Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Epilogue: Postoperative 30-Day Follow-Up, Tess Davis, Karisa Price, Courtney Russ

2025

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Background: The NSQIP-P Surgical Clinical Reviewers (SCR) of Children’s Health of Texas initiated a quality project with the goal of maintaining an 80% postoperative follow-up rate. To remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, we recognize the need for thoughtful and individualized approaches to follow-up. Unprecedented growth in the healthcare sector creates a demand for innovative solutions to address the ever-changing needs of the pediatric surgical population. Patient expectations have driven the desire for organizational transparency and robust approaches to ensure optimal, holistic outcomes. This has been accomplished using tailored follow-up strategies to meet organizational …

Impact Of An Escape Room Educational Intervention For Telephone Triage Nurses, Susan Webber, Kathleen Ellis

2025

RESEARCH

Purpose: This study examines the impact of an escape room educational intervention on the knowledge, preparedness, and confidence of nurses who work in pediatric telephone triage, as well as examining the effect of the intervention on perceptions of teamwork.

Methods: This study used a quantitative pre-post study. Six Likert-scale questions focused on pre- and post- intervention comparisons, while four questions addressed participant satisfaction.

Results: The sample had a long tenure in nursing, with 81.57% having 15 years or more of nursing experience. Length of time working in telephone triage was fairly equally divided between groups who …

Reducing Unexpected Nasogastric Tube Reinsertions Through Interdisciplinary Education: A Pediatric Ambulatory Initiative, Jordon Delatorre, Nadia Gose, Leslie Moore, Aren Parker, Shivani Patel, Iman Rahim-Tejani

2025

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Background: In late 2024, pediatric GI clinic RNs noted a rise in unexpected visits for nasogastric tube (NGT) reinsertion, continuing into early 2025. These visits disrupted clinical flow and strained limited RN resources. Caregivers were often unable or unwilling to perform reinsertion at home. RNs escalated the issue to leadership, prompting collaboration with the ambulatory clinical program director. Weekly planning meetings began in April 2025 to develop a safe, efficient workflow aimed at reducing unplanned NGT-related visits and improving care delivery.

Implementation: An interdisciplinary team, including GI clinic RNs, inpatient GI and NICU nurses, educators, …

I Don’T Want To Be Alone: The Impact Of Cohorting Neonates On One Unit, Deb Lathrop, Rose Dela Cruz

2025

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Background: The hospital has been caring for neonates since it opened in 2005. To comply with state regulations, a state designation for neonatal care is required. The facility hired a program manager to address specific needs and to apply for the state designation. A designation of Level 1 neonatal care was obtained at the end of 2023. The facility does not possess a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The program manager started collecting historical data on thermoregulation who are located on every unit of the facility in October 2023. It became evident that neonates in the hospital …

Nursing Care For The Sexual Assault Patient Using Trauma-Informed Care: Development Of Simulation Curriculum, Lauren Orr

2025

INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

Background: In 1999, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) called for nursing programs to include nursing care of patients who have experienced violence, including sexual violence. The care of these vulnerable patients requires specialized care, but also the use of specialized language through using trauma-informed care (TIC) to prevent revictimization and to further support healing. A simulation curriculum was developed that can both introduce the nursing care needed for a sexual assault patient and allow students to practice using TIC that is used when students practice independently as licensed nurses. Multiple studies have supported …

Improving Sdoh Screening Compliance In Pediatric Settings: Addressing Health Literacy In East Texas, Katie Bien

2025

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Background: Low parental health literacy is an under-screened social determinant of health (SDOH) that drives inequities in rural communities such as East Texas, where over 105,000 children lack access to a pediatrician, and families travel 80+ miles for care. Pediatric mortality in this region is 2.5 times the national average (UT Tyler SOM, 2023). National data indicate that one in three parents has limited health literacy (Tran et al., 2008), further exacerbating risks of missed appointments, medication errors, and poor outcomes.

Methodology: The initiative was conducted in a rural outpatient pediatric cardiology clinic within Children’s Health …

Ask Me 3® In Action: Advancing Health Literacy In Pediatric Acute Care, Yaseming Medina

2025

EBP

Literature Review: Parents and caregivers’ understanding of how to provide safe and effective care at home is vital. However, elevated levels of stress and limited health literacy face significant challenges in understanding discharge instructions. Patients who understand heath instructions make fewer mistakes when they take their medicine, follow treatment plans, and prepare for medical appointments. Patients have reported higher satisfaction and found that the use of Ask Me 3 was helpful in learning more about their medical condition.

PICO: For parents of pediatric patients seen in an acute perioperative setting, how will the use of the Ask Me 3 …

2025 - The Sixth Annual Fall Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the Fall 2025 Symposium of Student Scholars, held in November 2025. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

Interventions To Enhance Care Partner Performance And Participation In Alzheimer's And Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematized Review, Ainslie Suyko, Addison Werner, Elizabeth A. Stacy, Danielle M. Westmark, Stacy Smallfield, Molly A. Whitlow

Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy

Purpose: Care partners of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) often experience disrupted routines, reduced self-care, and limited participation in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapy (OT) supports care partners’ engagement in health-promoting activities and sustainable caregiving (Rhodus et al., 2023). This systematized review examined interventions that enhance care partner performance and participation.

