The Summer Fellow program was established in 1985 by Dr. Martin Smith, Gundersen's first Director of Medical Research. It was later renamed the A.C.V. Elston III, MD Summer Research Fellowship in honor of Dr. Elston's service as Director of Medical Research and in recognition of his enthusiastic support of the Summer Fellow program. The purpose of the program is to encourage students with an interest in pursuing a healthcare profession to engage in research. Thanks to our generous benefactors, who have established endowments of $50,000 or more, Gundersen Medical Foundation now has 12 endowed Fellowships. Some Fellowships are reserved for projects in a particular specialty (nursing, cardiology, surgery, pediatric oncology), while others are open to research in any area of health-related scientific inquiry.
Class of 2021
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Aditya Ailiani, Bariatric Surgery
Adolf L. Gundersen, MD Fellow
"The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Respiratory Outcomes"
School: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Emily Barthel, Behavioral Medicine
Joan Curran Memorial Fellow
"Effects of Prenatal Methamphetamines and Heroin Exposure on Children"
School: Winona State
Andrew Blanker, Family Medicine
Bernard & Sally Kuebler-Killoran Fellow
"Follow-Up after Elevated Fasting Blood Glucose Screening"
School: University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Rory Campbell, Pediatric Behavioral Medicine
Lommen Family Fellow
"Integrated Characteristics and Socioeconomic Impact on Behavioral Health Outcomes"
School: Marquette University
Tiana Carlson, Medical Oncology & Interventional Radiology
Kenneth & Mildred Kuebler Fellow
"Post Implementation Impact of a Systemic Multidisciplinary Approach for Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter Utilization and Retrieval"
School: University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Matthew Casmey, Medical Oncology & Pathology
Gertrude Salzer Gordon Fellow
"Clinicopathologic Analysis of PD-L1 Biomarkers in Patients with Advanced Malignancies Receiving Immunotherapy"
School: Winona State
Claire Curtis, Behavioral Medicine
Sharon & George Kerckhove Fellow
"The Impact of Eating Disorder and Mood Symptoms on Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Adherence"
School: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Ally Ecklund, Bariatric Surgery & Anesthesiology
John & Nettie Mooney Fellow
"The Impact of Enhanced Recovery Protocol for Patients Undergoing Bariatric Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy"
School: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Kayla Feehan, Medical Oncology
Jerry & Anna Beth Culver Fellow
"Real World Validation of VTE Risk Models in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma in a Community Setting"
School: University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Palwisha Mukhtar, Cardiology
Desmond & Lucille Harris Fellow
Ward E. Brown, MD and Ward M. Brown, MD Fellow
"Appropriate Use of ARNI as a Part of Guideline Directed Medical Therapy for Systolic Heart Failure"
School: University of Pittsburgh
Lauren Priem, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Dr. A.C.V. & Mary M. Elston Fellow
"A Close Look at Hypertension, Obesity and Social Determinants of Health in a Rural Clinic"
School: University of La Crosse – Wisconsin
Class of 2019
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Mitchell Bunting, Urology
"Comparison of Surgical versus Medical Castration in Patients with Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Cost and Oncologic Implications"
School: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Austin DeBoer, General Surgery & Bariatric Surgery
"Pre-Screening for Bariatric Surgery Patients: Comparative Effectiveness of Transnasal Endoscopy versus Esophagogastroduodenoscopy"
School: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Melissa Edgar, Pediatric Oncology
"A Retrospective Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Ferumoxytol versus Intravenous Iron Dextran in Pediatrics Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia"
School: Viterbo University
Jonathan Mennecke, Nursing & Community Paramedic
"The Impact of a Community Paramedic Program on Post-Hospitalization Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients"
School: Iowa State University
Nicole Mischler, Hematology & Medical Oncology
"Establishing the Incidence of Blood Clots and Bleeding in a Community Setting in Patients with Cancer Starting Chemotherapy"
School: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Taylor Oehrlein, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
"Caretaker Experiences in GunderKids: A Program Evaluation"
School: Viterbo University
Marc Rademaker, Sleep Medicine
"Effects of Positive Airway Pressure Adherence on Readmission and Length of Stay in Hospitalized Patients with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea"
School: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Caleb Rossin, Emergency Medicine
"Safety of Proparacaine and Diclofenac Containing 'Comfort Drops' for Management of Eye Pain Following the Emergency Diagnosis of Corneal Abrasions, UV Light Related Keratitis and After Corneal Foreign Body Removal"
