Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Crashheart, Ellie Riekert, Kennady Skidmore, Madison Furino

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to develop an XR (extended reality) iPad training system to improve pediatric crash cart preparedness among nurses and clinical staff at Akron Children’s Hospital. In emergencies such as respiratory failure or shock, quick and accurate access to crash cart supplies is vital, yet opportunities for hands-on practice are limited. Current nurse training relies on PowerPoint instruction or costly physical simulations, reducing engagement and skill retention. Our interactive XR solution replicates the crash cart’s layout and contents, allowing users to practice identifying and retrieving critical items in a realistic environment without using physical supplies. The system will be …

Bodies Of Knowledge: The Accuracy Of Medical Anatomical Drawings From The 14th To The 18th Century, Marina G. Mitchell

Honors Undergraduate Theses

From the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries, European anatomical illustration underwent major transformations in response to changing scientific methods, technologies, and visual conventions, reflecting critical transitions in anatomical history. Scientific evolution allowed these images to achieve increasing structural precision and internal detail, though they frequently diverged from anatomical forms as they are understood today. This study examines how anatomical inaccuracies across five centuries emerged not from ignorance, but from deliberate mediation between purpose, observation, pedagogy, artistic convention, and cultural ideology. Through close analysis of works in visual comparison to their modern counterparts, this thesis identifies specific deviations from the twenty-first …

Transition To Home Guideline For Patients With Diabetes, Kathleen R. Burgner

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Background: Diabetes is a leading contributor to preventable hospital readmissions. These hospital readmissions often result from fragmented discharge planning, poor care coordination, and limited post-discharge support. At a 915-bed academic medical center in Southern California, the diabetes-related readmission rate was 13.3%, compared with 11.4% among patients without diabetes. This project aimed to develop an evidence-based Transition-to-Home (TTH) guideline for hospitalized patients with diabetes and evaluate the strength of its recommendations through multidisciplinary stakeholder review.

Methods: An evidence-based guideline development project was conducted over 8 weeks. A comprehensive literature search in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and ScienceDirect identified current evidence on transitional …

Embracing Imperfection And Stress As The Foundation For Growth, Excellence, And Well-Being In Dentistry, John W. Claytor Jr., Dds, Magd-Llsr, Facd

Journal of the American College of Dentists

Studies reveal that stress in dentistry begins early in training and may progress throughout a dentist’s career. Fear of managing patient dissatisfaction, demanding schedules, time constraints, staff issues, and the stressors of clinical dentistry all contribute to professional strain. Difficulties associated with perfectionistic tendencies, burnout, and mental health concerns remain ever-present challenges within the profession. This article discusses evidence-based strategies, coping skills, organizational approaches, and professional resources that may help mitigate the effects of stress in dentistry. Particular emphasis is placed on reducing stigma surrounding mental health care and supporting initiatives such as the Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation’s “Safe Haven” …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Youtube-Based Dietary Messaging On Type 2 Diabetes For South Asians, Sukhmani K. Dhaliwal

Honors Undergraduate Theses

While South Asians experience a disproportionately high risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), culturally tailored dietary guidance remains limited within healthcare settings. As digital platforms increasingly serve as sources of health information, YouTube has grown as a prominent space for the publishing and consumption of dietary advice. This study examines how diet-related messaging about T2DM is communicated in YouTube videos directed at South Asian populations.

Using qualitative thematic analysis, 21 videos published between 2016 and 2025 by influencers with a wide reach were analyzed. Videos were selected based on relevance to South Asian audiences, focus on dietary management of …

Enteral Nutrition Guidelines Improve Critically Ill Patients’ Outcomes: A Quasiexperimental Study, Marwa Abdo, Sara Elsayed Hegazy

Nursing

Background: Optimal nutritional support is a fundamental element of treatment for critically ill patients. Adherence to evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines is essential to promote patient care and prevent potential complications. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of enteral nutrition guidelines in improving critically ill patients’ outcomes. Method: A quasiexperimental study evaluated 68 critically ill patients divided into 2 groups. The intervention group received their nutrition based on the evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines, while the control group received their nutrition based on the unit’s routine care. The study was conducted in the surgical intensive care units of Mansoura Emergency Hospital in Egypt. …

