Ariana Barlas*, Jacob Chacko*, Chiazam Nzeako*, Andrew Kim, Jasmine Wynter, Simone Seward, Jamie Romeiser

Community engaged learning (CEL) opportunities in medical education can offer students a unique and meaningful way to connect with a targeted community. They may also serve to integrate arts and humanities into healthcare education through community interactions. The recently developed “Music as Healing” CEL experience allows medical students to share their musical talents as a mechanism to connect with the community. Over the last year, Music as Healing has expanded its target audience, volume of performers, and community exposure, as students work together to perform for both patients and community members alike. As part of this experience, students perform at a community concert organized by Music as Healing’s Service Learning Leaders. This biannual concert aims to bring the healing power of music to members of the community, allowing medical students and community members to collaborate on performances that exhibit their passions for similar music preferences. The purpose of this IRB-approved study is to examine the influence of the concert on both attendees and performers and measure the effect of this event on emotional and social well-being through a survey. Upon analysis of the responses, enhancements can be made to improve the Music as Healing program to better serve its community.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Dylan Almy*, Benjamin Frees*, Anna Marie Hondorf*, Elizabeth Tsang*, Amy Braksmajer

SUNY Geneseo SEX[Ed] is a peer-led sexual health and wellness education program that works to provide students with comprehensive and inclusive information on safer sex, contraception, STIs/HIV, body positivity, communication, consent, pleasure, reproductive justice and more. Geneseo SEX[Ed] views sexual health through a sociological and social justice lens, working to address structural barriers and marginalization in sexual health education. Geneseo SEX[Ed] works to initiate dialogues that engage the student community to increase awareness and action of autonomous sexual health. Interns offer workshops surrounding sexual health topics through creative and engaging ways such as “Sex Jeopardy" and “Social Media and Sexual Health: Fact vs. Fiction?”. Additionally, interns table on campus to help connect students with local and state resources and distribute free barrier contraceptives and emergency contraception to improve agency. Our website focuses on connecting students with social justice focused information and resources with specific pages focused on gender and sexual identity, intersectionality and equity, sex positivity, and sexual communication. Geneseo SEX[Ed] provides accurate and inclusive information that supports all students, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and ethnicity so students can make informed and autonomous choices and live fulfilling sexual lives.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Michael Koltakov

High school athletes experience many orthopedic injuries, but the likelihood of getting injured—and receiving proper care—can vary widely between school districts. This project examines how district income level affects the rate of common sports injuries such as sprains, ligament injuries, and concussion-related events. Using publicly available injury summaries, athletic budget information, and district socioeconomic data from Central New York, this study compares injury frequency per 100 athletes in higher-income vs. lower-income districts.

Early findings suggest that differences in field quality, equipment condition, access to athletic trainers, and availability of follow-up care may play a major role in both injury risk and recovery. These unequal resources reflect community-level disparities that influence orthopedic health long before athletes enter the medical system.

The goal of this project is to highlight preventable gaps in athlete safety and encourage actions such as improving equipment, training support, and early orthopedic evaluation. By linking community resources to injury outcomes, this work supports broader efforts to make school sports safer and more equitable for all students.

Brian Ganeles*, Adam Ayroso*, Stan Goettel, Simone Seward

The New York State Fair Infirmary Patient Care Experience is a Community-Engaged Learning initiative within SUNY Upstate’s PRVM 6423 course that integrates medical student education with public health service. In partnership with the Fair’s infirmary staff, the program offers students hands-on exposure to event medicine, patient communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork in a resource-limited, high-volume environment.

In 2025, the program strengthened its structure through improved scheduling and a comprehensive orientation that introduced students to possible clinical scenarios and communication skills in emergency settings. Twenty-five medical students volunteered during the Fair, helping care for 342 patients presenting with dehydration, heat-related illness, syncope, and minor injuries. Students reported increased confidence entering their shifts, while infirmary staff noted that volunteers enhanced workflow efficiency and allowed clinicians to focus on higher-acuity cases.

