Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

These projects were completed by students in the University of Vermont Family Medicine Clerkship. Block Clerkship Projects were completed during a five-week period, while Longitudinal Clerkship Projects were completed over the course of a 12-month longitudinal clerkship.

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Empowering Patients Undergoing Speculum Exam

Sarah Caffry
Short-term Project
Barriers to Advance Directive Completion in Burlington, VT

Avery James Campbell
Short-term Project
Advance directive completion is lacking in the United States. Patients at a family medicine practice in Burlington, VT were surveyed to assess barriers to advance directive completion. An intervention was created and imposed to improve advance directive completion.
Common Skin Rashes

Jennifer Chen
Short-term Project
Common Skin rashes
Nonoperative Management of Hip Osteoarthritis

Hikmat R. Chmait
Short-term Project
Chronic hip pain is an extremely common condition, significantly impacting the quality of life and mobility of affected individuals. The dissemination of comprehensive guidelines on nonoperative management of chronic hip osteoarthritis (OA) is essential for enhancing the quality of care provided by primary care providers (PCPs). These guidelines should encompass evidence-based recommendations on physical therapy, pharmacologic interventions, and lifestyle modifications tailored to the individual patient's needs. By equipping PCPs with standardized, accessible information, we can ensure consistent and effective management of chronic hip OA, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on specialized healthcare services. Enhanced education and resources for PCPs are imperative to bridge the gap in current practice and promote the optimal nonoperative care of patients with chronic hip OA.
Improving Eye Care in Diabetic Patients in Vermont

Ashfi Chowdhury
Short-term Project
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working age adults worldwide, yet up to 90% of vision loss can be prevented through early detection and timely treatment. In Vermont, approximately 8.5% of adults have diabetes, with less than 60% receiving regular eye exams. This project aims to address the knowledge gap and improve eye care among diabetic patients by creating and distributing an educational postcard. The postcard provides crucial information about the differences between various eye exams, along with guidance on where to seek care, which will enhance patient awareness and promote regular eye checkups.
Patient Education on Long Term Anticoagulation Options

Hayden J. Christensen
Short-term Project
Many patients with chronic conditions require long-term anticoagulation. Often they aren't sure of their options and have questions regarding their eligibility for Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) versus Warfarin. Here, a patient handout was developed to address common questions and assist in the decision making process when long-term anticoagulation is initiated.
Preventing Falls in Older Adults: Resources and Patient Education

Cassidy Cottle
Short-term Project
Falls impact around a third of adults over the age of 65 per year. This project alleviated some of the pressure in providing patient education on avoiding falls by collecting common recommendations and local resources and creating a standardized communication in the electronic medical record.
Empowering Elders: Connecting the Milton Community to Local Resources

Caity DeCara
Short-term Project
The proportion of Vermont's population aged 65 and older has been increasing. Vermont's rural landscape can contribute to isolation among older adults, which is a significant risk factor for mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Socialization significantly impacts well-being by decreasing a sense of loneliness, enhancing emotional support, and improving cognitive health in older adults. My goal is to create a poster to outline resources of connection and activities near Milton to help residents build strong community networks and improve quality of life.
A Vermont Physician's Guide to Eating Disorders

Jeyna Doshi
Short-term Project
I created a guide about screening and treating eating disorders for family physicians in Vermont. Eating disorders are often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Physicians do not receive much training on eating disorders and often feel ill-equipped to treat patients with them. This guide will serve as a tool and include links to local resources.
Patient guide to starting a GLP-1 agonist

Jenna G. Eaton
Short-term Project
With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity in Vermont, GLP-1 agonists are being prescribed more and more to help treat these conditions. Providers at Milton Family Medicine relayed that they have been prescribing them more as well over the recent years and have seen significant benefit for their patients. With increased use of these medications, patients continue to have many questions around how GLP-1 agonists work, their side effects, and how to pay for these expensive medications. There is a need to have education materials available at the office to answer these questions for our patients.
Nutritional Support for Oncology Patients: Role for the PCP

Annabelle S. Feist
Short-term Project
Adequate nutrition is a key prognostic factor in the treatment outcomes of patients with cancer diagnoses. Despite the increased morbidity and mortality of malnutrition, the importance of nutrition for oncology patients is often not well communicated and not well understood by patients. Part of this issue stems from the limited information most patient can absorb at any given doctors appointment, especially regarding their cancer. Primary care providers hold a unique position to fill this gap and have the information be heard and retained given their usual role in addressing overall health. This project compiles resources in an easily accessible and distributable manner so PCPs can provide their patients with cancer diagnoses important information without adding more time to already long and complex visits.
Increasing Preventative Naloxone Distribution for Patients Receiving Prescription Opioids

Brian A. Fellenstein
Short-term Project
Recent studies have shown that in office-based settings, while 10.67 per 100 visits included one or more opioid prescriptions, only 1 per 100 visits included naloxone as a co-prescription. Unfortunately, many chronic pain syndromes necessitate the use of opioids. While these prescriptions are reasonable, the data suggests that clinics across the country continue to use opioid medications per recommendations but fail to provide patients with Naloxone co-prescriptions and appropriate education.
Skin Lesion Identification in Central Vermont

Tanner L. Ferrell
Short-term Project
Skin cancer is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in Vermont, and educational information involving skin lesions is insufficient.
Mental Health Services in the Rutland Region: Increasing Access and Utilization

