United States

Background
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in infants and young children. Although prophylactic agents such as Nirsevimab and maternal Abrysvo vaccination have become available, their real-world effectiveness and equitable uptake across pediatric populations remain unclear. Prior research has largely focused on trial settings, leaving gaps in understanding how these interventions perform in heterogeneous clinical environments, particularly in high-risk and racially diverse groups. This study aimed to evaluate RSV-confirmed lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) incidence, hospitalization, and secondary outcomes across developmental risk factors, care settings, prophylaxis strategies, and racial/ethnic groups.

Methods
We performed a retrospective observational analysis of 12,414 pediatric bronchiolitis encounters within a single health system. Patients were stratified by prophylaxis status (Nirsevimab, Abrysvo, combined, or untreated), age, gestational age, APGAR scores, race/ethnicity, and care setting. Outcomes included RSV-confirmed LRTI, hospitalization, wheeze, otitis media, and antibiotic use. Proportions were compared using chi-square and z-tests; risk projections estimated the impact of prophylaxis hesitancy. Analyses were conducted in R (v4.4.1).

Results
RSV-confirmed LRTI incidence was significantly lower among infants who received Nirsevimab versus untreated infants (1.8% vs. 3.3%, p &lt; 0.001), and also lower in combined prophylaxis groups versus untreated. Abrysvo alone showed a non-significant reduction (2.2% vs. 3.3%). Infants &lt;12 months and those born prematurely experienced the highest RSV burden, while APGAR scores showed limited predictive value. Although RSV incidence did not significantly differ across racial or ethnic groups (~8.6–8.8%), American Indian/Alaska Native and Black children had notably lower prophylaxis uptake, highlighting inequities in preventive care access. A risk projection suggested that a 20% prophylaxis declination rate could result in approximately 3 additional RSV cases per 1,000 high-risk infants, and up to 6 among preterm infants.

Conclusion
In this real-world cohort, Nirsevimab and combined prophylaxis were associated with significantly reduced RSV-confirmed LRTI incidence. Findings underscore the importance of equitable prophylaxis access and addressing hesitancy, particularly among high-risk and historically underserved populations. Standardized testing, expanded surveillance, and targeted outreach are critical to maximizing the public health benefits of RSV prevention.

AMA Research Challenge 2025 

Evaluating RSV Burden and Prophylaxis Outcomes Across Pediatric Risk Groups: Real World Evidence from a Multi-Domain Analysis

[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/261902fdf187a88bfa74da226ff77186.png)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gUViQJJHCSgM38OhwpDoTdN89evCsZ-7/view?usp=sharing)
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/1605292c232e6f185c7f87ee38e8502a.png)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kPkznVX_6cx-n846z_pUtyVDZql9KImc/view?usp=sharing)


### **Welcome Message**

Welcome to the inaugural **Dutch Lung Congress.**  We have all missed our opportunities to network and interact with our colleagues in the last twelve months or more.  While our desire was to meet face to face once again, when it became evident that this would not be possible until much later in 2021 (or even into 2022) the hard working committee organizing the Dutch Lung Congress found, what we hope will be, an excellent alternative to facilitate our annual meeting.

The Dutch Lung Congress aims to bring together everyone interested in research related to pulmonary diseases in the Netherlands.  We hope this event will provide opportunities for multidisciplinary interactions to enhance our approaches for addressing these challenging diseases.  Each session will include input from patients, clinical and basic and/or translational scientists discussing the latest information around the central themes chosen by the organizing committee.  One advantage of holding our congress as a virtual event this year is that we will have the opportunity to hear from world leading experts from all over the globe.  We hope you enjoy the programme the organizing committee have put together and will engage in dynamic discussions with all the speakers.

One highlight of our congress will be the Young Investigator Session.  Remember to join us for this exciting session when we will hear from the presenters who submitted the top scoring abstracts.  This promises to be a session full of exciting science that will display the strengths that constitute the future talent in our field.

When we are not listening to these great presentations we can all meet in Gathertown.  Within this interactive platform you will be able to meet colleagues and friends for networking. Enjoy a private chat over a virtual coffee, visit the booths of our sponsors and other parties, chat with the Young Investigator Board members or take some timeout in the relaxation spaces.  While in Gathertown take the opportunity to visit all the diverse posters on display. Chat live with the presenters or leave them a question on the discussion board for them to engage with you.  Make sure you check for any messages each time you enter Gathertown to make the most of your networking opportunities.