Research In Progress. Why Physiology Feels Hard: Supporting The Transition To Self-Directed Learning In Post-Secondary Physiology, Jaelyn Zoe Rohrbaugh, Mark Paternostro

2026 Scholarly Teaching Conference: Poster Session Papers

Physiology is widely recognized as one of the most challenging courses for STEM students. Contributing factors include the discipline’s inherent complexity, instructional methods, and student preparedness, with both faculty and students identifying the nature of the discipline as the primary challenge. Many undergraduates enter college having experienced predominantly teacher-directed, pedagogical instruction, whereas success in college-level physiology requires self-directed, andragogical learning strategies. We hypothesize that students’ difficulties arise more from a lack of self-directed learning skills than from content complexity alone. To investigate this, we administered an anonymous survey to 340 students spanning freshman to professional levels, achieving a 93% completion …

January 2026, Swosu Bulldog Wellness Committee

SWOSU BULLDOG WELLNESS

• Tired of Failing New Year's Resolutions? Try "Health Esteem" instead.
• January Health Tips
• Route 66 Walking Challenge

From Passive To Powerful: Creating Engaging Resident-As-Teacher Modules, Anna E Rueda, Stephanie V Sherman, Sherita J Love, Glenn C Bridges, Wesley A Mayer, Mark J Harbott, Teri L Turner, Bani M Ratan

Faculty and Staff Publications

Background: We aimed to design, implement, and evaluate three novel institutional resident-as-teacher (RAT) e-modules for postgraduate year (PGY) 1, 2, and 3 and compare them to previously utilized online trainings.

Methods: We utilized PICRAT, a model examining both students' relationship with technology (passive, interactive, creative) and instructors' use of technology (replaces, amplifies, or transforms) to create interactive experiences that amplified teaching methodologies. We compared evaluations of the previous and new trainings with an unpaired t test. New modules were assessed with one-way analysis of variance for specialty-based acceptability and content analysis of two open-ended questions.

Results: Response rates averaged 93.2% …

Improving Prostate Cancer Patients’ Experience And Understanding With A Pre-Ct Simulation Checklist In Genitourinary Radiation Oncology, Christopher Le

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Improving Prostate Cancer Patients’ Experience and Understanding With a Pre-CT Simulation Checklist in Genitourinary Radiation Oncology

Purpose

The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a Pre-CT Simulation checklist for Prostate cancer patients in the outpatient Radiation Oncology Genitourinary clinic to improve patients’ experience and comprehension on their Simulation Day.

Background

The CT simulation is a critical step in treatment planning. Lack of clear, concise, consistent instruction and education preparation prior to simulation day can delay planning and treatment. Currently, there is no standardized checklist to ensure patients are educated and prepared for their CT simulation day. …

Intentional Reflection Of Student Experiences During Graduate Nursing Education, Laura Gray Phd, Steven Busby, Aine O'Connor, Julie Honey

Funded Scholarship

Background: Nurse practitioners can help fill needs for primary care providers but first must successfully transition from registered nurse through graduate education, which presents challenges and opportunities for growth.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of nurses during the first semester of graduate school. Methods: Reflections of 23 students were analyzed by nursing faculty using qualitative descriptive methods.

Results: Five main concepts were identified by students: Academic performance, Challenges, Emotions, Linking coursework to future role, and Support.

Conclusion: Reflective journaling may help students process and adapt to challenges of graduate school.

No Need To Travel The Road To Licensure Renewal Alone, Brenda Turner

The New York State Dental Journal

NYSDA has the Tool to Support Dentists Every Step of the Way

Recruitment Agency-Mediated Onboarding, Acculturation, And Contract Completion Among Internationally Educated Nurses In The United States: A Questionnaire Survey, Jasper Erwin Tolarba, Jennifer Orbeso, Reynaldo R. Rivera

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background

Internationally educated nurses play a vital role in addressing global nursing workforce shortages and supporting healthcare systems across many high-income countries. As international nurse migration continues to increase worldwide, effective transition, onboarding, and acculturation practices have become important determinants of workforce integration and retention. In the United States, internationally educated nurses comprise a growing segment of the nursing workforce; however, variability in onboarding practices may affect successful integration and retention.

Aim

To examine recruitment agency–mediated onboarding and acculturation practices and their association with contract completion among internationally educated nurses in the United States.

