Authors

Laila Azam, PhD, MBA, MCW-Milwaukee; Arman Tahir, MD, Muslim Community Health Center; Ismail Quryshi, MD, FACP, HMDC, FAAHPM, CMD, Froedtert Hospital; Fozia Ahmed, BS, Muslim Community Health Center; Iqbal Ashraf, MS, Muslim Community Health Center; Abdul Hafeez, MD, Muslim Community Health Center; Ishma Rizvi, MPH, Muslim Community Health Center; Renee Foutz, MD, MCW-Milwaukee; Sondos Kholaki, MDiv, BCC, University of Southern California; Ramy Salah, MD; Colleen McCracken, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CHPN, OCN, NPD-BC, Froedtert Hospital; Aasim I. Padela, MD, MSc, FACEP, MCW-Milwaukee

Abstract

Background: Muslim Americans encounter unique challenges when navigating end-of-life (EOL) healthcare due to the need to reconcile complex U.S. legal requirements with Islamic ethical imperatives. Insufficient culturally/religiously tailored resources often result in decisional conflict, delayed planning, and heightened psychological distress for patients and families during critical care episodes.

Objective: This initiative sought to develop a comprehensive, evidence-informed resource that operationalizes Islamic bioethical principles alongside U.S. legal and clinical frameworks. The objective was to equip Muslim patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with a practical tool to support timely, values-congruent EOL decision-making.

Methods: Between 2022-2025, a multidisciplinary team conducted literature reviews, community-based surveys, and qualitative interviews with patients, caregivers, clinicians, and religious leaders. Findings were iteratively synthesized through workshops involving Islamic scholars, hospice and palliative care clinicians, and chaplains. The resulting resource integrates key concepts-including wilāya (guardianship), tawakkul (trust in God), and harm-reduction principles (minimizing potential physical, religious, or moral harm when ideal care cannot be achieved)-together with advance care planning tools (advance directives, power of attorney, DNR/DNI orders) to create an accessible, community-facing guide.

Results: The final product is a 30+ page guide written in plain language, featuring decision-making flowcharts, hospice care myth-busting tables, and structured conversation prompts for families and clinicians. The guide offers a structured pathway to reduce decisional conflict, clarify legal and religious responsibilities, and support religiously grounded EOL care planning.

Conclusion: This initiative demonstrates how community-engaged scholarship can bridge the gap between religious values and healthcare systems. By aligning Islamic bioethics with U.S. legal structures, the guide supports Muslims in approaching EOL care with peace, clarity, and trust in Allah's (God's) mercy, ultimately fostering religiously and ethically informed healthcare decisions.

view poster (PDF)

Authors

Michelle Broaddus, PhD, MCW-Milwaukee; Elizabeth Nelson, MA, MCW-Milwaukee; Rosa Kim, MD, MCW-Milwaukee; Matthew D. Jandrisevits, PhD, MCW-Milwaukee

Abstract

Background: Children throughout Wisconsin face significant access barriers to mental healthcare due to a severe shortage of mental health professionals. This has increased the burden on pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) who often manage mental health symptoms in their patients. The Wisconsin Child Psychiatry Consultation Program (WI CPCP) was created to address this burden by providing mental health-focused informational guidance to PCPs. A defining feature of the WI CPCP is its ability to provide education that informs psychopharmacological interventions, behavioral health recommendations, and linkage to relevant community resources and supports. The WI CPCP was developed through extensive engagement and advocacy efforts that involved the WI state government, WI DHS, the WI chapters of the AAP and AAFP, participating PCPs, and a community advisory committee. It is now a model program in the United States.

Objective: The purpose of this QA/QI project is to provide a summary evaluation of the WI CPCP's community engagement and advocacy efforts over the past decade.

Method: WI CPCP QA/QI indicators including program reach, PCP utilization of the WI CPCP, and satisfaction with WI CPCP services were mapped onto a timeline of engagement and advocacy initiatives between 2013-2023.

