Other Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Thank You To Our 2025-26 Reviewers, Paul B. Freeman Od, Raelyn Ottenbreit Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Reviewers

Outer Macular Holes: A Case Series, Kaitlyn J. Moore Od, Katherine Dunatov Od, Wendy Mcgonigal Od, Karen Reeves Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Outer foveal microdefects (OFMDs) are small focal photoreceptor interruptions that often present with minimal symptoms and are best identified using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Case Series: This report describes three cases of outer foveal microdefects discovered incidentally during routine eye examinations.

Conclusion: These cases highlight the importance of OCT in detecting subtle macular abnormalities that may be missed on clinical examination.

The Other Visual Acuity, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

The Perceived Benefit Of A Degree Requirement In Emergency Medical Services Education And Success, Joseph H. Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: This study sought to assess how graduates of Wallace Community College's paramedic program impacted their readiness for the NREMT Paramedic examination and entering the workforce, specifically comparing those who completed an associate degree to those who completed the certificate program. Methods: This qualitative study analyzed the perspectives of graduates from the paramedic program using a phenomenological approach. Using a purposive sampling technique, nine graduates were chosen for one-on-one interviews, and six were selected for a focus group. Results: Analysis of participant responses revealed three main themes: the perceived value of a degree, student preparedness for the NREMT exam and …

Comparative Analysis Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Implications For Active Learning And Assessment At Various Curricular Levels Of Stem And Health Sciences In Developed Versus Underprivileged Countries, Vinay Munlapudi, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

Today’s all-pervasive emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of its role in education, especially for occupational disciplines in health sciences and STEM. AI has reshaped student learning and instructors’ navigation of the evolving, post coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) global academic landscape. This study aimed at encapsulating evidence-based AI implications for student-centered, active learning and assessment at various curricular levels of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and health sciences education in developed versus underprivileged or less developed countries. An extensive, scoping review of 65 recent, scholarly publications was conducted over six months through diverse search engines (PubMed, Google …

Transforming Advising And Improving Outcomes: Assessing Impacts Of Advising Changes, Amy S. White, Tailisha Gonzalez, Elgloria Harrison

Publications and Research

Abstract

Background: Earning full-time credit loads and persisting are how college students successfully graduate.

Objective: We measured whether credits and persistence at an urban, commuter Hispanic/Minority-Sserving Iinstitution improved after implementing a social work-based advisement strategy.

Methods: Using a quasi-experimental methodology on a college’s enrollment database, we measured the impact of a new advisement model on earned and attempted credit loads to compare traditional student advisement within control groups (n = 171 and n = 899) relative to intervention (n = 130).

Findings: In 2024, the intervention group attempted an average of 14.7 credits and earned an average of 14.3 credits, …

Fractured Focus: Understanding Stress In Second-Year Radiologic Science Students Across Alabama, Kelsi Clotfelter

Honors Theses

Higher education is a period of rapid transition and growing responsibility, where stress often becomes a routine part of students’ lives. In health professional programs, the combined demands of intensive coursework and clinical training can intensify emotional strain and negatively affect overall well-being. Radiography students experience uniquely high levels of academic, clinical, and emotional stress due to the simultaneous demands of didactic coursework, competency-based clinical training, and high-stakes professional expectations. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was employed to evaluate the prevalence, sources, and perceived impact of stress among second-year radiography students across multiple Alabama institutions with the goal of identifying strategies …

Exercise-Induced Gene Expression Profiles In Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Review Of Molecular Adaptation, Brandon Galvan, Luis Alberto Flores, Flor Isela Torres-Rojo, Natanael Cervantes-Hernández, Cinthia Verónica Villegas-Balderrama, Liliana Aracely Enríquez-Del-Castillo

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial and chronic condition characterized by excess adiposity and systemic low-grade inflammation. Exercise exerts metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects partly mediated through gene expression modulation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. However, heterogeneous responses among obese individuals suggest that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms shape exercise adaptation. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the genes and molecular pathways modulated by physical exercise in adults with obesity, and to classify them according to their biological functions across different exercise modalities. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, SpringerLink, Science Direct, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of …

The Effect Of Weight Training With Blood Flow Restriction On Muscle Strength Development In Mma, Tomáš Kozák, Marek Kokinda, Pavel Ružbarský

