Medical Specialties Commons^™

Identifying Barriers To Covid-19 Vaccination In Hispanic Populations, Saul O. Castillo, Kurt R. Wharton

Posters

Vaccination hesitancy has always been an issue within marginalized communities. This is why it came as no surprise when the COVID-19 vaccine was met with resistance upon its release1. However, it has been many years since the FDA approved the first COVID19 vaccine and on some level, COVID-19 has become a part of our daily lives. This means that people have had time to determine how they feel about the COVID19 vaccine and reflect on their decisions to receive or decline the vaccine.

There are many reasons as to why people choose to receive or decline the COVID-19 vaccine. This …

Clinician’S Perspective On Reproductive Healthcare & Reproductive Health Rights In Southeast Michigan, Skylar Sundquist, Kurt Wharton

Posters

Reproductive healthcare is essential care that includes family planning, assisted reproductive technologies, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and treatment, abortion access, and sexual health education. Unfortunately, reproductive healthcare and reproductive rights are often the subject of erosive litigation. This litigation limits individuals’ access to reproductive healthcare thereby inhibiting individuals’ ability to exert autonomy over their health. In June of 2022, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Dobbs in the case of Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This ruling effectively overturned the 1973 Roe v Wade decision and ended the protected right to access abortion care. After the …

A Systematic Review Of Weight Loss Interventions Among Black Postpartum Women, Jhelma Velveder Perez

Honors Scholar Theses

Cardiovascular disease is a leading contributor to maternal mortality, which remains disproportionately high among Black women. Obesity and postpartum weight retention exacerbate cardiovascular disease risk and increase the likelihood of complications in future pregnancies. Weight loss during the postpartum period may reduce long-term chronic health risks and mortality for Black women. This systematic review aimed to understand the weight-related health needs of Black postpartum women by evaluating behavioral weight loss interventions within the first year after childbirth. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database identified 3 randomized controlled trials that met inclusion criteria. These studies evaluated home-based programs, mobile health …

Heart To Heart: Exploring Why Cardiovascular Risk Is Higher In South Asians, Jasjeet Kaur Dhaliwal

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality, but South Asians experience a disproportionately high burden of disease, often developing CVD at younger ages and with lower body mass indices compared to other populations. This project explores the underlying genetic and lifestyle factors contributing to elevated cardiovascular risk in South Asians, aiming to highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and policy reforms.

A literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies, meta-analyses, and reviews published between 2007 and 2024. After screening 47 initial articles, 18 were selected for analysis based on their relevance to genetic and lifestyle risk …

Case Report: An Unexpected Case Of Spinal Cord Infarction, Julian Coz, Brittany Fera

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of an 89-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with acute bilateral lower extremity weakness after physical exertion. His clinical examination revealed paraplegia, and imaging studies suggested spinal cord infarction (SCI) secondary to presumed atherosclerotic embolism, despite the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The differential diagnosis for acute paraplegia in the elderly is broad, including conditions like stroke, spinal cord compression, transverse myelitis, and tick paralysis. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of SCI, particularly when the patient lacks overt risk factors for vascular disease. Despite aggressive management, including permissive hypertension and anticoagulation, the …

Case Report: Transverse Myelitis In The Setting Of Generalized Weakness, Aloysius Ibe, Brittany Fera

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 79-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Department for generalized weakness and was diagnosed with transverse myelitis. The differential for generalized weakness is vast but for a patient who is able to perform activities of daily living with no assistance to now being unable to ambulate puts cauda equina, stroke, and brain lesion at the forefront until MRI gave the definitive diagnosis of transverse myelitis. Transverse myelitis (TM) is a neurologic disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, specifically the material called myelin sheath that covers the nerve cell fibers.

