Kansas journal of medicinePub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-03-01DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25367
August Sonnenberg, Katie Marney, Jennifer Keomany, Hayrettin Okut, Ashley Robbins
{"title":"Assessing Obstetrician-Gynecologists' Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes toward Waste Management in Healthcare: A Survey Study.","authors":"August Sonnenberg, Katie Marney, Jennifer Keomany, Hayrettin Okut, Ashley Robbins","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25367","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Healthcare industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions. In the United States, a substantial portion is linked to solid waste, with a single hospital bed generating 29 pounds of waste per day, approximately 30% of which is attributable to the operating room. Much of this waste results from improper disposal of items requiring specific processing. Authors of this study assessed obstetrician-gynecologists' knowledge, practices, and perceptions regarding proper waste management.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Authors conducted a cross-sectional survey among practicing obstetrician-gynecologists listed with the Kansas Board of Healing Arts or affiliated with the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Clinically inactive physicians were excluded. Survey questions addressed demographics, knowledge of appropriate surgical waste disposal, waste management practices, and perceptions regarding waste management. IRB approval was obtained. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 46 respondents, most agreed they understood the environmental impact of medical waste (81.1%, 30/37), and 86.5% (32/37) expressed concern about their personal contributions to the climate crisis. Proper waste disposal was considered important by physicians (96.9%, 31/32) and, in respondents' view, by their patients (89.2%, 33/37). Regarding their primary surgical facility, 25.6% (11/43) reported being unaware of the facility's waste management plan, and 34.9% (15/43) reported their facility did not recycle. All respondents incorrectly identified items that should be placed in red biohazard waste bags for chemotherapy patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While most physicians are concerned about the environmental impact of their medical practice, education and institutional resources related to waste management do not appear to match that concern. These findings highlight a significant opportunity to improve waste management education and practices within healthcare facilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kansas journal of medicinePub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-03-01DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25392
Will Kenas, Elizabeth Ablah, Hayrettin Okut, Rosey Zackula, Jared Reyes, Marshall Clune, Grant Christiansen, Patty Tenofsky
{"title":"Comparing Genetic Testing Completion among Breast Cancer Patients When Ordered by a Surgeon Versus a Genetic Specialist.","authors":"Will Kenas, Elizabeth Ablah, Hayrettin Okut, Rosey Zackula, Jared Reyes, Marshall Clune, Grant Christiansen, Patty Tenofsky","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25392","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25392","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Genetic testing is critical in the management of breast cancer, guiding surgical decision-making, informing therapy selection, and identifying at-risk relatives. Despite its clinical importance, completion of genetic testing remains suboptimal. This study evaluated whether completion of genetic testing differed when testing was offered directly by a breast surgeon in clinic compared with the traditional referral to an external genetic specialist.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cohort study included women aged 18 to 89 years diagnosed with breast cancer who presented to a breast surgeon in Wichita, Kansas, between 2017 and 2023. Patients seen in 2020-2021 were excluded due to COVID-19-related disruptions. From 2017-2019, patients were referred to a genetic specialist, whereas from 2022-2023, testing was offered directly by the surgeon in clinic. The primary outcome was completion of genetic testing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 732 eligible patients, 62% (n = 454) completed genetic testing. Patients who completed testing were younger (mean age 61 vs. 70 years, p <0.001) and more likely to report a family history of cancer (69.4% vs. 43.8%, p <0.001). Among those tested, 4.9% had a pathogenic mutation, most commonly in <i>BRCA2, ATM</i>, or <i>CHEK2</i>. Patient characteristics, including age and family history, did not differ between provider groups. Genetic testing completion was higher when testing was offered in clinic by the surgeon (72.6%) than through referral-based testing (55.2%; p <0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Offering genetic testing directly within the breast surgeon's clinic was associated with significantly higher completion rates compared with referral-based testing. Integrating genetic testing into surgical consultations may reduce logistical barriers and enable earlier use of genetic information in treatment planning.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171029/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kansas journal of medicinePub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-03-01DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25395
Diala Merheb, Justin Moore
