MTA 6: Meet the Authors

ePoster Meet the Authors (MTA): 4-minute ePoster presentations within a 60-minute time block in Expo, not eligible for CME


ePoster 1: Atypical Presentation of a Vaginal Cyst: Navigating the Differential
Vaginal cysts are common, with a prevalence rate of 0.5%. This case highlights an 8.5 cm symptomatic vaginal cyst in a 24-year-old nulligravida woman with no known congenital abnormalities or surgical history. It explores the differences between epidermoid, Gartner’s duct, Müllerian, and Skene’s gland cysts, including location, size, and risk factors. This poster illustrates the workup, diagnosis, and treatment of an atypical pelvic cyst.
Speaker: Amber Maes – PA Student, Dominican University of California

Additional Authors:
Christopher Forest – Physician Associate and Professor, Dominican University of California


ePoster 2: Cancer Screening Disparities in HIV Clinics: Addressing Preventive Care Gaps
Patients living with HIV are at increased risk for certain cancers, emphasizing the importance of preventive screenings. This study evaluates colorectal and breast cancer screening rates in a University of Utah HIV Infectious Disease Clinic, comparing them to national health maintenance goals. Findings aim to identify disparities, barriers to adherence, and opportunities to enhance preventive care for this vulnerable population.
Speaker: Jennifer M. Coombs, Dr – Professsor, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program

Additional Authors:
Kelsey M. Genovesse – Assistant Professor, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Elizabeth M. Avery – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Cheyanne M. Solorio – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Ella Vanalfen – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Ryan Dix – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Macy M. Parkin – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program


ePoster 3: Complicated Diverticulitis Resulting in Colovaginal Fistula
This case report describes a 63-year-old woman with diverticulitis complicated by a colovaginal fistula. She presented with 10 days of vaginal bleeding during intercourse without malodorous or feculent vaginal discharge. The patient underwent a sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis and diverting loop ileostomy, vaginal wall repair, and appendectomy. To optimize patient outcomes, colovaginal fistulas require multidisciplinary care involving gynecology and general surgery.
Speaker: Alison Clark – PA-S2, Quinnipiac University

Additional Authors:
Deanna Sgambato – DMS, PA-C, Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program


ePoster 4: Failed Methotrexate Therapy in Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy
This case describes a 39-year-old female with a suspected tubal ectopic pregnancy who was treated with methotrexate. Despite therapy, her beta-hCG levels rose and symptoms worsened. A repeat ultrasound showed an increasing adnexal mass that required surgical intervention. She underwent successful laparoscopy with partial left salpingectomy. This case highlights the importance of close monitoring in methotrexate-treated ectopic pregnancies, as some may require additional therapy or surgery.
Speaker: Lindsay G. Taylor – Physician Assistant Student, Quinnipiac University

Additional Authors:
Joshua Freund – PA-C, DMSc, Quinnipiac University


ePoster 5: Giant Pelvic Schwannoma in the Setting of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Giant pelvic schwannoma is very rare accounting for approximately 1-3% of all schwannoma cases. This presentation highlights a patient case report of giant pelvic schwannoma in the setting of previously diagnosed renal cell carcinoma. The primary research points that are addressed include the clinical features of pelvic schwannoma, diagnostic and treatment challenges posed by these tumors, and the importance of the proposed genetic relationship between pelvic schwannoma and renal cell carcinoma.
Speaker: Madeline L. Folsom, PA Student – Physician Assistant Student, Quinnipiac University

Additional Authors:
Brennan Bowker, MHS, PA-C – Senior Surgical Physician Assistant Part time professor of PA studies, Yale New Haven Hospital and Quinnipiac University


ePoster 6: Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Disseminated Histoplasmosis in an HIV-Seronegative Male
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) secondary to disseminated histoplasmosis (DHP) is a rare disease state, impacting < 1% of the global population. While cases of HLH secondary to DHP in HIV-positive individuals are well documented, limited evidence exists regarding cases among HIV-seronegative individuals. This case report reviews the diagnosis and treatment of HLH secondary to DHP in an HIV-Seronegative male post-renal transplantation, which was further complicated by an upper GI bleed.
Speaker: Alison B. Chamberlain, PA-S2, BS – PA-S, Quinnipiac University

Additional Authors:
Sheree Piperidis – MHS, PA-C, Quinnipiac Univeristy


ePoster 7: Impact of Removing GRE Requirement on PA Program Applicant Pool
This study evaluates the impact of removing the GRE requirement on a PA program’s applicant pool. Analyzing CASPA data from 2020-2025, we observed significant increases in diversity, including non-White, non-native English speakers, and first-generation applicants. The findings suggest that eliminating the GRE requirement can enhance applicant diversity without compromising academic qualifications, potentially contributing to a more diverse PA workforce.
Speaker: Jeremy L. Nelson, DMSc MPAS PA-C DFAAPA – Clinical Assistant Professor/Emergency Department, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Additional Authors:
Theresa E. Hegmann – Clinical Professor, University of Iowa Physician Assistant Program


ePoster 8: Investigating Inspire Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Refractory OSA Treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition often requiring tailored treatments for CPAP-intolerant patients. This presentation discusses a case of severe OSA managed with Inspire hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS), highlighting its efficacy in reducing AHI and improving quality of life compared to traditional options. Ideal for ENT, sleep medicine, and primary care professionals, this session emphasizes evidence-based surgical advances and personalized OSA care.
Speaker: Thuc D. Nguyen-Le – Physician Assistant Student (PA-S2), University of California, Davis

Additional Authors:
Emily C. Thatcher, MPAS, PA-C – Assistant Clinical Professor, University of California, Davis


ePoster 9: Obstructive Jaundice due to Ampullary Tubular Adenoma
A 64-year-old male presented to the emergency department with jaundice associated with right upper quadrant pain, generalized pruritis, loose and gray colored stools and dark brown urine. An abdominal CT identified biliary and pancreatic ductal dilation and findings concerning for a distal pancreatic duct mass. An ERCP showed a two-centimeter ampullary mass with final biopsy results of ampullary adenoma with high grade dysplasia. Pancreatic and biliary stents were placed during ERCP.
Speaker: Kelsey Coolidge – Physician Assistant Student, Quinnipiac University

Additional Authors:
Deanna Sgambato – DMS, PA-C, Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program


ePoster 10: Porcelain Gallbladder - Case Report
This case report is intended for healthcare professionals and explores the diagnosis, prognosis, complications, and treatment of porcelain gallbladder, a rare condition characterized by calcification of the gallbladder wall. Porcelain gallbladder has historically been linked with a markedly elevated risk of gallbladder carcinoma; however, recent data has emerged leading to an updated approach to the management of this condition.
Speaker: Olivia K. Esposito, MA – PA-S, Quinnipiac University

Additional Authors:
Peter Sandor – Clinical Affiliate Associate Professor/Clinical Coordinator, Quinnipiac University


ePoster 11: Group A Strep Meningitis
This is a case report reviewing a case with a patient diagnosed with group a strep meningitis, a relatively rare cause of meningitis. This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary teams and the utility of lumbar puncture in the diagnostic workup of acute encephalopathy, even if meningitis is lower on the differential. This case also demonstrates how small, seemingly unimportant physical exam findings can be the unifying factor in determining the cause of illness and diagnosis.
Speaker: Kathleen Glenn, PA-C

Authors:
Kathleen Glenn, PA-C
Shereen Arco, NP