School: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Mikaela Schlesinger, Pathology
"Optimizing Molecular Breast Cancer Testing (OncotypeDX): 2018 TailorX Clinical Trial and a New Decision Point to Administer Chemotherapy"
School: Gonzaga University
Danielle Wissink, Behavioral Health & Population Health
"The Role of the Environment in a Bariatric Surgery Population – Impact on Postoperative Weight Loss"
School: University of Iowa
Faustina Zertler, Medical Oncology
"Understanding Compliance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network's (NCCN) Recommended Follow-up Care after Breast Cancer Treatment"
School: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Kylie Zimmerman, Family Medicine & Internal Medicine
"Effect of an Inpatient Stroke Response Team (SRT) in a Community Teaching Hospital"
School: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Class of 2018
Dolan, Evan (St. Norbert College). An Analysis of Intraoperative Hypothermia by Surgical Specialty
Krause, Mattie (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse). Utilization and Impact of Warm Hand-Offs, Shared Care and Phone Consultations during Integrated Behavioral Healthcare Visits
Rumball, Ian Rumball (University of Wisconsin - Madison). The Impact of Anemia on Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Lokkesmoe, Ryan (Cedarville University). In Search of the Right Tool: Using a Standardized Risk Calculator to Predict Groin Wound Infection
Schmitz, Sophie (Winona State University). 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
Berg, Nicholas Berg (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse). Incidence and Type of Infections Before and After Bariatric Surgery
Owen, Lance Owen (Winona State University). Preceptor Perceptions: Three Schools of Nursing on a DEU and Traditional Clinical Unit
Read, Keaton (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse). 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?
Waldrop, Matthew (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse). Outcomes of Adolescent Headache Patients Treated in a Multidisciplinary Headache Clinic
Kasparova, Marie (Winona State University). Food Cravings after Bariatric Surgery
Schultz, Thomas (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse). Management strategy of patients with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction: Are we missing an opportunity?
Claffey, Shane (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities). Understanding the use of Internet and Social Media by Children and Young Adults with Cancer, and their Families
Class of 2017
Andersen, Ryan (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Evaluation of the use of blood products on an inpatient cardiothoracic surgery service
Baumgartner, Joshua (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Intestinal anastomosis: Which technique is better at Gundersen Medical Center?
Carlisle, Allison (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Differences in outcome and cost between patients admitted to intensive care versus the neuroscience unit post neuroendovascular procedure
Deviley, Jake (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse). Preliminary analysis of the incidence of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) before and after the introduction of a commercial vaccine against varicella zoster virus (VZV)
Frawley, Connor (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire). Predictors of poor outcome in stroke patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation
Glodosky, Nicholas (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse). From substances to food: an examination of addiction shift in individuals undergoing residential substance use treatment
Goplin, Shylana (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse). Utilization of contralateral procedures in breast cancer patients at Gundersen
Kao, Trevor (Luther College, Decorah). Treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with mitral regurgitation
Mack, Lianna (University of Wisconsin-Madison). Prevalence and course of treatment of common hip pathologies presenting to a sports medicine clinic in the La Crosse area
McNamer, Sierra (Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota). Retrospective EHR review: longitudinal data related to 2004 baseline DXA testing
Prekop, Joseph (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse). A retrospective evaluation of bleeding phenotype in our local pediatric Amish hemophilia population
Shapiro, Jacob (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs). Kidney stones following bariatric surgery – the Gundersen Experience
Class of 2016
Arndorfer, Daniel (University of Miami, Florida). Outcomes and complications of erythropoietin stimulating agent therapy in patients with multiple myeloma
Barton, Jedidiah (Viterbo University, La Crosse). How is acculturation in Hmong women affecting obesity and pregnancy outcomes? A case-control study from 1985 to 2015
Brusky, Kelly A. (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Gallbladder wall thickness measured on ultrasound: Is it associated with operative time and surgical pathology?