We look forward to seeing you during the DLC and the great scientific (and other) discussions we are anticipating during our 2021 meeting.

On behalf of the DLC organizing Committee
<br>**Janette Burgess
<br>Chair, DLC Organizing Committee**
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/f461fb275d9667fb2a76a30813388e90.png)



### Special Session: Publieksmiddag
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/77e768dd500e6205175e5cafba59abdc.png)






![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/f461fb275d9667fb2a76a30813388e90.png)
**More about the committee team:**:
[Barbro N. Melgert, PhD] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q_IIH3JvTivumCUzzsZGX7BgD41HxQmk/view?usp=sharing)
// [Bas Holverda, PhD] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QKXHmTTQjgs4OZVuM8doXU055S-fu_uU/view?usp=sharing)
// [Frits Franssen, PhD] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7HRUJaqGuRFzkPN3SVgkbBfqFkDkWq2/view?usp=sharing)
// [Janette Burgess, PhD] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VHFlrEN6uCQGeeW3Lj4I8aTw7HsB0GFr/view?usp=sharing)
// [Michel van den Heuvel, PhD] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JeOEP8MHxiK_4lONr8UM2HaxdxpkAmA2/view?usp=sharing)
// [Patrick Bhairosing] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xI8ORq-g1bbVcrlRDviZ9NhAwanc4dFl/view?usp=sharing)
// [Gimano Amatngalim, PhD] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fyVDDKARLNjRk_JZk8_GyhGMjmp6DWHp/view?usp=sharing)
// [Peter Kunst, PhD] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QhtB4nQezpAjbfUAcBnINc-Bm3Shy2Lf/view?usp=sharing)
// [Dr. Michel van den Heuvel, Prof., MD, PhD] (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JBdNEBXZCEikEZhJ6MoD5DhQfXMz3bP6/view?usp=sharing)
![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/f461fb275d9667fb2a76a30813388e90.png)

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Dutch Lung Congress

Background
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in infants and young children. Although prophylactic agents such as Nirsevimab and maternal Abrysvo vaccination have become available, their real-world effectiveness and equitable uptake across pediatric populations remain unclear. Prior research has largely focused on trial settings, leaving gaps in understanding how these interventions perform in heterogeneous clinical environments, particularly in high-risk and racially diverse groups. This study aimed to evaluate RSV-confirmed lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) incidence, hospitalization, and secondary outcomes across developmental risk factors, care settings, prophylaxis strategies, and racial/ethnic groups.

Methods
We performed a retrospective observational analysis of 12,414 pediatric bronchiolitis encounters within a single health system. Patients were stratified by prophylaxis status (Nirsevimab, Abrysvo, combined, or untreated), age, gestational age, APGAR scores, race/ethnicity, and care setting. Outcomes included RSV-confirmed LRTI, hospitalization, wheeze, otitis media, and antibiotic use. Proportions were compared using chi-square and z-tests; risk projections estimated the impact of prophylaxis hesitancy. Analyses were conducted in R (v4.4.1).

Results
RSV-confirmed LRTI incidence was significantly lower among infants who received Nirsevimab versus untreated infants (1.8% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001), and also lower in combined prophylaxis groups versus untreated. Abrysvo alone showed a non-significant reduction (2.2% vs. 3.3%). Infants <12 months and those born prematurely experienced the highest RSV burden, while APGAR scores showed limited predictive value. Although RSV incidence did not significantly differ across racial or ethnic groups (~8.6–8.8%), American Indian/Alaska Native and Black children had notably lower prophylaxis uptake, highlighting inequities in preventive care access. A risk projection suggested that a 20% prophylaxis declination rate could result in approximately 3 additional RSV cases per 1,000 high-risk infants, and up to 6 among preterm infants.

Conclusion
In this real-world cohort, Nirsevimab and combined prophylaxis were associated with significantly reduced RSV-confirmed LRTI incidence. Findings underscore the importance of equitable prophylaxis access and addressing hesitancy, particularly among high-risk and historically underserved populations. Standardized testing, expanded surveillance, and targeted outreach are critical to maximizing the public health benefits of RSV prevention.

poster

Congratulations to all the researchers who have qualified for the AMA Research Challenge virtual poster symposium and semifinals!

