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Rowan-Virtua Research Day

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Full-Text Articles in Medical Specialties

Towards More Effective And Efficient Ite And Board Preparation In Emergency Medicine: A Conceptual Framework Using Personality Preferences (Mbti) To Inform Study And Test-Taking Behaviors, James Espinosa, Robin Lahr, James Lee, Alan Lucerna May 2026

Towards More Effective And Efficient Ite And Board Preparation In Emergency Medicine: A Conceptual Framework Using Personality Preferences (Mbti) To Inform Study And Test-Taking Behaviors, James Espinosa, Robin Lahr, James Lee, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Preparation for high-stakes examinations in Emergency Medicine (EM) relies heavily on question-bank practice, rapid decision-making, and targeted review. Despite standardized board-preparation resources, trainees demonstrate substantial variability in study behaviors and perceived efficiency. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), widely used in medical education for communication and self-reflection, may offer a framework for understanding differences in study and test-taking behaviors, though it is not designed as a predictive psychometric tool.

Objective: To review existing literature relating MBTI preferences to learning behaviors and academic performance, and to propose a conceptual framework linking personality preferences to board-style test-taking patterns in EM trainees.

Methods: …


Listening To The System: Reframing Emergency Department Noise: The Case For Noise As A Real-Time Operational Signal In A Complex Adaptive System (Cas), James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema May 2026

Listening To The System: Reframing Emergency Department Noise: The Case For Noise As A Real-Time Operational Signal In A Complex Adaptive System (Cas), James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Emergency Department (ED) noise has historically been framed as an occupational and environmental hazard requiring mitigation. And this is still true—but not complete. Early work focused on exposure reduction and spike identification. Subsequent mapping studies demonstrated spatial and temporal differentiation in ED acoustic load. We propose an expanded conceptual model: acoustic variability may function not only as a hazard, but also as a real-time signal of operational turbulence within the ED as a complex adaptive system (CAS). Drawing on human factors, alarm fatigue, resilience engineering, and complexity science, we synthesize existing literature and institutional experience to identify a critical gap—noise …


When The Clock Stands Still: Clock Time Vs. Experienced Time In The Emergency Department Brief Review: Neurobiology Of Time Perceptiontemporal Distortion As A Marker Of Cognitive Load And Operational Turbulence, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna May 2026

When The Clock Stands Still: Clock Time Vs. Experienced Time In The Emergency Department Brief Review: Neurobiology Of Time Perceptiontemporal Distortion As A Marker Of Cognitive Load And Operational Turbulence, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Emergency clinicians frequently report that time during ED shifts can feel unusually slow or unusually fast. This shared observation has rarely been examined formally in emergency medicine. Altered time perception has also been described in high demand professions such as aviation, sports, military operations, and emergency response. Individuals often report time dilation during critical events and time compression during highly coordinated performance. These findings suggest that temporal perception reflects underlying neurocognitive responses to environmental demands. Emergency departments share many characteristics with these environments, including rapid decision making, task switching, and intermittent high stakes events.

Objective:  Brief narrative review concerning …


From Lists To Landscapes And Locations: Spatial Memory And Schema Formation (Memory Palace Adaptation) As A Neurobiologically Informed Strategy For Teaching Environmental And Toxicology Emergencies Ite And Board Review In Emergency Medicine Residency, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna May 2026

From Lists To Landscapes And Locations: Spatial Memory And Schema Formation (Memory Palace Adaptation) As A Neurobiologically Informed Strategy For Teaching Environmental And Toxicology Emergencies Ite And Board Review In Emergency Medicine Residency, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Most emergency medicine board domains inherit spatial scaffolding from foundational anatomy education (e.g., neuroanatomy, gastrointestinal tract, cardiopulmonary structures). Environmental emergencies lack an inherent anatomic anchor and are frequently taught as disconnected lists, increasing cognitive load and impairing schema formation. Similarly, toxicology crosses age, and specialty without an inherent anatomic structural anchor.

Objective:

To describe a scene-based, learner-generated landscape model designed to reintroduce spatial structure into environmental emergency education and to situate the model within contemporary neurobiology and learning science.

