MTA 4: 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: Addressing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Migrant Farmworker Children
This retrospective study examines the effectiveness of empiric iron therapy for treating anemia in migrant farmworker children in Utah. Results reveal higher anemia prevalence compared to national data and significant hemoglobin improvement with treatment. Variability in follow-up rates highlights the need for standardized protocols to enhance care delivery and outcomes.
Speaker: Jennifer M. Coombs, Dr – Professsor, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program

Additional Authors:
Jared M. Spackman – Associate Professor, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Alan M. Tran – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Jasmine M. Aparicio – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Erin M. Hess – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
Paul M. Kezerian – PA-S, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program


ePoster 2: Bouveret syndrome: a rare case of gallstone ileus
Bouveret syndrome is a rare form of gallstone ileus that results in a gastric outlet obstruction. This disease is more common in elderly women but does occur in men too. Endoscopic intervention is considered first line, although there is on consensus given the rarity of the disease.
Speaker: Brennan Bowker, MHS, PA-C – Senior Surgical Physician Assistant Part time professor of PA studies, Yale New Haven Hospital and Quinnipiac University
Jessica D'Errico – PA-Student, Quinnipiac University
Olivia K. Esposito, MA – PA-S, Quinnipiac University
Klaudia Toma – PA-Student, Quinnipiac University
Ariana Dominicus – PA Student, Quinnipiac University

Additional Authors:
Alyssa Tuozzoli – MPAS, PA-C, Yale New Haven Hospital
Shannon Maxon – MPAS, PA-C, Yale New Haven Hospital
Dirk C. Johnson – MD, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University


ePoster 3: Cancer Screening in Women Being Treated for Opioid Use Disorder
The purpose of this study is to compare cancer screening, specifically completion of recommended mammograms and cervical cancer screening tests, between women receiving buprenorphine treatment for OUD, and a comparable sample of women not being treated for OUD at a primary care clinic with integrated substance use disorder transition clinic. Results confirm that women being treated for OUD complete mammograms and PAP tests at a significantly lower rate than the general population.
Speaker: Joanne Rolls, MPAS, MEHP, PA-C – Vice-Chair of Education for the PA Education and Sciences Division and Director of Didactic Education University of Utah PA Program, University of Utah School of Medicine
Johanna E. Greenberg, PA-C, MPAS – Assistant Professor (Clinical), Physician Assistant, University of Utah

Additional Authors:
Juliana Palacio – PA Student, University of Utah
Alise Robinson – PA Student, University of Utah
Vanessa Medrano – PA Student, University of Utah
Melissa Spencer – PA Student, University of Utah


ePoster 4: Colocutaneous fistula: a rare complication of acute sigmoid diverticulitis
Acute diverticulitis is an extremely common disease pathology. Although many patients can be managed with antibiotics alone, some go on to develop complications of the disease. In rare instances, patients can develop a colocutaneous fistula. Surgical excision and percutaneous drainage have both been described with excellent success for management of this rare disease entity.
Speaker: Brennan Bowker, MHS, PA-C – Senior Surgical Physician Assistant Part time professor of PA studies, Yale New Haven Hospital and Quinnipiac University
Katie Rogers, PA-S2 – PA-Student, Quinnipiac University
Aliana Castro – PA-Student, Quinnipiac University

Additional Authors:
Alyssa Tuozzoli – MPAS, PA-C, Yale New Haven Hospital
Lindsey Brown – MHS, PA-C, Yale New Haven Hospital
Marianna Papageorge – MD, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University
Andrew Esposito – MD, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University
Tyler J. Jones – MD, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University


ePoster 5: Early vs. Delayed Cranioplasty Following Decompressive Craniectomy in Adult Patients
A 21-year-old female with severe traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle collision underwent emergent decompressive craniectomy (DC) for increased intracranial pressure. Her scheduled cranioplasty (CP) was delayed due to pneumonia and performed nine weeks after DC. Post-CP, her Glasgow Coma Scale was unchanged. While CP improves neurological outcomes, its timing depends on factors like infection. This case demonstrates a successful CP following DC with no worsening neurological effects.
Speaker: Anne Jasmine Holandez Palparan – PA Student, UC Davis

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


ePoster 6: Geospatial Analysis of PA Workforce Distribution in California
We analyzed the distribution of Physician Associates (PAs) in California, focusing on Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for primary care. Using geospatial mapping and statistical analysis, we found a negative correlation between healthcare need (HRSA score 1) and PA presence, with many high-need rural areas having few or no PAs. These findings highlight the misalignment between PA distribution and healthcare needs, offering insights for improving access in underserved regions.
Speaker: Emily C. Thatcher, MPAS, PA-C – Assistant Clinical Professor, University of California, Davis

Additional Authors:
Jun Kawano – Student, University of California, Davis


ePoster 7: Lemierre Syndrome: Rediscovering the “Forgotten Disease”
This ePoster discusses a rare case of Lemierre syndrome in an immunosuppressed elderly patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. It highlights the clinical features, diagnosis, and management of Lemierre syndrome and reviews potential diagnostic challenges, particularly in atypical disease presentations. This presentation is intended for clinicians and aims to increase awareness of Lemierre syndrome, its diverse clinical presentations, and the importance of timely treatment.
Speaker: Hardik Thakkar, MSPAS PA-C – APP Supervisor, APP Fellowship Coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center, Moffitt Cancer Center

Authors:
Savannah Brennan – Physician Assistant Student, University of South Florida
Aarav Julka – Medical Student, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Neha Verma – Medical Director, Department of Internal and Hospital Medicine, Moffitt Cancer Center
Hannah Raymond, PA-S2 – Physician Assistant Student, University of South Florida


ePoster 8: Ruptured Sinus Cyst Presenting As Profuse Rhinorrhea Suspicious for CSF
Sinus retention cysts are a common incidental finding and form when the secretory ducts of the sinus mucosa are blocked. They are often asymptomatic, but can present with nasal obstruction or mild headache. Profuse unilateral rhinorrhea is a rare presentation mimicking a cerebral spinal fluid leak and should trigger a prompt workup with endoscopy, computed tomography, and beta-2-transferrin. Most do not require treatment, but persistent symptoms can be managed with endoscopic intervention.
Speaker: Nicole Horn, BS – PA Student, Quinnipiac University

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


ePoster 9: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Patients with Persistent Shoulder Pain
If you are a PA or PA student and you wonder how point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) could enhance patient care in family practice or orthopedics, then this research may interest you. This poster aims to explore the value of POCUS as a diagnostic tool for shoulder pathologies in patients with persistent shoulder pain. Also, limitations to its use as a diagnostic tool, and in the utility of POCUS in guidance and monitoring of treatment are addressed.
Speaker: Sara Robison – PA Student, University of Nevada, Reno Physician Assistant Studies