Enhancing Dissemination at Medical Conferences: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach for Learners

Empowering novice authors, particularly trainees and learners, this perspective piece integrates a cross-disciplinary approach to bolster scholarly dissemination at medical conferences. Through a tripartite methodology — Innovate, Implement, and Influence — the article first delves into innovation, offering four essential heuristics sourced from diverse fields, guiding the germination of ideas. Next, it demystifies the transformation of these ideas into research abstracts through a structured blueprint. The finale encompasses strategies to create compelling presentations that resonate with audiences. Woven throughout is an emphasis on craftsman-like precision in idea execution, fostering relationships, and engaging genuinely with content while maintaining audience-centricity. This blueprint conveys that scholarly dissemination, approached with meticulousness and collaborative spirit, is the cornerstone of healthcare innovation

Scholarly Activity in Residency: A Needs Assessment of Challenges and Proposed Solutions

Introduction Resident physician participation in scholarly activity is associated with significant benefits ranging from trainees’ personal development to improved quality of patient care. Residency programs have taken varied approaches to improve resident engagement in scholarship, though interventions have demonstrated mixed results regarding objective measures of scholarly productivity. Concerns regarding waining interest in scholarship amongst internal medicine residents prompted a department-wide needs assessment to evaluate opportunities for scholarship and challenges preventing resident participation. Methods A web-based survey was developed and distributed to Department of Internal Medicine faculty and residents at the PGY2 level or higher and recent graduates within the last year prior to the study. We investigated perceived opportunities for resident scholarship, perceived challenges with resident scholarly activity, preferences regarding scholarly projects, and faculty experiences with mentorship. Descrptive statistics were used to describe survey responses. Results Faculty and trainees shared similar perceptions of inadequate opportunities for resident participation in scholarly activity and endorsed a preference to join ongoing projects early in their course as opposed to starting new projects or joining projects near their completion. Both groups identified lack of resident time as a barrier to resident participation in scholarly activity but faculty were more likely to report lack of resident aptitude for research and lack of faculty time and aptitude for mentorship as challenges. Conclusions Residents and faculty are not aware of all the resources in place to support scholarship opportunities for trainees. Resident and faculty time is a significant barrier to resident scholarship and further efforts are needed to support faculty and trainee collaboration while mitigating challenges which limit the use of currently available resources. Regular curricular assessment is necessary to ensure that trainees and faculty are aware of available resources and that those resources are meeting the departments specific needs

Recurrent Polymicrobial Bloodstream Infections as Harbingers of a Duodenal-Inferior Vena Cava Fistula

This is a case of an 82-year-old patient who presented with recurrent polymicrobial bloodstream infections and no obvious undrained source of infection. She had prior double barrel iliocaval stenting for post thrombotic syndrome. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and primary repair of a duodenal-caval fistula with a fascia lata patch and an omental pedicle flap. No further bloodstream infections were documented after the repair. This discussion highlights an uncommon complication of IVC stenting, its presentation as well as the operative approach used to repair the fistula

The Value of a Longitudinal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Track for Medical Students: 10-Year Program Evaluation

We surveyed graduates of a longitudinal medical school human immunodeficiency virus curriculum to evaluate its impact. Respondents felt comfortable caring for people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) and found value from the curriculum regardless of ultimate career path. Programs like this contribute to the development of culturally sensitive clinicians comfortable caring for PWH

Customized Blister Packaging for Patients Living with HIV: Assessment of Patient Attitudes and Satisfaction

Adherence to antiretroviral medication results in reduced HIV transmission and improved health outcomes, yet challenges with medication adherence remain. A Collaborative Care Program was developed with a community pharmacy integrating a multi-dose adherence packaging service. We surveyed program participants to assess their satisfaction with this program and found an overall positive sentiment toward the program, that the program helped with reducing missed doses, and all patients would recommend the program to others

Symmetrical Drug-Related Intertriginous and Flexural Exanthema Induced by Cellulitis Prophylaxis

