MTA 1: 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: Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening in 45-64 y/o in Primary Care
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low in patients aged 45-64. Baylor Internal Medicine aimed to increase screening rates in this group with a quality improvement project that educated clinicians on screening options, provided patient brochures, and sent electronic reminders. This increased CRC screening rates from 65.5% to 74.2% between July 2023 and June 2024. This demonstrated the importance of shared decision-making and offering multiple options to improve CRC screening rates.
Speaker: Isabel Valdez, PA-C

Authors:
Isabel Valdez, PA-C, Associate Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
Olubunmi Oladunjoye, Dr. Olubunmi Oladunjoye, MD, Baylor College of Medicine


ePoster 2: Infections in Immunocompromised Patients Following Hurricane-Induced Flooding, A Case Series
This case series highlights the impact of Hurricane Helene and Hurrican Milton flooding and storm surge water exposure and the associated infections impacting immunocompromised patients actively receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy.
Speaker: Sofia A. Soto Chavez, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Moffitt Cancer Center

Authors:
Karina Mullins, PA-C, PA-C – Physician Assistant, Moffitt Cancer Center


ePoster 3: Missed diagnosis? Risk of stroke in young adults post COVID-19.
COVID-19 infection causes endothelial damage and coagulopathy leading to complications including ischemic stroke. The exact risk in young adults under 55, especially those without underlying risk factors has not successfully been explored. The amount of risk after recovery from infection is also unknown. Early intervention is the key to successful patient outcomes; vigilance of clinicians to identify those at risk and with signs and symptoms of stroke remains paramount.
Speaker: Sarah Webster, DMSc, Fellow, PALLA

Authors:
Sarah Webster, DMSc, Fellow, PALLA
Cara Felter, Associate Professor, PALLA


ePoster 4: Needle Decompression Site Selection Accuracy in Simulated High Stress Environments
The goal of this research was to evaluate the overall accuracy of Needle Chest Decompression (NCD) site selection amongst active-duty military medical professionals in a simulated high stress combat environment. NCD is a temporizing, yet lifesaving, procedure utilized most frequently in the prehospital setting, commonly with military medics. The setting is often disorderly and chaotic, therefore imperative for medical professionals to be capable of properly executing NCD in such environments.
Speaker: Corey P. Osborn, Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, DSc, United States Air Force

Authors:
Corey P. Osborn, Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, DSc, United States Air Force
Sarah Ostrom, DSc PA-C, US Air Force
Maggie Smith-Davidson, DSc, PA-C, US Air Force


ePoster 5: PA Perspectives Regarding a CAQ in Oncology: A Needs Assessment
A survey by NCCPA and APAO assessed the demand for an Oncology Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) among 868 board-certified PAs in oncology and related specialties (22.6% response rate). While 61% indicated they would likely pursue the CAQ, motivations included professional development (82.7%), personal satisfaction (81.3%), and improved patient care (60.7%). Among hiring decision-makers, 54% favored candidates with a CAQ. The data supports further consideration before implementation.
Speaker: Cory M. Edgar, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Association of PAs in Oncology

Authors:
Cory M. Edgar, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Association of PAs in Oncology
Colette Jeffery, MA, Senior Research Analyst, National Commission on Certification of PAs (NCCPA)
Tiffany Statler, President, Association of PAs in Oncology
Kasey Puckett, MPH, Research Analyst II, National Commission on Certification of PAs (NCCPA)
Andrzej Kozikowski, Senior Director of Research, National Commission on Certification of PAs (NCCPA)
Colleen Tetzlaff, Physician Assistant, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Dawn Morton-Rias, President and CEO, National Commission on Certification of PAs (NCCPA)
Joshua Goodman, VP of Research and Exam Programs, National Commission on Certification of PAs (NCCPA)


ePoster 6: Performance Comparison between Hounsfield Units and DXA in Predicting Subsidence
Bone health awareness among spine surgeons is increasing and measurement tools are under greater scrutiny based on the value they add to the surgical planning process. DXA is the gold standard measurement of bone mineral density (BMD), but results are often falsely elevated in the degenerative population. When CT is available, the value of an additional BMD data point of Hounsfield Units at the region of interest cannot be overstated. This information can lead to better surgical planning.
Speaker: Lindsay DAWN Orosz, MSPAC, Director of Research, National Spine Health Foundation

Authors:
Lindsay DAWN Orosz, MSPAC, Director of Research, National Spine Health Foundation
Kirsten Schuler, Research Assistant, The National Spine Health Foundation
Rita Roy, MD, CEO, The National Spine Health Foundation
Yusuf Rafiqzad, Research Assistant, The National Spine Health Foundation
Thomas Schuler, MD, Spine Surgeon, Virginia Spine Institute
Christopher Good, MD, Spine Surgeon, Virginia Spine Institute
Colin Haines, MD, Spine Surgeon, Virginia Spine Institute
Ehsan Jazini, MD, Spine Surgeon, Virginia Spine Institute

ePoster 7: PA-Specific Post-Professional Doctoral Program Needs Assessment
The PA-Specific Doctoral Program Needs Assessment, conducted by the Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives (RSI) for the 2024-2025 period, aimed to identify the resources and support that would benefit post-professional PA doctoral programs to help enhance their effectiveness and student outcomes.
Speaker: James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA, AAPA Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives; University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, Virginia

Additional Authors:
Robert E. McKenna, DMSc, MPH, PA-C, ) AAPA Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives; Marshall B. Ketchum University, Fullerton, California
Melissa Murfin, PharmD, BCACP, PA-C, AAPA Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives; Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York
Noël Smith, Senior Director, PA & Industry Research & Analysis; AAPA, Alexandria, Virginia