Results: Engagement with the WI state government, community clinics, PCP champions, and a community advisory committee were instrumental in the establishment and growth of the WI CPCP. As a result, by 2025, the WI CPCP enrolled over 2400 PCPs and provided over 10,000 consultations. Over 1.2 million WI children and adolescents now have improved access to mental healthcare.

Conclusion: The steady growth and success of the WI CPCP corresponded with ongoing, strategic engagement and advocacy initiatives over the past 10 years. These results may inform the development of other statewide child psychiatry access programs nationwide.

view poster (PDF)

Authors

Kevin Folivi, MS, MCW-Milwaukee; Rajani Shakya, MD, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences; Jenisha Shrestha, BSN, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences; Constance Shumba, PhD, MCW-Graduate School; Sara Kohlbeck, PhD, MPH, MCW-Graduate School; Biraj Karmacharya, PhD, MPH, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences; Abha Shrestha, MD, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences; Laura Cassidy, MS, PhD, MCW-Graduate School

Abstract

Background: With the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nepal estimated at 8.5%, there is an urgent need for innovative, community-based strategies to improve disease management and patient outcomes. This study evaluates a community-centered care program implemented in collaboration with local government authorities and Dhulikhel Hospital. The initiative seeks to enhance healthcare access for individuals living with T2DM through the implementation of community and home-based care by Dhulikhel Hospital nurses who facilitated routine check-ups, treatment, and health education. The study specifically explores the perceptions and experiences of program participants and key stakeholders.

Methods: A qualitative study design was employed, comprising six focus group discussions with healthcare providers and patients from 12 wards within Dhulikhel Municipality, conducted between May and June 2024. Additionally, seven key informant interviews were held with relevant stakeholders. Participants included 17 government healthcare providers, two representatives from Dhulikhel Hospital, six local stakeholders, and 44 individuals diagnosed with T2DM. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach with support from NVivo software.

Results: Thematic analysis identified five major themes and eight associated subthemes. The primary themes include: (1) Positive Perceptions of Dhulikhel Hospital and the Community Care Program for Health (CCPH); (2) Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement and Intersectoral Collaboration; (3) Resource Constraints in Funding and Staffing; (4) Limited Access to Essential Medicines and Services at Local Health Posts; and (5) Challenges in Transportation Infrastructure for Personnel and Biological Samples.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the perceived value of the CCPH in improving access to diabetes care and fostering collaborative community health efforts. However, persistent challenges, particularly regarding medication availability, transportation logistics, and limited patient confidence in self-management highlights critical areas requiring attention. Addressing these systemic gaps could enhance the program's efficacy and sustainability, ultimately contributing to improved care quality for individuals with T2DM in Dhulikhel, Nepal.

view poster (PDF)

Authors

Flavia Pantoja, BS, MCW-Milwaukee; Elizabeth Montes, BS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Monica Estrada, BA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Kenia Riveira, PhD, Marquette University; Norma Reyes, MS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Alexandra Gonzalez-Van Wart, BA, Marquette University; Toriah Haanstad, MS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Sabreet Dhatt, BS, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Gabriela Nagy, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Kimberly D'Anna-Hernandez PhD, Marquette University; Ricardo Martin, MDiv, St. Adalbert Church; Courtney Barry, PsyD, MS, MCW-Milwaukee

Abstract

Background: The Southside of Milwaukee is home to a large Latino/a population. Commonly, members of this community are disproportionately affected by social drivers of health, which are associated with inequities in stress, depression, and anxiety. Given sensitive developmental periods and unique contextual factors, Latino/a youth are especially at risk for developing mental health problems. Yet Latinos/as have limited access to mental health care. Addressing these health inequities requires collaborative, community-driven solutions designed by and for youth.

Objective: To present results from listening sessions and co-design sessions with middle school and high school Latino/a students on a Youth Advisory Board at a large Catholic church serving the Latino/a immigrant community in Milwaukee's Southside. The sessions aimed to develop and implement sustainable, culturally grounded mental health programming that improves outcomes, strengthens social connection, and builds long-term resilience.

