RSS 1.0Healthcare Studies Pre-Professional Day
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Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Tobacco Use and CessationRacial and ethnic disparities in cigarette and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in the United States persist as a pressing public health concern. A legacy of targeted marketing (Nicksic et al., 2022), socioeconomic inequities (Forman et al., 2025; Levy et al., 2025), and unequal access to cessation resources (Avila et al., 2022; Lee et al., 2023) continues to sustain these disparities. Research demonstrates that while cigarette smoking has declined overall, the rise of e-cigarette use has introduced new forms of nicotine dependency, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations (Foxon et al., 2024; Lozano et al., 2021). Furthermore, policy initiatives such as menthol bans demonstrate potential but must be paired with culturally responsive cessation interventions to achieve equitable outcomes (Booras et al., 2023). This literature review synthesizes current findings (2020-2025) and concludes that public health strategies rooted in cultural competency and structural reform are essential for reducing racial and ethnic inequities in tobacco and e-cigarette use.
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Step Toward Functional Independence: Teaching Shoe Tying Through Video Modeling and Task AnalysisShoe tying is a functional life skill which requires dexterity, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This project takes place at the Recreational Education Center (REC) in Peabody, Massachusetts with the objective of testing the effectiveness of using a video model to teach shoe tying. At the time of recruitment, the participant was a client receiving applied behavior analysis services at the REC who was unable to tie shoes, and was capable of learning the skill. Once the video model was selected, a task analysis was created which breaks the skill down into small steps to track progress. After baseline data was collected, intervention trials were conducted using a least-to-most prompting hierarchy. Results found video modeling to be successful in improving shoe tying independence.
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Surveying Radiologic Technologists: Factors That May Influence Employees to Stay in Their JobsThis project examines workplace factors that Radiologic Technologists consider most important in influencing their retention at Salem Hospital. The assessment was based on observations across all modalities in the Radiology department, with the most notable finding being a shortage of Radiologic Technologists. This shortage is a common challenge faced by many hospitals, prompting extensive research into the contributing factors. The project was carried out using a survey distributed to Radiologic Technologists in the X-ray, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, Interventional Radiology, and Ultrasound departments. The goal was to identify which factors were most important to Radiologic Technologists and make inferences on whether these factors may contribute to retention. Overall, the survey results showed that work-life balance and workplace culture/supportive leadership were the most important factors, whereas professional growth and recognition/appreciation are not as important. This indicates that the decision to stay or leave a job may depend on a good work-life balance and a positive work culture.
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Mothera and Child Resources: A Resource Pamphlet Supporting Mothers and Children in LynnThis project, completed with the Lynn Public Health Division, focused on identifying and organizing resources available to mothers and children in the community. By assessing local programs and gaps in services, I developed an accessible resource pamphlet to support families and improve awareness of available assistance. Research highlights ongoing disparities in maternal health, including limited access to care and higher rates of hypertension and financial concerns among recent immigrants. To ensure inclusivity, the pamphlet should be translated into multiple languages and regularly updated. It will be distributed during North Shore Mother Visiting Group appointments and made available in the Lynn City Hall Resource Room.
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From Risk to Resilience: The Cardiac Rehabilitation JourneyThis Internship project examined how Anna Jaques Hospitals cardiac rehabilitation program is e<ective for patients who su<ered a cardiac event. To analyze this, upon completion of the cardiac rehabilitation patients were presented with a satisfaction survey. Patients went through 12-24 sessions of the cardiac rehabilitation program. This involved patients to participate in various exercises that specialized nurses and exercise physiologist monitored using EKGs, blood pressures, weight and the measure of the energy of the expenditure of physical activity (METS). The overall goal for cardiac rehabilitation is to allow cardiac patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and recover from their cardiac issues. The results of the satisfaction survey have proven that Anna Jaques Cardiac Rehabilitation program is beneficial to all cardiac patients who attend.
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Mosaic of Access on Campus: A Visual representation of the Complexities of AccessThis poster includes a literature review regarding the use of Universal Design for Learning in higher education and focuses on data collected from students' engagement in academic accessibility services. Fifteen questions regarding the services offered by the Center for Accessible for Academic Resources (CAAR) were divided into three groups and printed for students' participation. Each set of five questions was assigned to a wooden board with a clear adhesive film. Each question had a color glass tile students placed on the board to represent 'yes' answers. The results showed students' knowledge of services such as tutoring, and areas where CAAR could improve in spreading awareness to students. Results also displayed the levels of participation across the different campus locations.
