Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Rare Delayed Neuropsychiatric Encephalopathy After Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Couple’S Case Report, Sabrina Kasha, William J. Naber Ii, Michael Reimer

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is caused when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood, most specifically due to its high binding affinity for the heme structure in hemoglobin. This can lead to serious tissue damage and even be fatal. CO poisoning is primarily the result of incomplete combustion of fuels, with common sources domestically and internationally including furnaces, gas heaters, generators, and motor vehicles.2 Symptoms tend to present as neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as dementia, psychosis, parkinsonism, and incontinence. There are few well-researched CO poisoning specific treatments, which suggest supplemental oxygen and hyperbaric oxygen are most effective. We present a …

Characteristics And Educational Background Of Current Deans Of Medicine, Joseph T. Mcgrath, Calla M. Sullivan, Divya Sharma, Evelyn Fagan, Erin X. Wei

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background. Medical school leadership demographics have been examined previously, but there has not been a study investigating the educational background of the current Deans of Medicine (DOMs). The purpose of this report is to examine the demographics, as well as the educational and training background, of the current DOMs to determine how medical school leadership can continue to be diversified across various attributes, such as gender and specialty type.

Methods. The current DOMs at 159 Doctor of Medicine (MD) and 41 Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) programs were identified using medical school websites. Information about the DOM’s background, including pronouns used …

Cars And Trucks: Driving A Paradigm Shift In Hematologic Malignancies, Christine Charek, Tia Solh

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Hematologic malignancies account for a significant number of annual cancer diagnoses and deaths across the globe. Historically, the prognosis for relapsed and/or refractory disease after standard therapies, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation, was poor. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy offers an additional treatment option. While promising, this type of immunotherapy also comes with potentially severe side effects, toxicities, and limitations. A better understanding of the development, administration, and management of patients undergoing treatment can provide the general clinician with the knowledge to assist within a multidisciplinary team to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Transforming Primary Care: Innovative Post Graduate Pa Training For Real-World Solutions, Kenneth Botelho, James Ali

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The ongoing crisis in primary care demands innovative and scalable strategies to prepare and retain advanced practice providers. This article introduces the Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) Program, a conceptual postgraduate training model designed for certified physician associates/assistants (PAs) who aim to serve in underserved and rural communities. The program integrates advanced clinical training, leadership development, telehealth competencies, VR-enhanced simulation, and evidence-based strategies to promote provider resilience. Rooted in systems-based thinking and real-world applicability, the PCP Program culminates in capstone projects that encourage innovation in care delivery and population health.

Aligned with national frameworks such as the HRSA Primary Care Training …

Surviving The Angry Patient, Brittany N. Mertz

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Urgent care medicine balances clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction. Providers are expected to see 40-60 patients during a 12-hour shift, provide timely and appropriate medical care, document comprehensively, all while maintaining a patient satisfaction score of 70% or higher. Difficult patient encounters are inevitable in a specialty that thrives on patient satisfaction and throughput. Encountering a problematic patient can derail the rest of the day and demands empathy and patience. All of which makes it hard to meet metrics. This article examines how difficult patient encounters contribute to provider burnout, lowers patient satisfaction, and increases the risk of litigation. Additionally, …

The Effects Of E-Cigarettes And Oxidative Stress On Cognitive Function And Adolescent Academics, Alexis A. Kaminsky Jr.

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Electronic cigarettes are the fastest growing method of tobacco consumption in the United States despite an overall decline in smoking rates. Evidence has shown that enticing flavor and trendy marketing campaigns have increased use among younger consumers. Nicotine use is a risk factor among younger individuals for damage to brain development and cognitive impairment, and electronic cigarettes are no exception. This paper attempts to review and clarify previously observed health impacts of electronic cigarette use among younger individuals, as measured by academic grades and scores. A focus on the effect of oxidative stress on the body and the resulting academic …

Covid-19 And The Increased Risk Of Ischemic Stroke In Young Adults, Sarah Webster

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The COVID-19 virus and sequelae are responsible for causing significant hospitalizations, long term complications, and mortality. While some recover without incident from COVID-19, there are those that suffer complications and lingering side effects, one in particular is coagulopathy leading to ischemic stroke. Although the incidence of ischemic stroke in young adults under 55 has generally been increasing over the past few decades due to the increase in modifiable risk factors, the overall stroke risk in young adults is still substantially lower than that of older adults. There is evidence to suggest that during and after infection with COVID-19, adults are …

Unraveling The Mystery: A Case Study On Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Echo Kopplin

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) has dramatically increased in the last two decades. This article reviews the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of EoE, enhancing clinician awareness and recognition of the condition.

