Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Scholars Present Cardiovascular Research at International Conference Dr. Muhammad PirDr. Najam Saqib Dr. Hamza HanifDr. Muhammad Affan A team of cardiovascular disease fellows and internal medicine residents at the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education recently presented their scholarly research, “Comparison of Radial vs. Femoral Arterial Access for Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” at an international conference in Orlando, Florida. The Cardiovascular Research Foundation’s Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Conference, an annual scientific symposium, is the world’s foremost educational forum that specializes in interventional cardiovascular medicine. It features major medical research breakthroughs and leading researchers and clinicians from around the world presenting and discussing the latest evidence-based research. Drs. Muhammad Pir and Najam Saqib, cardiovascular fellows, and Drs. Hamza Hanif and Muhammad Affan, internal medicine residents, co-authored the research presentation. It involved the review of 14 studies and 12,272 patients to assess existing literature on radial versus femoral arterial access for complex percutaneous coronary intervention. Radial access was associated with a significantly lower rate of major bleeding, but the work discovered that overall procedural success was superior when utilizing the femoral artery. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education features three fellowships: Cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology and geriatrics. Over three years, the cardiovascular disease fellowship trains fellows in community-based settings with globally and nationally recognized, board-certified cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons. Fellows also hone the knowledge and skills needed to provide state-of-the-art cardiac care, while advancing the specialty field through their own scholarly research and practice. Overall, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education has had 75 scholarly abstracts, written on a wide array of topics in medicine, accepted for presentation at professional conferences since the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to thewrightcenter.org or call 570-343-2383.
Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Scholarly Abstract Accepted for Presentation at HRSA’s National Conference Dr. Karen ArscottDr. Meaghan RuddyDr. Linda Thomas-HemakScott ConstantiniJumee Barooah A scholarly research team at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education has had their scholarly abstract, “An Addiction Medicine Fellowship’s Valuable Engagement in an Essential Community Provider’s ‘Whole Person’ Care and Education Model,” accepted for presentation at a highly competitive national conference. The federal Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) abstract review committee chose the research article for its Bureau of Health Workforce Virtual All Grantee and Stakeholder Meeting in April. The focus of the meeting is for participants to learn from grantees and trainees about programs, ideas and research that can improve the health workforce. Dr. Karen Arscott, a primary care and addiction medicine specialist, will make the public presentation of the abstract for the research team. Drs. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO, and Jumee Barooah, designated institutional officer, also contributed to the research along with Scott Constantini, director of behavioral health, and Meaghan Ruddy, Ph.D., senior vice president of assessment and advancement for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. The abstract, one of 72 accepted for presentation, illustrates how HRSA’s investment in the Geisinger-Wright Center for Community Health addiction fellowship partnership helped improve access to health care services and trained the health workforce to address behavioral and community health needs.
Wright Center’s Chief Fellow Publishes 100th Scholarly Article The chief fellow for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship recently published the 100th scholarly article during his fellowship, “Scope of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Gastrointestinal Oncology,” in Cancers, a peer-reviewed journal of oncology that is published semimonthly. Dr. Hemant Goyal, a fellow of the American College of Physicians, was invited to review literature that addressed the most current information available about the role of AI in diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, which cause more than 2.8 million deaths annually worldwide. He and his co-authors labeled the advancements and use of AI in endoscopic procedures as a “significant breakthrough in modern medicine.” The diagnostic accuracy of AI systems has markedly improved in screening, diagnosing and treating various cancers by accurately analyzing diagnostic clinical images, but it needs additional collaboration among physicians. Overall, he has published more than 175 peer-reviewed articles in various national and international scientific journals. Goyal’s research, “Taste Changes (Dysgeusia) in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis,” appeared in the Gastroenterology, the No. 1 scientific journal in the field of gastroenterology. It was the first published meta-analysis that highlighted taste changes as one of COVID-19’s symptoms. Goyal also published, “Hyperlipasemia and Potential Pancreatic Injury Pattern in COVID-19: A Marker of Severity or Innocent Bystander,” in the Gastroenterology. The research highlighted the importance of elevation in lipase levels, which help the human body digest fats, in patients with COVID-19. The International Journal of Colorectal Diseases included his scholarly research article, “Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer: Hospitalization Trends and Gender Disparities in the United State 2010-14.” It showed that white females between 41-50 years of age with colorectal cancer have higher hospitalization rates. The abstract earned first place at the 2019 Pennsylvania Society of Gastroenterology meeting. Goyal, a gastroenterologist-in-training and doctor of internal medicine, accepts adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health’s Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, for treatment of Hepatitis C. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Institutional Review Board-approves research studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Overall, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education has had 75 scholarly abstracts written on a wide array of topics in medicine accepted for presentation at professional conferences since the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to www.thewrightcenter.org or call 570-343-2383.