Case Report: Cold Urticaria Diagnosed In The Emergency Department, Philip Carhart, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Cold urticaria can be primary (idiopathic) or can be due to underlying hematologic or infectious diseases. Here we present the case of a young female patient with no past medical history who was diagnosed with cold urticaria in the emergency department setting, using a cold stimulation test. Most cases are idiopathic. The reaction can be triggered in individual cases by exposure to cold objects or to generalized cold ambient temperatures, as was the case in the patient presented here. The physical response is most commonly pruritic wheals (urticaria). However, more severe symptoms may occur up to angioedema with hoarseness and …

Impact Of The Acgme Merger On Ophthalmology Match Success: A Pre- And Post-Merger Comparative Analysis, Anna Flts

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

In 2020, the ACGME merger unified the residency match process for MD and DO applicants into a single, standardized system. The merger aimed to promote equity in graduate medical education by streamlining training pathways and matching processes across applicant backgrounds.

Hypothesis

Despite the merger’s goal of standardization and equity, disparities in ophthalmology match outcomes between MD and DO applicants may persist.

Methods

Data from the SF Match and AUPO were collected for ophthalmology applicants from 2016 to 2024. Applicants were divided into pre-merger (2016–2019) and post-merger (2020–2024) cohorts. Match rates for MD and DO applicants were calculated and compared …

The Presence Of Cardiac Arrhythmias Impacts Hospitalized Patients With Celiac Disease, Rahul Patel, Tirth Patel, Darshan Patel, Trinava Roy, Sachin Prasad, Paul Gill, Rafail Beshai, Joshua Soliman, Brian Blair, C. Jonathan Foster

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Celiac disease has links to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and sarcoidosis. The latter 3 also have cardiovascular manifestations associated with them. However, there are limited studies on the in-hospital outcomes of Celiac disease with cardiac manifestations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the hospital outcomes of Celiac disease with concomitant arrhythmias.

Methods

Patients aged 18 years with Celiac disease and arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardia) versus Celiac Disease alone were identified from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), from the years 2019-2020. ICD 10 codes were utilized. Multivariate …

Musculoskeletal Changes In Pregnancy: Implications For Long-Term Bone & Joint Health, Jaylyn Thompson, Clarence Julian Clark Ii, Nayarith Lopez, Aziza Ndaw

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pregnancy and lactation represent significant physiological challenges to maternal skeletal health, with substantial implications for both short and long-term musculoskeletal integrity. Research emphasizes that lactation induces notable skeletal adaptations, with up to 10% bone mineral density loss occurring in trabecular-rich regions such as the spine and hip (1,5). While most women experience substantial recovery post-weaning, the research indicates that recovery patterns vary significantly, with some women experiencing incomplete restoration of bone mass, potentially compromising long-term skeletal strength (3).

The underlying mechanisms driving these changes are primarily hormonal, with elevated parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and decreased estrogen levels during lactation facilitating …

Cardiovascular Effects Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Non-Diabetic Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review, Mariam Abdeen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals with obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed for glycemic control in diabetes, are now approved for weight loss in non-diabetic populations. Recent clinical trials suggest these agents may also offer direct cardiovascular benefits.

Objective: This literature review aims to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide, in non-diabetic adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in January 2025 using PubMed as the primary database, supplemented by Google Scholar and Embase. Clinical trials were selected based on …

Addressing Pain Management Practices And Potential Under-Medication Of Women During Iud Insertion Procedures, Malgorzata Zembrzuska

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the most effective and safe contraceptive options available to women, yet their utilization often remains limited due in part to fear of pain, lack of adequate pain management during insertion, and absence of standardized clinical guidelines. This literature review explores current pain management strategies for IUD insertion and examines the potential under-medication of women during this procedure. Ten sources were reviewed, including randomized controlled trials, a clinical trial, linear regression analyses, and meta-analyses, with inclusion criteria focusing on pain interventions for IUD insertion in women over the past decade. Findings reveal that commonly used interventions—such …

Analysis Of Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, And Cholesterol Screening Results Collected During Street Outreach Events In Atlantic County, New Jersey, As Part Of A Mobile Community Health Worker Program To Identify Residents At High Risk For Severe Covid-19, Kenneth W. Stagliano, Richard T. Jermyn, Alexander E. Abbott, Donato F. Tassoni, Amy Palen, Frank Carozza, Nicole M. Miller

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: This study seeks to evaluate the status of random blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screening results in Atlantic County, NJ. This study also aims to identify the rates of hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension within the target population, and potential differences between surveyed age demographics.