{"title":"Improving Hypertension Control through a Standardized Workflow at the University of Kansas SOM-Wichita Department of Internal Medicine Clinic.","authors":"Diala Merheb, Justin Moore","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25395","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Uncontrolled hypertension remains a leading cause of preventable cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite frequent clinic visits, timely follow-up for elevated blood pressure (BP) is often inconsistent, delaying medication adjustments. At the University of Kansas School of Medicine Center for Health Care (CHC) Internal Medicine Clinic, BP rechecks were often delayed for months after medication changes, contributing to suboptimal control. To address this gap, we implemented a standardized two-week BP recheck workflow supported by provider education, nursing engagement, and home BP monitoring. The aim was to improve timely BP rechecks and achieve a clinic-wide BP control rate at or above the 75<sup>th</sup> national percentile.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This quality improvement initiative was implemented from August 2023 to March 2024, with outcomes tracked longitudinally. A standardized hypertension follow-up and medication titration workflow, modeled after Kaiser Northern California guidelines, was introduced. Clinicians documented BP targets and follow-up plans. Patients with repeated BP >130/80 mmHg were offered self-measured BP (SMBP) monitoring, using shared decision-making to determine home or nursing follow-up. Participants received education, BP logs, and instructions, and BP readings were documented in REDCap<sup>®</sup> or the patient portal. Educational sessions reinforced workflow consistency and care coordination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Same-visit and two-week BP rechecks showed modest improvement (14% and 4%, respectively), but hypertension control improved substantially, increasing from 66% in 2023 to 76% by October 2025, exceeding the national average of 62%. Improvements correlated with ongoing staff education and reinforcement of the standardized workflow.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A standardized, team-based workflow incorporating home BP monitoring and a structured treatment algorithm improved BP control, demonstrating a scalable model for chronic disease management.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Intimate Partner Violence in Sedgwick County (SGC) Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: A retrospective longitudinal analysis of Wichita Family Crisis Center services.","authors":"Karim Sanded, Elizabeth Ablah, Hayrettin Okut, Tracey Gay, Lauren Koehler, Amanda Meyers","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25394","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25394","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Reports during the COVID-19 pandemic suggested a surge in domestic violence cases. It is important to examine whether patterns changed following the pandemic. Authors of this study evaluated whether Sedgwick County (SGC) experienced similar trends by comparing intimate partner violence (IPV)-related service utilization before, during, and after the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants included IPV victims who accessed services through Wichita Family Crisis Center from January 1, 2018, to May 31, 2025. There were no exclusion criteria. Data were analyzed across three periods: pre-COVID (Period 1: 3/1/18 - 2/28/20), COVID (Period 2: 2/29/20 - 5/31/23), and post-COVID (Period 3: 6/1/23 - 5/30/25). Chi-square testing was used for statistical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 11,341 clients were included, with a 31% decrease from Period 1 to Period 2 and a 19% increase from Period 2 to Period 3. A total of 100,356 services were analyzed; services decreased during COVID and increased post-COVID to levels exceeding pre-pandemic levels (p <0.001). During COVID, the proportion of hotline calls related to children younger than 17 years doubled, then declined post-COVID (p <0.0001). Upward trends also were observed in safety planning services during and after COVID, along with an increase in sex trafficking-related services post-COVID (p <0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In SGC, IPV-related calls and services decreased during the pandemic and increased steadily in the post-COVID period. These patterns may reflect reduced access to care or changes in service availability during the pandemic, rather than a true reduction in IPV prevalence or service needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"25"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171030/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kansas journal of medicinePub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-03-01DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25370
Jessica Hyde, Jennifer Keomany, Ashley Robbins, Alexandra Meloccaro
{"title":"Assessing Volunteer Preceptor Attitudes Regarding Continuity of OB-GYN Clerkship Clinical Experiences.","authors":"Jessica Hyde, Jennifer Keomany, Ashley Robbins, Alexandra Meloccaro","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25370","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25370","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Learners in inpatient learning environments with frequent transitions can result in decreased valuation of relationship-building and can contribute to lack of ownership in patient care. Faculty involved with longitudinal clerkships have stronger relationships with students and improved job satisfaction. This project aimed to assess preceptors' attitudes before and after reformatting the structure of the clinical component of the Obstetrics & Gynecology rotation to have continuity of students in private clinics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This project utilized cross-sectional surveys administered to a convenience sample of volunteer faculty affiliated with The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, Kansas Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Survey questions included demographics, attitudes regarding student integration into clinical settings and continuity of educational interactions. The survey was administered before standardizing the clerkship (pre-survey) and 6 months after implementation (post-survey).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen pre-surveys and six post-surveys were completed. Compared to 40% (n = 6) in the pre-survey, 50% of post-survey respondents (n = 3) agreed with the statement that having the same student in clinic would decrease their clinic efficiency. More respondents disagreed that having the same student in clinic required a large time commitment, 83.3% (n = 5) post-survey compared to 46.7% (n = 7) pre-survey. All respondents agreed having the same student during the entirety of a clerkship allowed the faculty member to better integrate them into the care team.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Continuity of medical students in clinic may subjectively reduce clinic workflow efficiency, however students were better integrated into the care team and clinical activities, and preceptors reported that it did not require a large time commitment.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171007/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kansas journal of medicinePub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-03-01DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25371