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From Stress to Rest: Massage Therapy and the Nervous System ConnectionThis project examines how massage therapy affects stress levels and sleep quality by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Body & Soul Massage in Salem, MA, focuses on promoting relaxation and wellness through therapeutic massage. Participants of different ages completed a Google Forms survey after their massage session, and their responses were analyzed for patterns. The results showed clear trends: most participants experienced lower stress levels, feeling calmer and less tense, and many reported better sleep quality, including falling asleep faster and waking less during the night. Overall, the findings suggest massage therapy supports improved relaxation and well-being.
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Building Bridges: Community Resource GuideThis project aimed to develop an extensive Community Resource Guide to help clinicians in linking clients to the most necessary local and statewide services. A survey was developed and distributed to gather information on which resource categories were the most requested and the most needed in clinical practice. A needs-assessment survey was developed and distributed with a clinician-informed approach to gather information on which resource categories were the most requested and the most valuable in clinical practice. The final guide offers updated, accessible, and relevant resources to improve the clinicians' ability to provide them with timely referrals and, in turn, enhance the overall client care.
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How Botox has a Positive Impact on Migraines: The Benefits of Botox for MigrainesBotox is a injection that can help relax muscles. It can ease the tension of a migraine, and cause relief to symptoms relating to a severe migraine. This can be extremely beneficial as a non-therapeutic way to help with pain management. By relaxing the muscles in the forehead and in many other areas in the face as well, it can lessen the symptoms and the severity, as well as hopefully preventing anything in the future. The injections need to take place every 3 months, to maintain and keep the muscles relaxed to lessen symptoms. Although my focus is on migraines, there are many other disorders that botox can help with!
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Racism in Healthcare: A literature reviewThis poster is an overview of a literature review done to discuss how racism in the U.S. healthcare system effects healthcare professionals and students pursuing careers in healthcare professions. Historically, racism has been present in how healthcare research is conducted, it was prevalent in healthcare education, how providers are selected and how providers were observed in the workplace. There have been limitations set on providers of color and of different backgrounds historically in the past, and at times they are still very present. This literary review discusses personal experiences found in the sources of this research and this literature review’s purpose is to inspire future research on how to protect providers and students of color in the U.S. healthcare system.
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Beth Israel Lahey Beverly MRI: Creating a Body Index Chart For SchedulersThis project involved the scheduling of patients at Beth Israel Lahey Beverly’s MRI Department. Working with the scheduling team to book appointments and check in patients, it became clear that there were recurring schedule gaps caused by patients being assigned to machines that didn’t suit their body size—not just weight, but also height and limb length. This often led to last-minute cancellations. To address this, a Body Index Chart was created to help schedulers match patients to the correct MRI machine based on body proportions. After the chart was created and approved it was presented to schedulers with instructions on how and when to use it while booking future MRI appointments. Schedulers began to use the chart the next day. The results indicated a positive impact. Staff have reported fewer cancellations, indicating a positive impact on the efficiency of the new chart system on scheduling and compliance with appointments.
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Tackling Digital Literacy Among the Homeless: Building Confidence and Career Readiness Through Digital Literacy TrainingImproving digital literacy is essential for increasing access to employment opportunities among unaccompanied homeless youth. This internship project at The Haven Project focused on implementing a digital literacy program using Level All, a bilingual online platform that teaches job readiness, cybersecurity, and digital confidence. Modules were selected based on Haven’s existing digital literacy framework and tailored to meet client needs. Participants completed resume-building, job search, and online safety lessons. A Google Form was used to collect pre- and post-session feedback, which showed an increase in self-reported tech confidence and skills. Findings suggest that pairing Level All with one-on-one coaching can make digital learning more accessible and empowering for vulnerable youth populations.
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Fall Prevention: Enhancing Fall Prevention Education for Homebound Elderly Clients and CBESThis project, conducted at Central Boston Elder Services (CBES), aimed to enhance fall prevention education among homebound elderly clients. Recognizing inconsistencies in current educational efforts, the initiative developed a tailored, easy-to-understand fall prevention resource. The project followed a systematic approach: assessing current practices, designing and piloting a client-centered flyer, distributing it to 25 clients, and collecting post-distribution feedback. Results indicate that the new material improved client understanding of fall risks, with a 35% increase in hazard identification and 88% reporting enhanced safety awareness. Staff also found the materials practical and effective in engaging clients. These findings highlight the need for standardized, culturally inclusive educational tools in fall prevention. The project offers a replicable model that addresses gaps in elder care communication, promotes independence, and supports aging in place. Future work may include multilingual versions and wider rollout across similar eldercare agencies.
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Improving Attention in TBI Rehabilitation:The impact of Dual Task Training on Cognitive Focus and Physical PerformanceThis intership project explored how cognitive challenges such as distractibility and poor focus can hinder progress in physical recovery. To investigate this, Dual Task Training was used. This method involved participants at Neuro-Fit, who performed a physical task and a cognitive task at the same time, with the goal of promoting neuroplasticity and improving attentional control. Participants who had experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke took part in several dual task exercises designed to test their focus and ability to complete tasks. The results showed that dual-tasking appeared to enhance engagement and provided insight into each participant’s attentional abilities, suggesting potential benefits for personalized neurorehabilitation strategies.