Program evaluation through surveys, debrief sessions, and staff feedback highlighted strong educational value and meaningful operational impact. Challenges, including limited simulation time and initial uncertainty among first-year students, led to recommendations such as expanded training with patient communication, on-site orientation, and pairing new and experienced volunteers. Overall, the program demonstrates a sustainable and mutually beneficial model that advances community health while fostering early clinical skill development and professional growth among medical students.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Fatima Afzal*, Maya Lautenberg*, Harvir Gambhir, Bader Madoukh, Simone Seward

PEACE Survey is a Community-Engaged Learning opportunity available to all students at Upstate Medical University. The program's goal is to collect data on the patient care provided by hospitalists in the Internal Medicine department. Upstate Medical University, located in Syracuse, New York, is the biggest employer in Central New York. Onondaga County has a population of approximately 467,873, and 13.8% of individuals are below the poverty line. This is the patient population from whom the surveys are collected. This program provides a direct and succinct way for patients to give feedback to their physicians. This feedback is not only important for quality improvement, but it is also important for physicians to hear what they are doing well. With physician burnout a significant problem today, the positive results of the surveys can help reaffirm the work and the appreciation that patients have for their physicians. For students, this opportunity allows them to improve their communication skills in a low-stakes environment. Additionally, it allows students to learn what patients appreciate in their doctors and how they can be better physicians in the future. This is an innovative volunteering opportunity that allows students to be directly connected with patient satisfaction.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Roma Agarwal, SeQuoia Kemp

The CDC refers to maternal mortality as the death of an individual while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, and it is a valuable health indicator. The United States has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality amongst high-income nations, particularly within Black/Latinx birthing individuals. Structural racism and socioeconomic inequities are driving factors to maternal mortality. During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, preexisting factors to maternal mortality were exacerbated. Doulas are trained professionals that support a birthing individual before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas have long played a key role in patient advocacy, health literacy, and mitigating structural barriers to care; however, their role was disrupted during the pandemic. Literature synthesis and review on the role of doulas during the COVID-19 pandemic is important in revealing systematic shortcomings of the healthcare system that can be used for solutions in the future. This poster aims to understand how health literacy and shared advocacy was demonstrated in maternal health experiences through doula care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that it is essential for us to focus reform on a framework that considers determinants of health, shared decision making, and risk communication and places an emphasis on birth doulas. Though the COVID-19 pandemic revealed what was broken in the United States, it also revealed key gaps in maternal healthcare that can serve as the foundation for change.

Ejun Dean*, Estelle Khairallah*, Jay Brenner, Rishana Cohen, Sarah Reckess

Incarceration is a social determinant of health associated with a 39% higher risk of all-cause mortality that affects two million individuals in the United States. Federal law mandates basic healthcare for people who are incarcerated, but does not have standardized guidelines for how care is delivered across its multisystem criminal legal system. Healthcare providers know that incarcerated patients should receive a full range of medical care; however, their knowledge deficits and biases can impede their ability to provide this. We created an Incarcerated Patients’ Bill of Rights to ensure management practices for incarcerated patients deviate as little as possible from those for non-incarcerated patients and to explain the deviations in care that do exist. We intend for this Bill of Rights to be integrated into the Epic medical records system and distributed to incarcerated patients and providers on admission, in order to educate and empower incarcerated patients and providers and promote equitable care.

* These authors contributed equally to this work.

Estee Wu, Mattha Rugkarat, Stephen J. Thomas, Kathryn B. Anderson, Darunee Buddhari

Background: Dengue is a leading cause of arthropod-borne viral disease, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, particularly posing a significant global health concern in tropical and subtropical regions such as Thailand. Kamphaeng Phet (KP) province is located in north-central Thailand with a population of 700,000 and supports one of the largest dengue cohort studies worldwide. Over 1,500 individuals and 250 families are actively enrolled in this ongoing study (LKFCS), making this cohort of individuals ideal for assessing dengue disease literacy in the community.

Objective: To explore literacy levels regarding the signs and symptoms of dengue disease.

Methods: ​​This is a mixed methods cross sectional study nested within the LKFCS cohort study. Quantitative data collected via structured interviewer-administered questionnaires using Likert scales adapted from MOPH and WHO frameworks, and qualitative data collected via in-depth interviews to explore beliefs/attitudes towards dengue. There are a total of 159 participants ranging from 12-79 years old.

Results: Preliminary analysis shows that many participants have some degree of dengue disease literacy, but the depth of dengue disease knowledge is limited.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the continued need for enhanced health literacy within Kamphaeng Phet Province, Thailand to aid in the early recognition of disease and prompt initiation of treatment.