Idiopathic Transverse Myelitis: A Case Report, Danielle Whitacre

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The objective of this paper is to review a case report for a patient with idiopathic transverse myelitis. This rare disease can easily be forgotten based on the vagueness of symptoms and as the presentation can vary drastically. In this case, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test was ordered after a patient presented with a sensory deficit from the level of his chest to his toes that showed a 1.5 centimeter (cm) intramedullary spinal cord lesion at the level of T1. From the imaging, the differential diagnosis included transverse myelitis, a demyelinating lesion, and primary neoplasms such as ependymoma and …

Single Maintenance And Reliever Therapy (Smart) For Pediatric Asthma, Mark Elsesser

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Asthma is a commonly occurring pediatric condition managed in primary care. In 2020, asthma guidelines changed for treating mild persistent asthma. Now, experts recommend using Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) in children 4 years of age and older. With the SMART approach, patients use one inhaler to maintain and relieve symptoms, as the name implies. The combination inhaler contains budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and formoterol, a long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA). The most common brand name associated with this regimen in the United States is Symbicort. While there are various options for ICS therapy, formoterol is currently the sole …

The Impact Of Tailored Educational Strategies On Academic Performance Among Physician Assistant Students, Lauren L. Lieb

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Impact of Tailored Educational Strategies on Academic Performance

This article explores the impact of customizing education to accommodate different learning styles and its potential to enhance Physician Assistant (PA) student success. Tailored learning strategies can address diverse learners, leading to improved retention of medical knowledge. PA students who retain information become better-prepared healthcare providers, which in turn leads to improved patient outcomes. The literature review highlights Kolb's learning style inventory, which includes visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learning styles. However, with a deeper look into learning styles, they can be further defined as sensing and intuitive perception, visual and verbal …

The Importance Of Simulation Fidelity To Physician Assistant/Associate Education, Taylor L. Fischer

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Simulation, a tool that has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness, is a cornerstone of medical education. Simulation implies an imitation of reality and includes any activity, exercise, or teaching modality mimicking some aspect of actual patient care. Although much of the work on simulation education has been published by nurses and physicians, Physician Assistant/Associates (PA) have begun to contribute to the literature. Still, the use of simulation in PA training has room for growth. On average, physician assistant/associate (PA) programs spend $29,400 annually on simulation activities, roughly 1.6% of the average PA program’s yearly expenditures, according to the latest PA Program …

The Transformational Impact Of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare, Lawrence M. Herman

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

A brief commentary on the Transformational impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

The Role Of Glp-1ras In Depression Among Patients With Metabolic Conditions, Madge Fleurimond Cemelus Dmsc, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

The regular co-occurrence of depression with metabolic syndrome (Mets) results in complicated treatment circumstances and raises cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes risks. GLP-1RAs demonstrate potential as an innovative treatment for depression because they have both anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotective capabilities. This evaluation examines the advantages and results of GLP-1RAs in treatment effectiveness compared to CBT among patients with MetS. The research used PubMed and CINAHL databases to find peer-reviewed studies from 2021 until 2025. The research included the search terms “GLP-1 receptor agonists” together with “depression,” “metabolic syndrome,” and “cognitive behavioral therapy,” among other relevant terms. Applying GLP-1RAs …

Targeting Obesity: The Role Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Achieving Sustainable Weight Loss, Brad Vamplew

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This review critically evaluates the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist pharmacotherapy in managing obesity. Obesity is a health epidemic that affects 100 million Americans, and it puts individuals at higher risk for numerous health comorbidities over a lifetime. A comprehensive literature review was completed by utilizing PubMed and its clinical queries function to locate relevant research. The research information was narrowed down with a focus on obesity management and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for therapy. Numerous current clinical studies and trials were incorporated into this review. Many clinical trials substantiated the benefits of this pharmacotherapy for the management of …

Binge Eating Disorder: A Clinical Review, Michell Mcdiffett Mshs, Pa-C

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder (ED) in the United States (U.S.) and is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating a larger than normal amount of food in a discrete period of time and includes a sense of loss of control over food intake. BED is often comorbid with serious somatic and psychiatric disorders and is associated with reduced quality of life and excess mortality. Some consider BED a public health concern due to frequent co-occurrence with obesity and worse outcomes in those populations. The diagnosis is often delayed due to shame and underreporting of symptoms …

Obesity And Its Effect On Work Performance, Erin Lajoie

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This research aims to examine how obesity affects work productivity and performance and how companies can support their employees diagnosed with obesity. Obesity is a growing global health concern that has significant implications for decreased workplace productivity and performance. Obesity is considered a chronic complex disease often associated with hypertension (HTN), type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and heart disease that can lead to overall increases in healthcare costs for employers through increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased efficiency. A systemic literature search was completed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, identifying multiple journal articles about obesity and productivity in the workplace …