Educational Innovation:

Residents construct a large-format landscape diagram (sun–water–mountain schema) during live instruction. Environmental conditions are spatially anchored in ecologically …


The Ones That Got Away:Shared Misses, Shared Mastery — A Proposal For Leveraging Spaced Retrieval, Variable Reinforcement, And Collective Learning In Emergency Medicine Residency, James Espinosa D, Robin Lahr, James Lee, Swet M. Patel, Alan Lucerna May 2026

The Ones That Got Away:Shared Misses, Shared Mastery — A Proposal For Leveraging Spaced Retrieval, Variable Reinforcement, And Collective Learning In Emergency Medicine Residency, James Espinosa D, Robin Lahr, James Lee, Swet M. Patel, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Residents frequently engage in individual question-bank study for board preparation; however, missed questions are typically processed in isolation. Educational psychology demonstrates that spaced retrieval and variable reinforcement enhance durable learning. Psychological safety further supports collective sense-making in professional education . The addition of a periodic, structured, collective shared-review process model may leverage these principles within residency training.

Objective

To propose a resident-driven educational initiative that transforms individually missed board-style questions into a shared, psychologically safe learning stream that promotes durable knowledge retention and community-based mastery.  The movement of this stream could be a chief resident responsibility, or could be …


Beyond Traditional Emergency Medicine Residency Match Interviews: Behavioral Questions As Stress Tests For Resident Selection A Theory-Driven Micro-Assessment Framework For Detecting High-Value Traits, Alan Lucerna, James Lee, Robin Lahr, James Espinosa May 2026

Beyond Traditional Emergency Medicine Residency Match Interviews: Behavioral Questions As Stress Tests For Resident Selection A Theory-Driven Micro-Assessment Framework For Detecting High-Value Traits, Alan Lucerna, James Lee, Robin Lahr, James Espinosa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Traditional residency selection metrics incompletely capture behavioral traits essential for emergency medicine (EM) performance.

Objective: To propose a theory-driven framework using structured behavioral questions as stress tests to detect high-value traits.

Methods: Conceptual analysis of three standardized behavioral prompts assessing execution, systems thinking, and team orientation.

Results: Distinct response patterns align with observable domains associated with reliability, performance, and leadership.

Conclusion: Behavioral stress test questions offer a scalable, low-cost method to enhance residency selection processes.


When Individual Implicit Bias Meets Ed System Turbulence: Expanding The Implicit Bias And Cultural Bias Conceptual Frame To Support Reflective Decision Making Through Both Individual Bias Reduction Strategies As Well As System-Level Design Approaches, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna May 2026

When Individual Implicit Bias Meets Ed System Turbulence: Expanding The Implicit Bias And Cultural Bias Conceptual Frame To Support Reflective Decision Making Through Both Individual Bias Reduction Strategies As Well As System-Level Design Approaches, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Cultural and implicit bias have been widely studied as contributors to disparities in healthcare delivery. Prior literature has largely conceptualized bias as an individual-level cognitive phenomenon occurring within clinician–patient interactions. However, emergency departments (EDs) function as complex adaptive systems (CAS), characterized by time pressure, uncertainty, cognitive load, and environmental noise. These conditions may contribute to the expression of implicit bias in clinical care.

Objective

To reframe cultural and implicit bias in the ED as both an individual cognitive property as well as a system-dependent and modulated  phenomenon and to propose that the operational state of the ED influences the …


The Epidemiology Of Sledding Injuries: Clinical Patterns And Public Health Prevention Strategies, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna May 2026

The Epidemiology Of Sledding Injuries: Clinical Patterns And Public Health Prevention Strategies, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Sledding is a widely enjoyed winter recreational activity among children and adolescents. Although commonly perceived as low risk, sledding can result in extremity fractures, head injuries, and collision-related trauma. Emergency Departments frequently encounter sledding injuries during winter months, providing both clinical insight and opportunities for injury prevention counseling. An estimated 20,000–30,000 sledding-related injuries occur annually in the United States, most involving children and adolescents.

Objectives: To describe patterns of sledding injuries presenting to the Emergency Department and highlight practical safety recommendations physicians can communicate to families.