Eric Choi*, Irina Sokolik*

Amaus Vision Services is a clinical outreach program that provides free, comprehensive eye care to uninsured and underserved individuals in the Syracuse region and surrounding communities. Established 4 years ago, Amaus has served a diverse patient population, addressing critical gaps in access to vision care while expanding its reach beyond the immediate local area. This project examines the community impact of Amaus Vision Services through analysis of patient demographics, including age distribution, geographic location, and the volume of eye examinations conducted over a one-year period.

In addition to community outcomes, this project explores the educational value of Amaus as a service-learning experience for medical students. Reflective narratives from Upstate Medical University student volunteers highlight recurring themes of hands-on clinical learning, development of empathy, exposure to underserved populations, and appreciation of team-based care. Participation in Amaus fosters structural competency, professional responsibility, and a commitment to service, contributing to the development of socially conscious, patient-centered future physicians.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Laila Duggal

The processing capabilities of Deep Neural Networks allow for complex manipulation of large volumes of data to identify patterns of information.

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) can be utilized to bridge census tract data of poverty, education, and childhood lead levels in the city of Syracuse using publicly available community data sets.

The following data (by census tract) was imported into a Large Language Model (ChatGPT5.2): income levels, lead levels among tested children, kindergarten readiness, and 3rd grade English language (ELA) proficiency levels. This was followed by the prompt “Use only the information from these files to provide insights on poverty, education and lead levels by census tracts in Syracuse”.

The results showed that census tracts with high lead levels were among the lowest in academic proficiency and highest in poverty. The link between lead exposure and kindergarten readiness demonstrated children in high-lead tracts tend to enter kindergarten less prepared.

The findings of this AI powered study correlate with a recent independent study by the CNY Community Foundation. AI can be utilized to bridge community data sets to provide awareness of complex relationships that are valuable to public policy decisions.

Kaitlyn Macdonald

Queer youth experience disproportionately high rates of mental health, social, and physical health challenges, outcomes that have been correlated with structural discrimination and social isolation. For many queer youth, the school environment is often associated with harm: verbal harassment, physical aggression, and lack of institutional intervention or support. At the Q Center, many of the youth participate following negative experiences in other settings, looking for community in a safe and judgement-free environment. Safe spaces function as harm reduction interventions and have been shown to reduce the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance use, while improving interpersonal skills and social competence. Identity affirming environments foster confidence and growth, with peer affirmation and support reducing feelings of anxiety and isolation. With recent sociopolitical changes that have further constrained LGBTQ+ individuals’ access to safe and affirming spaces, physician awareness of and engagement with community-based resources is a critical component of health justice and equitable care for queer and gender-diverse patients.

Raghavi Patel, Adam Ayroso, Nicholas Mecca, Eunice Baik, Kavipriya Kovai Palanivel, Simone Seward

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, yet it is not regularly screened for. Community outreach programs offer an opportunity to provide screenings, education, and referral guidance for cardiovascular health, especially among medically underserved populations. The Healthy Hearts Initiative conducted community-based health screenings in Syracuse to address this problem. Participants voluntarily completed anonymous general health questionnaires including medical history, tobacco use, access to primary care, and the STOP-BANG questionnaire assessing OSA risk. Measurements including blood pressure were obtained. Higher-risk patients were provided local resources and encouraged to seek evaluation through primary care. Many participants met moderate to high-risk criteria for OSA, lacked a PCP, and reported other health factors associated with OSA. Participants commented on the program addressing healthcare barriers they face; including affordability, transportation, and convenience. Students and physician volunteers report Healthy Hearts is a great way to understand community barriers and practice clinical skills under supervision. This initiative demonstrates that underserved Syracuse communities have increased healthcare barriers that contribute to adverse outcomes, highlighted by many participants having increased OSA risk factors. The Healthy Hearts Initiative demonstrates the feasibility and need for integrating accessible sleep apnea screening, risk awareness, and health education in public settings.

Bhumika Devkota*, Eric Choi*, Ruchika Kilaparty, Maya Lautenberg, Buddhari Darunee

