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) spectrum reactions.2 As use of these ICIs and PD1 inhibitors expands, the incidence of severe dermatologic toxicity can be expected to rise. Early recognition is critical, as SJS/TEN spectrum reactions carry substantial morbidity and mortality compared with drug eruptions. Case report: An 80-year-old female with a history of triple-negative breast cancer on pembrolizumab presented to the ED for evaluation of a …

Implementation And Impact Of The Transition Series For Senior Residents In Internal Medicine Residency, Abby Lindseth, Md, Jeffrey Youker

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

The transition from medical student to intern is widely recognized as a challenging period, and numerous curricula have been developed to support this transition. However, the transition from intern to senior resident receives far less attention despite presenting its own unique challenges. Anecdotal feedback from internal medicine residents and emerging literature suggests that the transition to senior resident is associated with feeling emotionally overwhelmed from simultaneously being a learner, leader and educator.1,2 To address this gap, the Transition Series was developed as a novel curriculum to support internal medicine residents as they advance into their senior roles. Building on the …

Phenazopyridine-Induced Sulfhemoglobinemia: A Diagnostic And Management Dilemma, Natalie Bolton, Md, Linh Tang Taylor, Md, Kristy Poonyagarlyagorn, Md, Cameron Long, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Sulfhemoglobinemia is a rare dyshemoglobinemia which occurs when sulfur irreversibly binds to hemoglobin. Presents similarly to methemoglobinemia. Common offending medications: dapsone, acetanilide, phenacetin, and nitrates. Rarely observed secondary to phenazopyridine, an over-the counter medication used to treat dysuria. Few facilities are capable of testing for sulfhemoglobinemia Case Background: A 67-year-old woman with recurrent urinary tract infections and interstitial cystitis presented with encephalopathy and recurrent falls for three days. PMH: multiple sclerosis, recurrent urinary tract infections, asthma, neurogenic bladder, neuropathic pain, and obstructive sleep apnea. Chronically on multiple centrally acting medications. Not on medications for multiple sclerosis due to cost. …

A Fatal ‘Sepsis’: Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma In Disguise, Jennifer L. Wong, Do1, Jared A. Shipley, Md2, Christine Johnson, Md3

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by selective proliferation of neoplastic cells within small vessel lumina. Cases in Western countries more commonly involve the central nervous system or skin, whereas patients in Eastern regions often present with hemophagocytic syndrome or medullary disease. The absence of lymphadenopathy, low circulating tumor burden, and subtlety of morphologic clues contribute to delays in diagnosis. By presentation, most have advanced disease, and a substantial proportion are diagnosed only at autopsy. We report a unique case with mixed features who manifested respiratory involvement and ultimately suffered cardiovascular …

Pulmonary Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, Hannah Kirk, Do, Omar Pandhair

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an intra -abdominal cancer occurring in one to four out of one million patients. It begins as a mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix that implants on other peritoneal surfaces, spreading into gelatinous ascites. Treatment consists of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Extra -abdominal metastases are rare. We present the case of a patient who underwent treatment for PMP and was found to have lung nodules over a decade later. Case Presentation: A 73 -year -old woman with pseudomyxoma peritonei presented to the emergency department with progressive dyspnea and unintentional weight loss. Twenty …

Puzzling Papules: Uncovering The Etiology Of A Rash In A Returning Traveler, Lisa Stampke, Md, Shahana Baig-Lewis, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: There are an estimated 1.8 billion people that travel internationally every year [1]. Approximately 22-64% of those acquire an infectious disease during or after returning home that is not endemic to their home country [1]. This is especially concerning in our current political climate and declining vaccination rates in the United States which places more patients at risk for preventable diseases [2]. These factors present a unique challenge in diagnosing and treating a symptomatic returning traveler. Case Description: A 25-year-old incompletely vaccinated male returned from Kenya after volunteering for 5-weeks in a rural hospital. He was in his usual …

Efficiency Rx: Emr Training For Resident Wellness, Calder Dorn, Do, Tom Chau, Md, Mba, Facp, Shelley Schoepflin Sanders, Md, Facp

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Physician burnout affects nearly 60% of physicians during their careers, leading to increased medical errors, reduced care quality, higher turnover, and lower patient satisfaction. ii. The widespread use of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) has been identified as a key contributor, with poor usability, inbox overload, and documentation burden reducing direct patient interaction among cited factors iii. Institutions like UCHealth, OHSU, CHOP, and Mayo Clinic have implemented strategies that improved EMR confidence and reduced burnout vi. While Providence offers training to all providers, there are no initiatives specifically targeted to internal medicine (IM) residents. Methods: Providence St. Vincent Medical Center …