The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Resident Physicians Presenting Scholarly Research in Puerto Rico Dr. Navharsh Sekhon Dr. Anshul Patel Dr. Shams Tasnim Dr. Yamini Patel Four resident physicians at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education have had their scholarly research abstracts accepted for presentation at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s 51st Critical Care Congress Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in February. Dr. Yamini Patel will present, “Recurrent Bowel Angioedema Diagnosed Retrospectively after Oropharyngeal Angioedema,” and “Double Trouble Presentation of Lung Cancer: Superior Vena Cava Syndrome and Cardiac Tamponade.” Both abstracts are based on case reports. Dr. Shams Tasnim will offer the scholarly presentation, “A Case Report on Human Babesiosis in a Nonendemic Region.” Dr. Anshul Patel will share his abstract, “Unmasking Babesiosis in a Cirrhotic: A Diagnostic Dilemma,” which is based on a case report. Dr. Navharsh Sekhon will present, “Hemorrhage into Neurofibroma with Anticoagulant use in Neurofibromatosis Type I.” It is based on a case report. The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s annual meeting is the largest critical care event. It brings together members of multiprofessional teams to explore the latest in critical care. Overall, resident physicians in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education have had 71 scholarly abstracts, written on a wide array of topics in medicine, accepted for presentation at professional conferences during the 2021-22 academic year.
The Wright Center Names New Associate Vice President of Development and Patient & Community Engagement The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education recently named Laurie LaMaster as associate vice president of development and Patient & Community Engagement. A veteran of the regional media market, LaMaster spent 12 years as vice president of promotion and marketing at WNEP-TV 16. Most recently, she was director of marketing and promotion at KMTV-3 News Now in Omaha, Nebraska, where she oversaw marketing, advertising, promotion, public relations and creative services. “I am excited to work collaboratively with my colleagues and members of the community to ensure everyone has access to health care so they can live their life to the fullest,” said LaMaster. “Our efforts will raise community awareness and also raise the necessary funds to deliver preventive and primary care to the communities that need it most.” At The Wright Center, LaMaster will pilot a proactive model of community fundraising and awareness, and create and implement a fundraising and community engagement strategic plan to increase awareness of the organization and grow revenue. She will identify, create, launch and execute fundraising opportunities and special events with oversight from the Patient & Community Engagement board. Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement board is comprised of resident physicians, physician faculty, administration and staff. Members focus on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health, such as food and housing insecurity, poverty and access to education that negatively affect the overall well-being of people. Volunteers provide oversight, direction and support for Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement team members. “We are excited to welcome Ms. LaMaster to our team and community,” said William Waters, co-chair of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement board. “Her familiarity and knowledge of the region will benefit our growing network of community health centers and resident physician learners that are dedicated to providing comprehensive primary and preventive health care to the citizens who need it most in Northeast Pennsylvania.” Overall, LaMaster’s role will support the regional nonprofit’s mission and vision to improve the health and welfare of the community through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce of physicians.