Jordan Longabaugh, Jennifer Keomany, August Sonnenberg, Hayrettin Okut, Ashley Robbins, Alexandra Meloccaro
{"title":"Perspectives and Attitudes of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sub-Internship Rotation Participants at a Single Academic Site: A Survey Study.","authors":"Jordan Longabaugh, Jennifer Keomany, August Sonnenberg, Hayrettin Okut, Ashley Robbins, Alexandra Meloccaro","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25371","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Since COVID-19, limited research has examined the residency application and sub-internship process from the perspective of medical students. Understanding these perspectives may benefit both residency programs and applicants. This study aimed to assess attitudes and perceptions related to clinical sub-internship experiences in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to fourth-year medical students completing an Obstetrics and Gynecology sub-internship at a single teaching institution during one academic year. Survey themes included demographics, career goals, perspectives on sub-internships, and views on the residency application process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We received 11 completed surveys (64.7% response rate). All participants were 25-30 years old. Most participants were female (81.8%, n = 9), White (81.8%, n = 9), and allopathic applicants (72.7%, n = 8). The most commonly identified priority in selecting a residency program was program culture (45.5%, n = 5). Respondents reported that the most important goals of a sub-internship were exposure to residency culture to assess fit (36.4%, n = 4) and functioning as an acting intern for audition purposes (36.4%, n = 4). Situational awareness (90.9%, n = 10) and integrating well with residents and hospital staff (90.9%, n = 10) were considered the most important traits of a successful sub-intern. Participants identified the personal statement as the most important element of their residency application (72.7%, n = 8). Many also expressed a preference for in-person interview activities (54.5%, n = 6).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Medical student sub-interns highly valued program culture and used sub-internships to assess program fit. This study is limited by its small sample size.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171003/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kansas journal of medicinePub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-03-01DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25373
Shang-You Yang, Riley Drees, Bin Ning, Christopher Halphen
{"title":"Progression of human osteosarcoma with altered ANT1/SLC25a4 expression.","authors":"Shang-You Yang, Riley Drees, Bin Ning, Christopher Halphen","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25373","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25373","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents. Bioinformatics analyses have identified ANT1 (encoded by SLC25A4) as part of a gene cluster implicated in the development and progression of osteosarcoma. Authors of this study investigated the expression of ANT1/SLC25A4 in clinical specimens and established OS cell lines to evaluate its potential as a prognostic biomarker and its mechanistic role in OS pathogenesis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of ANT1 expression was performed on 63 archived human OS tissue sections (IRB-exempt). To assess functional impact, commercial MG-63 and HOS osteosarcoma cell lines were genetically modified to achieve SLC25A4 overexpression or knockdown. Cellular behavior was evaluated using proliferation, scratch wound-healing, and transwell invasion assays. In vitro numerical data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with the LSD method for post hoc multiple comparisons. Correlations with clinical prognostic indicators were assessed using bivariate correlation analysis (SPSS v.22).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>IHC staining revealed that most clinical OS specimens (48/63) exhibited significantly diminished ANT1 expression compared with normal periosteal tissue. In vitro, SLC25A4 knockdown significantly accelerated cell proliferation. Conversely, SLC25A4 overexpression significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion (p <0.05) compared with controls.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings demonstrate that ANT1/SLC25A4 frequently is downregulated in clinical OS, and that its restoration suppresses aggressive cellular phenotypes in vitro. These results suggest that SLC25A4 may function as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma. Further research is needed to correlate SLC25A4 expression with patient survival and to define the underlying molecular pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171013/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944352","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding Outcomes and Barriers to Community Naloxone Distribution Programs: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Naloxone Recipients in Kansas.","authors":"Tiffany Huynh, Ashley Haynes, Hayrettin Okut, Rosalee Zackula, Chrissy Mayer, Kaylee Hervey, Elizabeth Ablah","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25383","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Opioid poisoning remains a major public health challenge in the United States. Intranasal naloxone has expanded community capacity to respond to opioid poisoning events; however, outcomes from distribution programs remain incompletely understood. Authors of this study examined naloxone's impact on poisoning events in Kansas, informed by recipients' perceptions and experiences.