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of weight training with blood flow restriction (BFR) on explosive power and isokinetic strength in combat athletes. Materials and methods: The sample included 12 male MMA fighters divided into a control (19.50±0.50 years) and an experimental (18.00±1.00 years) group. Participants trained twice weekly for 8 weeks, with BFR in the experimental group. Explosive power was assessed using following tests by Optogait: countermovement push-up, kneeling countermovement push-up and kneeling squat push-up for upper limbs and countermovement jump, countermovement jump with free arms and squat jump for lower limbs. Isokinetic strength was measured by …

Herbularyo (Folk Healer): An Herbal Medicine Card Game, Maryjane T. Magsino, Inah Marie Q. Rivera, Armando M. Guidote, Genejane M. Adarlo

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Herbularyo, a card game teaching about herbal plants (HPs), was created and evaluated as a viable educational card game based on Tuomisto and Aksela’s criteria. A quasi-experiment was performed on 81 Grade 8 students from a private high school and 50 Grade 11 from a public high school. Independent t-test revealed that the control group (CG) and experimental group (EG) (p=0.386), and EG1 (played ≤5) and EG2 (played >5) (p=0.681) are not comparable with each other. Paired t-test showed EG performed better (p=0.001) than CG (p=0.901) whereas ANCOVA showed that playing Herbularyo improved students’ information retention (p=0.006). EG1 and EG2 …

Exploring Clinical Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Students Using Think Aloud During Computerized Patient Simulation, Candra Selene Talylor

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

The objective of this research was to explore the effects of the think aloud (TA) method on the development of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students completing an online simulation assignment. The study aimed to determine if thinking aloud develops clinical reasoning in occupational therapy students as evidenced by a change in clinical reasoning skill scores and investigates the relationship between students' overall clinical simulation competency scores.

This study used a mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data to explore and measure the use of the TA strategy on the development of clinical reasoning skills. The sample from this …

The Effect Of Low And High-Carbohydrate Diets On Memory Performance In College Students, Samia Baugh, Zoe Zajko, Jamie Analuisa, Ivanna Jacome

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the brain and play an important role in processes related to memory performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a low-carbohydrate diet compared to a high-carbohydrate diet on memory performance in college students aged 18–22 years. For the purposes of this study, a low-carbohydrate diet is defined as a diet providing fewer than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day, while a high-carbohydrate diet provides approximately 325 grams of carbohydrates. This population is particularly important to study because college students experience high academic demands that require strong memory …

Iris Melanoma: A Case Report And Review, Emily Scully Od, Breyne Middleton Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Uveal melanoma is the most common primary cancer of the eye. It can be diagnosed with fundus exam and ancillary tests. Metastasis occurs in about half of primary uveal melanoma patients and is very often fatal. The liver is the most common site of metastasis. Iris melanomas are the least common type of uveal melanoma. Choroidal and ciliary body melanoma are the most common. Iris nevi are quite common and the rate of transformation into melanoma is low but early detection is critical given the high mortality rate associated with metastasis.

Case Report: This case highlights the importance of …

Focal Choroidal Excavation Associated With Resolved Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, Loren W. Bennett Od, Katherine M. Mehalik Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Focal choroidal excavation is a localized concavity of the choroid within the macula defined by its appearance on optical coherence tomography. The condition is typically nonprogressive and often an incidental finding. It may not impact vision, although it can be associated with other visually significant macular pathologies.

Case Report: A 48-year-old male patient presented with a recent history of blurred vision in the left eye. A dilated fundus examination revealed a discrete area of pigment mottling in the macula; both the history and clinical appearance were consistent with resolved central serous chorioretinopathy. Optical coherence tomography did not show residual …

We Are Each One Second Away From Being Someone Else's Patient, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Birdshot Chorioretinopathy: A Review Of Diagnosis And Treatment, Jill Gottehrer Od, Steven Follansbee Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Birdshot chorioretinopathy is a rare, bilateral chronic uveitis resulting in choroidal and retinal inflammation in the form of vasculitis, papillitis, and/or macular edema. For an accurate diagnosis, a thorough patient history, fundoscopic exam, and appropriate ancillary testing are necessary.

