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The brain’s remarkable capacity for learning and memory relies on adaptive mechanisms that regulate synaptic efficacy across spatial and temporal scales. While synaptic plasticity is largely orchestrated through various biochemical changes within neurons, the contribution of the lipid membrane—an essential scaffold for neuronal ion channels—and the extent to which its composition influences adaptive ion conduction, remains underexplored. This study investigates whether electromechanical remodeling of lipid membranes alone in response to neurologically inspired stimulation can induce conductance changes analogous to short-term synaptic plasticity (STP), long-term potentiation (LTP), and long-term depression (LTD), phenomena essential to learning and memory formation. We utilized droplet interface bilayers (DIBs), tunable model systems that emulate neuronal membranes, composed of 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPhPC) lipids and gramicidin A (gA), an ion channel analogous to voltage-gated sodium channels. Membranes were subjected to electrical stimulation protocols of varying intensity and frequency to mimic paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and depression (PPD) for evaluating STSP, as well as extended stimulation over 30-minutes to assess persistence as LTP and LTD. Membrane fluidity was varied via alkane oil composition to mimic biologically relevant membrane inclusions. Ionic currents, membrane area, and single-channel activity were quantified to assess adaptive membrane conduction at both ensemble and molecular levels. Membrane fluidity modulated adaptive conduction response to stimulation. Fluid membranes exhibited dynamic and elevated ion conductance consistent with STP and LTP, while stiffer membranes displayed a restricted dynamic range and reduced conductance characteristic of LTD. These divergent behaviors emerged under identical stimulation conditions, independent of protein synthesis or changes in channel number. Single-channel analysis quantified individual ion channel behavior and revealed significant increases in single-channel conductance only in fluid membranes (p&lt;0.01*). Notably, fluid membranes maintained LTP-like conductance over 30-minutes using ~99% fewer stimulus pulses than rigid membranes. These findings demonstrate that membrane composition shapes the electromechanical response of ion channel–embedded lipid bilayers to repeated stimulation, enabling emergent conduction behaviors critical to learning and memory. Enhanced conductance in fluid membranes arises from electrocompression-driven remodeling, modulating membrane conduction efficiency without added protein synthesis. The emergence of potentiation and depression across fluidity gradients positions membrane physical properties as tunable determinants of conduction dynamics. Critically, the ability of fluid membranes to sustain LTP-like states with minimal input highlights a potential mechanism for energy-efficient synaptic modulation. Together, these results reframe the lipid membrane as an active, composition-dependent regulator of plasticity, offering a new paradigm for understanding the molecular basis of learning and memory.


AMA Research Challenge 2025 

Electromechanically induced membrane restructuring enables learning and memory

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The brain’s remarkable capacity for learning and memory relies on adaptive mechanisms that regulate synaptic efficacy across spatial and temporal scales. While synaptic plasticity is largely orchestrated through various biochemical changes within neurons, the contribution of the lipid membrane—an essential scaffold for neuronal ion channels—and the extent to which its composition influences adaptive ion conduction, remains underexplored. This study investigates whether electromechanical remodeling of lipid membranes alone in response to neurologically inspired stimulation can induce conductance changes analogous to short-term synaptic plasticity (STP), long-term potentiation (LTP), and long-term depression (LTD), phenomena essential to learning and memory formation. We utilized droplet interface bilayers (DIBs), tunable model systems that emulate neuronal membranes, composed of 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPhPC) lipids and gramicidin A (gA), an ion channel analogous to voltage-gated sodium channels. Membranes were subjected to electrical stimulation protocols of varying intensity and frequency to mimic paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and depression (PPD) for evaluating STSP, as well as extended stimulation over 30-minutes to assess persistence as LTP and LTD. Membrane fluidity was varied via alkane oil composition to mimic biologically relevant membrane inclusions. Ionic currents, membrane area, and single-channel activity were quantified to assess adaptive membrane conduction at both ensemble and molecular levels. Membrane fluidity modulated adaptive conduction response to stimulation. Fluid membranes exhibited dynamic and elevated ion conductance consistent with STP and LTP, while stiffer membranes displayed a restricted dynamic range and reduced conductance characteristic of LTD. These divergent behaviors emerged under identical stimulation conditions, independent of protein synthesis or changes in channel number. Single-channel analysis quantified individual ion channel behavior and revealed significant increases in single-channel conductance only in fluid membranes (p<0.01*). Notably, fluid membranes maintained LTP-like conductance over 30-minutes using ~99% fewer stimulus pulses than rigid membranes. These findings demonstrate that membrane composition shapes the electromechanical response of ion channel–embedded lipid bilayers to repeated stimulation, enabling emergent conduction behaviors critical to learning and memory. Enhanced conductance in fluid membranes arises from electrocompression-driven remodeling, modulating membrane conduction efficiency without added protein synthesis. The emergence of potentiation and depression across fluidity gradients positions membrane physical properties as tunable determinants of conduction dynamics. Critically, the ability of fluid membranes to sustain LTP-like states with minimal input highlights a potential mechanism for energy-efficient synaptic modulation. Together, these results reframe the lipid membrane as an active, composition-dependent regulator of plasticity, offering a new paradigm for understanding the molecular basis of learning and memory.