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most common arbovirus globally, causing a range of illness from mild febrile episodes to life-threatening conditions, and disproportionately affecting populations in endemic, resource-limited regions. In areas such as Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand, dengue poses a persistent public health and economic burden, with previous studies capturing both symptomatic and subclinical infections in community-based cohorts. This study aims to assess the baseline of dengue-related knowledge, particularly regarding education levels, transmission awareness, and vaccine understanding at different community levels. Participants (n = 21) completed a questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice items, psychometric scales, and open-ended questions assessing their knowledge of DENV, recognition of dengue fever symptoms, preventive and treatment measures, and attitudes toward vaccination. 76% of participants were aware of DENV symptoms and transmission, and 90% agreed or strongly agreed that they knew how to protect against DENV. Qualitative data revealed there were also a variety of preventative strategies, and almost all indicated they would see a healthcare professional if needed. Although the small sample size and sampling method limited the generalizability of the study, this preliminary assessment highlights health literacy gaps relevant to health equity and will inform future community-engaged projects with larger cohorts and improved survey design.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Sophia Xian, Lyric K. Tully, Emma Lape, Emma Schillinger, Kriti Behari, Dorianne Eaves

In 2025, approximately 2 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer, with the Upstate Cancer Center providing multidisciplinary care to 16,000 patients annually. In 2023, a gap was identified for patients newly diagnosed with cancer who did not fit the criteria for existing support groups. A new cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience, often marked by uncertainty, emotional distress, and the need for clear, accessible information. Research shows that cancer support groups can improve mental health, coping skills, quality of life, and even survival outcomes for patients.

This presentation introduces Coping With Cancer, a community-based support and educational group designed to promote health equity for individuals with a new cancer diagnosis within the last 12 months. Each session includes an educational component covering topics most relevant during the initial stages of treatment, such as common side effects, what various modalities of treatment entail, and strategies for managing side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. The second half focuses on open discussion, allowing patients to share experiences and provide mutual emotional support. This initiative is an important step towards improving cancer care and creating a supportive community for newly diagnosed patients at the Upstate Cancer Center.

Ruchika Kilaparty*, Maya Lautenberg*, Eric Choi, Bhumika Devkota, Buddhari Darunee

Thailand’s efforts to provide equitable healthcare for rural populations are evident through the expansion of healthcare services and a mandatory rural service requirement for physicians. The Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) provided financial coverage of medical services for the majority of people, reaching 75% of the population within one year. This scheme reduced the financial strain of medical services, but soon led to overcrowding of hospitals. The largest care facilities, which cover over 600,000 residents, are the provincial hospitals, followed by district and subdistrict hospitals. The smallest units of care are the Primary Care Clusters (PCCs). The PCC model was launched in 2016 to strengthen primary care at the community level, practicing preventive medicine, and creating a new entry point of care. PCC teams consist of physicians, nurses, health workers, and others serving around 10,000 people. Since 2016, there has been a 60% reduction in hospital visits, reduced travel costs and wait times, and improved patient satisfaction. There are concerns about the financial sustainability of this model, as this program accounted for 17% of government spending in 2017. Furthermore, the need for additional rural physicians is still evident, as one physician often oversees multiple PCCs.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Michael Zayneh, Caitlin Cook, Augusta Williams

Appalachia is a distinct region stretching from Northern Mississippi to Western New York. This includes 16,000 square miles of southern Ohio, about 40% of the state. Cancer mortality remains 10% higher in Appalachia compared to the rest of the United States, with Ohio’s Appalachian counties having a 5% higher cancer mortality rate compared to the rest of Ohio. Climate change has been increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Extreme precipitation threatens to widen disparities in cancer mortality rates and access to care. As shown in 2024 during Hurricane Helene, more frequent extreme precipitation events can worsen cancer outcomes and put added stress on Appalachia's healthcare infrastructure. Flooding may cause Superfund sites to release carcinogens into the surrounding environment. Changes in the ecosystem and environmental degradation in Appalachia may increase food prices, give rise to new pathogens that infect crops, and increase use of pesticides. Overall, climate change is poised to decrease equitable healthcare access, stress healthcare and community infrastructure, and decrease access to healthy foods, which will negatively influence cancer survivorship outcomes in the region. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies are needed to avoid widened cancer-related health disparities.

Gordon Agyei R. Edwards, Gisella Gonzalez, Ivan Olmos, Amayrani Osorio, Jesus Ramirez, Lizbeth Vasquez, Elba Muñoz, Juan Tavarez

Background: One-fifth of all Medicaid beneficiaries are either based in the largest state Medicaid program in the US, Medi-Cal in California at 15 million people, or receive care from federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Act,” changes the funding and program structure of Medicaid programs across the US, especially in California, and will impact FQHCs.

Methods: A literature review of articles and case studies was conducted to examine the projected impact to Medicaid. The bill’s provisions were compared to similar settings of budget cuts and work requirements in state Medicaid programs. Actionable recommendations were made to support FQHCs’ response to the policy changes.

