Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Occupation, Purpose, And Possibility: A Holistic Program For Children Battling Cancer, Ayleen Mena

OT Doctoral Capstones

Pediatric oncology patients often experience disruptions in meaningful occupations due to prolonged hospitalization, medical treatments, fatigue, isolation precautions, and emotional distress. A needs assessment conducted within a pediatric oncology unit identified concerns related to social isolation, limited opportunities for meaningful activity, emotional well-being, and disruptions in play, leisure, social participation, and daily routines. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an occupation-based, family-centered activity program to support the psychosocial well-being and meaningful participation of pediatric oncology patients during hospitalization.

The Next Step: Building Strength Through Life Skills, Victoria Nunez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Adolescents who are at risk or facing mental health challenges often miss out on chances to build the practical life skills they need for everyday life and a smooth transition into adulthood. While traditional rehabilitation programs tend to focus on stabilization and therapy, they frequently fall short when it comes to preparing young people for independent living. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement a structured, occupation-based life skills program to promote well-being, independence, and meaningful participation among adolescents. The Life Skills Program (Life Lab) took place at the Alamito STREAM Center in Segundo Barrio, …

Beyond The Game: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Adaptive Sports, Leslie Nicole Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children with physical disabilities often experience limited opportunities to participate in meaningful recreational and leisure activities, which may hinder overall quality of life. A needs assessment conducted with staff and parents at Permian Basin Reability Center (PBRC) identified a gap in accessible recreational opportunities for children with physical disabilities, justifying the need for an adaptive softball program. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an adaptive softball program that promoted participation, inclusion, personal skills development, and enhanced quality of life by integrating occupational therapy in adaptive sports.

The adaptive softball program included a parent/guardian education guide …

Thriving Through Occupation: Enhancing Occupational Participation For Cancer Survivors, Leslie B. Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Cancer survivors often experience decreased participation in meaningful occupations, along with physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges (Newman et al., 2024). This capstone project developed an educational series to promote engagement in meaningful occupations and provide strategies to combat the negative physical and mental effects of cancer and treatment. Four classes covering various health topics, including cancer-related fatigue, cognitive impairment, mental health, and nutrition, were implemented for cancer survivors at the Rio Grande Cancer Foundation. The classes included an educational portion in which participants were introduced to each topic, followed by interactive learning activities designed to promote the application and …

Promoting Social Participation In Pediatric Behavioral Health, Desirae Gomez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children receiving behavioral health services may experience challenges with social participation, including difficulty communicating, forming friendships, and engaging with peers. A needs assessment identified a need for more opportunities to develop social skills and support emotional well-being within an outpatient behavioral health setting. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and implement an occupational therapy-driven social participation program that promoted social engagement, coping skills, emotional expression, and interpersonal skills among children receiving behavioral health services. Weekly group workshops were implemented using evidence-informed, occupation-based activities, such as art and emotional expression, social stories, board games, and collaborative activities. Pre- …

Navigating Child Development: A Toolkit For Bridging Knowledge And Strengthening Caregiver Confidence, Kristen Sarai Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Children involved in the child welfare system are at increased risk for trauma, prenatal substance exposure (PSE), adverse childhood experiences, and developmental challenges that may affect participation and well-being. A needs assessment conducted at CASA of El Paso identified a need for practical resources to strengthen advocates’ knowledge and confidence related to child development, trauma-informed care, PSE, play-based strategies, and communication with caregivers. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project was to develop and implement an evidence-based occupational therapy toolkit and educational workshop to increase CASA advocates’ knowledge, confidence, and skills in supporting children and families. The project included a …

Playing In The Zones: Enhancing Executive Function And Self-Regulation Through Play-Based Interventions, Armando Martinez

OT Doctoral Capstones

Executive function (EF) and self-regulation (SR) are essential skills that support children’s participation in school, play, and everyday occupations. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental delays may experience difficulties with working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and emotional regulation. A need was identified for a structured, evidence-informed therapy resource addressing EF and SR within pediatric practice. The purpose of the project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a group program integrating the Zones of Regulation to support EF and SR in children. The program was implemented at an outpatient pediatric clinic with children ages 6-11 …

Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases: A Concise Guide On The Fundamentals Of Infectious Disease In Podiatric Medical Education, Paramita Basu

Open Touro Created

2026

This Open Educational Resource (OER), Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, is a student-centered textbook designed to support pre-clinical podiatric medical students enrolled in PCLP 610 Infectious Diseases at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. The book is structured as a collection of concise “chapter briefs” or high‑yield notes that align closely with the course syllabus, lecture objectives, and student learning outcomes, while also reflecting the Microbiology learning objectives outlined in the AACPM Council of Faculties Curricular Guide.