Eisenhuth, Amanda (Winona State University, Minnesota). Participants in GunderKids: Domains of parental stress, child abuse potential and child custody
Ernst, Alexa (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Cardiac screening in the pre-participation physical examination: An evaluation of recommendation knowledge and compliance
Ernst, Andrew (University of Wisconsin – Madison). Implementation of a radioactive seed localized breast cancer surgery protocol – Review of initial outcomes
Jester, Dylan J. (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Examination of bariatric surgery Facebook group content
Jolly, Caitlyn (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Length of antibiotic therapy for central line infections in pediatric oncology patients
Lohr, Ali (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Impact of nitrous oxide for labor analgesia at a community medical center
Stehula, Forrest (University of Wisconsin – Madison). Carotid artery stenting: a 5 year experience at Gundersen Health System
Tomczyk, Taylor (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Review of biopsy method for malignant melanoma; effects on final stage, treatment and outcomes
Voter, Jay (Winona State University, Minnesota). Causes and trends in 30-day readmissions after discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation unit
Class of 2015
Bowe, Nigel (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with severe aortic stenosis
Branham, Danielle (Viterbo University, La Crosse). Current practice in obstetric substance abuse patients: status and nursing implications beyond one year postpartum
Bursell, Danielle (Iowa State University, Ames). Ferritin levels of adolescent females with fatigue
Escher, Paul (St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota). A comprehensive review of IVC filters in a community tertiary care center
Frebault, Julia (University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota). Incidental extra-mammary findings in diagnostic breast MRI among patients with known breast cancer
Jandal, Ali (Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa). 23 years' experience of treating developmental hip dysplasia with the Pavlik harness: method of application and design of harness affects results
Rasmussen, Damien (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). It's not easy turning green: tagging the MHV68 genome with green fluorescent protein
Riley, Katherine (Colby College, Waterville, Maine). An assessment of stroke knowledge in the Coulee Region community
Santos, Tyler (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Outcomes of total hip or knee arthroplasty in patients after bariatric surgery versus obese and non-obese patients
Saxton, James (Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa). Safety and outcomes of chronic antimicrobial therapy for suppression of prosthetic joint infection
Sieck, Kyle (University of Iowa, Iowa City). Does choice of postoperative dressing affect wound healing in trans-tibial amputation? A comparison of rigid removable dressing vs. Rooke protector device
Zinnel, Brittany (University of Wisconsin – La Crosse). Voice and safety outcomes for vocal fold injection medialization for treatment of unilateral vocal fold immobility
Class of 2014
Anderson, Madeline (University of Minnesota). Aspiration pneumonia following screening and diagnostic procedures for dysphagia following acute stroke
Bauer, Amelia (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse). Complications and outcomes of anterior exposure for spinal surgery
Brekke, Andrew (University of Wisconsin - Madison). Bleeding complications and readmission rates from tonsillectomy before and after the use of ibuprofen for treatment of postoperative pain
Decker, Erin (Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin). Patients' perceptions of interactions with caregivers while hospitalized
Groshek, Jackie (University of Minnesota). Is the ACS NSQIP® Surgical Risk Calculator applicable for breast cancer patients undergoing breast conserving surgery?
Gustafson, Brent (North Park University, Chicago, Illinois). La Crosse advance directive outcomes study for deceased Gundersen Health System patients with Next Steps planning (LADS III)
Haddad, Dominic (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse). Amplification and identification of bacterial DNA recovered from patient tissue
Hayes, Robert (University of Wisconsin - La Crosse). Time to antibiotics for pediatric oncology patients with fever and neutropenia
Herlitzke, Brianne (University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota). Treatment outcomes for the elderly with bladder cancer
Lange, Katelynn (Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota). Long-term sequelae of mothers with preeclampsia/eclampsia during pregnancy. A case-control study
Vegel, Andrew (University of Wisconsin - Madison). Impact of obesity on cesarean section outcomes
Voter, Mitchell (University of Alabama). Comparison of outcomes in heart failure patients based on their follow-up in specialized heart failure clinic vs non-specialized clinic