Results: Medicaid cuts in HR1 would reverse a decade of progress in expanding access to care. Work requirements could put more than 8 million Californians at risk of losing coverage, disproportionately harming low-income families, older adults, and those relying on home services.

Discussion: The literature consistently shows that Medicaid cuts will lead to widespread coverage loss, reduced access to care, and worsened social determinants of health such as decreased housing stability, food security and employment opportunities. Health care providers and FQHCs must strengthen patient outreach and education about Medi-Cal changes, using trusted messengers.

Darren Anderson, Madison Searles, Andrea Shaw, Christina Campagna

Refugee, Immigrant, and Migrant Health (RIM) disparities have been a well-documented issue for years. During the lengthy process of migrating to America and potentially pursuing citizenship, immigrants often face challenges in healthcare, immigration policies, psychological stress, and much more. Across the literature, it is evident that these problems vary significantly across RIM groups. It is essential to understand the complex patterns that contribute to immigrant health disparities to initiate policy change and community-based prevention measures. This study examines a community health assessment to identify the challenges that RIMs encounter regarding their health in Syracuse, NY. Between January 31 and May 31, 2024, 184 participants were enrolled using a non-probability snowball sampling method. Inclusion criteria included adults over 18 years of age, those who had migrated to the US, and residents of Onondaga County who had resided in the US for more than 6 months. Interview questions were based on healthcare accessibility, vaccines, physical activity, diet, habits, housing, social determinants, and economic indicators. Survey responses were entered into RedCap, and data analysis was performed in Excel and SPSS. While analysis of the data is still underway, the preliminary data suggests that there are patterns contributing to health disparities among RIMs.

Brian Walker*, Jaden Ombres*

Harm reduction refers to strategies and ideas designed to minimize negative health outcomes associated with drug use. The social impact of this concept cannot be underestimated; it targets a population that has been and continues to be mistreated. The Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) at ACR Health is a program in Syracuse and nine other counties aimed at harm reduction for people who use drugs (PWUD), steroids, hormones, or insulin. They also offer a drug testing service, referrals for HIV/HCV/STI testing and treatment, and substance use programs. Statistics about harm reduction were gathered from ACR Health. A survey was also distributed to the clients to obtain qualitative and quantitative data measuring the impact of these services. We hope to emphasize the positive impacts of harm reduction initiatives in Syracuse as well as raise awareness about resources, ongoing initiatives, and education. As healthcare professionals, we will inevitably be treating PWUD, and a familiarity with community resources as well as medical interventions is necessary to provide the best care possible.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

John Monroe, Demi Ajao, Simone Seward

Background: Foot health is a frequently neglected domain for medically and socially marginalized populations. The Helping Hands for Forgotten Feet clinic provides safety-net podiatric services to patients with limited access to longitudinal care, with dermatologic foot findings forming a central component of clinical evaluation.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort review of clinic encounters. Clinic records were abstracted for sociodemographic information, past medical history, presenting complaints, dermatologic and foot examination findings, assessments and plans, treatments delivered, and documentation of follow-up.

Results: The cohort comprised adult patients with substantial medical complexity, including infectious, cardiometabolic, ophthalmologic, and degenerative conditions. Presenting problems were predominantly podiatric and dermatologic—pain, nail abnormalities, hyperkeratotic lesions, and other cutaneous changes identified on focused foot examination. Management emphasized conservative, topical, and mechanical interventions (topical agents, orthotic devices, and callus debridement). Documentation frequently lacked clear follow-up plans, and medication reconciliation records were occasionally ambiguous.

Conclusions: This clinic cohort exhibits a high burden of comorbidity and unmet dermatologic and podiatric needs. Strengthening documentation practices, standardized foot examination protocols, and follow-up mechanisms may improve care continuity and advance health justice for underserved patients.

Dania Salah, Inijesu Taiwo, Rhea Saini, Timothy Jackson, Estee Wu, Christina Campagna, Andrea Shaw

Background: Practice-based learning (PBL) provides health professions students with early exposure to underserved populations while strengthening local health system capacity. The Center for International Health supports student learning through community–clinic partnerships offering health screenings, health fairs, vaccine clinics, and community-based research with a refugee-serving nonprofit and the Global Health Institute. Despite increased use of PBL, limited evidence evaluates both student learning outcomes and benefits to community partners in refugee-focused settings.