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, electronic survey was conducted in partnership with DCCCA, a nonprofit organization. Eligible participants included individuals and organizational representatives who (1) obtained a free naloxone kit from DCCCA Inc. between November 2021 and April 2025 and provided an email address, or (2) accessed a naloxone vending machine in Wichita, Kansas, between May and June 2025. The survey assessed experiences with opioid poisoning reversals, post-reversal care, confidence, training, barriers to carrying naloxone, and harm reduction perceptions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 767 respondents, 56.8% were individuals, 23.8% were organizational representatives, and 13.4% were both. Overall, 32.1% reported witnessing an opioid poisoning, and 14.8% reported administering naloxone at least once. Nearly all reported administrations resulted in survival. After reversal, 73.3% of recipients sought medical care; perceived lack of necessity (70.0%) was the most common reason for declining care. Emergency preparedness (58.9%) was the most common reason for obtaining naloxone. Forgetfulness (27.0%) was the most frequently reported barrier to carrying naloxone. Among organizational representatives, 63.5% reported offering naloxone training, while 28.5% distributed naloxone kits.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Naloxone distribution programs may support opioid overdose harm reduction by equipping laypersons to respond to poisoning events. However, barriers remain, particularly related to post-reversal medical care and consistent naloxone carriage.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171010/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kansas journal of medicinePub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-03-01DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25393
Mary Elizabeth Kerr, Madeleine Muehller, Dreah Kuckelman, Tien-Heng Change, Laurel Witt
{"title":"A Cross-Sectional Study on Geographic Alignment of Student-Run Free Clinics with Medically Underserved and Underinsured Areas in the United States.","authors":"Mary Elizabeth Kerr, Madeleine Muehller, Dreah Kuckelman, Tien-Heng Change, Laurel Witt","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25393","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25393","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Student-Run Free Clinics (SRFCs) have a dual mission of providing students with direct patient care experience while delivering no-cost services to patients. These clinics often serve as safety nets for individuals who might otherwise face barriers to care. By analyzing clinic locations in relation to Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs), and county-level uninsured rates, we evaluated whether SRFCs are located in objectively defined areas of need.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a preliminary cross-sectional analysis using public datasets. Clinics were included if they appeared on the Society of Student-Run Free Clinics master list, were located in the United States, and provided specialty and/or primary medical care. Statistical analyses were performed using R software and included a one-sample t-test. Statistical significance was defined as p <0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We analyzed 194 clinics across 31 states and 91 distinct counties. Complete data were available for all clinics. Of the included clinics, 65.5% were located in primary care HPSAs and 58.5% were located in MUAs. Overall, 79% of clinics were located in either a primary care HPSA or an MUA. Counties with SRFCs had a significantly higher mean uninsured rate than counties without SRFCs (p = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These preliminary findings suggest that SRFCs are disproportionately located in underserved areas and may be helping address unmet healthcare needs. However, results should be interpreted with caution. Future analyses will account for clustering and random effects associated with clinics nested within counties and states.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kansas journal of medicinePub Date : 2026-04-22eCollection Date: 2026-03-01DOI: 10.17161/kjm.vol19.25378
Chase Sorrels, Molly Siemens, Jennifer Keomany, Darren Farley
{"title":"Sonographer Perspectives on Placental Volume Measurement and Ultrasound Education: A Survey Study.","authors":"Chase Sorrels, Molly Siemens, Jennifer Keomany, Darren Farley","doi":"10.17161/kjm.vol19.25378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol19.25378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Placental evaluation during obstetric ultrasound commonly includes assessment of placental location, umbilical cord insertion, and relationship to the internal cervical os. However, placental volume measurement is not routinely incorporated into standard ultrasound protocols despite potential clinical applications. Authors of this study aimed to assess sonographer familiarity with, utilization of, and perceptions regarding placental volume measurement in clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to practicing sonographers. Items assessed demographics, practice characteristics, familiarity with placental volume measurement, and involvement in education. Primary outcome was familiarity with and routine use of placental volume measurement. Secondary outcomes included institutional protocols and teaching involvement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen sonographers completed the survey. Most worked in hospital settings (66.7%, n = 10), and all were White (100%, n = 15). The majority performed 6-10 scans daily (73.3%, n = 11), and 40.0% (n = 6) had >20 years of experience. Placental volume measurement was not required in any laboratory (100%, n = 15). Most respondents reported limited familiarity, with 66.7% (n = 10) indicating they do not routinely perform it. Standard protocols most commonly included placental location (100%, n = 15), relationship to the internal os (72.7%, n = 8), and cord insertion (63.6%, n = 7). Most reported teaching sonography students (78.6%, n = 11).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Placental volume measurement rarely is incorporated into routine obstetric ultrasound practice, and sonographers report limited familiarity with the technique. Study limitations include small sample size and convenience sampling. Increased education and standardized protocols may improve adoption of advanced placental imaging methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":94121,"journal":{"name":"Kansas journal of medicine","volume":"19 Suppl 1","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13171026/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147944424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}