Foundation fellows gain exceptional research experience

Research is the key to the future of medicine, and this summer 12 students are exploring their interests while contributing to Gundersen Health System's growing body of research.

Gundersen Medical Foundation's Summer Fellow Research Program allows fellows to develop a better understanding of commonly used experimental designs for research studies, gain insight into disease processes and observe diagnostic and treatment interventions.

Students are paired with a Gundersen mentor working on an Institutional Review Board-approved research project. They also receive guidance from the Foundation's research staff as they explore a specific content area.

The Summer Fellow Research Program is unique in that the positions are funded through the Gundersen Medical Foundation from generous contributions by community members.

This year's students, projects, sponsors and mentors include:

Evan Dolan, Anesthesiology
"An Analysis of Intraoperative Hypothermia by Surgical Specialty"
Sponsors: Kenneth and Mildred Kuebler
Principal investigator: Josh Johnston, MD

Mattie Krause, Behavioral Medicine
"Utilization and Impact of Warm Hand-Offs, Shared Care and Phone Consultations during Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Visits"
Sponsors: Ward E. Brown, MD, and Ward M. Brown, MD
Principal investigator: Catherine Schuman, PhD

Ian Rumball, Medical Oncology
"The Impact of Anemia on Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke"
Sponsor: Joan Curran Memorial
Principal investigator: Lori Rosenstein, MD

Ryan Lokkesmoe, Vascular Institute
"In Search of the Right Tool: Using a Standardized Risk Calculator to Predict Groin Wound Infection"
Sponsor: Adolf L. Gundersen, MD
Principal investigator: Irina Shakhnovich, MD

Sophie Schmitz, Family Medicine
"Evaluation of the Maternal and Neonatal Risks and Benefits Associated with Immersion in Water During the Second Stage of Labor and Delivery at Three Rural Birthing Centers in Critical Access Hospitals"
Sponsors: John and Nettie Mooney
Principal investigator: Brandi Strong, MD

Nicholas Berg, Surgery Clinic & Infectious Disease
"Incidence and Type of Infections Before and After Bariatric Surgery"
Sponsor: Gertrude Salzer Gordon
Principal investigators: Shanu Kothari, MD, and Todd Kowalski, MD

Lance Owen, Nursing Research
"Preceptor Perceptions: Three Schools of Nursing on a DEU and Traditional Clinical Unit"
Sponsors: Dr. A.C.V. and Mary M. Elston
Principal investigator: Karen Hayter, PhD, RN

Keaton Read, Anatomic Pathology
"Rate of High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) or Endocervical Adenocarcinoma In-Situ (AIS) Following and ASC-H Pap Result at GHS: Is a Diagnostic LEEP Warranted?"
Sponsors: Jerry and Anna Beth Culver
Principal investigator: Sarah Hughes, MD

Matthew Waldrop, Neurology & Behavioral Medicine
"Outcomes of Adolescent Headache Patients Treated in a Multidisciplinary Headache Clinic"
Sponsor: Bernard & Sally Kuebler-Killoran
Principal investigators: John Temple, MD; Erin Millard, PSYD

Marie Kasparova, Behavioral Medicine
"Food Cravings after Bariatric Surgery"
Sponsors: Sharon and George Kerckhove
Principal investigator: Afton Koball, PhD

Thomas Schultz, Cardiology
"Management Strategy of Patients with Heart Failure Due to Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: Are We Missing an Opportunity?"
Sponsors: Desmond and Lucille Harris
Principal investigator: Michael Witcik, MD

Shane Claffey, Medical Oncology
"Understanding the use of Internet and Social Media by Children and Young Adults with Cancer, and their Families"
Sponsors: Wendy and Richard Lommen
Principal investigator: Antoinette Peters, MD