Methods: Conceptual review integrating Emergency Department observational experience with published literature on pediatric …


Reframing The Step Study: The Health Significance Of Emergency Physician Step Count Results In Light Of Contemporary Benchmark Evidence, James A. Espinosa Md, Alan Lucerna May 2026

Reframing The Step Study: The Health Significance Of Emergency Physician Step Count Results In Light Of Contemporary Benchmark Evidence, James A. Espinosa Md, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

The STEP study (2023), a prospective observational study of emergency medicine residents and attending physicians, demonstrated that clinicians rarely achieve the commonly cited 10,000-step benchmark during clinical shifts. Since that time, large-scale dose–response analyses suggest that substantial health benefits occur at lower step counts (~7,000 steps/day), with diminishing returns beyond this range.

Objective:

To reinterpret the findings of the STEP study in light of contemporary evidence regarding step count and health outcomes.

Methods:

We revisited observational data from the STEP study, which measured step counts during emergency department shifts across three campuses using pedometers. These findings were compared with …


The Safety Paradox Of Emergency Department Shift Length: Why The Relationship Between Hours Worked And Patient Safety Is More Complex Than It Appears, James A. Espinosa Md, Alan Lucerna May 2026

The Safety Paradox Of Emergency Department Shift Length: Why The Relationship Between Hours Worked And Patient Safety Is More Complex Than It Appears, James A. Espinosa Md, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Emergency department shift duration has long been debated as a determinant of patient safety. While longer shifts may increase cognitive fatigue, shorter shifts may increase the frequency of patient handoffs, which themselves introduce communication risk. Objective: To conceptualize emergency department shift length as a safety paradox arising from the balance between fatigue and handoff-related communication risks. Conceptual Framework: We propose the Emergency Department Shift Length Safety Paradox model illustrating the nonlinear relationship between shift duration and patient safety. Implications: Optimal shift design may depend on balancing fatigue risk and communication risk within a complex adaptive healthcare system. Conclusion: Emergency …


Emergency Medicine As A Complex Adaptive System Apprenticeship: A Conceptual Framework For Understanding The Development And Emergence Of Systems Leaders From The Field Of Emergency Medicine, James Espinosa, Alan A. Lucerna, Henry Schuitema May 2026

Emergency Medicine As A Complex Adaptive System Apprenticeship: A Conceptual Framework For Understanding The Development And Emergence Of Systems Leaders From The Field Of Emergency Medicine, James Espinosa, Alan A. Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Emergency physicians are frequently observed to assume leadership roles in hospitals and health systems. Prior literature, including policy and leadership analyses from the American College of Emergency Physicians, has described this phenomenon and highlighted the emergency department’s central position within hospital operations. However, most explanations focus on enumerating leadership competencies rather than identifying the developmental mechanism through which those competencies emerge.

Objective

To propose a conceptual framework explaining how emergency medicine training functions as an apprenticeship in managing complex adaptive systems.

Conceptual Model

The emergency department (ED) operates as a highly dynamic environment characterized by nonlinear patient inflow, interdependent …


A Systems-Based Approach To Supporting Resident Scholarly Productivity: Building A High-Throughput Academic Pipeline In Emergency Medicine Residency Training Through Poster Development Apprenticeship, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Robin Lahr, James Lee, Swet Patel, Henry Schuitema May 2026

A Systems-Based Approach To Supporting Resident Scholarly Productivity: Building A High-Throughput Academic Pipeline In Emergency Medicine Residency Training Through Poster Development Apprenticeship, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Robin Lahr, James Lee, Swet Patel, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Many residency programs require scholarly output; however, consistent and high volume production of posters and publications can be challenging. Anecdotal evidence from a variety of programs suggests variability in outcomes across programs, often influenced by differences in mentorship, structure, and available scholarly infrastructure. Objective: To describe a reproducible, systems-based model for generating high-volume resident scholarly output through alignment of expectations, culture, infrastructure, and faculty engagement. Methods and Conceptual Model: We outline a multi-domain framework derived from sustained programmatic experience, incorporating structural requirements, leadership alignment, cultural reinforcement, workflow standardization, and active faculty participation. The model is supported by practical tools …


Reframing Outpatient-To-Ed Transitions As A Patient Safety Interface: Recognizing, Structuring, And Preserving Signal Across Clinical Boundaries Conceptualizing The Call-In To Ed Referral Model As A Handoff Of Care Model, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema May 2026

Reframing Outpatient-To-Ed Transitions As A Patient Safety Interface: Recognizing, Structuring, And Preserving Signal Across Clinical Boundaries Conceptualizing The Call-In To Ed Referral Model As A Handoff Of Care Model, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Transitions of care are recognized sources of patient safety risk. Structured handoff processes have improved communication reliability in inpatient and emergency department (ED) settings. However, outpatient-to-ED referrals—despite representing a transfer of care—are not consistently conceptualized or operationalized as formal handoffs.

