With each sunrise and long past sunsets, medical research is opening doors to cutting-edge treatments and better patient care.
“Research fuels medicine,” explained endocrinologist Dr. Mc Anto Antony, SCMA Young Physician Section Board of Trustees representative and editor of the Resident, Fellow, and Medical Student Research Book for SCMA’s annual meeting in April. The book highlights the work of medical students, residents, and fellows from all over the state.
With mentorship and collaboration at the heart of their success, the following researchers will be featured in this year’s publication:
A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Diabetic Retinopathy Screening with In-Office Testing and Nurse Visits
Henry Tsang, DO
Prisma Health Family Medicine Sumter
Judge’s Comments:
This QI project introduces great ideas on how to increase the number of patients undergoing screening for diabetic retinopathy which is a common risk factor leading to severe eye complications in diabetes.
Tsang’s Comments:
I decided to do the QI project because SC has one of the highest prevalence of diabetes and many of the patients in our clinic have diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes retinopathy screening was also low amongst our patients, which may be due to inaccessibility. I thought that using an in-office screening tool would improve diabetic retinopathy screening by addressing some of these barriers our patients may face such as transportation or medical coverage for specialist referral.
Clinical Outcomes of Ulnar Collateral Repair with Internal Brace Versus Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes
Graham Tulowitzky
University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia
Judge’s Comments:
In today’s age where sports-related injuries are common, this study compares the clinical outcomes in individuals receiving two types of treatment for arm ligament injury that commonly occurs while playing any sport involving repetitive arm motion.
Tulowitzky’s Comments:
In an ideal world, our research would empower athletes of all ages to return to competition in their respective sports while also helping the general public regain their everyday lives as quickly as possible. From a high school athlete chasing a scholarship and hoping to make it back for their senior season to an individual whose daily routine has been disrupted by an ulnar collateral ligament injury, our work aims to make a meaningful impact on recovery and performance.
Assessing an Actin-Binding Protein, Thymosin Beta-4, for the Treatment of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Luis Sanchez Ferrer
University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
Judge’s Comments:
This is well conducted laboratory-based clinical research which assessed the efficacy of an anti-inflammatory protein in the treatment of a rare but serious parasitic eye infection.
Ferrer’s Comments:
Sight is one of the most important senses, which sparked my interest in the topic. The idea that one could potentially lose their eyesight from something as simple as people showering with their contact lenses in, is a terrifying thought. People often think of viral or bacterial infections, but rarely think about how an amoeba could cause such a significant and life altering impact on one’s health. My co-researchers and I wanted to bring more awareness to this rare condition.
Learn more about shining a light on your research through SCMA.
Contact:
Rebecca Brannon — rbrannon@scmedical.org