Penicillin VK and hydroxyzine are typically well-tolerated antipruritic agents that are indicated in the prophylaxis of cellulitis. We herein report a case of a unique rash occurring during penicillin VK and hydroxyzine treatment in combination with the ingestion of cashews. A 77-year-old male presented with new onset rash. Eleven days after the administration of penicillin VK and hydroxyzine for cellulitis prophylaxis, he developed a symmetric, erythematous, scaling rash on his buttocks and perineal region with associated pruritus and bleeding without fevers, chills, adenopathy, night sweats, or any other symptoms. He was diagnosed with symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) secondary to systemic treatment, an adverse drug reaction that presents as an erythematous rash involving the skin folds. The condition is also known as “baboon syndrome,” as it predominately affects the buttocks. A good outcome was achieved due to a thorough history and physical, timely diagnosis, and cessation of the offending agents

Pre-travel Health Care Utilization Among Travelers Who Visit Friends and Relatives

Introduction: Immigrants to the United States who return home to visit friends and relatives (VFRs) have high rates of travel-related infections. The data on VFR utilization of pre-travel health care is inadequate. The objective of this study was to describe the travel patterns and adherence to pre-travel recommendations of VFRs.Methods: This retrospective study compared pre-travel health care utilization between VFR and non-VFR patients in one travel clinic from 2012-2013. Study investigators reviewed patients’ electronic medical records for demographic data, travel characteristics, and rates of immunizations and preventive medication prescriptions (i.e. antimalarial prophylaxis and antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea). Categorical variables were compared using chi-square tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model adjusted associations of VFR with completion of pre-travel recommendations.Results: VFRs (n = 393) were younger than non-VFRs (n = 1680), more often required interpreters for language translation, and more commonly had government insurance coverage than non-VFRs. VFRs were more likely to travel to lower-income countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. VFRs had longer durations of travel: 51% for >4 weeks vs. 21% for non-VFRs (P Conclusion: VFRs had longer travel durations and lower rates of vaccine completion than non-VFRs. More research is needed to understand this disparity and to promote changes in practice

How the field of infectious diseases can leverage digital strategy and social media use during a pandemic

Rapid information dissemination is critical in a world changing rapidly due to global threats. Ubiquitous internet access has created new methods of information dissemination that are rapid, far-reaching, and universally accessible. However, inaccuracies may accompany rapid information dissemination, and rigorous evaluation of primary data through various forms of peer review is crucial. In an era in which high-quality information can save lives, it is critical that infectious diseases specialists are well versed in digital strategy to effectively disseminate information to colleagues and the community and diminish voices spreading misinformation. In this study, we review how social media can be used for rapid dissemination of quality information, benefits and pitfalls of social media use, and general recommendations for developing a digital strategy as an infectious diseases specialist. We will describe how the Infectious Diseases Society of America has leveraged digital strategy and social media and how individuals can amplify these resources to disseminate information, provide clinical knowledge, community guidance, and build their own person brand. We conclude in providing guidance to infectious diseases specialists in aiming to build and preserve public trust, consider their audience and specific goals, and use social media to highlight the value of the field of infectious diseases

Addressing and Inspiring Vaccine Confidence in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we have witnessed profound health inequities suffered by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). These manifested as differential access to testing early in the pandemic, rates of severe disease and death 2-3 times higher than white Americans, and, now, significantly lower vaccine uptake compared with their share of the population affected by COVID-19. This article explores the impact of these COVID-19 inequities (and the underlying cause, structural racism) on vaccine acceptance in BIPOC populations, ways to establish trustworthiness of healthcare institutions, increase vaccine access for BIPOC communities, and inspire confidence in COVID-19 vaccines

Thrive: Success Strategies for the Modern-Day Faculty Member

The THRIVE collection is intended to help faculty thrive in their roles as educators, scholars, researchers, and clinicians. Each section contains a variety of thought-provoking topics that are designed to be easily digested, guide personal reflection, and put into action. Please use the THRIVE collection to help: Individuals study topics on their own, whenever and wherever they want Peer-mentoring or other learning communities study topics in small groups Leaders and planners strategically insert faculty development into existing meetings Faculty identify campus experts for additional learning, grand rounds, etc. If you have questions or want additional information on a topic, simply contact the article author or email [email protected]://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/facdev_books/1000/thumbnail.jp