Objective

To reframe outpatient-to-ED referrals as clinical handoffs occurring across a system boundary, and to propose a conceptual and operational framework to improve safety through recognition, structure, and signal preservation.

Methods

Conceptual analysis informed by clinical experience, systems thinking, and existing literature on handoffs and patient safety. Comparative evaluation of structured (ED→ED, ED→inpatient) versus less-structured (outpatient→ED) transitions.

Results

Outpatient-to-ED …


Designing Patient Update Intervals In The Emergency Department: A Queueing-Theory And Operational Science Model Of Patient Updates And Progress Signaling To Improve Patient Experience, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema May 2026

Designing Patient Update Intervals In The Emergency Department: A Queueing-Theory And Operational Science Model Of Patient Updates And Progress Signaling To Improve Patient Experience, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna, Henry Schuitema

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background Patients in the Emergency Department (ED) frequently experience uncertainty while awaiting diagnostic results, reassessment, and disposition. Even when clinical processes are progressing, prolonged informational silence may create the perception of that those processes are not advancing.

Objective To develop a conceptual and operational mathematical, queuing-theory based  model linking bedside communication, conversational time, and informational silence to patient experience.

Methods A back-of-the-envelope operational model was constructed to estimate the time required for bedside update communication during a typical physician shift. A queueing-theory framework was applied to examine how intervals between informational updates influence perceived waiting burden. Concepts from queueing theory …


Preliminary Results From Assessing Medical Students’ Familiarity With Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) And Trauma-Informed Care (Tic), Kaylea Shoulders, Portia Tasnim Shaheed, Kartik Kannan, Rachel Silliman Cohen, Beth Cooper, Christine Schroeder, Yahaira Márquez May 2026

Preliminary Results From Assessing Medical Students’ Familiarity With Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces) And Trauma-Informed Care (Tic), Kaylea Shoulders, Portia Tasnim Shaheed, Kartik Kannan, Rachel Silliman Cohen, Beth Cooper, Christine Schroeder, Yahaira Márquez

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are highly prevalent and associated with significant long-term health outcomes1; however, physicians often report feeling underprepared to address trauma in clinical care. While medical education increasingly includes exposure to ACEs and trauma-informed care (TIC), limited research has examined how these topics are integrated and experienced within osteopathic medical education (OME). This project aims to assess medical students’ familiarity with ACEs and TIC at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and to potentially help inform curricular improvement efforts. This study adapts and extends prior research2 using an anonymous survey administered via Qualtrics. Recruitment targeted medical students across years …


Bacteriophage Therapy Vs. Standard Antibiotics: A Review Of Treatment Efficacy For Recurrent Pediatric S. Pyogenes (Gas) Infections, Kartik Kannan Oms-I, Karina Malhotra Oms-I, Gabrielle Coccio Oms-I, Janhavi Belwalkar Oms-I, Jason Rienzo Oms-I, Samay Shukla Oms-I, Valerie J. Carabetta Phd May 2026

Bacteriophage Therapy Vs. Standard Antibiotics: A Review Of Treatment Efficacy For Recurrent Pediatric S. Pyogenes (Gas) Infections, Kartik Kannan Oms-I, Karina Malhotra Oms-I, Gabrielle Coccio Oms-I, Janhavi Belwalkar Oms-I, Jason Rienzo Oms-I, Samay Shukla Oms-I, Valerie J. Carabetta Phd

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Antibiotic resistance poses a growing threat to pediatric infectious disease management, particularly in the treatment of Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) infections.1 While β-lactam antibiotics remain the first-line standard of care, their utility is limited by allergy prevalence and rising resistance among alternative antibiotic agents, such as macrolides, lincosamides, and tetracycline.2,3 Given these trends, bacteriophage therapy has emerged as a promising adjunctive treatment modality, offering targeted bacterial lysis while sparing commensal microbiota.4