Design

Cross-sectional descriptive correlational study.

Methods …

The Limits Of Daca: Affordability- And Access-Related Barriers To Health Professions Education, Nicole Perez, Laura Hirshfield

Journal of College Access

The U.S. is currently facing a shortage of health professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. One potential pathway to decrease this shortage is through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, a policy that provides temporary relief from deportation for individuals who migrated to the U.S. before age 16. This study, using 15 life-history narrative interviews, investigates the experiences of Latinx young adults who were pursuing health professions education or working as health professionals. Nine of the participants were DACA recipients, while the remaining six were second-generation (i.e., children of immigrants). An iterative, inductive approach to data analysis was used to …

Dengue Fever With Normal Platelet Count In A Patient With Β-Thalassemia Trait: A Case Report., Pankaj Kumar Jain, Manoj Seval, Vikas Meena, Rajesh Kumar Yadav

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Dengue fever is an arboviral infection caused by different serotypes of the dengue virus. Generally, it presents with a wide variety of symptoms ranging from undifferentiated fever to dengue shock syndrome associated with thrombocytopenia and hemoconcentration. But in patients with thalassemia, it presents with anemia due to hemolysis, rather than hemoconcentration. Here we present a case of an 18-year-old female diagnosed with Dengue fever with thalassemia trait, who presented with a normal platelet count and moderate microcytic anemia.

Limitations Of Plasma Exchange In Yellow Phosphorus-Induced Acute Liver Failure: A Case Report, Vihitha Vunnam, Swathi B.S

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Yellow phosphorus is a highly toxic compound commonly used in rodenticides and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality following ingestion. Toxicity typically evolves through an initial gastrointestinal phase, a deceptive latent period, and a final phase characterized by fulminant hepatic failure and multiorgan dysfunction. We report the case of an 18-year-old male who intentionally ingested two tubes of Ratol containing 3% yellow phosphorus. After initial vomiting and transient clinical stability, he developed rapidly progressive acute liver failure with severe coagulopathy, conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, hepatic encephalopathy, acute pancreatitis, pancytopenia, acute kidney injury, metabolic derangements, and recurrent hypoglycemia. Serial laboratory trends demonstrated …

When Fever And Thrombocytopenia Are Not Infectious: A Case Of Vitamin B12 Deficiency Mimicking Tropical Fever, Ram Arvind Viswanathan Dr

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Vitamin B12 deficiency is classically associated with megaloblastic anaemia and neurological manifestations; however, atypical presentations continue to pose diagnostic challenges. Fever in association with thrombocytopenia often prompts evaluation for infectious aetiologies such as dengue, malaria, or sepsis, particularly in tropical settings. We report a case of vitamin B12 deficiency presenting with pyrexia and isolated thrombocytopenia, initially suspected to be an infectious illness. Extensive evaluation failed to reveal an infective cause, and subsequent haematological workup demonstrated megaloblastic changes with low serum vitamin B12 levels. Remarkably, the patient showed rapid defervescence and normalisation of platelet counts following parenteral vitamin B12 therapy. This …

The Role Of Physicians In Society: Perspectives From First-Year Mbbs Aspirants, Jesymol Joy, Dr Rashmi S, Amogha Shree, Dr Sunil Kumar D

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Physicians occupy a pivotal role in society as healers and communicators, with ethical leadership embedded in professional practice. In India, this role is evolving in response to changes in healthcare systems, increasing commercialization, and shifting societal expectations. Understanding how medical students perceive the physician’s role at the onset of medical education is vital for early professional identity development.

Objectives: To assess the motivations, perceptions, and values of first-year MBBS students regarding the societal roles, qualities, and responsibilities of physicians.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 first-year MBBS students at a tertiary medical college in Mysuru, Karnataka, using …

Stones, Bones, And Hormones: A Multisystem Presentation Of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Due To Parathyroid Adenoma, Gadgesh B, Varsha Tandure, Nandini K, Chandana Srinath

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, most commonly due to a solitary parathyroid adenoma, resulting in hypercalcemia and multisystem involvement [1]. Although many patients are diagnosed incidentally, delayed recognition may lead to severe renal, skeletal, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular complications.

