Daniel Casa (M4, Class of 2011) with Faculty Preceptor Timothy Dillingham, MD Chairman and Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Medical Student Research Day Poster Session
September 25, 2008
Faculty Preceptor: Liliana E. Pezzin, PhD, JD Professor, Medicine Center for Patient Care and Outcomes Research & Department of Medicine
Faculty Preceptor: Timothy Dillingham, MD Chairman and Professor Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
"There are approximately 1.7 million people in the Unites States living with limb loss. Amputation due to peripheral vascular disease and diabetes accounts for the majority of amputations. The prevalence of depression among amputees has been found to be as high as 41% making it a significant problem that must be addressed. Our objective was to examine, prospectively, the effect of post-acute care setting on depressive symptoms among dysvascular amputees in the Milwaukee and Baltimore areas. Primary data was obtained from medical records and patient interviews. Our results showed that persons receiving post-acute care in inpatient rehabilitation were significantly less likely than those discharged to skilled nursing facilities or home to exhibit depressive symptoms 6 months post amputation. 28% of those who received inpatient rehabilitation care were depressed at 6 months post amputation compared with 40% of those discharged to nursing homes and 36% of those discharged directly home. Post-acute care at inpatient rehabilitation units seems to reduce the incidence of depression among dysvascular amputees compared to discharges to nursing homes and home.
The medical student summer research program in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation department was an invaluable experience in which I was able to actively learn about the clinical research process while acquiring essential research skills for my future clinical practice of medicine. As a member of the clinical research team, I was presented with numerous shadowing opportunities that enhanced my understanding of the goal of clinical research which is to ultimately provide better care to patients. By working on an existing research project, I was able to learn the skills of acquiring and critically appraising medical literature, using statistical computer software and analyzing data, and writing a research manuscript. I was also able to enhance my communication and presentation skills by presenting my project to physicians, research staff, and fellow students. I believe that my research experience in the PM & R [Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation] department will serve me well not only in my medical education but as well as my practice as a physician. Summer research was extremely rewarding and enjoyable, and I am greatly appreciative of the opportunity and support I was given by my mentors."