Family medicine students showcase their research

Student Michael Fullenkamp discusses his research on obesity with Paul Paulman, M.D.

UNMC student Shannon Wakeley shares her research findings with College of Medicine Dean John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D.

UNMC medical student Shannon Wakeley would write an education “prescription” to better inform patients on the proper use of antibiotics.

Kim Olsen would better educate patients with diabetes so they can take a more active role in managing their disease.

Their “solutions” for improved care of family medicine patients in rural Nebraska were on display Monday in the Durham Outpatient Center’s second-floor atrium. Eight research posters, including Wakeley and Olsen’s winning projects, may be viewed through Wednesday.

During their M3 family medicine rotation, students are required to do a project relating to a specific health care concern at the site where they did their eight-week rotation. This year’s students analyzed such topics as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, mammography and prenatal care.

Students who submitted the top projects were asked to submit a research poster, and two winners were selected from those submitted. Wakeley, who spent eight weeks in Chadron, and Olsen, who did her rotation in Sidney, each will receive a $250 cash prize for their winning projects.

“Outstanding work,” UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., said while visiting with the students Monday. “The rotations exposed students to the problems that occur in rural Nebraska, but are not unique to rural Nebraska.”

Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., talks with UNMC student Kim Olsen.

UNMC College of Medicine Dean John Gollan, M.D., Ph.D., agreed. “I’m very impressed by the high standards and the students’ selection of really pertinent, practical topics,” he said.

“I’m very impressed with the practicality of their interventions,” said Paul Paulman, M.D., of family medicine.