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Introduction: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a significant contributor to chronic wound infections, such as post-surgical wounds and diabetic ulcers, complicating recovery and straining healthcare resources. Furthermore, the rise of antibiotic resistance has intensified the search for alternative treatments. Silver-graphene oxide (AgGO) nanocomposites emerge as a promising solution, offering antimicrobial benefits while limiting systemic side effects. This study focuses on the potential of AgGO nanoparticles to eradicate E. coli infections, presenting an innovative approach to wound healing. 

Methods: We synthesized Ag-doped GO via solution synthesis using GO, AgNO3, and NaBH4 precursor. The synthesized Ag-doped GO nanocomposites were washed and dried at 90°C. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the size and chemical composition of nanocomposites. To determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of AgGO, we treated E coli suspension at 1,000 CFU/mL in LB broth with increasing concentrations of AgGO ranging from 0.02 to 3 mg/mL. Our negative control was LB broth alone and our positive control was 1 µL of Kanamycin at 100 ng/µL. The treated E. coli was incubated at 37°C for 16 hours and optical density (600 nm) was measured hourly via UV-visible spectrophotometer to identify the MIC. For MBC, we subcultured E.coli from MIC wells onto agar plates for another 21 hours and determined the MBC as the lowest AgGO concentration with no colony growth, indicating 99.9% bacterial death. 

Results: TEM/EDS analysis showed the successful nucleation of AgNPs on the GO nanosheets. The MIC and MBC of AgGO against E. coli during a 3 hour incubation were 0.02375 and 0.0475 mg/mL, respectively. At 16 hours incubation, the MIC and MBC were 0.75 and 2 mg/mL, respectively, indicating that AgGO has stronger antimicrobial activity at shorter culture times.

Conclusion/Clinical significance: This study demonstrates the ability of AgGO nanocomposites to effectively inhibit E. coli growth, supporting their potential use in the treatment of wound infections. 

Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Surgical Infection Society, and WMed Pilot grant program.

Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites

From Rash to Respiratory Failure: Exploring Steroid Response in
Varicella-Induced ARDS
Background
Varicella pneumonia (VP) has a mortality rate of 10–30%, which can rise to 50% in patients
requiring mechanical ventilation. Corticosteroids have demonstrated efficacy in reducing
mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
(ARDS) of infectious etiology, particularly COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia
(CAP). However, their role in managing ARDS secondary to VP remains unclear due to
insufficient real-world studies. We present a case of VP-related ARDS in an
immunocompetent patient who was successfully treated with corticosteroids.
Case Presentation
A 47-year-old male with asthma and a 35-pack-year smoking history presented with a four-
day history of rash and one day of shortness of breath. He was febrile (100.2°F), tachycardic
(120 bpm), hypoxic (SpO2 92% on room air), and encephalopathic. Examination revealed a
diffuse maculopapular and vesicular rash on the neck, chest, trunk, and sparsely on the
extremities. Chest X-ray showed bilateral interstitial infiltrates. Serology was consistent with
primary varicella infection (IgM positive, IgG negative). He was started on IV acyclovir (10
mg/kg), ceftriaxone (1000 mg), and azithromycin (500 mg) for CAP coverage and placed on
minimal oxygen support via nasal cannula. By the 4th day of hospitalization, the patient
developed worsening hypoxemia and hypercapnia, accompanied by agitation and
progressive encephalopathy. This necessitated intubation and initiation of mechanical
ventilation. Imaging showed worsening infiltrates with a multifocal airspace distribution and a
PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 94, reflecting severe ARDS. Despite sedation, paralysis, and lung-
protective ventilation, the patient remained ventilator-dependent. Dexamethasone 6 mg/day
was initiated on the 5th day of hospitalization, which led to gradual improvement in
oxygenation and inflammatory markers (CRP, LDH). By the 9th day of hospitalization, the
patient cleared breathing trials and was extubated to a high-flow nasal cannula. He was
transitioned to oral valacyclovir 1000 mg twice daily for a week and oral levofloxacin 750 mg
once daily for five days and discharged on room air.
Discussion
Lung injury in ARDS is primarily due to a dysregulated cytokine-mediated host defense
response rather than direct viral cytotoxicity. Corticosteroids, when administered early, may
help modulate this inflammatory cascade. Larger-scale trials are required to analyze the
benefits of corticosteroids. Our case demonstrates significant improvement of respiratory
status and spontaneous ventilation with corticosteroid usage.