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Trends In The North Shore Visiting Mothers Program: Evaluating Pre-and-Post-COVID TrendsThis project evaluates changes in maternal health trends before and after the COVID-19 pandemic using data from the North Shore Visiting Mothers Program. The program, which provides free postpartum visits, temporarily paused during the pandemic. Data collected by public health nurses revealed increased rates of postpartum depression, anxiety, food insecurity, and traumatic birth experiences post-COVID. Quantitative findings showed a significant link between poor maternal health and low infant birth weight The project highlights gaps in mental health care, insurance stability, and access to services, providing critical insights to inform the redesign and relaunch of the program to better meet caregivers’ needs.
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Captivate from the Start: The Redesign – Pownal Veterinary Website DesignIn today's fast-paced digital environment, a company's website serves as the initial point of contact between a business and its patients. Establishing a first impression that matters is very important for future business with potential patients. When patients feel at ease and safe they are more likely to come back for additional services and even promote your business by word of mouth for free because of how you made them feel. Having a website that is easy to navigate that answers most common questions is a must have for a business to succeed. In reviewing this veterinary clinics’ website, it was clear that it had not have been updated for a while, with old pictures and outdated information. It was determined that it would be in the best interest of the company to invest time in redesigning the website and research how to have a website that attracts new customers and is easy to navigate. The completed redesign includes the 8 essentials of an effective website and should provide an informative platform for years to come.
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Check Us Out: Grassroot Marketing Strategy to Introduce Allergy Services to Library PatronsThis internship project focused on developing and implementing a targeted marketing and community outreach plan to increase awareness of food allergy desensitization services offered at New England Food Allergy Treatment Center . The initiative included creating educational materials, distributing informational flyers at local libraries, and conducting new patient surveys to measure the campaign’s effectiveness. A SurveyMonkey questionnaire was sent to all new patients to track referral sources and evaluate whether community outreach impacted patient acquisition. Results demonstrated increased community engagement and a higher percentage of new patients citing library outreach as their referral source. This project highlights the importance of strategic outreach in improving patient awareness of specialized healthcare services.
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North Shore Visiting Mothers ProgramThe North Shore Mother Visiting Partnership (NSMVP) was founded by five Public Health Nurses in January 2018 to provide maternal home visits to all postpartum women in Massachusetts, regardless of their circumstances. The initiative was created due to the absence of a universal home visiting program on the North Shore.
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Researching Virtual Specialty Care For Boston Children’s Hospital, A Competitive Analysis of Virtual Specialty Care Across U.S. HospitalsThis project I worked on at the Boston Children Hospital reviewed the presentation of the Virtual Specialty Care in 35 major hospitals in the U.S. With virtual care gaining importance, particularly among pediatric patients and families that need to access specialty services without the inconvenience of travelling, digital delivery of such services is especially relevant to accessibility. The project was to analyze the clarity and fairness in which hospitals communicate their Virtual Specialty Care online. Data was gathered in a number of dimensions, such as the availability of services, specialties, booking experience, pricing clarity, and multilingual services, with a structured Excel tracker. Findings revealed that 76% of hospitals offered Virtual Specialty Care in a single specialty and 24% did not. Of the hospitals that did offer virtual specialty care, pricing information was also published by only 18%. 90% of hospitals restricted access to in-state patients, and only 31% of hospitals had multilingual support, mainly in Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese. The results indicated significant discrepancies in usability and transparency of websites of hospitals. Hospitals that were outstanding focused on descriptions of services, inclusive design, and easy booking that did not need patient log-in. The findings of this analysis have been compiled in the form of recommendations that can provide the Boston Children Hospital with the best strategies to enhance its virtual care digital approach. The publication is in line with wider aims of increasing access, equity, and trust in pediatric telehealth services
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Bridgewell; "Small Changes, Big Impact: Encouraging Healthier Lifestyles"This project aims to promote healthier lifestyles among residents at Bridgewell through the implementation of structured meal planning and calorie monitoring. By working directly with residents, particularly Rob, the project introduces healthier food substitutions such as using real mashed potatoes instead of powdered versions, ground turkey instead of beef, and adding vegetables to improve nutritional value while still keeping meals enjoyable. The project emphasizes portion control and encourages meal preparation as a strategy to prevent overeating. Progress is tracked through calorie data and weight monitoring, providing measurable evidence of improvement. By engaging residents in healthy cooking activities and making informed food choices, this initiative seeks to support long-term well-being and empower individuals to manage their diets independently.