Design: Peer-reviewed, English-language articles were included if they involved adult care partners of individuals with AD or NCDs, implemented an intervention within the scope of OT, and used quantitate research designs.

Method: A total of 319 articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus were screened; 61 …

Toxic Truths: Pediatric Poisonings And The Antidotes That Save Lives, Michael Smith, Michelle Dephillips

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Michelle DePhillips, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, to explore the critical topic of pediatric poisonings. From household items to medications, children are exposed to a wide range of toxic substances—and quick, informed action can make all the difference. Dr. DePhillips shares real-world cases, essential antidotes every pediatrician should know, and practical prevention strategies for families. Whether you're in primary care or the emergency department, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you respond confidently when minutes matter.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

Heart To Heart: Pediatric Cardiologists On Caring For Children With Congenital Heart Defects, Michael Smith, Jeffrey Shuler, Aseel Dabbagh

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with leading pediatric cardiologists to explore the complexities and compassion behind caring for children with congenital heart defects (CHDs). From early diagnosis and surgical planning to long-term management and family support, our guests share their insights on what it takes to guide patients and families through every stage of the journey. They also discuss the latest advancements in pediatric cardiology and the importance of coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a parent, or simply curious about the field, this conversation offers a meaningful look into the heart of pediatric cardiac care.

Click …

Effect Of Neuroinflammation On Exploratory Behavior In Mice, Gage Pompa, Ariana Mitic, Yader Gomez, Lilian Hagos, Orlando Montiel

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Introduction: Mice have been observed in both laboratory and field settings to exhibit a tendency to remain near corners and walls. This trait is known as positive thigmotaxis. Thigmotaxis has been recognized as a fundamental aspect of rodent behavior and used extensively as an anxiety index in mice. Although this characteristic has been recognized as a fundamental aspect of rodent behavior, thigmotaxis has been extensively studied in rectangular and circular environments. However, there is a notable lack of understanding of how alternative geometric configurations can influence this behavior.

Methods and Approach: Using a grid overlaid on the environment the mice …

Perception Of Emotion In Autism With Controlled Elicitation (Peace), Austin Gillespie, Rachel E. Dewald

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

It is possible that autistic people find it easier to socialize within their own peer group (Beaupré & Hess, 2006), by recognizing socio-emotional nonverbal cues, due to a shared neurodivergence. To assess this, it would be helpful for researchers to have a database of emotional stimuli, validated for use with autistic individuals. Unfortunately, this does not exist. This current study’s objective is to create such a database that evokes natural emotion, rated by autistic individuals to be used in future research. All participants completed the Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) which measures the participants’ ability to identify and describe their own emotions …

The Emotional Climate Crisis: An Integrative Review Of Mental Health Outcomes From Climate-Related Disasters, Vidhani Goel, Roberto Sagaribay

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Introduction: Climate change is a planetary and public health crisis. Between 2000 and 2019, over 1.2 million deaths and 4 billion individuals were affected by climate-related disasters. These events often impact mental health. This integrative review synthesizes evidence on mental health outcomes particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and eco-anxiety among populations affected by climate disasters. Methods: Using Whittemore and Knafl’s five-stage framework, this integrative review is in the preliminary analysis stage. A systematic search will be conducted for peer-reviewed studies published globally from January 1995 to March 2024. Eligible studies include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research on mental health …

Inflammaging And Cognitive Decline: A Brief Review Of The Chronic Low-Grade Neural Inflammation Hypothesis, Gage Pompa

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

This presentation reviews the chronic low‑grade neural inflammation hypothesis as a mechanism linking aging to cognitive decline. Inflammaging refers to persistent, low‑level inflammation that develops with age due to immune dysregulation in the absence of infection. In the brain, this process is often triggered by the accumulation of beta‑amyloid plaques and phosphorylated tau tangles. Microglia attempt to clear these proteins, but their prolonged activation releases inflammatory mediators that damage surrounding neurons. Over time, this sustained neural inflammation contributes to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and major depression. Imaging markers …

Examining County-Level Barriers To Midwife-Attended Births Among Black Women In The United States, Asia Miles

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Background and Objectives: In 2011, the American Public Health Association (APHA) passed legislation aimed at reducing maternal mortality and morbidity by addressing shortages in maternity care providers and facilities. The purpose of this study was to examine county-level characteristics that influence Black women’s access to midwife-attended births across the U.S. Methods and Approach: Data on midwife-attended births were obtained from CDC WONDER for U.S. counties with populations of 100,000 or greater, and county-level characteristics were gathered from the Area Health Resources File. The dependent variable was the change in nurse-midwife-attended births from 2011 to 2023. Independent variables included changes in …