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed and Embase (2000–2025) using terms related to antibiotic resistance, Streptococcus pyogenes, bacteriophage therapy, and pediatric populations. …


Anesthetic And Perioperative Challenges Of End-Stage Liver Disease In Non-Hepatic Surgery: A Case For Score-Triggered Perioperative Protocols, Katarina Rusinak Bs, Christopher Hoffman Do, Cory Levitt Md May 2026

Anesthetic And Perioperative Challenges Of End-Stage Liver Disease In Non-Hepatic Surgery: A Case For Score-Triggered Perioperative Protocols, Katarina Rusinak Bs, Christopher Hoffman Do, Cory Levitt Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) significantly increases perioperative morbidity and mortality during non-hepatic surgery. Although validated risk stratification tools, including the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, are available, their use frequently remains limited to quantifying risk without prompting standardized perioperative protocols. This case demonstrates that elevated cirrhosis-specific risk scores should function as triggers for enhanced preparation and multidisciplinary planning, following models established in other high-risk clinical contexts.

Case Report: A 43-year-old female with decompensated alcohol-related cirrhosis was scheduled for total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer, a procedure required for liver transplant eligibility. Preoperative evaluation revealed …


Effects Of Vaccine Refusal On Adherence To Well-Child Visit Schedule In A Pediatric Population, Arshia Anand, Clare Stephens, Nicole Streeks-Wooden May 2026

Effects Of Vaccine Refusal On Adherence To Well-Child Visit Schedule In A Pediatric Population, Arshia Anand, Clare Stephens, Nicole Streeks-Wooden

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccination at birth is a critical strategy for preventing both perinatal and horizontal transmission of the Hep B virus1 . Unfortunately, refusal of the birthdose vaccine has increased and is associated with subsequent vaccine refusal at 18 and 24 months2 . This trend raises significant concerns, that families who refuse the Hep B vaccine at birth may also engage less frequently in preventive pediatric care. However, the impact of this association on adherence to routine well-child (WC) visits remains unclear.

Hypothesis: Refusal, or incomplete uptake of the Hep B vaccine series is associated with decreased …


Mid- To Long-Term Durability Of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair For Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: Outcomes In ≥ 45 Comparator Cohort, Andrew Lawrence Frankini, Gianna Rose Zanghi, Margaret Schwab, Valentina Sara Sica, Larry Andrew Frankini Md May 2026

Mid- To Long-Term Durability Of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair For Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: Outcomes In ≥ 45 Comparator Cohort, Andrew Lawrence Frankini, Gianna Rose Zanghi, Margaret Schwab, Valentina Sara Sica, Larry Andrew Frankini Md

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is a primary cause of mortality in blunt trauma injuries, with motor vehicle collisions representing the majority of cases.1-4 Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is the standard of care for managing this vascular emergency.5 While TEVAR demonstrates favorable short-term outcomes, there is an insufficient characterization of cumulative mid- to long-term reinterventions and device-related complications in BTAI patients.

We conducted a meta-analysis/systematic review of studies reporting outcomes after TEVAR for BTAI in patients ≥45 years. This review was conceptualized as a comparator to the previously reviewed outcomes in younger patients (< 45 years) performed by Frankini et al. (2026)6, …


Delay In Care Due To High Number Of Provider Evaluations In Hip Arthroscopy, Kaylin Knapsack, Wynn Bastianelli, Alexander Cabrera, Stewart Meridian, Sean Mcmillan May 2026

Delay In Care Due To High Number Of Provider Evaluations In Hip Arthroscopy, Kaylin Knapsack, Wynn Bastianelli, Alexander Cabrera, Stewart Meridian, Sean Mcmillan

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Diagnosing hip pain in young and middle-aged adults remains challenging due to overlapping intra- and extra-articular pathology. Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and acetabular labral tears are increasingly recognized as major contributors to pain, mechanical symptoms, and functional limitation. Despite growing awareness of hip preservation surgery, delays in referral to arthroscopy-trained specialists persist and may contribute to disease progression and inferior outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate delays in surgical management among patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for labral pathology and identify factors contributing to delayed referral to hip preservation specialists.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing hip arthroscopy …