We report the case of a 44-year-old male who presented with sepsis and acute kidney injury, later found to have hypercalcemia with nephrocalcinosis, chronic calcific pancreatitis, skeletal deformities, and markedly elevated parathyroid hormone levels. Imaging localized a parathyroid adenoma, and the patient underwent successful parathyroidectomy with significant biochemical and clinical improvement.

This case emphasizes …

Clinical Correlates And Predictors Of Suicide Attempt Severity In Elderly Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study From South India, Rajamani Siddamallappa, Kiran Kumar Kadarappa Dr, Megha C N

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background: Suicide in late life is a major yet under-recognized public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Elderly suicidal behaviour reflects interactions between psychiatric morbidity, substance use, psychological distress, intent, and method selection. Indian data examining these factors comprehensively remain limited.

Objectives: To assess psychiatric morbidity, hopelessness, suicide intent, planning patterns, methods, and independent predictors of suicide attempt severity among elderly suicide attempters.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 75 elderly individuals (≥60 years) admitted following a suicide attempt to a tertiary care hospital in South India. Depression severity, hopelessness, and suicide intent were assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory-21 (BDI-21), …

Family Mental Health – A Case Report, Vikrant Arora, Medha Kosireddy, Mathumitha Ananth, Kishor M. Manohar Rao

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Psychiatric illness in India is estimated to be 15% as per National Mental Health Survey 2015-16.  Mental health challenges within families, especially depression, anxiety disorders that are not common and when unaddressed exert cascading effects on all members, disrupting emotional cohesion, relational functioning, and socioeconomic stability. There are few case reports on entire family presenting to psychiatry department.

With informed consent a city-based middle-class family of non-consanguineous origin, where the 40-year-old female, presented with intractable limb pains and health anxiety, she had multiple consultation in last few months and her 48-year-old husband also had with episodic pains, irritability and her …

From Controversy To Comeback: The Renewed Role Of Pralidoxime In Op Poisoning, Dr Sanaa Jain, Dr Savitha V, Dr . Shashidhara K C

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Organophosphorus compounds are commonly used as pesticides in agriculture, but they are responsible for approximately one-third of suicide deaths in Asian countries.The symptoms of organophosphate (OP) poisoning vary over time and are categorized into three phases: Acute Cholinergic Crisis (minutes to 24 hours), Delayed Phase (24 hours to 2 weeks), which may include intermediate syndrome, coma, and extrapyramidal symptoms, and Late Phase (OPIDP). Treatment typically involves Atropine, Pralidoxime, and symptomatic management, including airway support and mechanical ventilation.

Ropinirole-Induced Sleep-Related Behavioral Disturbances And Psychotic Symptoms In Parkinson's Disease: A Case Report, Kareena Arora, Akshatha C. J, Rajesh Raman, Vikrant Arora, Bindu Annigeri, Megha Sadashiv

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. Though commonly associated with motor symptoms but can also present with significant non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, psychosis, and cognitive decline. These symptoms may arise spontaneously or be medication-induced. We present the case of a 53-year-old male with Parkinson’s disease who developed nocturnal behavioural disturbances and psychotic features, likely secondary to dopaminergic agonist medication. Symptom resolution followed adjustment of antiparkinsonian medications and the introduction of antipsychotic medication

Unusual Case Of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defect, Varuni Pragya, Madhukesh Rudramurthy, Siddalinga Murthy G

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Urinary bladder ruptures are an uncommon injury, occurring in less than 1% of all blunt abdominal trauma. Extraperitoneal bladder ruptures are generally associated with pelvic fractures and usually managed nonoperatively but open surgery is required when these injuries are associated with additional trauma to structures like prostate and urethra.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report our experience with a 32-year-old male who suffered a head on collision with a four-wheeler while driving a two-wheeler in a road traffic accident. He presented to the hospital with abdominal and pelvic pain, difficulty in passing urine and swelling of the scrotum. His X Ray …

Biomedical Waste Management Practices In A Rural Health Training Centre In Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Facility Audit Using Kayakalp Guidelines, Mathivathani Palaniyappan, Kathiravan Rajendran

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Background

Effective biomedical waste management (BMWM) is essential to prevent environmental contamination and health hazards in healthcare settings. In India, regulatory frameworks like the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, mandate proper handling, but compliance varies, particularly in rural facilities. This study evaluated BMWM practices at a rural health training centre using the Kayakalp assessment tool.