Wright Center Student Physicians Present Scholarly Work at Regional Conference Dr. Omar SyedDr. Peter IskanderDr. Brihant SharmaDr. Mohammed Musa NajmuddinDr. Viren Raheja Resident physicians at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education recently presented their scholarly research abstracts at the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Central Pennsylvania Virtual Conference. The Society of Hospital Medicine’s regional conferences enable global hospitalists to present their research in the scientific abstract competition. Overall, the state conference accepted five abstracts for presentation from Wright Center of Graduate Medical Education student physicians in the internal medicine program. The abstracts are: Dr. Brihant Sharma presented, “Lemierre’s Syndrome: The Forgotten Disease.” “A Case of COVID-19 Pneumonia Superimposed by Stubborn Burkholderia” was presented by Dr. Viren Raheja. Dr. Mohammed Musa Najmuddin offered his work, “Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism Following Paper Wasp Bite in an Adult Male.” Dr. Omar Syed presented, “Internal Jugular Vein Thrombus in the Setting of Prothrombin Deficiency.” “Myasthenia Gravis Masquerading Cranial Nerve Deficits: A Diagnostic Challenge” was presented by Dr. Peter Iskander. Overall, resident physicians in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education have had 71 scholarly abstracts, written on a wide array of topics in medicine, accepted for presentation at professional conferences since the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year.
Chief Fellow of Wright Center’s Gastroenterology Fellowship Program Presents at Conference The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s chief fellow of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program had 18 research abstracts presented recently at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting & Postgraduate Course in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hemant Goyal, M.D., wrote and presented five abstracts at the international conference. He presented: “Continued Aspirin Use and Bleeding Risk After Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Gastric Neoplasms: A Meta-Analysis,” “Don’t Blame the Duodenoscope Elevator, the Channels are Contaminated as Well: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” “How ‘Dirty’ are the Endoscope Channels: A Systematic Review and Mata-Analysis of Reprocessed Endoscopes,” “1-Day vs. 3-Day Low Residue Diet for Colonoscopy Bowel Cleansing: A Systematic Review,” and “Peptic Ulcer with Adherent Clot – Treat it or Leave It: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.” Dr. Goyal also co-authored 13 other scholarly posters with national and international co-authors that were presented at the conference. The abstracts that were presented are based upon findings from The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Institutional Review Board-approved research studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. They will also appear in future editions of the American Journal of Gastroenterology. ACG, a professional organization that champions the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders, features one of the largest annual gastroenterology conferences in the United States.
The Wright Center Receives Two Awards for Scholarly Research Dr. Mark MadhokDr. Hemant Goyal Two faculty colleagues in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education collaborated on two award-winning scholarly research posters at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October. Mark Madhok, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified internal medicine faculty physician and associate program director for the internal medicine residency program, presented, “National Trends in the Sporadic Malignant Colorectal Polyps in Young Patients: An 18-Year Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) Database Analysis,” which was co-authored with Hemant Goyal, M.D. The scholarly presentation outlined their collaborative research based off national data about cancerous colorectal polyps in people 20-49 years of age. The research highlighted polyp growth that preceded full-blown cancer, a new and preventable problem in the age group. The poster received an ACG Presidential Award in the category of colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Goyal, the chief fellow of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, presented the research poster, “Peptic Ulcer with Adherent Clot – Treat It or Leave It: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Randomized Trials,” which was co-authored with Dr. Madhok. The scholarly work analyzed best practices to treat peptic ulcers with adherent clot found during endoscopy. Their work showed that treating these high-risk clots discovered during endoscopy reduces the risk of rebleeding. The poster received an ACG Presidential Poster Award in the category of GI bleeding. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education is the nation’s largest Health Resources and Services Administration-funded Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Consortium. It trains highly skilled physicians in community-immersed, clinical-learning networks that strive to address the nation’s physician shortage and related health care access disparities. Resident doctors can choose from programs in internal medicine, family medicine, national family medicine and psychiatry. Fellowships also are available in cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology and geriatrics.