Welcome to the **largest national, multi-specialty research event** featuring research from nearly 1,000 medical students, residents, fellows, and international medical graduates across six topic areas - basic science, clinical and translational research, clinical vignettes, health systems science, medical education, and public health and health policy.

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#### Event Details
The 2025 AMA Research Challenge includes the following symposium halls:
* **Semifinals hall:** Features research from 54 medical students, residents and international medical graduates that received top scores during first round scoring. 
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**Here’s how to participate:**
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At the conclusion of this event, the AMA announced the top five finalists who advanced to the AMA Research Challenge final round, presented their research to an elite panel of judges, and competed to win a $10,000 grand prize presented by Laurel Road.

**Addison Shenk, a fourth-year medical student from Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, was the winner of the 2025 AMA Research Challenge and was awarded the grand prize of $10,000, presented by Laurel Road.**

#### A message from Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, AMA President
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#### Recognized Institutions
In 2025, 1,400 abstracts were submitted across six topic areas representing 174 medical schools and more than 150 residency and health care institutions. [See if your institution is represented this year!](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eFrTqCmCeobx9pr5drJK2hllvsIpFNOY/view?usp=drive_link)

#### Grand Prize Sponsor
AMA would like to thank Laurel Road, a brand of KeyBank, for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road and KeyBank are not involved in winner selection process. The winner will be announced during the AMA Research Challenge final round. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road/KeyBank. See the [AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions](https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/research-challenge-official-rules.pdf).

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Join the AMA Research Challenge poster symposium and semifinals to explore top research posters and score posters in the semifinals (an AMA member exclusive opportunity).

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), constituting about 85% of lung cancer cases, has a notably high incidence in Kentucky. Recent advancements have improved 5-year survival rates from a dismal 9.7% to approximately 18.4% with the introduction of combination chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in 2018. Despite these gains, resistance to this combined therapy remains a significant issue. A proposed mechanism for such resistance involves CD73+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which may be induced by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) accumulation following chemotherapy.
This study investigates the pathway through which platinum-based chemotherapy agents induce PGE2 overproduction, leading to the development of CD73+ MDSCs. We hypothesize that chemotherapy increases fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity, which elevates arachidonic acid (AA) levels. AA is a substrate for PGE2 synthesis, and its increased availability stimulates the NF-κB/CREB pathway, enhancing COX-2 activity and PGE2 production. The accumulated PGE2 is then thought to drive the formation of CD73+ MDSCs, which contribute to immunotherapy resistance by producing adenosine that suppresses T-cell activity.
Our findings, based on mass spectrometry, western blot analysis, and ELISA assays, demonstrate that chemotherapy significantly increases AA levels and activates the enzyme cascade responsible for PGE2 production. Mass spectrometry showed a doubling of AA concentration in chemotherapy-treated LLC cells compared to controls. Western blot analysis revealed enhanced FAS, NF-κB, and CREB activity in chemotherapy-treated KP cells. ELISA results indicated a marked increase in PGE2 levels in the supernatants of cisplatin-treated cells, even with PTGES knockdown, confirming the link between chemotherapy and elevated PGE2 levels.
Additionally, flow cytometry analysis in NSCLC mouse models revealed that chemotherapy treatment increased the percentage of CD73+ MDSCs from 10% to 20%. These results confirm that chemotherapy drives the overproduction of PGE2 and contributes to the expansion of CD73+ MDSCs, which may play a critical role in the resistance to immunotherapy. These insights could guide the development of targeted strategies to overcome resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes in NSCLC.