From Rash to Respiratory Failure: Exploring Steroid Response in Varicella-Induced ARDS

Background
Pacemaker malfunction is a rare occurrence in modern times. However, programming features in a pacemaker can give the impression of pacemaker malfunction. Even though there may not be a device malfunction that would require replacement, some of these programming features can alarm the medical service.

Case Presentation
A 33-year-old male with history of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF) arrests and tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome status post Boston Scientific dual chamber ICD presented with presyncopal episodes. As part of ischemic evaluation, he underwent an exercise stress test. Interestingly, his EKG revealed wide complex beats during sinus tachycardia at 180 beats/min.

In our patient, pacer spikes are visualized prior to a widened QRS complex confirming pacemaker mediated ventricular pacing. Review of the patient’s electrogram displayed an episode of atrial sensing occurring at 340 ms with a subsequent absence of ventricular sensing leading to a ventricular paced beat. Device settings were modified to allow generation of the next atrial current more quickly to overcome the need for ICD mediated ventricular pacing: the post-ventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP) threshold was lowered from 240-350 ms to 240-280 ms and paced/sensed AV delay thresholds were lowered from 220-280 ms to 200-250 ms. These adjustments led to appropriate recognition of native ventricular complexes by the pacemaker and resolution of his ventricular pacing during sinus tachycardia.

Discussion
Inappropriate pacing by a permanent pacemaker during episodes of tachycardia can be a sign of device malfunction and can lead to clinically dangerous arrhythmias. However, this finding is often a result of programming features of the device which should be investigated and modified appropriately. In our patient, given the young age and the fast ventricular rates, many of the ventricular complexes fell in the refractory period of the device leading to functional under sensing and consequent over pacing. An understanding of pacemaker functioning can lead to resolution of the issue and prevent unnecessary procedures.

Why is the pacemaker pacing when the patient’s own heart rate is 180/min?

Background
EFFC is a rare dermatologic condition of unknown etiology first reported by Kitamura in 1960. It presents with hyperpigmentation, well-demarcated erythema, telangiectasias, and follicular papules on the lateral aspects of the face. This patient is unique as he is the first reported case of EFFC in an African American patient or Fitzpatrick V-VI skin type.
Case Presentation
A 20-year-old healthy African American male presented with an asymptomatic hyperpigmented eruption on his bilateral cheeks. The eruption had been present for 6 years, and he had no significant personal or family history. On his bilateral cheeks, there were hyperpigmented plaques with multiple follicularly based hyperkeratotic papules (Figure, A, B, C). Prior treatments included tretinoin 0.025% cream and benzoyl peroxide 5% cleanser without improvement. Based on his clinical findings, the patient was diagnosed with Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli (EFFC). The features of erythema, reddish-brown hyperpigmentation, and follicular papules on the cheeks are consistent with this diagnosis. He was recommended to start tretinoin 0.05% cream nightly and hydroquinone 4% cream twice daily to areas of hyperpigmentation along with strict photoprotection.
Discussion
To date, there have been less than 50 published case reports with the condition exclusively reported in the Asian and Caucasian population. At the time of this publication, 54% of published cases are Asian and 46% of cases are Caucasian. Proposed mechanisms for EFFC include autonomic nerve dysfunction, autosomal recessive inheritance, and sporadic mutations. Histopathology of EFFC shows hyperkeratosis, increased pigmentation of the basal membrane, follicular plugging, dilated blood vessels in the upper dermis, follicular dilatation, and perivascular and periadnexal inflammatory infiltrates. Dermatoscopic findings include a red-brown background color with gray-blue dots and granules present in interfollicular and perifollicular areas. Other dermatoscopic features include whitish scale and several follicular keratotic plugs, with white rosettes and telangiectasia occurring occasionally. Reported treatments of EFFC include topical metronidazole, retinoids, ammonium lactate, hydroquinone, tacalcitol, oral isotretinoin, salicylic acid peels, pulsed dye laser, glycolic acid peels, and Q-switch Nd: YAG laser. All of these treatments require long-term and consistent use which make compliance challenging and lead to poor therapeutic outcomes. As there is much unknown regarding EFFC, further research must be done to determine potential etiologies and efficacious treatments for this condition.

Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli in an African American Male

Introduction 
Cytokeratin 7 (CK7) is commonly expressed in tumors of the lung, ovary, endometrium, and breast, but is rarely observed in the gastrointestinal epithelium. Therefore, colorectal carcinomas with a CK7+/CK20+ phenotype represent a minority, accounting for approximately 15.3% of cases. In addition, microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors harboring BRAF V600E mutations are typically CK7-positive and are associated with a poor prognosis. Here, we report a rare case of colorectal carcinoma with hepatic and pulmonary metastases, analyzed from the perspective of multiple gene mutations.

Case Presentation 
A 59-year-old female presented to the emergency department of the previous hospital with abdominal pain. On the same day, abdominal CT scan with contrast revealed a 6.3 cm mass in the cecum, along with adjacent pericecal lymphadenopathy. On day 5, a liver biopsy guided by ultrasound showed tumor cells that were diffusely positive for CK7 and focally positive for CK20 and CDX2. Molecular testing revealed a BRAF V600E mutation, with wild type KRAS, MSS, and TP53 R273C. On day 47, a contrast enhanced chest CT scan revealed multiple pulmonary nodules consistent with pulmonary metastases. On day 52, she was referred to our clinic for the treatment of stage IV colon cancer (cT3N1M1c) with
metastases to the liver and lungs. Due to worsening abdominal pain, she underwent a colectomy on day 65. Although she completed 10 cycles of modified FOLFOX therapy (5-FU, leucovorin and oxaliplatin), her serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels increased from 54.7 to 275.1. We changed her treatment regimen to FOLFIRI (5-FU, leucovorin, and irinotecan) combined with panitumumab. However, her condition deteriorated after just one cycle, and the treatment was discontinued, and she subsequently passed away.

Discussion
This case represents a rare molecular subtype of colon cancer with CK7 positive, CK20 positive, BRAF V600E mutation, and MSS. These types of tumors are said to arise via the serrated neoplasia pathway rather than the conventional adenoma–carcinoma sequence, and they often acquire TP53 mutations as the late stage, which contributes to tumor progression. These features are consistent with previous studies; however, detailed reports describing the clinical course of colorectal cancer with this phenotype remain limited. Additionally, tumors with this phenotype are associated with poor prognosis and limited response to standard chemotherapy as this patient died. Given the recent advances in targeted therapy such as encorafenib and cetuximab, early molecular profiling is essential to guide personalized treatment in such uncommon colorectal cancer subtypes.

Colorectal Cancer with CK7+/CK20+, BRAF Mutation, and MSS: A Distinct Molecular Phenotype with Poor Prognosis

Background:
Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is a rare zoonotic pathogen most often acquired through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or direct contact with infected animals. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is exceptionally uncommon, particularly in immunocompetent individuals. Diagnosis is particularly challenging due to its clinical and radiographic similarity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, compounded by the prolonged time required for definitive culture-
based identification. In this report, we present a rare case of M. bovis meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent adult.

Case Presentation:
A previously healthy 35-year-old butcher presented with three weeks of progressive fatigue, malaise, and intermittent headaches, followed by acute unresponsiveness and urinary incontinence. He remained afebrile throughout his hospitalization. Neurologic examination revealed somnolence, orientation to self only, impaired attention, and poor abstract reasoning. Notable findings included left horizontal gaze nystagmus, pronator drift of the right upper extremity, right Achilles hyperreflexia, and a positive Babinski sign on the right. Laboratory studies showed hyponatremia (Na 125 mmol/L) with inappropriately concentrated urine, consistent with SIADH. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed elevated protein (270 mg/dL), lymphocytic pleocytosis (WBC 107/μL), and hypoglycorrhachia (glucose 11 mg/dL). Brain MRI showed multiple rim-enhancing lesions, leptomeningeal enhancement, an acute right basal ganglia infarct, and mild communicating hydrocephalus. Spinal MRI demonstrated focal cord signal abnormalities and leptomeningeal enhancement. A positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold test raised suspicion for CNS tuberculosis, although CT imaging revealed no pulmonary or abdominal involvement. Given the overlapping neuroradiologic features of CNS tuberculosis and neurocysticercosis, the initial differential diagnosis included both possibilities. Empiric RIPE therapy (Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol) was started. Three months later, CSF cultures grew M. bovis, confirming the diagnosis. The regimen was modified to Isoniazid, Rifampin, Ethambutol, and Moxifloxacin for seven months due to the intrinsic pyrazinamide resistance of M. bovis. Despite appropriate therapy, the patient exhibited persistent cognitive impairment and physical disability, requiring assistance with mobility. He was referred to inpatient rehabilitation for ongoing neurologic recovery and functional support.