Objective: To evaluate the educational impact of this CCP program on students and assess the perceived benefits and challenges from community partner perspectives.

Methods: This mixed-methods evaluation includes a retrospective pre–post design to assess confidence and skills in communication, cultural humility, interpreter use, and understanding of refugee health systems; semi-structured interviews with students, clinic leadership and community partners; and thematic analysis of de-identified student reflections (pending consent). Quantitative data will be analyzed using paired comparisons and qualitative data will be coded using a socioecological framework. Data collection is ongoing.

Results: Preliminary findings suggest improved student confidence and cross-cultural communication skills, alongside increased clinic capacity for screening, outreach, and health education.

Conclusion: Refugee-focused CCPs may enhance health professions education while strengthening community health system capacity and advancing health equity.

Bhumika Devkota, Elizabeth Bowen

Although medical training involves frequent discussions of disabling conditions, medical school curricula are too often designed without the input of disability communities. This poster will present the results of a literature review aimed at understanding how medical students are taught about empathy in the context of disability, and how those educational approaches do or do not align with the insights of disability communities. Specifically, it will examine various methods of simulation employed by medical schools to develop empathy in medical students when treating people with disabilities. This includes the use of virtual reality, role playing, standardized patients, and physical simulations. Some of these methods have been critiqued by disability advocates and scholars for their ineffectiveness, risk of increased stigma, and lack of long-term impact. In addition, there are questions about whether focusing on just empathy is enough to develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide competent care for disabled patients. Drawing on literature in disability studies and the health humanities, this poster will identify alternative approaches that reflect educational priorities expressed by disability communities, such as reflection, involving community members as educators, humanistic approaches, and narrative medicine.

Neil Sathi*, Avantika Masrani*, Simone Seward

The RISE Service-Learning Program has become an essential resource for refugee youth in Syracuse by providing consistent academic support, mentorship, and a safe space where students can feel a genuine sense of belonging. Feedback from students, staff, and tutors highlights increased confidence, stronger academic engagement, and meaningful relational support, demonstrating RISE’s unique role in addressing social and educational inequities faced by immigrant and refugee communities. The program is equally valuable for medical student volunteers, who gain firsthand experience in cross-cultural communication and community partnership, both of which are foundational to health justice. To ensure RISE’s continuation, advocacy efforts will emphasize its demonstrated impact to external funders, community organizations, and the College of Medicine, all of whom play a vital role in sustaining the program. Supporting RISE is not only an investment in education but also a commitment to community well-being, equity, and the development of compassionate future physicians.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Dante Whitmire, Mckenzie Watson, Bhavreet Dhandi, Kathy Burk, Emily Lyndaker, Suhani Patel, Advika Pati, Andrew Victoria, David Lehmann

Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) disproportionately affects individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, who face substantial barriers to medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) reduces OUD-related mortality, yet traditional induction methods and logistical constraints limit access and retention in care.

Objective: To describe a low-threshold, point-of-care buprenorphine micro-induction model delivered through a mobile care unit serving unhoused individuals in Syracuse, New York.

Methods: A mobile medical unit provided wound care, harm-reduction services, and on-site initiation of Suboxone using a microdosing protocol designed to minimize precipitated withdrawal. Clinical vignettes highlight patient engagement, treatment initiation, and outcomes. Strategies to address diversion, medication storage, transportation barriers, and stigma were incorporated, including short prescription intervals, observed dosing, and contingency-based incentives.

Results: Patients successfully completed micro-induction without precipitated withdrawal, achieved opioid abstinence, and demonstrated improved stability, including housing attainment and re-engagement with family.

Conclusion: Mobile, point-of-care buprenorphine micro-induction is a feasible, patient-centered approach to expanding MAT access among unhoused populations and may improve engagement, retention, and OUD-related outcomes.

Asha Thuraisamy, Chloe Metz, Michael Sun, Emily Uh, Keziah Crossley, Abigail J. Smith, Julia Vinagolu-Baur

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that disproportionately affects women and individuals with skin of color. Follicular occlusion and inflammation are central to HS pathogenesis, making laser hair removal (LHR) a promising adjunctive therapy. Prior studies suggest that LHR reduces terminal hair density and follicular inflammation, which may decrease lesion frequency and severity. However, evidence in patients with skin of color remains limited, particularly regarding safety concerns such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, scarring, and laser-induced burns. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LHR for HS, with a focus on applicability in patients of color. Our findings indicate that long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers offer a favorable safety profile for darker skin tones due to deeper wavelength penetration and reduced melanin absorption to minimize pigment alteration and burns. Despite its promise, LHR remains underutilized because of provider hesitancy, limited insurance coverage, and lack of standardized protocols for skin of color populations. Broader adoption will require clinician education, expanded access to laser therapy, and inclusive clinical guidelines. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes, optimal treatment intervals, and patient-reported satisfaction across diverse skin types.