Chemotherapy induced accumulation of PGE2 & resulting immunotherapy resistance

Background
Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a progressive form of kidney damage that disproportionately affects agricultural communities in Sri Lanka, Central America, and parts of India, with emerging hotspots also suspected in the South and Western United States. Despite extensive investigation, the underlying causes of CKDu remain unclear, partly because of a potential long lag between exposure and eventual symptomatic presentation of kidney disease. We applied machine learning (ML) and large language models (LLMs) to explore predictive tools for disease progression in a cohort of persons with CKDu, with the hypothesis that early identification of persons likely to experience kidney function decline will facilitate investigation of proximal (causative) exposures.
Methods
We analyzed baseline data (labs demographics) from 244 participants enrolled in Kidney Progression Project (KiPP), a prospective cohort of farmworkers with kidney disease in Sri Lanka launched in 2018. Among these participants, 22 progressed to the study’s primary outcome (eGFR<15 mL/min/1.73 m²) by the year 2024. For model development, we used data from the first 2.5 years of follow-up.
We developed and optimized several ML classifiers including logistic regression, support vector machines, random forests, and XGBoost. Each model was trained using stratified five-fold cross-validation, and class imbalance was addressed using SMOTE-based oversampling. To identify underlying patterns in the dataset, we applied unsupervised models like K-means clustering(k=7), and the resulting cluster labels were included as categorical features in supervised learning models. Model performance was evaluated using standard classification metrics, and interpretability was assessed using SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations). 
Additionally, we used clinical vignettes from KiPP data to evaluate the predictive capabilities of LLMs. We tested five LLMs through SecureGPT on their ability to predict progression.
Results
The best performing ML model was an XGBoost classifier (ROC-AUC= 0.84; F1 score= 0.48). SHAP analysis identified cluster membership and serum uric acid as key predictors. Among the LLMs, GPT 4.5 performed best (Accuracy= 87%; F1 score of 0.42). Both models outperformed existing methods (eGFR slope, Accuracy=67%, F1 score=0.23). 
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that both traditional ML models and LLMs can predict CKDu progression from limited clinical data. Custom-tailored ML models slightly outperformed generative AI models such as GPT-4.5. With continued refinement, these tools may not only support early identification of high risk individuals but also aid in identifying causes of CKDu. Future directions include external validation using ongoing international cohorts and incorporation of longitudinal laboratory data to generate clinically-deployable AI tools.


From Algorithms to Agriculture: Applying AI Methods to Predict Kidney Disease in Farmworkers

Paraconduit hernias are a rare but recognized complication that can arise after esophagectomy with gastrointestinal reconstruction. It involves the herniation of intra-abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity through a defect adjacent to the esophageal conduit, typically at the hiatus. Unlike typical hiatal hernias, this type occurs alongside the reconstructed conduit rather than through the original hiatus, often leading to symptoms affecting quality of life. While mesh is commonly used in standard hiatal hernia repairs, its application in paraconduit hernia repair is
less studied, with limited evidence guiding its safety or long-term outcomes. The mesh technique typically includes reduction of the hernia and placement of a synthetic or composite mesh fixed securely around the conduit to prevent recurrence and preserve function. This study aims to fill the gap in evidence by examining real-world outcomes and perioperative characteristics of patients undergoing mesh repair for paraconduit hernias, focusing on effectiveness, recurrence, and prognosis

Surgical Revision of Paraconduit Hiatal Hernia (PCHH) Mesh Repair Following Esophagectomy: A Case-Based Review

Abstract Title: A Stepwise Diagnostic Approach to MINOCA with Microvascular Obstruction: The Utility of Cardiac MRI
Background: Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) accounts for approximately 5–7% of acute myocardial infarctions (MI) and presents a diagnostic challenge due to its heterogeneous etiologies. It is a descriptive, working diagnosis that requires: (1) fulfillment of the universal definition of acute MI (a 20% change in cardiac troponin with one value above the 99th percentile and evidence of ischemia); (2) absence of obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography (major epicardial vessel stenosis ≤50%); and (3) no overt alternative cause for the acute presentation. In 2019, the American Heart Association emphasized an exhaustive diagnostic approach and endorsed cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm myocardial injury, differentiate ischemic from non-ischemic patterns, and assist in narrowing etiologies when angiography is non-revealing.
Case Presentation: A 74-year-old male with hypertension, prior deep vein thrombosis, and suspected thrombophilia on chronic warfarin presented with non-radiating, midsternal, 2/10 acute chest pain. Electrocardiogram showed lateral ST-elevation with reciprocal inferior ST-depression. These findings, in conjunction with an elevated troponin I level of 11.5 ng/mL (normal: <0.04 ng/mL), were consistent with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Thus, the patient was indicated for invasive coronary angiography, which revealed non-obstructive coronary arteries. The finding of non-obstructed coronary arteries, in addition to ACS symptoms, led to the working diagnosis of troponin-positive non-obstructive coronary arteries (TpNOCA). Thus, cardiac MRI was performed, and indicated an acute transmural MI with microvascular obstruction (MVO) in the left anterior descending artery vascular territory. These findings, along with non-ischemic cardiac and extracardiac causes being ruled out, led to a revised diagnosis of MINOCA. The patient was managed with guideline-directed medical therapy and discharged in stable condition. 
Discussion: This case highlights a rare presentation of transmural MI with MVO in the absence of obstructive coronary disease and underscores the importance of working through the stepwise diagnostic process, from initial suspicion of acute coronary syndrome, to TpNOCA, and ultimately to MINOCA. Cardiac MRI was pivotal in confirming ischemic myocardial injury, ruling out alternative diagnoses, and guiding appropriate management. The patient’s chronic warfarin therapy for suspected thrombophilia may have contributed to spontaneous thrombolysis. Recognition of spontaneous thrombolysis as a mechanism for MINOCA emphasizes the value of a structured diagnostic algorithm combining clinical evaluation, angiography, and advanced imaging.