Case Report: A 49-year-old male presented to the eye clinic due to vitreous floaters in both eyes that had worsened over the last year. The patient was new to the clinic with no prior history of eye examinations. At presentation, a mild vitritis was noted along with small, multiple white dots in the posterior pole of both eyes. Ancillary testing, …

Coaching In Undergraduate And Graduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review Of Success Factors, Barriers, And Outcomes Data File, Binata Mukherjee, Jenna Pfleeger, Haidee Custodio, Maria Renee Roca, Gurupreet Khalsa, Clista Clanton

University Research Data and Datasets

The data in this file support the findings of the following study.

Purpose: Wanting to implement a sustainable learner coaching program in academic medicine and prior exposure to coaching initiatives raised questions including planning, implementation and assessment, and resource allocation. This scoping review examines coaching across medical learners, reported program elements, success factors, and barriers.

Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, informed by Levac et al. on Arskey and O’Malley’s framework and Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis, PubMed, Scopus, and ERIC was searched through May 2024. Articles were screened, data extracted, and coded. A mixed methods analysis included descriptive statistics and thematic …

Increasing Confidence Of Respiratory Therapy Students In Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Using Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice, Heather Ashley

Theses

Background: Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) simulation has emerged as an innovative approach to strengthening confidence among healthcare learners and professionals. Grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, RCDP emphasizes structured repetition, immediate feedback, and skill refinement through cycles of performance, reflection, and reapplication.

Methods: Senior-level respiratory therapy students participated in either a traditional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) simulation or an RCDP CPR simulation as part of their scheduled coursework. After completing the simulation, students participated in a post‑simulation survey, and scores were compared between the two groups.

Results: Confidence was evident across both simulation methods, and students indicated increased self‑confidence following …

Visual Aids And Numeracy In Healthcare: Leveraging The Drawing Effect, Zephyr J. Markley

Capstone Showcase

Healthcare decisions often require patients to interpret numerical risk information under stress, yet many struggle with low numeracy, which can distort comprehension and undermine informed consent. Well-designed visual aids can improve diagnostic inference, calibrate confidence, and support better choices, especially for patients with limited numeracy, but their impact depends on whether users can actually interpret the format accurately. Drawing may further enhance these tools by adding a tactile, generative layer that engages visual, semantic, and motoric processing while helping patients organize information into concrete models.

Passive visual aids appear useful but limited because they often position patients as observers rather …

Thank You To Our 2024/2025 Reviewers, Paul B. Freeman Od, Brian K. Foutch Od, Phd

Optometric Clinical Practice

Reviewers

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion After Covid-19, Danielle Kalberer Od, Mba, Grace Tan Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: A healthy, 39-year-old male patient presented with sudden onset, painless vision loss of the right eye’s superior visual field two months after a mild case of COVID-19.

Case Report: The patient was diagnosed with an acute branch retinal artery occlusion and referred to the emergency department for prompt evaluation. When the emergency workup was unremarkable the patient was referred to cardiology and hematology and follow up with a retinal specialist. The exhaustive systemic work-up was unremarkable other than recent COVID-19. Retinal perfusion to the affected area resumed in the weeks after the incident but irreversible vision loss occurred.

Conclusion: …

Ocular Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report, Erica Vanderpool Od, Carla Gilbertson Kuiken Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by faulty transmission at the neuromuscular junction leading to fatigable muscular weakness. Ocular MG is distressing in that it can cause visual difficulties, but generalized MG can be life-threatening. MG is an acquired disorder that can easily be overlooked in clinic and is commonly misdiagnosed. Providers should be aware of the clinical features of this condition, as well as the critical testing needed to confirm the diagnosis so the appropriate management course can be implemented.

Case Report: This case features a 67-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with ocular myasthenia gravis …

Treatment Considerations For Early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma In Active-Duty Military, Ridwan Carim-Sanni Od, Danielle Kalberer Od, Mba

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. The tools available to treat glaucoma via intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction include pharmacological therapy or surgical intervention.

Case Report: This case study explores these tools in the context of glaucoma in active-duty military personnel. It involves an active-duty army patient diagnosed with early Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) who was initially prescribed IOP-lowering medication. Barriers in treatment compliance occurred while the patient was deployed that led to significant glaucomatous changes detected when the patient returned stateside.

