USA Health pediatrics residents highlight research shaped by faculty mentorship
The presentations covered a range of pediatric topics, including infectious diseases, neonatology, endocrinology, cardiology, and critical care.
By Casandra Andrews
[email protected]
Mentorship from experienced pediatric faculty helps medical students and residents turn clinical questions into research that can advance the care of children. At the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama, that collaboration was on display recently when pediatric residents, students and physicians presented clinical case reports and research projects at the annual meeting of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in Birmingham.
The presentations reflected the Department of Pediatrics' commitment to guiding trainees as they investigate complex medical cases, explore innovative approaches to patient care and develop their skills as physician-scholars, said Benjamin Estrada, M.D., FAAP, FPIDS, professor and chair of pediatrics.
Representing the Whiddon College of Medicine were medical students interested in pediatrics, and pediatric residents with USA Health. Their presentations covered a range of pediatric topics, including infectious diseases, neonatology, endocrinology, cardiology, and critical care, demonstrating how collaboration between faculty mentors and trainees supports scholarly inquiry across multiple divisions and subspecialties.
Among the clinical case presentations was “Disseminated Gonococcal Infection Presenting as Low Back Pain in an Adolescent Patient,” presented by Kamryn Carroll, a fourth-year medical student under the mentorship of Melody Petty, M.D. The case emphasized an unusual manifestation of disseminated gonococcal infection and the importance of maintaining a broad differential diagnosis in adolescents presenting with musculoskeletal complaints.
Additional infectious disease case reports included “Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption (RIME) Secondary to Parainfluenza Virus Type 2,” presented by Rachel Lusk, a fourth-year medical student whose mentors were Estrada and Maria Roca Garcia, M.D., and “Recurrent Group B Streptococcal Septic Shock in a Premature Infant,” presented by Katherine Sims, a fourth-year medical student whose mentor was Linda Hasoneh, M.D. These posters highlighted rare pediatric infectious disease presentations and complex clinical management challenges.
Another presentation was “Austrian Syndrome with Embolic Strokes in a Child with Trisomy 21 and COVID-19 Co-infection: A Case Report of an Exceptionally Rare Pediatric Presentation,” presented by Yasmin Sowwan, M.D., and Cristina Gavrilita, M.D. The report described an uncommon and severe complication involving invasive pneumococcal disease in a child with trisomy 21 , the most common form of Down Syndrome, and concurrent COVID-19 infection.
Neonatal medicine was also strongly represented through several scholarly projects. Shristi Sharma, M.D., and colleagues presented “Hypocalcemic Seizures Secondary to Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Mimicking Withdrawal in a Methadone Exposed Neonate: A Case Report,” describing an important diagnostic consideration in newborns presenting with seizure activity.
In addition, Mary Martin Yance, a second-year medical student, along with Michael Zayek, M.D., and Gangajal Kasniya, M.D., presented “Timing of Continuous Glucagon Infusion and Central Line Utilization in Neonates ≥35 Weeks’ Gestation with Persistent Hypoglycemia,” examining treatment strategies and procedural considerations for infants with prolonged hypoglycemia.
Research in neonatal cardiovascular physiology was showcased by Kevin Nguyen, a second-year medical student, along with physicians Juan C. Hernandez, M.D., Induja Gajendran, M.D.,Diksha Shrestha, M.D., Kasniya, Fabien Eyal, M.D., and Saminathan Anbalagan, M.D., who presented “Does Serum BNP Level Correlate with PDA Score in Extremely Preterm Neonates?” The project explored the relationship between biochemical markers and clinical assessment tools used in the management of patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect, in premature infants.
Beyond presenting their scholarly work, students and residents also took part in the conference’s educational sessions, gaining exposure to current pediatric topics and advances in child health. The meeting provided valuable opportunities to network with pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, and trainees from across Alabama, fostering professional development and collaboration, Estrada said.