Intermittent Fasting For Metabolic Syndrome Management, Tony Laborde

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This paper reviews the potential of intermittent fasting as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is a global health problem with risk factors that include obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and high triglycerides that predispose to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Traditional treatment approaches, including pharmacological agents and lifestyle modification, are typically of short-term benefit. Intermittent fasting, with its scheduled cycles of eating and fasting, presents another strategy for improving weight control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles, and blood pressure. Various intermittent fasting regimens, including time-restricted feeding and alternate-day fasting, have …

Knowledge And Awareness Of The Link Between Periodontitis And Systemic Diseases Among Iraqi Medical Doctors, Hadeel Mohammed Abbood

Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences

Periodontitis has been shown to be a risk factor for systemic diseases, particularly diabetes mellites, and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the medical practitioners should have sufficient knowledge regarding the link between periodontal disease and different systemic diseases and the adverse effect of periodontal diseases on the outcomes and prognosis of systemic diseases. The aim was to determine the extent of awareness of internal medicine specialists and general medical practitioners regarding the association between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases. Electronic questionnaire were disseminated among Iraqi medical doctors. These questionnaires were composed of general questions about the doctors, awareness of periodontal diseases. And …

Transforming Care: An Academic And Community Symposium On Transgender Care And Experience, Alison Sutton-Ryan, Kimberly Van Vulpen

Transforming Communities

Background: Transgender experience is often excluded from education and training. An emphasis has been often placed on sexual identities instead of gender differences rendering transgender care invisible in the healthcare system (Gahagan & Colpitts 2017). Lack of education and training has created significant barriers to accessible gender-affirming care, contributing to disproportionately high levels of discrimination for transgender individuals seeking medical services (Redcay et al., 2021). Purpose: The Interprofessional Education Symposium on Transgender Care and Experience was an innovative initiative developed by the newly formed Transgender Interprofessional Care Team (TICT) at a medium-sized suburban university. This collaborative team, comprising key …

Inadequate Healthcare For Women In The United States, Grace Loveless

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Barriers to adequate healthcare for women stem from a lack of research on their specific health needs, gender-based biases in healthcare, and harmful societal norms. One key aspect highlighting these disparities is the menstrual cycle—a topic unique to women. Menstrual health, defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, illustrates the urgent need for greater focus on reproductive health. Despite its significance, the dialogue and knowledge about reproductive health remain limited; an issue which is exacerbated by societal attitudes of secrecy and shame. These attitudes create barriers that hinder many women in the United States from accessing …

Alcohol & Substance Abuse Among Youth In South Africa, Carsyn R. Richins

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

South Africa is one of the riskiest drinking countries in the world, and its youth show some of the highest alcohol and substance abuse rates in the nation. In recent years, consumption rates among South African youth have increased while the average age of first use has decreased. This has led to higher levels of binge drinking, addiction, and dependency. This paper explores the root causes and long-term consequences of this growing issue. It argues that three primary factors — early and frequent exposure, poor governmental regulation, and the use of substances as a coping mechanism — have created a …

A Call For Change: Supporting Children With Tourette Syndrome, Matt Reall

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

Tourette Syndrome affects 1 in 100 U.S. children but remains widely misunderstood due to stigma, delayed diagnosis, and media misrepresentation. This neurological disorder is characterized by involuntary tics and often co-occurs with ADHD, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Children with Tourette Syndrome face disproportionate challenges in social, academic, and emotional settings—despite having average or above-average intelligence. One-third engage in self-harm, and suicide rates are four times the national average. Peer-education programs like the Tourette Association of America’s Youth Ambassador initiative have shown promise in reducing stigma, but unequal access and weak institutional support limit their impact. This paper calls for early …

Peran Unit Pengelola Darah Rumah Sakit Terhadap Peningkatan Kinerja Layanan Transfusi Darah: Tinjauan Literatur Naratif, Adhika Putra Marsaban, Mardiati Nadjib

Jurnal ARSI : Administrasi Rumah Sakit Indonesia

The performance of hospital blood transfusion services is crucial for patient safety and overall operational effectiveness. Blood management, as a vital and limited resource, plays a significant role. Traditional centralized blood management models often face challenges regarding response speed, potential waste, and quality control. As an alternative, Unit Pengelola Darah Rumah Sakit (UPDRS) offers the potential for performance enhancement. This narrative literature review is based on 16 relevant scientific articles identified through a database search (Scopus, Proquest, Wiley, Google Scholar) and a selection process visualized with a PRISMA diagram. Key findings identified significant impacts on cost efficiency, time efficiency (faster …