Conclusion: This report suggests a shift from the traditional pharmacological …

Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane For Corneal Epithelial Abrasions: Case Series, Laura Goldberg Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Background: Corneal abrasions are one of the most frequent ocular conditions encountered in the emergency department and can lead to significant morbidity and visual impairment. Amniotic membrane has inherent anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties that help accelerate epithelialization and help prevent the complications known to be associated with corneal injuries. Herein we assessed the time till complete epithelialization after in-office application of cryopreserved amniotic membrane in cases of traumatic corneal abrasions in the acute setting.

Case Reports: A total of ten eyes (5 right eye; 5 left eye) of ten consecutive patients (8 Male; 2 Female; average age 40.9 ± 17.8 …

Learning From Our Future Colleagues, One Case At A Time, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Editorial

Influence Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Anatomy Higher Education Around The World, Sneh Patel, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) disrupted the higher education sector worldwide in several disciplines, especially those in healthcare as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that require active, experiential learning via practical application of concepts centering around anatomy. Dynamic instructional and technological interventions took place rapidly in an effort to minimize the adverse repercussions of moving away from traditional means of education in these critical scientific fields. COVID-19 necessitated administrators, faculty, students, and interns at colleges, universities, medical/ healthcare science programs and residencies to pursue teaching, learning, and assessment of anatomy courses/curricula through innovative strategies without compromising …

Enhancing Cataract Surgery Outcomes: Optimal Use Of Pre- And Post-Operative Eye Drops, Keith Skolnick M.D., Anu Valiaveedu

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Many preoperative and postoperative cataract patients struggle with comprehending the use of prescription medication as directed. Language barriers and low health literacy levels are major factors contributing to improper use of prescriptions. To increase patients comprehension, the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute employed an educational intervention consisting of a live presentation and an instructional video. Results found that 44% of patients were hesitant to ask questions to clinical staff, 32% felt overwhelmed, and nearly 70% lacked confidence in using their prescribed eye drops. Following the intervention, 91% of patients reported increased confidence in their medications, and most indicated that the video …

Allied Health Student's Attitudes And Beliefs On Health Literacy Issues Focused On The Non-Native English-Speaking Community, Amy I. Thompson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Today's allied health students and their professors are faced with many challenges, including the low level of health literacy among the United States population. Healthy People 2020 defined health literacy as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (Healthy People 2030). This definition was expanded in Healthy People 2030, to include concepts related to personal and organizational health literacy. Social determinates, such as a language barrier, further complicates an already complex situation with health literacy levels. This focus group, interview-based qualitative …

Optimizing Transfer Classification: Enhancing Accuracy And Reducing Readmission Rate Penalties For Cardiovascular Care In Short-Term Rehab, Aeshia Hicks

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: In a short-term rehabilitation (STR) setting, misclassification of planned hospital transfers as unplanned readmissions among elderly cardiovascular patients inflated CMS-reported readmission rates, distorted performance metrics, and led to financial penalties under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). A gap analysis revealed a 14% misclassification rate, significantly higher than the CMS benchmark of 8.65%, which was attributed to inconsistent documentation and a lack of standardized classification criteria.

Aim of the Project: To reduce transfer misclassification by 20% through the implementation of a standardized electronic health record (EHR) template and targeted staff education, thereby improving CMS compliance and documentation integrity in …

Valproic Acid Loaded Niosomal In Situ Gel: A Novel Approach For Epilepsy Treatment, Rutuja Bastapure, Akshay Gawali, Gopal Lohiya, Kranti Satpute, Mahesh Birajdar, Sameep Sonvane

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Valproic acid is an antiepileptic medication that is primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. This investigation was designed with three objectives in mind. First, improve the solubility and bioavailability of the BCS class II medicine valproic acid; second, make it easy to give the drug to an epileptic patient during an episode; and third, lower the dosage for long-term treatment. Niosomal formulations were optimized using various Tween and Span range ratios. The formulations were made using the ether injection method. The formulation's morphological characterization, entrapment efficiency, viscosity, and particle size were evaluated. Valproic acid niosomes prepared with Tween …