Methods: Responding to the identified unmet mental health needs among the parish youth, the interinstitutional research team relied on community-engaged research principles to develop a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) comprising middle school and high school youth (N=11) who were affiliated with St. Adalbert Church.

Results: During 2 listening sessions and 1 co-design session, members of the YAB identified priorities, including stress management, self-worth, healthy relationships, and safety. The YAB decided to meet quarterly and take the lead in art events, soccer tournaments, and, in the future, will focus on mental health awareness activities to foster connection and reduce stigma. Qualitative feedback and sustained involvement in related initiatives indicate strong ongoing engagement and interest.

Conclusion: By combining evidence-based strategies with youth leadership and trusted community partnerships, this initiative demonstrates a scalable, culturally responsive model for promoting mental health equity and resilience among Milwaukee's Latino/a youth.

view poster (PDF)

• Abstracts must clearly demonstrate a direct connection to the community by meeting at least one of the following criteria:
  • Describe projects, metrics, outcomes, or lessons learned from the field of community-engaged research (CEnR).
  • Developed in direct collaboration with community members or stakeholders and demonstrates a deep practical understanding of the needs and priorities of the communities.
  • Address topics including: community-academic partnerships for health; community-centered information systems design; community-based intervention evaluation; or description of community-engaged educational offerings for learners of any audience.
    
    
• We welcome submissions from individuals at MCW, our affiliate academic institutions, and community partner organizations, including those involved in early-stage projects or partnerships. Projects involving communities beyond Milwaukee or outside of Wisconsin are welcome.
  
  
• We also welcome abstracts of original work that have not previously been peer-reviewed and those that have been previously presented, whether virtually or in person.
  
  
• Research projects must have appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval or exemption.
  

If you are unsure about whether your abstract meets these criteria, we encourage you to submit and we will connect with you to clarify any issues. Please note only one submission per person, and one primary presenter per submission.

The 2025 MCW Community Engagement poster session will take place in person on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in the MCW-Milwaukee Alumni Center from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

All presenters who are accepted to participate in the poster session will have the opportunity to be considered for a monetary prize. Accepted abstracts will also be published in our event catalog and you will be invited to share a PDF of your poster on the MCW Community Engagement website.

For those interested in participating in our poster session, please submit your abstract for consideration using our online submission form. Please note only one submission per person, and one primary presenter per submission.

The submission deadline is Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Please note there will be no extension this year; however, we have extended the call for abstracts period to provide additional time for submissions.

Notification of acceptance will be sent by October 9. Authors with accepted abstracts will then be invited to submit their poster file for judging.

• In contrast to typical academic conferences, posters should use language that is understandable by the general public. Please avoid using overly scientific or technical jargon.

• Abstracts must be 300 words or less.

• Please strive to follow a standard abstract format which includes the following sections:
  • Overview or Background
  • Problem statement or Objective
  • Method
  • Results
  • Conclusion

Please complete the form to submit an abstract for consideration. Please note only one submission per person, and one primary presenter per submission.

Abstracts must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 12.

*Please note there will be no extension this year; however, we have extended the call for abstracts period to provide additional time for submissions.*

submit your abstract

New this year, the session will feature poster judging as part of the 2025 CE Poster Session. The poster judging is designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding work in community-engaged research and practice and provide meaningful feedback to participants. All presenters who are accepted to participate in the poster session will have the opportunity to be considered for a monetary prize.

During the CE Poster Session, posters will be evaluated by judges representing a broad range of MCW units, using a defined set of criteria. Awardees will be announced within one week of the session.

Presentation Criteria:

• Clear goals: The presentation explicitly states the basic purposes for the work and defines specific, measurable, and achievable objectives.
• Adequate preparation: The presentation shows an understanding of existing scholarship relevant to the work.
• Appropriate methods: The presentation describes methods appropriate for the stated goals and applies them appropriately to the context.
• Significant results/outcomes/significance to community engagement: The presentation delineates the outcomes achieved and has demonstrated that the outcomes (significant or not) add to what is already known about the topic. If this is work in progress, the presentation describes an appropriate evaluation strategy and/or short-term or process outcomes
• Effective presentation: The abstract is well presented.
• Future Directions or Recommendations: The presentation includes a thoughtful assessment of the work’s limitations and uses the resulting perceptions to outline the next steps/future directions of the work.