Feasibility And Preliminary Efficacy Of Uneven Terrain Gait Training In Lower Limb Prosthesis Users, Gabriel Bacani, Dawn Ruby, Sara Hazen, Katie Bricarell

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Lower limb prosthesis users (LLPUs) often feel less confident walking in their day-to-day lives. Even with rehabilitation, some individuals do not develop the skills and confidence needed to walk across different terrains. Walking practice on varied terrains may be a method for increasing skill and confidence. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of implementing an uneven terrain training program for LLPUs. Three LLPUs completed a series of 12 training sessions on an uneven terrain treadmill. Participants walked for up to 12 trials per session with each bout lasting up to 2 minutes. The terrain increased in …

Supplement Use And Ed Self-Assessment Accuracy, Darin Beasley-Williams

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

The widespread availability of dietary supplements has contributed to their increased use, with over half of U.S. adults reporting regular consumption. Prior research suggests that supplement use is associated with better overall health, and regulatory legislation has been implemented to mitigate potential adverse effects. One motivation for supplement use may be self-diagnosed health issues; however, incorrect self-diagnoses could lead to inappropriate supplement consumption and potentially contribute to disordered eating patterns. This study examined whether regular supplement users are more accurate in self-identifying an eating disorder. A sample of 511 undergraduate students completed a self-report questionnaire assessing supplement use and eating …

Women’S Lived Experiences With Harassment In Gaming, Angelo Cordero, Alejandra Santos, Claudia Q. Luu

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Background and objectives: Women in gaming communities face discrimination due to their gender; however, gaps exist in the literature in understanding how allyship helps mitigate harassment’s harmful effects. To address this, we conducted a qualitative study exploring women’s lived experiences of sexual harassment in gaming and how women perceive allyship in gaming communities. Methods and approach: We used an inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns in participants’ experiences. Our sample (N = 165) included adult women who identified as gamers, recruited from a university and various Discord gaming communities. Results: We uncovered six main themes regarding women’s harassment experiences in …

Intouch Week Of November 17, 2025, New York Medical College

InTouch

• NYMC Celebrated Among 2025 Doctors of Distinction Honorees
• NYMC Receives Vibrant Mural Collection from Biagio “Gino” Civale
• Siqi You Selected as NYS Representative in the State of the States and AUCD Data Ambassador Program
• Graduate Student Association Welcomes a New Executive Board
• NYMC Public Health Students and Alumni Shine at APHA Conference
• EHS Hosts Multi-Agency Biosafety and WMD Tabletop Exercise
• NYMC and TU Set to Host Webinar Series: “Ninety Minutes: The Medical Magazine of the Web”
• Touro Dental Health’s 8th Annual Smiles for Veterans Day Sees More Veterans This Year Than Ever Before
• Student Spotlight: Rahim Hirani is the Recipient …

From Nicu To Neighborhood: Supporting Premature Patients Beyond The Hospital, Bob Underwood, Jermine Harriet Romald

Pediatrics in Practice: A CME Podcast

In this episode, we chat with neonatologist Harriet Romald, MD, FAAP, to explore the critical role pediatricians play in the long-term care of premature infants. From NICU discharge to developmental milestones, we discuss how pediatricians and neonatologists collaborate to ensure continuity of care, monitor common health challenges and navigate social determinants that impact outcomes. Whether you're new to caring for former NICU patients or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation offers practical insights and the latest updates in neonatal follow-up care.

Click here to stream the podcast episode.

11.17.2025 Ored Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

• Qualtrics training sessions
• Alcorn State University, Dr. Edmund Buckner

Collaborative Cost Reduction: Leveraging Interdepartmental Partnerships, Jennifer Demarco, Kiersten Walzer

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Music Therapy To Prevent Delirium, Melissa Combs, Heather Lewis, Dena Chapman, Adria Brown, Julia Hatfalvi, Kylee Dunton, Sarah Tuttle, Casey Glassford, Kalie Mitchell, Isabella Middei, Jennifer Hinton, Allyson Dressing

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Healthy Workplace Initiative, Melissa Combs, Heather Lewis, Dena Chapman, Kelly Baker, Hanna Erdle, Briana Chauncey, Brittani Bove, Isabella Middei, Kalie Mitchell

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Following The Script? Barriers And Facilitators To Nursing Adhering To Provider Orders For Pain Medication, Jarrod A. Atkinson, Angela Cavallaro

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Battle Of The Bladders: Internal Vs External Catheters, Karina Rotoli, Sam Mckellar, Melissa Tatarka, Ben Gehl, Joe Santillo, Tina Holley

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Effectiveness Of Motivational Interviewing In Improving Medication Adherence In Patients With Severe Mental Illness, Jill Hudson

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Improving Emergency Care Through Standardized Post Event Debriefing, Kiersten Ash, Madison Boyce, Katie Dolan, Jessica Mccann, Jessica Morones, Katherine Yaworsky

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Bedside Report: The Way To Go?, Taylor Augello, Jenelle Lapiana, Marsha Murphy, Jackie Nocita, Emma Raines, Olivia Spark, Katrina Uy

Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025

No abstract provided.