Discussion:
This case highlights the zoonotic potential of M. bovis and the importance of considering it in patients with CNS disease and relevant exposure history. Its clinical similarity to M. tuberculosis underscores the need for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to minimize neurologic compromise.

Mycobacterium bovis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Rare Intruder of the CNS

Background 
Research experience during medical school is widely recognized as a valuable component of medical education and an increasingly emphasized metric for increased competitiveness for residency applications. In 2021, 41% of program directors (PD) said meaningful research participation will be more important in offering interviews with USMLE Step 1 transitioning to pass/fail. This has resulted in a research arms race among medical students, with NRMP data showing a 50% increase in the number of research items for applicants between 2014 and 2024. While this trend continues to rise, it has led to concerns regarding the quality of research, its translatability, and scholarly impact. We aim to quantify the impact of medical student research and to provide updated patterns and trends in medical student research across a span of 20 years. 

Methods 
We conducted a bibliometric analysis of PubMed-indexed articles (2003–2023) authored by U.S. and international medical students and residents, identified using standardized affiliation-based queries. Filters limited results to original research and reviews across medical and surgical specialties. Duplicate entries were removed to create mutually exclusive cohorts. Research impact was assessed using NIH iCite metrics, including citation counts and Relative Citation Ratio (RCR), a field-and-time-normalized measure of article influence. Article metadata was manually extracted. Summary statistics were calculated to compare output and scholarly influence between cohorts. 

Results 
From 2003-2023 medical student authorship yielded 1001 exclusive publications and residents yielded 1930. Medical student–driven publications received more citations on average (20.65 vs. 16.97) and had a higher median RCR (0.98 vs. 0.87) compared to resident-driven publications (p<0.05). Of the medical student-driven articles, 31% were cited in clinical documents whereas only 11% were never cited. Surgical specialties accounted for nearly twice as many publications as medical specialties; however, both received comparable citations per publication (median = 13.00 vs. 13.50, p=0.71). U.S. medical student publications outperformed international counterparts, generating more citations (13.10 vs. 9.00) and a higher median RCR (1.16 vs. 0.77, p<0.05). 

Conclusion 
In recent decades, medical student research output has grown substantially, demonstrating a stronger emphasis on scholarly activity in medical education. Our bibliometric analysis demonstrates that medical students contribute impactful research that is frequently cited and built upon. With research becoming an integral part of residency competitiveness, these findings underscore the importance of student-led scholarship and supporting mentored research opportunities.

The Science Before the Scrubs: A Bibliometric Analysis of Medical Student-Driven Research (2003-2023)

Background
Non-communicable diseases and injuries are now the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years globally. Plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) can address up to 66% of surgical disease burden, yet only 41% of U.S. residency programs offer global surgery education. This gap, coupled with ethical tensions between local and visiting surgeons on topics like scope of practice and informed consent, underscores the need for culturally sensitive, stakeholder-informed training models.

Methods
Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education (SHARE), founded in 2019, aims to increase access to PRS care in low- and middle-income countries while prioritizing local surgeon leadership in Africa. This study assesses the impact of SHARE’s curriculum on the knowledge, attitudes, and confidence of UMass PRS residents regarding global surgery. Residents completed pre- and post-exposure surveys. 

Results
Residents reported unanimous agreement with understanding ethical problems (mean=5.0 on a 5-point Likert scale), but limited prior experience and moderate confidence in delivering culturally competent care. There was strong interest in improving these skills. 

Conclusion
Preliminary findings suggest UMass residents are eager to engage in global surgery education and build cultural competence. SHARE’s curriculum may serve as an effective model to fill existing gaps in global health training. It could be scalable to other programs aiming to prepare ethically grounded, globally competent surgeons.