1. Mapping Milwaukee's Blueprint for Peace: Evaluating the Geospatial Reach of the
Implementation of a Community‐Based, Hospital‐Partnered Violence Intervention Program,
414 LIFE

• Amber Brandolino, MS, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Surgery; Terri A. deRoon‐Cassini, PhD, MCW-Milwaukee,
  Dept. of Surgery; Peter Nguyen, BS, MCW‐Milwaukee; Ramneet Mann, BSc, MCW-Milwaukee;
  Sydney Timmer‐Murillo, PhD, MS, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Surgery; Marc de
  Moya, MD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Surgery; Basil Karam, MD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of
  Surgery; Andrew Schramm, PhD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Surgery; Reggie Moore, CIC; Derrick
  Rogers, CIC; Tonia Liddell, CIC; Kathleen Williams, MD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Emergency
  Medicine; Alicia Pilarski, DO, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Emergency Medicine; Brady McIntosh,
  MD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Emergency Medicine; David J. Milia, MD, MCW‐Milwaukee,
  Dept. of Surgery
• Watch Recording 

2. Delineating Junior High Student Mental Health Needs Throughout the COVID‐19 Pandemic

• Mikaela DeCoster, MCW‐Central WI; Hilary Steltenpohl, MD, MCW‐Central WI; Taylor Seehafer,
  D.C. Everest Junior High; Elizabeth Krueger, MS, LPC, Achieve Center; Amy Prunuske, PhD, MCW-Central
  WI
• Watch Recording

3. Ahmong Us Mentorship Program

• Andrew Sepiol, MCW‐Central WI; Corina Norrbom, MD, MCW‐Central WI; Amy Prunuske, PhD,
  MCW‐Central WI; Sheng Khang, North Central Area Health Education Center; Mang Xiong,
  Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service
• Watch Recording

4. Environmental Health Systems Partnering to Improve Water Pathogen Surveillance and Public
Health Communication

• Lucas J. Beversdorf, BS, MS, PhD, City of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory; Kristin
  Schieble, BS, City of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory; Julie N. Plevak, BA, City of
  Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory; Sanjib Bhattacharyya, PhD, City of Milwaukee Health
  Department Laboratory
• Watch Recording
  

5. Role of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory in Community Partnerships for the
Deployment of COVID‐19 Point of Care Testing Instruments at Non‐Traditional Sites

• Amy Bauer, BS, City of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory; Kristin Schieble, BS, City of
  Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory; Sanjib Bhattacharyya, PhD, City of Milwaukee Health
  Department Laboratory; Nandhakumar Balakrishnan, MS, PhD, City of Milwaukee Health
  Department Laboratory
• Watch Recording

6. Impact evaluation of patient‐centered, community‐engaged health modules for homeless
pregnant women

• Shelby Nelipovich, MCW‐Milwaukee; Nayanika Kotagiri, MCW‐Milwaukee; Esha Afreen, MCW-Milwaukee;
  Morgan A. Craft, MCW‐Milwaukee; Sara E. Allen, MCW‐Milwaukee; Caroline C.
  Davitt, MCW‐Milwaukee; Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Family & Community
  Medicine; Sabina Diehr, MD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Family & Community Medicine
• Watch Recording