Methods: Medical students participating in the COVID-19 CHW Service Corps collected blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose screenings at multiple screening events in Atlantic County, NJ during a two-year period. This data was analyzed retrospectively using ANOVA, non-parametric Kruskal Walis Test, and Tukey's pairwise comparisons.

Results: Senior adults had significantly higher SBP than …

Assessing The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Mental Health In Patients Presenting To A Student-Run Free Clinic, Sabah Iqbal, Kirsten Carlberg, Emily Reilly, Jessica Ivanov, Victoria Youssef, Lily Roessler, Maikel Monsour, Nils Brolis

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

Mental health is an important part of patient care, therefore it is imperative to understand how it’s recognized and treated. Socioeconomic status and the COVID19 pandemic contribute to disproportionate incidences of mental illness^{1, 2, 10, 11, 12}. This study uses data from a student-run clinic, the Rowan-Virtua Community Health Center (RVCHC), to examine disparities in mental health needs and screenings among the local population.

Hypothesis

It was hypothesized that underserved populations are at a disadvantage when it comes to both mental health screenings and treatment due to restricted access to healthcare and other unmet needs. Additionally, the …

The Impact Of Environmental Deficiencies On Maternal Health Outcomes, Zahra Wallizadeh, Emiyah Bullock, Antoinette Jones, Katarina Rusinak

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

This study examines the environmental factors contributing to adverse maternal health outcomes in New Jersey, with particular focus on their disproportionate impact on minority women. Analysis of data from PubMed, Policy Map, NIH, CDC, EPA, and the New Jersey Department of Health reveals that women living in low-income areas face significant environmental challenges, including food deserts, air pollution, unsafe living conditions, inadequate infrastructure, and limited transportation options. These environmental determinants exacerbate maternal stress and contribute to complications such as preterm birth and hypertension. Black women are nearly three times more vulnerable to these adverse outcomes compared to white women, highlighting …

Examining The Relationship Between Nutritional Access And Childhood Obesity In Low-Resource South Jersey Communities, Anastasiya Matveyenko, Saul Madrid-Flores, Arleen Fortuna, Kirsten Marie Carlberg

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is defined as a child considered to have obesity when their body mass index falls in the top 5% compared to other children of the same age and gender. Unhealthy eating habits formed during childhood have been associated with diseases such as obesity and diabetes. We aim to examine the relationship between childhood obesity and barriers to optimal nutrition in our local South Jersey community.

METHODS: We conducted a literature review through Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed utilizing the key terms, “low socioeconomic status (SES),” “Childhood obesity in NJ,” “Nutritional Intervention,” and “Health Risks.”

RESULTS: Our study …

Custom Gene Panel Sequencing Of Fevr Patients And Family Members, Rima Stepanian, Gabrielle Abdelmessih, Kim Drenser, Antonio Capone Jr, Michael T. Trese, Wendy Dailey, Ken Mitton

Posters

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, or FEVR, defines a group of inherited retinal diseases marked by abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, causing poor vascular development in the peripheral retina. It is linked to increased vessel permeability and may result in retinal ischemia, exudative retinal detachment, and subsequent vision loss. It can be inherited through autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked recessive patterns. There is no definitive treatment or cure, but is treated based on staging of disease on an individual case-by-case basis. Genomics is a rapidly growing field in personalized medicine. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) enables fast and cost-effective identification …

Patient Education And Health Literacy Effects On Statin Use And Adherence, Ian M. Smith, Richard G. Olarsch, Alison M. Mancuso

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: While the use of statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) plays a significant role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, it is estimated approximately 60% of patients who would benefit from a statin are receiving these medications. Current research suggests that a preference for life-style intervention over medical management, concern over medical adverse reactions, and a lower perceived risk of cardiovascular events is associated with statin non-adherence.