The content covers core principles of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, host–pathogen interactions, antimicrobial therapy, resistance …

Intersections Of Art And Medicine, Lina Adwer

EMET Projects

No abstract provided.

Neuron-Enriched Extracellular Vesicle Micrornas Reflect Hormonal Suppression Associated With Oral Contraceptive Use In Young Women, Amulya Chowdhory, Rebekah Frye, Roxann Roberson-Nay

Undergraduate Research Posters

Hormonal contraceptives alter hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) feedback, but their impact on brain-associated molecular communication remains poorly understood. Neuron- enriched extracellular vesicle (nEV) microRNAs (miRNAs), isolated from plasma, provide a minimally invasive window into brain molecular activity. This pilot study examined nEV miRNA expression in young women (ages 18–22) who were either naturally cycling or using a combined monophasic oral contraceptive (OC) pill. To identify hormonally responsive miRNAs, we calculated effect sizes (Cohen’s d) between the two groups and selected those showing large between-group differences (|d| ≥ 0.8). These miRNAs were entered into a principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce dimensionality, and …

Bridging The Gap: Why Circulating Micrornas Have Yet To Become Clinical Biomarkers For Endometriosis, Anisha Addepalli, Mary C. Boyes

Undergraduate Research Posters

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder in which endometrial-like tissue grows  outside the uterus, leading to pelvic pain, infertility, and diagnostic delays due to the current  reliance on invasive laparoscopy. Although imaging and hormonal assays offer limited accuracy in diagnosing the disease, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in arterial blood have emerged as a  promising alternative method as noninvasive biomarkers because they regulate gene expression,  reflect inflammatory and angiogenic pathways, and remain stable in circulation. I propose  investigating miRNAs such as miR-17-5p, miR-451a, and the let-7 family because of their direct  involvement in the regulation of processes such as cell proliferation, immune …

Establishment Of A Conditionally Replicating Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus Model For Molecular Characterization Of Latency, Akshay R. Molakalapalli, Saketh Majeti, Michael A. Mcvoy, Jian Ben Wang

Undergraduate Research Posters

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a member of the Herpesviridae that establishes life-long latent infections that pose risks of life-threatening disease upon reactivation in immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern the latent state is critical for developing effective treatments. However, molecular characterization has been impeded by the scarcity of latently infected cells in vivo and the inability of current in vitro models to support the expansion of clonal latent cell lines. To address these limitations, we developed a novel cell culture model utilizing a conditionally replicating guinea pig cytomegalovirus, a relative of HCMV that mimics HCMV pathology and provides …

Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights From Epds Literature, Gabriella A. Irizarry Negron, Sara Moyer

Undergraduate Research Posters

Postpartum depression screening among Hispanic women remains an important but complicated issue, as differences in how the EPDS is used and current barriers to care may affect early identification and treatment. This poster, Postpartum Depression Screening Among Hispanic Women: Insights from EPDS Literature, explores how the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) has been evaluated across studies involving Hispanic populations. Using a literature review approach, eight peer-reviewed articles were organized into an annotated bibliography and matrix to identify key trends in screening practices and outcomes.

Findings revealed three major themes: (1) EPDS cut-off scores for postpartum depression vary widely across …

The Importance Of Hippotherapy: Improving The Lives Of The Disabled Through Alternative Therapy, Jennifer N. Stapleton

Undergraduate Research Posters

For centuries, horses have been suggested as “healers” and “helpers,” although it wasn’t until the 1900s that horseback riding was scientifically proven as a treatment and rehabilitation method. The exploitation of hippotherapy, the implementation of the three-dimensional pelvic movement stimulated by the oscillation and gait of the horse to combat symptoms of diseases and disorders, has since become a flourishing field of study, but one that is often overlooked. Benefits of hippotherapy often include increased motor neuron function, facilitating proper anatomical alignment, and reducing spasticity. This research analyzes the diverse and dynamic nature of treatment that hippotherapy facilitates, exploring the …

Antiestrogens As Bone Protective Therapeutics For Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer In The Presence Of Osteoporosis, Faith E. Parker, Emily K. Zboril, David C. Boyd, Rachel Myrick, J. Chuck Harrell