Snuggles, Not Struggles: Evaluation Of A Post-Operative Pain Management Protocol In A Level Iii Community Nicu, Maleane Chin, Danielle Megano, Aiyana Ooki-Knutson, Deasy Erin Wilson

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Abstract: Neonates are an extremely sensitive population often subject to painful interventions. This pain can have numerous adverse effects including physiologic instability, altered brain development, and abnormal stress responses, which can persist into childhood. Effective post-operative pain management for neonates is crucial for promoting positive developmental outcomes. No specific post-operative pain protocol for neonatal patients has shown to be most effective, so the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that healthcare institutions establish a neonatal pain protocol to provide more standardized care. This project is a retrospective, single center observational study determined to be exempt by the institutional review board. Infants …

The Rash After The Remedy, Elaine Chen, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is a widely prescribed and generally well-tolerated antibiotic. Cutaneous reactions occur in up to 4% of patients, including morbilliform rash, urticaria, DRESS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. More rarely, TMP/SMX can trigger leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV), a small-vessel vasculitis characterized by neutrophilic infiltration, fibrinoid necrosis, and leukocytoclasia. LCV typically manifests as palpable purpura on dependent areas. While often skin-limited, systemic involvement may occur. We present a case of TMP/SMX-induced LCV with multi-organ features. Case description: A 53-year-old healthy male presented to urgent care with dysuria. Urine culture grew pan-sensitive E. coli, and he completed a 7-day course …

Hepatic Schistosomiasis: An Unexpected Culprit Behind The Hepatic Mass, Jin Yun Do, Udip Dahal Md, Kenneth Flora, Md

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is the second most common parasitic infection worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present an unusual case of hepatic schistosomiasis presenting as a hepatic mass. Case Description: A 78-year-old male with no prior hepatobiliary disease with an incidental finding of a hepatic lesion on postoperative abdominal CT imaging after an endovascular aneurysm repair. He lived in China until immigrating to the United States over 50 years ago. Previously hospitalized for abdominal pain and diarrhea, at which time he was told he had an infection in his liver. Details of treatment are unknown. He has …

When Common Isn’T Typical: A Diagnostic Twist In Hyperparathyroidism, Connor Shortt, Do*, Laura Loertscher, Md*

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism is the third most common endocrine disorder, following diabetes and thyroid disease. It is characterized by excess calcium and inappropriately elevated parathyroid (PTH) levels. Severe disease classically presents with a combination of nephrolithiasis, bone pain, osteoporosis, constipation, abdominal pain, anxiety, depression, or confusion. However, due to the availability of routine labs, most cases now present as asymptomatic hypercalcemia. Case Description: A 60-year-old female was evaluated for falls, generalized weakness, constipation, and brain fog. Her admission labs revealed a calcium of 19.6 mg/dL and subsequent PTH of 1,932 pg/mL. She was treated with intravenous fluids, pamidronate, and cinacalcet, …

Eosinophilic Fasciitis Masquerading As Myositis: A Diagnostic Challenge, Jennifer L. Wong, Do, Elizabeth S. Ballner, Do, Mary Elizabeth Swift-Taylor

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF), or Shulman’s disease, is a rare disorder of unknown etiology and poorly understood pathogenesis. It is characterized by fibroblast activation and interleukin-driven eosinophilia. Early clinical features include limb or trunk erythema, non-pitting edema, and progressive fascial thickening, often producing an “orange peel” appearance. Eosinophilia is a prominent laboratory finding in the early phase, but diagnosis often requires a full-thickness skin-to-muscle biopsy. Systemic corticosteroids are first-line therapy, with methotrexate as the steroid -sparing agent for refractory disease. We present a unique and diagnostically challenging case of EF confirmed by histopathology. Case Presentation: A 56-year-old man presented with …

Closing The Gap: Standardizing Sepsis Management To Address Racial Disparities Across Oregon Providence Hospitals, Jennifer Wong, Do, Shelley Schoepflin Sanders, Md, Facp

Books, Presentations, Posters, Etc.

Introduction: Sepsis is a time-sensitive, life-threatening medical emergency affecting approximately 1.7 million adults annually in the United States, contributing to nearly 270,000 deaths and over $24 billion in healthcare expenditures. Delays in recognition and initiation of treatment can significantly increase mortality. Previous studies have identified persistent racial disparities in sepsis care, including lower rates of recognition as the principal diagnosis and delayed antibiotic initiation for Black patients compared with White patients. In alignment with Providence’s mission to provide compassionate, equitable care, Oregon Providence hospitals implemented a standardized “Sepsis Order Set” in all Emergency Departments (ED) to reduce treatment delays and …