Methods: An IRB-approved paper survey was administered to patients aged 18 to 89 at an ambulatory primary care clinic for non-acute visits. Qualtrics was utilized to collect, store, and process data. Information elicited from …

Scoping Literature Review: The Role Of Leptin In Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) And Associated Obesity, Diana B. Riestra, Andrea Iannuzzelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Overweight and obesity (OW/OB) are significant concerns among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), yet the underlying causes remain unclear. Emerging evidence points to metabolic and hormonal factors—particularly leptin, a hormone involved in appetite regulation—as potential contributors. This scoping review examined five key studies from 2003 to 2024 that investigated the relationship between leptin and ASD in overweight populations. Across studies, individuals with ASD consistently exhibited elevated leptin levels compared to controls. While some findings also noted changes in other adipokines, such as lower resistin or progranulin, leptin was the most consistently dysregulated. These patterns suggest systemic alterations in energy …

Barriers To Care For Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome In Southern New Jersey, Gabriela Taslitsky, Hijab Zaidi, Nafisa Zalil

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a spectrum of clinical manifestations seen in newborns due to withdrawal secondary to intrauterine illicit and/or prescription drug exposure. Newborns with NAS present with common signs of withdrawal such as poor feeding, irritability, seizures, hypertonicity, low birth weight, loose stool, and premature birth. Maternal opioid use is the most common cause of NAS and with the increase in opioid use in the past decade the cases of NAS have also increased. This study examines the prevalence and challenges associated with NAS in Southern New Jersey. Our analysis reveals that Atlantic and Gloucester counties reported the …

The Effectiveness Of Ras Treatment In Improving Gait Patterns In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Literature Review, Vivian Huang, Andrea Hunt, Alicia Chopyk

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving the loss of dopaminergic neurons leading to symptoms such as tremor and gait disturbance. This results in the classic shuffling gait: stooped posture, variation in stride length, variation in cadence, reduced gait velocity, inability to maintain a steady rhythm, and an increased fear of falling. This study’s objective is to review the current literature on the use of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS)Ⓡ as a treatment option for PD. Previous research has looked at RASⓇ as a potential non-pharmacologic treatment because researchers hypothesize that listening to music produces an external rhythm that the …

Case Report: Alpha Gal Syndrome, Eric Haljasmaa, David Parkes, Wayne Tamaska

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 40-year-old male who presented with sensation of throat closing and shortness of breath while at work at a meat processing facility. The differential diagnosis of shortness of breath is throat closing includes, but is not limited to, allergic reactions to antibiotics in meat, allergy to food additives, Symptom triggers are useful in identifying causes and a good supporting history and exposures can help with diagnosis. In this case, the patient had a known diagnosis of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) which is a tick-bite associated, possibly life-threatening immunoglobin E-mediated (IgE) hypersensitivity to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). The patient …

Case Report : Perilunate Fracture After A Fall On An Outstretched Hand, Meghna Kurup, Nicholas Tomasello, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 44-year-old male that presented to the emergency department (ED) with a fall on his outstretched hand and was subsequently diagnosed to have a trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation. He underwent closed reduction of the dislocation in the ED and operative management ten days later. While wrist injuries are common in the ED, it is important to diagnose perilunate and lunate dislocations early as they can often be associated with avascular necrosis, neurological injury and poor functional outcomes if not managed in a timely manner.