The Comparative Efficacy Of Perioperative Pharmacological And Non-Pharmacological Strategies In Reducing Post-Anesthesia Cognitive Impairment Among Elderly Patients: A Literature Review, Mehnaz Islam Khan, Natalie Santos De La Torre, Christine Cherian, Shreya Shah May 2026

The Comparative Efficacy Of Perioperative Pharmacological And Non-Pharmacological Strategies In Reducing Post-Anesthesia Cognitive Impairment Among Elderly Patients: A Literature Review, Mehnaz Islam Khan, Natalie Santos De La Torre, Christine Cherian, Shreya Shah

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Older adults (≥65 years) are at increased risk for postoperative cognitive impairment, including postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), which contribute to prolonged recovery, increased morbidity, and mortality. Preventive strategies include pharmacological interventions and non-pharmacological approaches such as cognitive training; however, these approaches are typically studied in isolation. The purpose of this literature review was to compare the effectiveness of perioperative pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in reducing postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly surgical patients. A review of six studies, including randomized controlled trials and cohort studies, was conducted in patients undergoing cardiac, spinal, and noncardiac surgeries. Cognitive outcomes, …


Assessing The Utilization Of Emergency Departments For Primary Care Services In Southern New Jersey, Joshua James Novello, Sheila Joazile, Mohammad Isa May 2026

Assessing The Utilization Of Emergency Departments For Primary Care Services In Southern New Jersey, Joshua James Novello, Sheila Joazile, Mohammad Isa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Primary care (PC) is essential to proactive, comprehensive, and preventative care that can improve patient outcomes. One-third of emergency department (ED) visits are for non-emergency care that can be appropriately treated by a PC provider. In New Jersey, more than $400 million is spent annually on avoidable ED visits. Decreasing the total PC treatable ED visits per year will improve the quality of care and decrease costs. New Jersey’s PC spending, based on total health spending, is one of the lowest in the country. Demographic and socioeconomic factors in the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) examine potentially preventable ED …


De-Epithelialization Versus Pedicle De-Skinning In Reduction Mammoplasty: Comparative Outcomes From The Literature, Samantha Fry, Karina Vizzoni May 2026

De-Epithelialization Versus Pedicle De-Skinning In Reduction Mammoplasty: Comparative Outcomes From The Literature, Samantha Fry, Karina Vizzoni

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background- Reduction mammoplasty treats symptomatic macromastia. A key step involves pedicle preparation before breast mound reconstruction. Two main techniques include: De-epithelialization: Removes epidermis, preserves dermis, De-skinning: Excises both epidermal and dermal layers. Evidence comparing surgical outcomes between these techniques is limited.

Hypothesis- De-epithelialization will result in fewer vascular complications but longer operative times than de-skinning; thus, superiority depends on case selection.

Methods- A literature review identified studies on skin removal techniques in breast reduction mammoplasty.

Results- De-skinning was faster than de-epithelialization, though energy-assisted modalities were fastest. Nipple–areola complex (NAC) ischemia and necrosis rates were low across all methods. Superficial de-epithelialization …


Comparison Of Graft Patency Between Sta, Ra, And Sv Grafts Of Intracranial Aneurysms Of The Internal Carotid Artery, Nassos Tziviskos, Hallie Tiburzi, Susrut Dube May 2025

Comparison Of Graft Patency Between Sta, Ra, And Sv Grafts Of Intracranial Aneurysms Of The Internal Carotid Artery, Nassos Tziviskos, Hallie Tiburzi, Susrut Dube

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Abstract

Background: Patients with intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms that are not amenable to treatments like coiling, stenting, or clipping have limited treatment options. One option is vascular bypass of the aneurysm to introduce a stable route for cerebral perfusion, which can be performed using the superficial temporal artery (STA) or alternatively radial artery (RA) or saphenous vein (SV) grafts, among other vessels.