Sanaea Bhagwagar, John Dempsey, Bhavreet Dhandi, Sonia Lang, Jace Whelan, Simone Seward, Justin Meyer, Tinatin Chabrashvili

Background: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) face significant psychosocial challenges, including social isolation and apathy. These challenges are often exacerbated by barriers to evidence-based exercise programs, further driving health disparities. Similarly, the neurology workforce now faces an estimated 19% shortfall, fueled by limited early exposure to neurological patients and a culture of “neurophobia.” To address these dual challenges, we created Parkinson’s Buddies, a student-led partnership with Rock Steady Boxing Gym (RSB) that pairs medical students with individuals with PD for community-based engagement and provides free transportation to people with PD.

Methods: This IRB-exempt study has two components. De-identified, written reflections (n=134) and quantitative ratings from 35 medical students (2024–2025) were collected and thematically analyzed using a predefined codebook (K=0.92). Adults with PD (n=5 to date) participated in a transportation program and completed structured surveys.

Results: Thirty-five students completed 179 volunteer hours. Analysis of reflections revealed dominant themes including “Humanistic Connection in Neurology” (86%) and “Hope and Therapeutic Optimism” (92%). Twenty percent of students reported a shifted perception of neurology. Five participants completed 17 complimentary round trips over 8 weeks, demonstrating high satisfaction and consistent utilization.

Conclusions: Parkinson’s Buddies demonstrates the potential of a student-community partnership to strengthen the neurology workforce pipeline and reduce health disparities in PD.

Kate Trujillo, Katherine Axelrod, Alex Guerrero

Access to primary and preventive healthcare remains limited for uninsured and underinsured populations, particularly for individuals facing language barriers and structural inequities. The Poverello Health Center is a community-based clinic providing no-cost care while integrating medical student service learning into clinic operations. This project describes the patient population and care provided at Poverello. It also examines how this volunteer experience shapes medical students' understanding of sustained community engagement. A descriptive review of clinic activity data from the 2025 calendar year characterized patient encounters, services, and volunteer involvement. Reflections submitted by student volunteers during the 2024–2025 period were reviewed to identify recurring themes related to service learning and community impact. In 2025, the clinic served a diverse patient population facing barriers to care, including lack of insurance and limited English proficiency, while providing longitudinal management of chronic conditions, access to medications, and referrals addressing social needs. Volunteers supported clinic operations through patient intake, vital sign collection, translation services, health education, and care navigation– enhancing clinic capacity and continuity. Reflections highlighted awareness of structural determinants of health, the importance of language access, and the value of longitudinal community engagement. This model advances health justice while training future physicians through sustained community partnership.

Matthew Randall, Raghavi Patel, Sahana Ramrakhiani, Gordon Agyei R. Edwards, Emily Trocchi, Elizabeth Lee, Lorie Kim, Moustafa Awayda, Simone Seward

Syracuse reflects the trend of mass incarceration seen throughout the nation. Syracuse, the fifth most populated city in New York, has a 4.7 times higher imprisonment rate within state prisons than New York City, the most populated city in New York. Until 2022, SUNY Upstate Medical University, located in Syracuse, did not have a medical student interest group that focused on correctional healthcare. Health Advocacy for the Incarcerated (HAI) was created to address the healthcare needs of the incarcerated population, as well as to enhance recognition of this patient population within a medical school curriculum. In addition, HAI has been able to secure a national grant to create the Freedom Health and Wellness Program in collaboration with Freedom Commons, a local reentry organization. Our scientific poster will focus on the efficacy of our student interest group in bringing to the forefront the needs of the incarcerated population and promoting physicians’ interest in correctional healthcare at a time when doctors are still early in their training. This will be investigated through feedback and evaluations from Upstate students and Freedom Common residents. Our work explores the overarching boundaries of student advocacy and the balance of meeting community-identified needs while mitigating harm.