SHARE-ing the World: Mandatory Global Surgery Education for Plastic Surgery Residents at UMass

Background
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is rapidly becoming a fundamental aspect of patient care due to its real-time diagnostic and procedural guidance. Despite this, barriers such as limited curricular integration, lack of accessible and affordable training models, and paucity of ultrasound-trained faculty limit opportunities for preclinical medical students to obtain meaningful experience with ultrasound. Early exposure to ultrasound in medical training leads to increased knowledge of anatomy and basic sciences, improved ultrasound knowledge and performance in clinical clerkships and residency, and improved comprehension of POCUS exams and procedures.
In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost, homemade phantom model for teaching ultrasound-guided IV insertion to preclinical medical students and measure the impact on participants’ reported ultrasound proficiency, clinical preparedness, and interest in POCUS.

Methods
In the Fall of 2024, the Ultrasound is For Everyone (USIFE) club at the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine held an ultrasound-guided IV insertion workshop for MS1s, led by MS2s and MS4s. Phantom models were created using gelatin, Metamucil, and blue dye to simulate tissue, while long balloons filled with red-dyed corn syrup mimicked veins. The workshop covered ultrasound identification of neurovascular structures and demonstrated ultrasound-guided IV insertion, followed by supervised practice.
Participants (n = 23) completed pre- and post-surveys, which included Likert-scale items and open-ended questions, assessing their confidence, clinical preparedness, and career interests. Quantitative data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests and paired t-tests; qualitative responses underwent inductive thematic analysis.

Results
Participants reported a significant increase in confidence in distinguishing neurovascular structures on ultrasound (p<0.001) and performing ultrasound-guided IV insertion on both phantom models and patients (both p<0.001). Participants also reported feeling more prepared to use ultrasound during clinical rotations (p<0.001), and interest in pursuing medical specialties that frequently use POCUS increased significantly (p = 0.023). Qualitative feedback emphasized the value of hands-on learning in building clinical skills, heightened interest in learning ultrasound, and enhanced understanding of the clinical applications of ultrasound.

Conclusion
Homemade phantom models offer an affordable, effective solution for introducing ultrasound-guided procedures in early medical education. Our findings show that even a single, student-led workshop can significantly boost preclinical students’ confidence and preparedness for clinical ultrasound use and ability to discern neurovascular anatomy on ultrasound. While further study is needed to evaluate long-term skill retention and clinical transferability, these findings support wider adoption of similar low-cost POCUS training methods in preclinical medical education.

A Student-Created Phantom Model for Affordable Early Ultrasound Exposure in Medical Education

Background
Food insecurity and limited nutritional education exacerbate health disparities in underserved communities, contributing to higher risks of long-term chronic illness and diminished health outcomes. YES Prep West Secondary school serves an economically disadvantaged student population, providing a key opportunity to address these challenges within the local community. Current studies have shown that when implemented together in a year-long program, the involvement of interactive activities significantly improves the effectiveness of dietary intervention, compared to didactic knowledge alone. Nourish, a weekly nutrition and cooking after-school program designed by a Registered Dietitian and medical students, aims to increase food accessibility and empower students to make healthier dietary choices, develop practical cooking skills, and sustainably improve health literacy. 

Methods
Nutritional knowledge quizzes and behavioral surveys were distributed at baseline (September 2024), mid-program (December 2024), post-program (May 2025), and sustainability follow-up at the start of the next school year (September 2025). A subsection of the surveys focused on fiber, assessing students’ ability to identify high-fiber foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and their frequency of incorporating these foods into meals and snacks. Students were assigned a fiber identification score (0–5) and a fiber consumption score (0–9 as a sum of three frequency items: fruits, vegetables, whole grains), respectively. Paired t-tests were used to analyze changes in survey responses over time.

Results
At baseline, students (n=25) demonstrated an average fiber identification score of 47% and consumption score of 35%, indicating some difficulty recognizing high-fiber foods and infrequent incorporation into meals. By December 2024, identification improved significantly, with a +26.4 percentage-point (pp) increase in correct responses, and self-reported consumption of fiber (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) rose by +18.7 pp (p<0.05). At the May 2025 endpoint, students maintained their gains in identifying fiber sources (+30.4 pp from baseline) and demonstrated an increase in high-fiber food consumption (+26.6 pp from baseline) (p<0.05). At the September 2025 follow-up, students retained knowledge gains (+29.6 pp from baseline) and reported continued incorporation of high-fiber foods (+28.4 pp from baseline), suggesting sustained behavior change even after structured programming ended (p<0.05).

Conclusion
Nourish significantly improves students’ ability to both identify and incorporate high-fiber foods, with gains sustained beyond the completion of the program. These findings highlight the efficacy of targeted community-based interventions in addressing health disparities and empowering youth toward sustainable wellness.

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