Case Report: Heating Pad Usage Leading To Rhabdomyolysis And Acute Kidney Injury, Meghna Kurup, Swet Patel, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report the case of a 26-year-old male with a significant psychiatric and substance use history who came to the emergency department (ED) with deep partial second degree burns to his back subsequent to using a heating pad for unknown periods of time prior to presentation. Rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury that occurred in this patient due to his burns. It is important to understand that although beneficial, if heating pads are misused or overused, they can cause injury.

A Case Report Of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Presenting With Diabetes Insipidus, Lan Ngo, Adam Kandil

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is characterized by decreased secretion or action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), resulting in polyuria, polydipsia, and potential electrolyte disturbances. Severe hypernatremia secondary to uncontrolled DI can manifest with neurologic symptoms including seizure-like activity. This case report discusses a case of central DI arising from damage to the pituitary gland as the first presentation of a brain tumor, in the context of a 56-year-old patient who presented with seizure-like activity and sensory changes.

Case Report: Lamotrigine-Induced Rash In An Adult Patient, Dhruvin Patel, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Lamotrigine (Lamictal®) is a commonly prescribed anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication. One of the rare but serious adverse effects of lamotrigine is the development of a drug-induced rash, which can be potentially life-threatening. This case report highlights the occurrence of a drug-induced rash in a 33-year-old female patient who was prescribed lamotrigine for the management of bipolar disorder. The patient presented with a characteristic rash, and following timely intervention, the rash resolved without complications. This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring for early signs of rash in patients receiving lamotrigine and outlines management strategies.

Ultrasound-Guided Vs. Fluoroscopy Guided Steroid Injection For Lumbar Spine Pain On Functional And Pain Outcomes: A Systematic Review, Yashas Sattur, Akash Patel, Alec Birnbaum, Athena Nomula

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Fluoroscopy-guided steroid injections are standard for lumbar spine pain but involve radiation. Ultrasound offers a safer, radiation-free alternative. Ultrasound-guided injections are non-inferior in improving pain and function. A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Studies in adults comparing ultrasound and fluoroscopy-guided injections reporting VAS, NRS, or ODI were included. Fifteen studies showed both techniques significantly improved pain and function, with no consistent superiority. Ultrasound-guided injections are effective and safe, providing comparable outcomes to fluoroscopy while eliminating radiation exposure.

Case Report: Ruptured Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Jenna Rapone

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening vascular emergency with high mortality rates. We report a case of a 79-year-old male with no reported past medical history but a significant lifelong smoking history who presented to the emergency department with generalized weakness, lower abdominal pain, hypotension, tachycardia, and a reported syncopal episode. Emergency medical services (EMS) found the patient at home during a welfare check, appearing pale and weak. Upon movement from his bed to a stretcher, he experienced a syncopal episode, became tachycardic, and was transiently hypoxic. Initial laboratory studies revealed a hemoglobin of 13 g/dL, hematocrit …

Case Report: Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension With Venous Sinus Stenosis In A Young Female, Zain Raza

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 19-year-old female who presented with transient, painless left eye vision loss and left-sided headache for 2 weeks. The patient, a known carrier of TTN mutation, which is a gene code for titin (mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern). The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension secondary to bilateral transverse sigmoid venous sinus stenosis. The differential diagnosis included ocular migraine, transient ischemic attack) and optic neuritis, but subsequent imaging and lumbar puncture revealed elevated intracranial pressure and significant venous stenosis. This case highlights the importance of an early identification and intervention to …

Unusual Path: Gallstone Ileus With Pneumobilia And Jejunal Obstruction, Kristine Rubi, Kelly Schuitema, Russell Mordecai, James Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We present a case of a 48-year-old female with two-day history of diffuse abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. She was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction due to gallstone ileus. Diagnosis is usually challenging due to its nonspecific presentation, but computed tomography reveals the classic findings of Rigler’s triad -- pneumobilia, bowel obstruction, and an ectopic gallstone. The patient underwent laparoscopy with enterolithotomy with subsequent resolution of symptoms. Prompt diagnosis through imaging and timely surgical intervention is critical for in preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.