A Stepwise Diagnostic Approach to MINOCA with Microvascular Obstruction:
The Utility of Cardiac MRI

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a 
genetic disorder characterized by iron 
overload, which can lead to elevated 
liver enzymes, increased ferritin and 
transferrin saturation. The condition is 
associated with a heightened risk of 
liver and metabolic complications, 
including fatigue, joint pain, abdominal 
pain and endocrinopathies. 
Emerging preclinical data suggest that 
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) 
may improve hepatic inflammation and 
iron metabolism in HH.

Beyond Phlebotomy: Tirzepatide for Iron Overload in Hereditary Hemochromatosis

Background
COVID-19 has been associated with a broad range of neuropsychiatric sequelae, including new-onset psychosis, mood episodes, depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. These symptoms can develop during active infection or emerge in the weeks that follow. The underlying causes are likely multifactorial involving neuroinflammation, immune response, direct CNS effects, and psychosocial stressors. Patients with chronic psychiatric illnesses may be especially susceptible to decompensation but reports of COVID-19 related psychiatric decline in inpatient psychiatric settings remain limited.
Case Presentation
A 59 year old female with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and polysubstance use was admitted for psychosis and catatonia. She initially was stabilized on sublingual buprenorphine, Invega Sustenna, and Ativan. By hospital day 27, she was discharge ready and denied hallucinations, suicidality or depressive symptoms. Shortly after stabilization, she endorsed symptoms of diarrhea, no URI symptoms, and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Following the positive COVID-19 PCR test, she was placed in isolation and was monitored for additional symptoms. Serial antigen tests 5 and 7 days after were negative. Within days of the initial positive test, she exhibited acute decompensation characterized by increased paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, disorganized behavior, and mania. Despite being on therapeutic doses of antipsychotic medications, she became increasingly labile, exhibited disorganized behavior, and made illogical statements. Management was complicated by suspected akathisia, bradycardia limiting propranolol use, and side effects from Lithium which was discontinued and replaced by Valproic acid for manic symptoms. Trial of Olanzapine was begun but was insufficient. On day 55, Clozapine was initiated due to persistent psychosis and mania. Despite concerns about subjective akathisia, she tolerated the initial titration, and mirtazapine was initiated for adjunctive management of akathisia and mood symptoms. The patient remains hospitalized under close psychiatric monitoring, with ongoing management focused on titration of clozapine and adjunctive pharmacologic support.
Discussion
This case highlights the risk of psychiatric destabilization in patients with severe mental illness following COVID-19 infection, even in the absence of severe respiratory symptoms. Management was further complicated by medication side effects and the need for antipsychotic regimen adjustments during an acute medical illness. Furthermore, careful medical management and early recognition of psychiatric relapse are critical in patients susceptible to COVID-19 in the inpatient psychiatric setting.