Undergraduate Research Posters

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most significant causes of mortality among women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The estrogen receptor (ER) is a key oncogenic driver in the majority of breast cancer. ER+ BC is the most common molecular subtype of BC. Management of ER+ breast cancer varies depending on menopausal status. For premenopausal women, the goal is to suppress estradiol production from the ovaries with surgical oophorectomy and/or aromatase inhibitors. In postmenopausal women, endocrine therapy (ET) serves to suppress estradiol production from sources other than the ovaries. During the menopausal transition, estradiol …

Evolving Trends In Organ Donation, Recovery, And Utilization In The United States: A Decade Of Change And The Impact Of Covid-19, Nirmay H. Rokad, Ohm Tripathi

Undergraduate Research Posters

Evolving Trends in Organ Donation, Recovery, and Utilization in the United States: A Decade of Change and the Impact of COVID-19 Background: Over the past decade, organ donation and transplantation in the U.S. have undergone substantial changes, influenced by evolving donor practices and the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined national trends in donor types, organ recovery, utilization, and discard rates between 2012 and 2023. Methods: We analyzed SRTR/OPTN registry from 2012–2023, including total deaths, DBD (donation after brain death); DCD( donation after circulatory death); NRP (normothermic regional perfusion), organ authorization, recovery, transplantation, and discard rates. Pre-COVID (2016–2019) was compared with post-COVID …

Investigation Of Differences Between Perception Of Cell Phone Usage And Actual Cell Phone Usage Among Adolescents In Senior And Freshman Grade Levels, Benjamin Bouffard

Undergraduate Research Posters

This study investigates the difference between the perception of cell phone usage and actual cell phone usage among teenagers in the ninth and twelfth grade levels. Existing literature focuses largely on the effect of screen usage on different aspects of health, including mental health and developmental changes in children. However, the relationship between the perception of screen time and actual screen time use has not been extensively studied. In this study, 111 freshmen and seniors at the Woodbridge Academy Magnet School in Woodbridge, New Jersey completed two online surveys. The first asked for their estimation of daily screen time over …

Determining Genes Involved In Recovery From Chemotherapy In 4t1, Emt6, And Eo771 Breast Cancer Cells, Akash Jagdeesh, Joseph Landry Ph.D.

Undergraduate Research Posters

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and often has poor prognosis. Traditional treatments for breast cancer include chemotherapy, which involves a chemical attack on all growing cells within the body. However, these treatments are not 100% effective, and patients might experience recurrence in their cancer months or years after achieving remission. Cancer cells can evade chemotherapy through five mechanisms: senescence, quiescence, cytoprotective autophagy, and apoptosis/necroptosis suppression. Prior studies have conducted CRISPR screens and experiments involving inhibition of epigenetic regulators, to alter the regulation of genes that can contribute to breast cancer chemotherapy resistance. This study …

The Myopia Epidemic: Integrating Genetic, Environmental, And Epigenetic Pathways To Define A Critical Window For Intervention, Pranavika Balaji

Undergraduate Research Posters

Myopia, or nearsightedness, has increased rapidly worldwide and is now a major public health concern caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Current understanding shows that too much near work, limited time spent outdoors, and prolonged screen use contribute to abnormal eye growth in individuals who may already have a genetic predisposition. At the molecular level, epigenetic changes and shifts in DNA activity, often influenced by environmental conditions, affect the signaling pathways that regulate eye development and may help explain why myopia is increasingly common among children. This paper synthesizes recent environmental, genetic, and epigenetic research to explain how these …

The Gendered Heart: Closing The Gender Gap In Heart Disease Diagnosis And Treatment, Aiden Varghese

Undergraduate Research Posters

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the primary cause of death for both men and women in the United States, being characterized and treated in a historically male-centric manner. This research paper will address the disparities in risk factors for heart disease between genders, gender differences in diagnosis, and gender differences in management/treatment, thereby demonstrating the critical importance of incorporating sex specific factors into the field of cardiology. It has been demonstrated that lifestyle changes such as physical activity and smoking cessation can reduce CVD risk universally. This signifies a necessary shift toward being proactive in the prevention of CVD. …

Alcohol Awareness, Prevention, And Education In Greek Life, Vivian J. Mcmechen, Kara Ann Lasater, Page Dobbs