7. A Community‐Based Participatory Approach to Conducting a Photovoice Research Study: A
Guide for the Novice

• Emily Beltran, BS, Marquette University, College of Nursing/CTSI; Dora Clayton‐Jones, PhD, PNPPC,
  APRN‐BC, Marquette University, College of Nursing/CTSI; Lee Za Ong, PhD, LPC, CRC,
  Marquette University, Dept. of Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology; Abir Bekhet, PhD,
  RN, HSMI, Marquette University, College of Nursing; Joshua Field, MD, MS, Versiti/MCW-Milwaukee
  Clinical Research/Hematology; Leroy Ediage, BA, Community Member; Dominique
  Goodson, BA, Community Member; Chinonyelum Nwosu, BS, MPH, Community Member;
  Ethleen Peacock, AS, BSc, Community Member; Sydnei Richardson, BSN Student, Community
  Member; Terreea Shropshire, JD, Community Member; Kristin Haglund, PhD, RN, PNP, FNP,
  APRN‐BC, Marquette University, College of Nursing
• Watch Recording

8. Wisconsin Family Physician Perspective on Telehealth Usage by Visit Type during COVID and
Beyond

• Patrick Vosters, MCW‐Green Bay; Brandon Wimmer, WAFP; Katrina Rosculet, MD, MA, MCW-Green
  Bay; Eva Christensen, MD, PhD, MCW‐Green Bay
• Watch Recording

9. Patient and Provider Perspectives on Geriatric Weight Management in the Community

• Elise Kahn, BS, MCW‐Milwaukee; Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, MS, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Family &
  Community Medicine
• Watch Recording

10. Growing Healthy Soil for Healthy Communities: An Effective Program for Improving Public
Health Practice

• Kristen Champion, BS, UW‐Milwaukee, Zilber School of Public Health; Jean M. Wojnar, MS, City
  of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory; Elizabeth Zembrowski, BS, City of Milwaukee
  Health Department Laboratory; Rebeca Pinhancos, MS, City of Milwaukee Health Department
  Laboratory; Julie N. Plevak, BA, City of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory; Lucas J.
  Beversdorf, BS, MS, PhD, City of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory; Sanjib
  Bhattacharyya, PhD, City of Milwaukee Health Department Laboratory
• Watch Recording

11. Creating and Evaluating a Parent Advocacy Curriculum

• Kristin Kappelman, MA, Milwaukee Succeeds
• Watch Recording

12. Meeting People at Their Door: A Community‐Based Equity‐Focused Approach to Build Vaccine
Confidence

• Mara Lord, MBA, MCW‐Milwaukee, Office of the President; Lorraine Lathen, Jump at the Sun;
  BW Weston, MD, MPH, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Emergency Medicine
• Watch Recording

13. A community‐academic partnership to deliver ongoing COVID‐19 vaccine education through
virtual panel discussions

• Michael DeBisschop, PharmD, MCW School of Pharmacy; Dessie Levy, PhD, Clinical &
  Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin; Colleen Cornelius, MS, MCW School of
  Pharmacy; MaryNell Ryan, MS, Next Door Foundation; Lisa Garlie, MAED, Next Door Foundation;
  Cathy Schwab, Next Door Foundation
• Watch Recording

14. A community‐based vaccine outreach team initiative to increase COVID‐19 vaccination rates in
Milwaukee

• Val Moore, Next Door Foundation, COVID‐19 Vaccine Outreach Team; Jeremy Walton, Next
  Door Foundation, COVID‐19 Vaccine Outreach Team; Aretha Kubera, Next Door Foundation,
  COVID‐19 Vaccine Outreach Team; Yiyi Than, Next Door Foundation, COVID‐19 Vaccine
  Outreach Team; David Tate, Jr., Next Door Foundation, COVID‐19 Vaccine Outreach Team;
  Natasha Fair, Next Door Foundation, COVID‐19 Vaccine Outreach Team; Michael DeBisschop,
  PharmD, MCW School of Pharmacy, Clinical Sciences; Colleen Cornelius, MS, MCW School of
  Pharmacy, Office of Business Affairs; Tracey Sparrow, EdD, Next Door Foundation
• Watch Recording

15. Engaging Muslim Americans for Research on Community Health: Lessons Learned from a
Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Capacity‐Building Program

• Aasim Padela, MD MSc, Initiative on Islam and Medicine, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Emergency
  Medicine; Stephen Hall, MPH, Initiative on Islam and Medicine; Fatema Mirza, Worry Free
  Community; Adel Syed, MPPA, UMMA Clinic; Yasser Aman, DrPH, Los Angeles County Martin
  Luther King Outpatient Center
• Watch Recording