Ruchika Kilaparty*, Alia Yamin*, Jenica O'Malley, Simone Seward

Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a national evidence-based pediatric literacy initiative that attempts to incorporate reading into primary care. This program is bidirectional and strengthens connections between the pediatric patient population and medical students, empowering the latter to be advocates for pediatric health and literacy efforts. At SUNY Upstate Medical University, ROR is an opportunity for medical students to participate in community-engaged volunteering at the Nappi Wellness Institute. Medical students modeled dialogic reading practices during well-child visits and highlighted the importance of early childhood literacy to the parents. Student volunteers consistently reported that reading with children reduced anxiety, increased their community engagement, and helped children enter their appointments calmer and more engaged. Parents were frequently grateful for having someone, especially medical students, support their child. Overall, the program provided students with practice with engaging pediatric populations and their families, a skill they can bring with them to clinicals and beyond.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Emma Keegan, Ashton Ariola, Simone Seward

Approximately 9-13% of pregnant patients require hospitalization during the antepartum period, which is often prolonged and profoundly isolating. Perinatal depression can occur up to one year postpartum, and more than 50% of patients experiencing antepartum hospitalization screen positive for moderate to severe depression. Perceived social support is one of the strongest protective factors against perinatal depression and anxiety, yet hospitalized antepartum patients frequently lack access to structured, equitable psychosocial support.

To address this gap, the Antepartum Social Support Group was founded at Crouse Hospital in 2023 as a community-based intervention centered on health justice and emotional well-being. Each Wednesday evening, volunteers join hospitalized antepartum patients in small groups (typically 2–4 participants) to engage in arts and crafts and informal socialization, creating a non-clinical space for peer connection after prolonged isolation in patient rooms.

While formal data collection is ongoing, patient reflections consistently describe positive impacts on emotional support, social connection, and sense of autonomy during hospitalization. Medical student volunteers report increased understanding of structural vulnerability, prolonged hospitalization, and the psychosocial dimensions of obstetric care. This low-cost, student-led program highlights the importance of addressing social isolation as a health justice issue and demonstrates the value of integrating structured psychosocial support into inpatient antepartum care.

Advika Patil*, Shriya Agarwal*, Simone Seward

The Syracuse Rescue Mission aims to restore hope and foster stability for people experiencing homelessness. Women comprise 30% of this population, and nearly 80% report histories of domestic violence, highlighting a significant gender-based health inequity. The student-run program, Women’s HEAL, addresses a critical gap in shelter-based services by focusing on emotional well-being and social isolation through peaceful, structured activities. The objective is to create an environment where women can decompress through mindfulness-based activities such as reflective writing, vision boards, coloring, and more. After hosting 12 sessions, the program engaged approximately twenty women, each with unique stories of growth. The program's impact was evaluated qualitatively via verbal feedback, volunteer reflections, and observations of participation through the initiation of conversations or the sharing of personal experiences. One specific instance of teaching a 70-year-old woman how to type exemplifies the program’s function in promoting dignity, empowerment, and connection. Challenges included attendance fluctuation, incorporating technology-based activities, and navigating sensitive topics. In the future, the program would benefit from more frequent sessions and the presence of a trained mental health or trauma-informed facilitator to support sustainability and participant safety. Women's HEAL addresses gender-specific psychosocial inequities and strengthens resilience among women experiencing homelessness through community-based healing.

* These authors contributed equally to this work

Jaheel Rowe, Jamie Romeiser

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major source of preventable morbidity and mortality in the United States, with early detection dependent on consistent screening. Prior studies show that socioeconomically disadvantaged communities have lower screening uptake and poorer outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic substantially disrupted preventive care, but its longer-term effects on screening equity are unclear. This study examined changes in CRC screening disparities by neighborhood disadvantage before, during, and after the pandemic.

Using CDC PLACES data from 2018, 2020, and 2022, we estimated zip-code–level prevalence of up-to-date CRC screening. Neighborhood disadvantage was measured using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and Social Deprivation Index (SDI), categorized into quintiles. Because screening definitions changed over time, we assessed relative differences using generalized linear models with interactions between year and disadvantage quintile.

In 2018, screening rates in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods were 5.9%–9.6% lower than in the most advantaged. Disparities narrowed in 2020, reflecting system-wide disruptions that reduced screening across communities. By 2022, inequities re-emerged and exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with gaps widening to 7.5%–10.1%. Consistent results across both indices indicate an uneven recovery, with vulnerable neighborhoods lagging behind. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to ensure equitable access to CRC screening.