Third Annual Resident and Fellow Exposition winners announced

USA Health College of Medicine residents and fellows competed at the Third Annual Resident and Fellow Exposition on Thursday, May 23, at the Strada Patient Care Center.

Participants displayed scholarly studies from research projects, quality improvement projects, and patient safety and advocacy projects. Cash prizes of $300 were awarded to winners in two poster categories. The event drew 27 entries and more than 60 visitors, and was hosted by the Graduate Medical Education Committee.

“The exposition gives residents and fellows a place to showcase their work,” said Dr. Samuel McQuiston, assistant dean of graduate medical education and associate professor of radiology. “Another benefit of this event is to disseminate information about their work to other departments.”

Winning projects by category included:

Clinical and Translational Research

Dr. Daniel Kim won for “Outcomes Following Occipitocervical Fusion for Complex Suboccipital Spine Pathology.” (Co-authors: Dr. Mark Prevost, Kelsey Templeton, Dennis Foster, Dr. Anthony Martino, Dr. George Rusyniak.)

Kim’s research looked at the outcomes of 47 patients suffering from suboccipital spine trauma, assessing their neurologic function and examining the angle of the fusion.

The research found that the fusion procedure improved neurological outcomes with low rates of complications. Rates of infection and revision surgery were comparable to previously published rates. Four hospital deaths occurred due to other health conditions. The study also found that correct fusion position was crucial to avoid complications and further surgery.

Quality Improvement or Patient Safety

Anthony M. Todd, PharmD, won for “Development of an Inappropriate Prescribing Protocol for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Family Medicine Clinic.” (Co-authors: Nicole A. Slater, PharmD; Barry E. Porter, Ph.D.; and Hayley R. McCarron, PharmD.)

Todd led a study analyzing the medical records of 143 elderly diabetic patients in a family practice setting to see whether those with cardiovascular disease were more likely to be prescribed inappropriate medications. The researchers found no significant impact on prescribing patterns in that group.

The study sets the stage for further research assessing the root causes of inappropriately prescribed medications for the elderly, Todd said.