Psychiatric Decompensation following COVID-19 Infection in an Inpatient Psychiatric Patient: A Clinical Vignette

Background:
Effective physician-patient communication is essential for building trust, supporting shared decision-making, and ensuring treatment adherence. While language barriers are a recognized challenge, cultural differences, such as beliefs about illness, family roles, and healing practices, also significantly impact patient care. Studies show that cultural awareness may improve patient satisfaction even more than racial concordance by fostering individualized, patient-centered care.
Despite its importance, cultural humility training in medical education is often limited to preclinical years, with minimal reinforcement during residency when learners are most involved in direct patient care. This gap is especially concerning given the growing diversity of the U.S. population. Latinos now comprise nearly 20% of the population and represent the largest ethnic minority group in the country. Expanding resident education to include culturally relevant knowledge and skills is critical to improving care for Hispanic/Latine patients. Our project addresses this need by implementing a focused educational curriculum and evaluating its impact on residents’ comfort, communication, and clinical practice.
Methods:
We designed a 60–90 minute, specialty-neutral, case-based curriculum exploring key cultural values relevant to Hispanic/Latine patients, including familismo, personalismo, respeto, simpatía, and espiritualidad. Sessions were interactive and delivered to residents in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Family Medicine, and Surgery. To assess the curriculum’s impact, we administered pre- and post-session surveys using a shortened, customized version of two validated tools: the Cross-Cultural Care Survey and the Cultural Competence Health Practitioner Assessment.
Results:
Prior to the sessions, 47% of residents reported feeling only slightly comfortable identifying cultural customs that could impact care, and 88% expressed a desire for more training. After the sessions, 55% felt somewhat comfortable discussing how culture influences care. Understanding of Latine health beliefs and use of traditional healers improved significantly, with knowledge of traditional healer use increasing from 19% to 47%. While 45% of residents found the sessions extremely helpful, only 50% felt moderately comfortable incorporating the strategies into clinical practice.
Conclusion:
These findings highlight both a clear need and strong demand among residents for cultural humility education. The curriculum improved knowledge and awareness, but the modest increase in comfort applying the material suggests that single-session interventions may not be sufficient. Longitudinal reinforcement and case-based practice may be necessary to build confidence. Incorporating cultural training alongside language-concordant care holds promise for strengthening physician-patient relationships, improving communication, and enhancing outcomes in cross-cultural encounters.


Cultural Humility in Residency: Latine Patient-Centered Teaching

While professional identity formation is recognized as beneficial for medical students’ well-being and relationships with colleagues and patients, students consistently report challenges with engaging in meaningful respite and reflection. Time spent in nature has been repeatedly shown to support well-being, reduce stress, and enhance reflective capacity, yet remains to be used in a reflective practice for students. In contrast, lack of contact with nature is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, decreased creativity, attention difficulties, and decreased overall physical and emotional well-being. This study explores medical students’ reflections on important formative connections to nature and the barriers that limited these connections. 

We collected data from 56 medical students from across the United States who participated in the Backpacking Medicine course offered by the Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS) program at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Participants were divided into four focus groups and asked to write on a notecard their favorite memory in nature and a personal barrier to accessing nature. These reflections were discussed within the groups in relation to students’ current experiences in medical school and their future roles as physicians. The written responses were analyzed using thematic analysis, with codes organized into themes and subthemes. 

Three major themes emerged for students’ favorite memory: Family & Social Bonds, Independent Play & Exploration, and Structured Outdoor Programs & Skill Building. Six major themes emerged for students’ barriers to outdoor access: Health & Physical Limitations, Negative or Traumatic Outdoor Experiences, Lack of Social Support or Modeling, Environmental and Structural Access Barriers, Cultural and Generational Barriers, Time & Life Demands. 

Our findings highlight the role of nature exposure in promoting reflective practices, identity development, and well-being in medical students. Students’ favorite outdoor memories emphasized the value of social connection, skill development, and personal growth. Reflections on barriers to the outdoors prompted students to consider both their own access to nature and that of future patients, inspiring creative thinking around the idea of “prescribing” nature in clinical care. A key limitation of this study is sample bias, as participants signed up for this nature-based course and may have held prior interest in or appreciation for the benefits of outdoor experiences. Future research is needed to determine the long-term effects of implementing nature as a reflective tool in medical education. 





Exploring the Use of Nature as a Reflective Tool in Medical Education

Background: Both language concordance and Medicaid acceptance are essential for equitable surgical care. Spanish-speaking and other multilingual surgeons improve comprehension, satisfaction, and outcomes for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), while Medicaid participation ensures economic accessibility. Chicago houses more than 1.7 million residents who speak a language other than English—predominantly Spanish—and over 25 % of city adults rely on Medicaid. Whether large academic health systems have enough Medicaid-accepting, Spanish-
speaking, or otherwise multilingual surgeons to meet this dual need remains unclear. The objective was to determine if Medicaid-accepting Spanish-speaking or multilingual surgical specialists are disproportionately underrepresented at the five largest academic institutions in Chicagoland.