2026 Honors Symposium

Background: Alcohol consumption is normalized in Greek Life culture, and this social standard can lead to risky health behaviors and overconsumption. At the University of Arkansas, approximately one-third of students are members of Greek Life; there is a need for prevention methods that understand students’ lived experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine students’ experiences with alcohol prevention, awareness, and education as current members of Greek Life at the University of Arkansas. Through student interviews and surveys, this project aims to inform and provide recommendations for relatable and student-centered alcohol prevention and education efforts. Methodology: This study …

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Key Insights For Pediatricians, Michael Smith, Pezad Doctor

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

Join Pezad Doctor, MD for a focused discussion on hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Learn what pediatricians need to know about early detection, surgical stages, interstage monitoring, and supporting families through this complex journey. Practical tips and emerging updates will help you feel confident in managing HLHS in your practice.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Intouch Week Of December 22, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Marking the Moments of 2025
• NYMC and Hudson Regional Health Form Academic Affiliation
• Simultaneous Heart-Kidney Transplant Brings Higher Risk
• A Closer Look at Medical Careers
• The Latest Issue of TCDM Apex is Available
• Faculty Spotlight: From Response to Real Impact

Lice Lowdown: What Every Parent Needs To Know, Michael Smith, Chelsea Wolfe

Parent-ish Podcast

Think lice are just a schoolyard nightmare? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea Wolfe, MD, FAAP, to bust myths, share real talk, and give parents the confidence to handle those pesky critters without panic. From spotting the first signs to knowing what actually works (and what’s just old-school folklore), Dr. Wolfe breaks it all down in a way that’s honest, nonjudgmental, and—dare we say—fun-ish. Plus, you’ll get practical hacks for prevention and tips for talking to your kids without the shame spiral. Tune in and take the itch out of the equation.

Click here to stream …

Intouch Week Of December 15, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• Record Numbers, Remarkable Research Define 30th Medical Student Research Forum
• Wellness Ambassador Program Welcomes New Student Leaders
• New Test Could Revolutionize Lyme Disease Diagnosis
• Meal Plan Launches Through Vemos Pay
• Off Campus, On Craft: Jeanne Chamas Keeps the Department on Track and the Community in Step

Rsv In Pediatrics: Immunization Strategies And Treatment Insights, Mike Smith, Maria Deza Leon

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of hospitalization in infants and young children. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Maria Deza Leon to explore the latest in RSV prevention and treatment. From maternal immunization and monoclonal antibodies like Nirsevimab to practical guidance on managing severe cases, we’ll cover what pediatricians need to know this season. Tune in for evidence-based strategies, emerging therapies, and tips to navigate supply and coverage challenges—helping you protect your patients and stay ahead of RSV trends.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Shedding Light On Seasonal Depression: Practical Strategies For Pediatric Care, Mike Smith, Sara R. Gould

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

As daylight fades and winter approaches, pediatricians often see an uptick in mood-related concerns among children and adolescents. In this episode, we explore how to recognize the signs of seasonal depression, differentiate it from other mood disorders, and apply evidence-based interventions. Our expert guest shares practical screening tools, treatment options—including light therapy and behavioral strategies—and tips for partnering with families and schools to support mental health during the darker months. Whether you’re in primary care or a specialty clinic, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you guide patients through seasonal challenges.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Twinkle Lights & Tiny Hazards: Your Holiday Safety Guide, Michael Smith, Beth Markley, Laura Kemerling

Parent-ish Podcast

The holidays are full of sparkle, warmth, and... let’s be real, a few sneaky safety risks. In this episode, we chat with safety experts about how to keep your home festive and kid-friendly. From fire-safe tree tips to light-string sanity and candle caution, we’ve got the hacks you need to celebrate without worry. Because nothing says “holiday magic” like peace of mind.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Intouch Week Of December 8, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

No abstract provided.

Using Mean Airway Pressure (Map) As An Indicator To Help Predict Successful Extubationof Preterm And Term Infants In A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, William F. Bucher, Rrt-Nps, Eliza C. Desantis, Md

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine Posters

Background
Extubation of preterm and term infants in a neonatal intensive care setting has always proven to be a challenge often resulting in failure. One of the challenges to a successful extubation in this vulnerable patient population is maintaining proper lung inflation at the time of extubation. We often rely on the use of the mean airway pressure (MAP) as an indicator to help predict patient readiness to extubate these patients.

Methods
23 patients ranging from 24 weeks to 41 weeks corrected gestational age were extubated from either conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) or high frequency ventilation (HFV) using their mean …