Methods: The major databases were searched to identify studies that explored graft patency and functional outcome for patients who underwent bypass for intracranial ICA aneurysms with STA, RA, or SV grafts and proportion meta-analysis was performed. …


Establishing The Dose-Response Effect Of Myofascial Release On Muscle Physiology, Sanjana Davuluri, Seth Spicer, Tyler Pigott May 2025

Establishing The Dose-Response Effect Of Myofascial Release On Muscle Physiology, Sanjana Davuluri, Seth Spicer, Tyler Pigott

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Context: Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is often indicated for back pain due to its high tolerability and post-treatment improvement in patients’ self-reported pain and functionality. Specifically, myofascial release (MFR) has been found to yield a significant improvement in both symptoms and quality of life. Until recently, there has not been much data published about the quantifiable effect of MFR and other OMT modalities on muscle physiology, especially taking treatment dose and force into consideration. Therefore, quantifying the changes in muscle characteristics through myotonometry would greatly benefit the field of osteopathic medicine in order to create more personalized treatment plans …


Efficacy Of Platelet Rich Plasma On Thumb Basal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review, Vrushank Shah, Alexander King May 2025

Efficacy Of Platelet Rich Plasma On Thumb Basal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review, Vrushank Shah, Alexander King

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a potential treatment for carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis, with studies suggesting it may offer more durable symptom relief compared to corticosteroids. A comprehensive review of four studies, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a retrospective study, and a pilot study, revealed that both PRP and corticosteroid injections led to short-term improvements in pain and function. However, PRP demonstrated significantly better long-term outcomes, with VAS scores decreasing from 75 to 20 in the PRP group at 12 months, compared to a modest reduction from 70 to 65 in the corticosteroid group. Additionally, PRP showed a …


Personalizing Intermittent Fasting: The Role Of Microbiome Diversity And Fiber Intake In Shaping Health Outcomes, Jana Gjini, Robin Moore, Venkateswar Venkataraman May 2025

Personalizing Intermittent Fasting: The Role Of Microbiome Diversity And Fiber Intake In Shaping Health Outcomes, Jana Gjini, Robin Moore, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Intermittent fasting (IF) has been linked to improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and increased longevity in animal models. These effects are thought to be mediated through changes in the gut microbiome. Murine studies consistently show that IF enhances microbial diversity and promotes beneficial species like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, improving metabolic profiles and gut barrier function. However, human studies reveal inconsistent results, suggesting that individual-level factors such as baseline microbiome composition and fiber intake may influence response to IF.

HYPOTHESIS: Baseline gut microbiome diversity and habitual dietary fiber intake modulate the metabolic and inflammatory benefits of intermittent fasting in humans. …


Early Celiac Plexus Block In Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer, Brian Fardman, Christina Sheedy, Joshua Raymond May 2025

Early Celiac Plexus Block In Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer, Brian Fardman, Christina Sheedy, Joshua Raymond

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Both Early and Delayed Celiac Plexus Blocks (CPBs) have been used in pancreatic cancer. Early CPB is completed when criteria for CPB is initially met, whereas Delayed CPB is implemented only after recalcitrant pain persists. We describe the benefit of early CPB in pancreatic cancer management.


Rare Jugular Bulb Tumor Presenting As Bilateral Papilledema, Yoona Choe, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka May 2025

Rare Jugular Bulb Tumor Presenting As Bilateral Papilledema, Yoona Choe, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Optic disc edema, which may arise from a range of inflammatory, ischemic, compressive, infiltrative, or hereditary causes, can also indicate elevated intracranial pressure in the form of papilledema. Given its potential association with life-threatening conditions such as mass lesions or venous sinus thrombosis, timely identification and thorough evaluation are critical. In this case, a 61-year-old female presented with a complaint of a new-onset floater in her left eye. Despite minimal symptoms and an unremarkable systemic review, dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with hyperemia and hemorrhages, prompting urgent neuroimaging. MRI and MRV identified venous thrombi in the right …


The Effective Utilization Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Early Melanoma Detection, Svetlana Filiche May 2025

The Effective Utilization Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In Early Melanoma Detection, Svetlana Filiche

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Melanoma, while comprising only 1% of skin cancer cases, accounts for a high mortality rate due to its ability to metastasize if not detected early. Traditional face-to-face dermatologic evaluations provide limited access to care, resulting in delayed diagnoses.

Significance:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a novel approach to improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility by alleviating strain on healthcare resources in medically underserved areas.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted using studies published in the last ten years. Eligible resources included case reports, clinical studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, reviews, and systematic reviews in English. Studies that were repetitive or inapplicable were …