16. Mental Health in Rural Wisconsin Youth: How to Provide Support

• Haylee Geib, MCW‐Green Bay
• Watch Recording

17. Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Global Health Partnerships

• Jara McLarren, MPH, MCW‐Milwaukee; Kara Kallies, MS, MCW‐Milwaukee, Institute for Health
  & Equity; Amber Brandolino, MS, MCW‐Milwaukee, Division of Trauma & Acute Care Surgery,
  Dept. of Surgery; Christopher Dodgion, MD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Division of Trauma & Acute Care
  Surgery, Dept. of Surgery; Mary E. Schroeder, MD, MCW‐Milwaukee, Division of Trauma & Acute
  Care Surgery, Dept. of Surgery
• Watch Recording

18. "It's about being healthy"; Family Perspectives on the Impact of a Fitness and Nutrition
Program within the Latinx Community

• Bethany Korom, MCW‐Milwaukee; Meghan Malloy, MCW‐Milwaukee; Caroline Remmers, MCW-Milwaukee;
  David Nelson, PhD, MS, MCW‐Milwaukee, Dept. of Family & Community Medicine
• Watch Recording

watch recorded presentations on youtube

1. A Retrospective Quality Improvement Study Comparing As-Needed and Tapering Protocols for Total Opioid Administration in Veteran Population

• Vasil V. Kukushliev, MCW-Milwaukee; Christopher M. Kurylo, MCW-Milwaukee; Stephen D. Ortmann, MCW-Milwaukee; Katherine A. Sherman, Clement V. Zablocki VA Medical Center; Maxwell Hershey, MCW-Milwaukee; Robert A. Scheidt, Washington University School of Medicine; Karl B. Scheidt, MCW-Milwaukee
• Watch Recording

2. Evaluating the Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Improving Self-Efficacy After Bariatric Surgery

• Nicole L. Petcka, MCW-Green Bay
• Watch Recording

3. Measuring Community Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A community-academic partnership

• Sara A. Kohlbeck, MPH, MCW-Milwaukee, Comprehensive Injury Center; Sarah Bassing-Sutton, Northeast Wisconsin Mental Health Connection
• Watch Recording

4. Waupaca County Medical Transport Location and Cost Disparities

• Matthew D. Waldrop, MCW-Green Bay; Katrina Rosculet, MD, MCW-Green Bay; Eva Christensen, MD, PhD, MCW-Green Bay; Tracey Ratzburg, ThedaCare; Holly Keenan, Lutheran Social Services; Nick Musson, East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
• Watch Recording

5. Exploring Implicit Bias in Medicine: An Interactive Experience for Medical Students

• Amelia Schurke, MCW-Green Bay; Kyle Welhouse, MCW-Milwaukee; Morgan Lockhart, MCW-Milwaukee; Krystal Almazan, MCW-Milwaukee; Enrique Avila, MCW-Milwaukee; Allison Carlisle, MCW-Green Bay; Lauren Sikora, MCW-Green Bay
• Watch Recording

6. Human Trafficking in Wisconsin: The Physician's Role in Ending Modern Day Slavery

• Marissa K. Cepress, MCW-Green Bay
• Watch Recording

7. Centering Hmong Voices & Stories to Better Understand Disparities and Health Needs

• Dima Jaber, BSc, MCW-Central WI; Yer Thor, MCW-Central WI; Sheng Khang, Northern AHEC; Amy Prunuske, PhD, MCW-Central WI
• Watching Recording

8. Identifying Early Warning Signs in Alzheimers and Related Dementias: Results from a Latino and African American Caregiver Project

• Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD, UW-Milwaukee, Helen Bader School of Social Welfare; Virginia Zerpa, MPH, Alzheimer's Association; Shary Perez, MPH, United Community Center; Al Castro, MS, United Community Center
• Watch Recording