Methods: In February–July 2025, publicly available roster data were extracted from surgeons in general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, urology, vascular surgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, OB/GYN, and dermatology from Rush, Northwestern, the University of Chicago, Loyola, and UIC. Variables collected included languages spoken, accepted insurance plans, and clinical practice ZIP codes. Surgeons were deemed multilingual if ≥2 languages were listed and Spanish- speaking if Spanish was explicitly reported. Medicaid acceptance was coded when any Illinois Medicaid plan (e.g., CountyCare, Meridian, Molina, MMAI) appeared among accepted insurances. Descriptive statistics compared proportions of (1) multilingual, (2) Spanish-speaking, (3) Medicaid-accepting, and (4) Medicaid accepting + Spanish-speaking surgeons across institutions and specialties.

Results: Among 1087 surgical specialists identified, 204 (18.8%) were multilingual, and 96 (8.8%) spoke Spanish. Medicaid was accepted by 278 providers (25.6%); however, only 38 surgeons (3.5%) met the combined criteria of Medicaid-accepting & Spanish-speaking, and 66 (6.1%) were Medicaid-accepting & multilingual. Representation varied markedly by institution: Rush (5.5 %) and UIC (6.3 %) had the highest share of Medicaid-accepting Spanish-speaking surgeons, whereas Northwestern and the University of Chicago had <3 %. Specialty analysis showed the lowest dual-access representation in neurosurgery (1.8 %) and vascular surgery (2.4 %). Geographic mapping revealed that many Medicaid-accepting multilingual surgeons practiced in affluent downtown ZIP codes, leaving LEP-dense neighborhoods with few or no language-concordant, Medicaid-accessible surgical specialists.

Conclusion: Medicaid-accepting Spanish-speaking and multilingual surgeons are indeed under-represented within Chicago’s largest academic institutions and are unevenly distributed away from high-need LEP communities. Addressing this dual disparity will require institution-specific recruitment incentives, multilingual training pipelines, and strategic placement of surgical services in linguistically diverse, Medicaid-reliant neighborhoods to close persistent gaps in access and outcomes.

Language and Medicaid Access Disparities Among Surgical Specialists at Major Chicagoland Institutions

Lung cancer is a silent killer, often going undetected until it’s too late. Early diagnosis greatly improves outcomes—stage I patients have a 97% two-year survival rate, compared to just 23% at stage IV. However, most diagnoses occur at later stages due to limitations in current screening methods. Current detection methods, namely Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and CT scans, are costly or invasive, leading to most diagnoses at advanced stages. These methods require in-lab operation, and are inaccessible to rural or resource-limited settings. While several studies have explored small-scale sensor systems as an alternative, they often suffer from reduced accuracy, high production costs, and long processing times—sometimes exceeding 40 minutes per breath sample. Therefore, there is a need for a fast, affordable, and accurate breath-based lung cancer detection system suitable for those with limited resources. To address this, we developed an affordable breath-based lung cancer screening device featuring a gas chamber and machine learning model. It analyzes VOC composition in human breath, influenced by lipid peroxidation in cancer cells, to compare profiles between healthy and lung cancer samples. The system was designed to detect more than 30 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using twelve metal oxide semiconductor sensors and one chemi-resistive alkane sensor. In total, 46 clinical breath samples were collected (from 28 healthy controls and 18 lung cancer patients) in 1L Tedlar bags. Electrical resistance data from the sensor array was processed using a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network. The model architecture incorporated dropout and batch normalization layers to minimize overfitting. Sensor output patterns were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, which confirmed significant differences between cancer and control groups (p < 0.05). Model performance was evaluated using five-fold cross-validation to ensure robustness and generalizability. The final model achieved an accuracy of 96.57%, sensitivity of 92.88%, and specificity of 98.82%, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.9913. Low standard deviation across folds indicated consistent classification performance. The complete system was able to produce diagnostic results in about 10 minutes per breath sample. Our system outperforms existing methods of lung cancer detection through MOS sensors by greater than 5% while costing only around $300. These findings suggest that the breath analyzer system proposed in this study has the potential for preliminary lung cancer screening. 





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