Kate A. French
Short-term Project
1 in 4 adults in Rutland County, Vermont are diagnosed with a depressive disorder; Rutland County has a higher rate of suicide-related ED visits and opioid overdose deaths than Vermont as a whole; and feelings of sadness and hopelessness are disproportionately higher in BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. However, there is a lack of mental health providers in the region, and patients often don't know where to look or feel as though they can't afford mental health services. Through the creation of a comprehensive handout + web link with local mental health resources, patients will hopefully engage more with the individual and community-based services and support groups available to them.
Golden Connections

Akhil B. George
Short-term Project
This project aims to combat loneliness among elderly patients by introducing them to a community program focused on socialization and support as they age. The initiative includes a flyer/infographic highlighting key benefits and features of the program, designed to capture interest and encourage participation. A QR code is also provided on the flyer, allowing individuals to easily access the program's website for more information and registration. This approach fosters connections and enhances the well-being of elderly patients by integrating community resources into their healthcare experience.
Increasing patient information on HPV vaccination beyond the age of 26

Caroline R. George
Short-term Project
The project provides valuable information about HPV and HPV vaccination for adults aged 27-45. It emphasizes the significant impact of HPV types 16 and 18 on cervical cancers and discusses the potential benefits of catch-up vaccination for certain individuals in this age group. Additionally, it addresses considerations for specific populations and highlights the availability of HPV vaccination through specific programs. The document also touches upon the coverage of HPV vaccination under different healthcare plans.
Improving Access to Hearing Rehabilitation Through Hearing Aid Recycling

James Go
Short-term Project
Cost is the most significant barrier to patients seeking hearing aids, with the average price being in the thousands of dollars. Recycling of unneeded hearing aids is one way to improve access to hearing aids for people for whom price is a barrier.
Addressing Antifungal Resistance: Using Boric Acid Suppositories for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Isabel Goodrich
Short-term Project
Antifungal resistance poses a growing challenge in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), necessitating innovative approaches for effective management. This community health project investigates the efficacy of boric acid as an alternative treatment for VVC, particularly in the context of antifungal resistance. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates interventions aimed at healthcare providers and patients alike.

Firstly, a targeted in-person presentation was delivered to family medicine residents, focusing on the use of boric acid in VVC treatment and its potential impact on addressing antifungal resistance.

Secondly, a patient informational pamphlet was developed, providing comprehensive guidance on safe utilization of boric acid suppositories for VVC as well as answers to frequently asked questions while using boric acid.

Thirdly, an electronic medical record dot phrase was created for physicians to streamline documentation and facilitate easy access to boric acid treatment protocols, enhancing efficiency in clinical practice.

Through these interventions, the project aims to enhance healthcare provider awareness and patient education regarding boric acid treatment of VVC. By equipping healthcare providers with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective implementation, and providing patients with comprehensive information, this initiative seeks to mitigate the impact of antifungal resistance in VVC management.
Tech Tracking: Harnessing the Power of Personalized Data to Address Metabolic Pathologies

Kyle M. Gorman
Short-term Project
Leveraging widely available smartphone technology to track key health data in an effort to reduce the burden of metabolic disorders in Chittenden County, Vermont.
Empowering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Providers: Perceptions of Supports for Enhanced Patient Care

Arman S. Grewal
Short-term Project
An investigation into the supports and resources available for Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) providers in Burlington, Vermont. A compilation of existing support structures was conducted. Additionally, future directions were explored to enhance these supports, ensuring that MAT providers can deliver the most effective care to their patients. This work aims to strengthen the overall framework of resources available to MAT providers in the region of Burlington, Vermont
The Welcome to Wellness Workbook

Julia Halvorson-Phelan
Short-term Project
This project aims to develop a comprehensive wellness workbook designed for individuals seeking to make meaningful lifestyle changes in areas such as nutrition, exercise, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption in collaboration with their physician. Drawing from evidence-based practices and insights from family medicine, the workbook guides users through a structured goal-setting process. It encourages self-reflection and provides practical tools for planning and tracking progress. It also includes bite-size snapshots of current recommendations in each pillar of wellness. This initiative not only enhances individual health outcomes but also contributes to broader community well-being by promoting preventive health strategies.
Suicide Screening in Addison County, VT

Devin Hebert
Short-term Project
The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale is a useful screening tool being implemented by primary care offices in the UVMHN. This project helps provide local and online resources for those that screen medium or high risk on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale in Addison County.
Improving Care for LGBTQ+ Patients

Justin Henningsen
Short-term Project
LGBTQ+ patients are at higher risks for many health conditions. Providers and staff are not always comfortable supporting conversations about gender and sexuality. In this project, I provided training to staff members of Hardwick Area Health Center on risks and best practices.
Increasing Patient Awareness and Education Surrounding Prescription Weight Loss Medications

Anirudh A. Hirve
Short-term Project
Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. While it remains important for clinicians to emphasize health supportive behaviors including dietary modification and exercise when counseling patients, the advent of new weight loss medications has created a need for patient education materials regarding these interventions for a growing number of patients who request them at primary care visits. This project created a smart phrase in the electronic medical record summarizing weight loss medications currently available on the market to transform patient counseling and enable better shared decision making between patients and providers.
Exploring the Intersection of Food and Healthcare

Molly Hurd
Short-term Project
There are clear correlations between diet and chronic disease. This project surveyed users of a local Danbury food pantry to explore their relationship with healthcare and their views about the importance of diet and health, as well as barriers they face to eat healthy. In addition, I developed a pamphlet that explains the role of lifestyle changes specific for T2DM, and using the American Diabetes Association's resources, created a shopping list color coded to match the diabetic plate, that can be used when counseling patients with a new diabetes diagnosis.