Methods

A cross-sectional audit was conducted from April to June 2024 at a rural health training centre affiliated with a medical college in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. The Kayakalp checklist for primary health centres was employed, encompassing 10 measurable elements with 20 checkpoints scored as …

Comparison Of Post Operative Analgesia Between Dexmedetomidine Versus Clonidine As Adjuvant To Ropivacaine In Ultrasound Guided Adductor Canal Block In Arthroscopic Knee Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study, Shwetha Arun, Archana B N, Dr. Shivakumar G Pofessor And Hod, Devika Lekshmi S

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

The current study evaluated the analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus clonidine as adjuvants to 0.2% ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided adductor canal block. Effective postoperative pain management is essential for early mobilization and improved recovery following arthroscopic knee surgeries. Sixty ASA I–II patients aged 20–60 years undergoing elective arthroscopic knee procedures were randomized into two groups: Group D received ropivacaine 0.2% 30ml with dexmedetomidine 100 mcg, and Group C received ropivacaine 0.2% 30ml with clonidine 150 mcg. Duration of analgesia, pain scores, sedation levels, hemodynamic changes, and rescue analgesic requirements were recorded. Group D demonstrated significantly prolonged analgesia (18.08 ± 0.514 h) …

Pulmonary Hemosiderosis In A Young Child Presenting With Recurrent Respiratory Illness And Refractory Anemia: A Case Report, Praveen Das, Ratnapriya Chowdhry, Neha Bhongale, Poonam Wade

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Pulmonary hemosiderosis (PH) is a rare cause of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in children and often presents with nonspecific respiratory symptoms and refractory iron‑deficiency anemia. We report a 2.5‑year‑old girl with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, severe transfusion‑dependent anemia, failure to thrive, and persistent bilateral pulmonary infiltrates since infancy. Bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated hemosiderin‑laden macrophages, confirming pulmonary hemosiderosis. Further evaluation revealed C‑ANCA positivity and PR3‑ANCA negativity, raising suspicion for an ANCA‑associated vasculitis; however, there was no renal, ear‑nose‑throat, or other systemic involvement, and a lung biopsy could not be performed. The child was managed with systemic corticosteroids with clinical improvement. This case …

State Social Benefit Schemes For Women In Continuity Of Psychiatric Care: A Case Report, Mathumitha A, Kishor M. Manohar Rao Professor

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Mental health disorders are a major global public health challenge. The disorders affect over a billion people worldwide, while depressive and bipolar spectrum disorders also contribute substantially to disability and reduced quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, major depression alone affects more than 300 million people globally and is considered a leading cause of years lived with disability. Beyond clinical morbidity, mental illnesses exert a profound economic impact, with depression and anxiety accounting for an estimated USD 1 trillion annually in lost productivity worldwide, while the overall global economic burden of mental disorders is projected to reach …

The Impact Of Medicaid Policy Limitations On Access To Eating Disorder Treatment: Uncovering The Consequences Of A System Built To Fail, Meghan Frost

DSW Capstone Projects

Individuals who rely on Medicaid face major barriers when trying to access eating disorder (ED) treatment, reflecting broader patterns of structural disadvantage in publicly funded health care. Research shows delayed diagnosis, limited access to ED specialists, and frequent denials for recommended services. These gaps occur because Medicaid policies do not match the needs of evidence based ED care, resulting in delayed or incomplete care for many individuals with eating disorders.

This issue is highly relevant to social work practice because the policies shaping these barriers are complex and difficult for clients and ED providers to navigate. Social workers across clinics, …

How To Create Accessible Osce Exams For Learners With Disabilities, Lisa M. Meeks, Jordan Juliao, Emily Langham, Anne Lewis, Judith Brenner

University Administration Publications

[Introduction] Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are widely used across health professions education to assess learners' clinical skills through structured encounters with standardised patients [1]. OSCEs also present a known barrier to disability access for medical students with disabilities [2-6], a rapidly growing population. Using trained actors, also known as standardised patients who portray the same clinical scenario for all learners, these examinations allow for assessment of medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, communication skills and elements of the physical examination in a controlled and standardised setting [1]. They may be used for formative feedback, summative assessment or progression decisions, and they …