The Wright Center’s Rack of Warmth Project Begins November 1 Shane Cobert, Dr. Susan Baroody, Gerri McAndrew and Marah Lettieri set up donations for our Rack of Warmth Project at our Scranton Practice. The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are working to ensure everyone in the community is ready for the fast-approaching winter season by stocking the annual Rack of Warmth Project with free coats, hats, mittens, scarves and boots for community members in need. Winter clothing will be available at the eight primary care clinics in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties beginning Nov. 1. The program runs through Feb. 14. The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education are working to ensure everyone in the community is ready for the fast-approaching winter season by stocking the annual Rack of Warmth Project with free coats, hats, mittens, scarves and boots for community members in need. A project of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, the annual endeavor features racks of gently used and new coats for children and adults, with other assorted items of all sizes stored below the racks. The racks will be available inside the lobbies of the eight primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wayne counties. The theme of the project is simple, according to Geraldine McAndrew, the director of community outreach: “Share a little warmth with our neighbors and friends.” “The Wright Center strives every day to improve the health and welfare of our communities, especially for the most vulnerable people in society” said McAndrew, the director of Patient & Community Engagement. “We carry our mission directly into the communities we serve, addressing financial challenges and food and clothing insecurity. The Rack of Warmth Project immediately addresses the upcoming challenge that’s presented by the winter season – staying warm.” All donations are provided by Wright Center employees and board members due to COVID-19 precautions. Their donations will be dropped off at the clinic of their choice. Donated items also will be machine washed and coats will be stored in dry-cleaning plastic bags for added safety. Members of the community in need of warm garments can select items for themselves, family members, or friends and neighbors beginning Monday, Nov. 1. The initiative runs through Monday, Feb. 14. The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement inspires and nurtures interactions with patients, community members and like-minded organizations to energize The Wright Center’s mission to focus on patient and community engagement and support. Overall, it focuses on improving access to health care while addressing the negative social and economic determinants of health that affect patients, including food insecurity, homelessness, poverty and access to education. For more information, please contact Geraldine McAndrew at 570-230-0019 or email her at mcandrewg@TheWrightCenter.org. The Wright Center for Community Health operates clinics in Clarks Summit, Hawley, Jermyn, Kingston, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Visit TheWrightCenter.org to find the location nearest to you.
Pittston Resident Selected as Hometown Scholar Endorsed by the Wright Center The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education has announced that Moriah Bartolai, Pittston, has been selected as this year’s Hometown Scholar and will attend A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). She becomes only the second area resident – and second Wright Center-endorsed candidate – to enter The Hometown Scholars program. As a Hometown Scholar, Bartolai’s training at ATSU-SOMA will be unique from other medical schools. After spending her first year on campus in Mesa, Arizona, she will return to Scranton, training in the classroom while also rotating through The Wright Center for Community Health’s clinical settings at least once a week. Bartolai, 23, began her studies this month. Through a partnership with A.T. Still University, The Wright Center’s Hometown Scholars Program targets and recruits future physicians, dentists and other medical professionals from Northeast Pennsylvania who want to serve as an aspirational example for young people in our region. The program was created to support the applications of compassionate, community-minded individuals interested in becoming a doctor or other medical provider who want to serve the region they grew up in. Along with meeting the rigorous requirements to apply to medical school, a Hometown Scholar must spend time in a community health center and receive the recommendation of a community health center leader. In Bartolai’s case, her endorsement came from Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and chief executive officer of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “Moriah is dedicated to becoming a highly skilled, compassionate primary care osteopathic physician and healthcare leader who will both serve and advocate for vulnerable populations, communities and humanity,” said Dr. Thomas-Hemak. “Notably, she is to become a first generation physician.” Bartolai, a 2016 alumna of Scranton Preparatory School, began working at The Wright Center’s Mid Valley and Scranton practices last year, serving as a medical scribe. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she earned a bachelor of science degree in microbiology. “I’m excited and thrilled for this Hometown Scholars opportunity,” she said. “When I received the call, I realized I would finally be able to move forward in achieving a major milestone … a milestone I’ve been working towards for the last few years.” One of about 160 medical students in ATSU-SOMA’s Class of 2025, Bartolai will gain exposure to clinical settings sooner than many of her counterparts at other medical schools, which typically don’t offer clinical rotations until the third year. “It does give you a leg up,” said Bartolai. “I’m going to get a lot more patient experience than I would at any other medical school.” The Hometown Scholars program at ATSU-SOMA was developed to address the workforce needs of the nation’s community health centers, which provide affordable care to traditionally underserved populations, including low-income individuals and people who face other barriers to healthcare. Today the program is helping to create a pipeline of exceptional, community-minded medical and dental students who are committed to serving in America’s health centers. Educational opportunities are available for aspiring physicians, physician assistants and dentists. To learn more about these Hometown Scholars opportunities, please contact The Wright Center’s Office of Clerkships at 570-591-5132 or email howellse@thewrightcenter.org.