Do Minorities Attend Culturally Competent Hospitals? The Case Of Minority-Serving And Safety-Net Hospitals, Rumel Mahmood

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Minorities disproportionately attend minority-serving hospitals (MSHs) and safety-net hospitals (SNHs). This study examines whether MSHs or SNHs are more culturally competent than their counterparts. No research to date has examined the cultural competency of MSHs and SNHs with hospitals outside of these categories. The literature on the determinants of hospital-level cultural competence is sparse, with limited measures used nationally and a robust measure used in a single U.S. state. I calculated a 100-point score of hospital cultural competence from a nationally representative survey of hospitals (N = 849 respondents). Using multilevel regression models, I found that MSHs are culturally …

Evaluation Of Antimicrobial And Wound Healing Activities Of Jatropha Podagrica Extracts, Reawfang Sriyom, Arunporn Itharat, Onmanee Prajuabjinda, Sumalee Panthong, Pakakrong Thongdeeying, Metar Siriwattanasathorn, Maneewan Panthong, Neal M. Davies

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Jatropha podagrica has been traditionally used to treat skin infections and promote wound healing. However, there is currently no scientific research validating its antimicrobial or wound-healing properties.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and wound-healing activities of various extracts from all parts of J. podagrica, using different solvents. In addition, the chemical composition of the most effective extract was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Materials and Methods: The leaves, stem, and root of J. podagrica were extracted using hexane, 95% ethanol, ethanol-soluble hexane residue, and aqueous decoction. The antimicrobial effects of the extracts were assessed …

Exploring The Link Between Physicians’ Familiarity And Biosimilar Prescribing In Thailand, Ekapong Kachai, Chaoncin Sooksriwong, Wanruchada Katchamart, Tuangrat Phodha

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Despite the availability of various biosimilars in Thailand, the link between physicians’ familiarity and biosimilars prescribing practice remains still unclear.

Objectives: This study aimed to find the association between physicians’ familiarity and biosimilars prescribing practice among physicians in Thailand.

Methods: This research adopted an extended analysis framework, utilizing survey data from a pilot study on the surveillance of Thai physicians regarding biosimilar uptake. The familiarity with biosimilars among respondents was evaluated.

Results: The result showed that 82 respondents were included in the study. There was 79.3% of respondents indicated prescribing biosimilars. Overall, most respondents (75.6%) showed an “adequate” level …

Concurrent Use Of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants And Nsaids In Low Back Pain Management: A Critical Review Of Current Evidence And Future Directions, Rupesh A. Saindane, Nilima A. Thombre

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Low back pain (LBP) represents a leading cause of non-fatal disability globally. Its high prevalence and disabling nature highlight the urgent need for effective management strategies. The exact cause of LBP still remains unclear, and thus, its treatment remains symptomatic. LBP is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs). These agents are frequently used in combination to target both inflammation and muscle spasms. However, the clinical guidelines vary widely on the recommendation for the use of such combination therapy. The present review evaluates evidence from randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews on the concurrent use …

Pharmacogenetic-Guided Antiplatelet Therapy For Personalized Medicine In Patients With Stroke And Transient Ischemic Attack Without Cardioembolic Stroke: A Systematic Review Of Economic Evaluations, Nathapol Samprasit, Chamipa Phanudulkitti, Nattanichcha Kulthanachairojana, Jatapat Hemapanpairoa

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Stroke is a major global public health burden. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of all stroke cases worldwide. Antiplatelet therapy is a key strategy for secondary prevention in patients with stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) without cardioembolic stroke. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel is recommended in patients with early mild stroke or high-risk TIA, followed by long-term single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT). Clopidogrel is often used as an alternative for patients with aspirin resistance or intolerance. However, clopidogrel is a prodrug metabolized by the CYP2C19 enzyme, leading to variability in its effectiveness.

Objectives: This study aims …

A Review Of Overlapping Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction, Ploylarp Lertvipapath, Roongrat Piyananjaruhsri, Diana Karimee

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are life-threatening drug hypersensitivity reactions, including acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). SCARs occur in approximately 0.1% of hospitalizations and have mortality rates ranging from 5% for AGEP to 5–35% for SJS/TEN. AGEP typically presents with acute erythematous areas, sterile pustules, fever, and neutrophilia within 48–72 h of drug exposure. In contrast, DRESS manifests as fever, facial edema, morbilliform rash, and exfoliative dermatitis, often accompanied by hematologic abnormalities and multi-organ involvement, including hepatitis, pneumonitis, and myocarditis. Moreover, SJS and TEN …