11/25/2025

Excellence in Student Research: Posters, Presentations, and Publications

OAPA is pleased to feature Miami University PA student research accomplishments. If you or someone from your PA program would like to have work highlighted in a future newsletter, please contact oapa@ohiopa.com.

The students of Miami University's inaugural cohort, who graduated in August 2025, had an impressive year in research. Each student developed a research poster and presented their work, with several gaining recognition beyond the classroom. Four students showcased their projects at Miami University’s Graduate Research Forum, and one student, Emily Kendrick, presented at both the OAPA and AAPA conferences. In addition to their presentations, all students submitted manuscripts for publication. Several papers are currently being revised for editorial review, while others have already been published.

The Class of 2026 is following in these footsteps. Thirty-two of the 36 students presented their research at the Ohio Rural Health Association’s Annual Conference in 2025, with four additional students participating in Miami University’s Graduate Research Forum. Another student, Brandin Williams-Johnson, presented at both OAPA and ORHA. All members of the class are actively researching rural health afflictions, exploring a wide range of topics from health practice behaviors to the impact of specific health conditions. Together, these achievements highlight the dedication, talent, and growing influence of these students in advancing research and practice in rural healthcare.

Learn more about some of these student-researchers below!

Isabella Wentz, pending publication in JAAPA

Title: “Street Medicine: Catering to the Basic Healthcare Needs of the Underserved and Homeless”

Authors: Isabella J. Wentz, PA-C, and David E. DeLaet, MD., MPH

Abstract: Street medicine has unfolded to become an up and coming medical specialty for patients experiencing homelessness, a community of people that are often overlooked by the traditional healthcare system. The conventional healthcare system often falls short of delivering medical care to homeless individuals due to barriers such as transportation, continuity of care, fiscal disadvantages, and establishment of provider-patient relationships. By providing treatment and management of routine diseases like wound care, hypertension, arrhythmias, mental health disorders, and diabetes to this demographic of individuals, street medicine reduces the reliability of emergency department services. Advanced practice providers (APPs), including physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), play a focal role in this field by delivering care directly on the streets, in encampments, or within shelters. Street medicine does not only improve vast health outcomes and quality of life for homeless individuals, but also tackles broader healthcare challenges like limiting the spread of communicable diseases and establishing a provider-patient relationship. This evolving medical specialty plays critical importance in meeting people “where they are” and highlights the role as a social and medical instrument in today’s society.”

Emily Kendrick, poster presented at OAPA and AAPA

Title: "Smoking Prevalence and Impact on Rural America"

Abstract: Smoking is a significant health burden, with a significant cost to US taxpayers of more than $300 billion annually. It is estimated that 20% of all Americans are smokers. This is more common amongst rural residents, where the community is noted to have fewer health resources for screening, detection, education, prevention, and treatment. The acute physiologic effects of smoking include direct inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA injury, deranged lipid metabolism, vasoconstriction, impaired immunity and respiratory insults. Chronically, smoking has been correlated with progressive injury, including atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, endocrine disorders, complications in pregnancy, several neoplasms, and death. Despite public health efforts to decrease the prevalence of smoking, rural residents remain disproportionately affected with higher rates of tobacco use. There are a myriad of socioeconomic reasons for this that are individual and community based. Focused patient and community efforts are required to yield positive impacts in smoking cessation rates equally across all demographics.

Rim Youssef, pending publication in Clinical Advisor

Title: "Trends in Management of the Relationship between PCOS and Infertility"  

Authors: Rim Youssef, MMSC, PA-C, and Chris Grimm, MPAS, PA-C

Abstract: PCOS is an endocrine disorder among reproductive young females that is a contributing factor in infertility. PCOS is characterized by hormonal imbalance causing excess androgen and insulin resistance causing ovarian dysfunction, this results in trouble conceiving. Oxidative stress and chronic, low-grade inflammation have been an important factor contributing to reduced fertility, but the Mediterranean diet has shown to decrease this inflammation. With new research occurring, for example myo-inositol, a sugar alcohol found in the body naturally that is showing promising results with a good safety profile. Overall, many women with PCOS struggle emotionally and physically in starting a family. As research continues it is important to understand PCOS and listen to our PCOS females.

Jillian DiTusa, PA-C

Published JBJS Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants 13(4):p e25.00018, October-December 2025.| DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.JOPA.25.00018

Title: "A Review of Current Treatments of Knee Osteochondral Defects in High-Level Athletes"

Authors: Jillian DiTusa, BSc, PA-S2 (at the time of submission), and Karey Davis, PA-C, LAT/ATC

Abstract: Osteochondral defects (OCDs) represent a major concern for high-level running and jumping athletes, often leading to significant knee injuries. If left untreated, large OCDs can progress to osteoarthritis, making it imperative for effective repair to restore the knee to its pre-injury state. This article offers a comprehensive review of osteochondral defects, including their etiology, specifically how different injury mechanisms contribute to their development. It also delves into the classification of the defect and categorization by the extent, depth, size, and location of the defect. While surgical intervention is often the best approach for managing most OCD lesions and optimizing patient outcomes, the surgeon must consider the patient’s individual goals. One must evaluate the cost-effectiveness of surgery, anticipated rehabilitation and recovery time, and the patient's desired postoperative activity level. Evidence suggests that small, favorably located, and early-diagnosed defects respond best to early treatment. Despite various treatment approaches, there is currently no “gold standard” surgical technique, which remains an active area of ongoing research and debate. Further research should focus on identifying the optimal surgical procedure for patients who aim to return to high-level athletic activity after their injury. 

Brandin Williams-Johnson, PA-S2

Title: "Barriers of Prevention and Education of Prostate Cancer in Rural America"

Abstract: Prostate cancer is a major health concern. Generally afflicting men in their fourth to sixth decade of life, the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with advancing years. Generally asymptomatic until late stage disease has developed, morbidity and mortality reduction is best achieved through early screening examinations. Yet many communities do not have reliable early detection programs, despite being high risk. Those communities are not limited to socioeconomic status, but may also include other meaningful demographic contributions. Through recognition and confirmation of notable barriers to health, meaningful solutions may be proposed to improve detection and treatment of this affliction. This proposal poster presents four salient barriers to health and solutions that could be offered to improve disease detection and treatment in these at-risk communities.