9. Evaluating heart health in cancer patients using advanced magnetic resonance imaging

• El-Sayed Ibrahim, PhD, MCW-Milwaukee; John Charlson, MD, MCW-Milwaukee; Luba Frank, MD, MCW-Milwaukee; Elizabeth Gore, MCW-Milwaukee; Carmen Bergom, MCW-Milwaukee
• Watch Recording

10. Advanced imaging reveals the effect of chemotherapy on heart function in sarcoma

• El-Sayed Ibrahim, MCW-Milwaukee; John Charlson, MCW-Milwaukee
• Watch Recording

11. Fight COVID MKE: Antibody Testing & Risk Assessment for Vulnerable Communities

• Aliyah Keval, MCW-Milwaukee; Mohammad Titi, MCW-Milwaukee; John Meurer, MD, MBA, MCW-Milwaukee, Institute for Health & Equity
• Poster available in Catalog

12. Better Prescription Medication Labels = Better Health: Using a Patient-Centered Approach to Improve Medication Understanding and Adherence

• Bhumi Khambholja, PharmD, MSHI, Wisconsin Literacy, Health Literacy; Stan Hudson, MA, Wisconsin Health Literacy, Health Literacy; Michele Erikson, Wisconsin Literacy; Ken Schellhase, MD, MPH, MCW-Milwaukee
• Watch Recording

13. Effects of COVID-19 on Medical Student Time Allocation, Academic Resource Use, and Mental Health in an Early Pandemic Timeframe

• Thomas Schultz, MCW-Green Bay; Craig Hanke, PhD, MCW-Green Bay
• Watch Recording

14. Artificial Intelligence techniques allow for automatic and fast evaluation of cardiac function: A proof-of-concept study

• Dayeong An, MS, MCW-Milwaukee, Biomedical Engineering; El-Sayed H. Ibrahim, PhD, MCW-Milwaukee, Radiology
• Watch Recording

15. Community Engagement through Powered Mobility for Young Children with Special Needs: Go Baby Go Milwaukee

• Molly Erickson, BS, Marquette University, Biomedical Engineering; Elizabeth Conrath, PT, DPT, PCS, Children's Wisconsin, Phys. & Occ. Therapy; Allison Friel, MOT, OTR/L, C/NDT, Children's Wisconsin, Phys. & Occ. Therapy; Benjamin McHenry, PhD, Marquette University, Biomedical Engineering; Lauren Tyson, PT, DPT, Children's Wisconsin, Phys. & Occ. Therapy; Nicole Nelson, PT, MPT, Children's Wisconsin, Phys. & Occ. Therapy; Denise Bibis, PT, Children's Wisconsin, Phys. & Occ. Therapy; Chris Cayo, OT, Children's Wisconsin, Phys. & Occ. Therapy; Zachary Krueger, UW-Milwaukee, Mechanical Engineering; Natalie Schmidt, Valparaiso University, Biomedical Engineering; Michael Collins, PT DPT, Children's Wisconsin, Phys. & Occ. Therapy; Gerald F. Harris, PhD, Marquette University, Biomedical Engineering
• Watch Recording

16. Establishing Community-Based Participatory Research Partnership with Milwaukee's Hmong Population to Develop an Eye Health Survey

• Iaong Vang, MCW-Milwaukee; Velinka Medic, MS, MCW-Milwaukee; Judy Kim, MD, MCW-Milwaukee
• Watch Recording

17. Opioid Addiction and PTSD in the Milwaukee PROMPT Veteran Community Program

• Gabriel Lira, BS, MCW-Milwaukee; Zeno Franco, PhD, MCW-Milwaukee, Dept. of Family & Community Medicine; Syed Ahmed, MD, MCW-Milwaukee, Office of Community Engagement; Sarah O'Connor, MS, MCW-Milwaukee, Office of Community Engagement; Myah Pazdera, MS, MCW-Milwaukee, Office of Community Engagement; Otis Winstead, Jr., Dryhootch
• Watch Recording

18. Comparing Nutrition Lessons: Virtual vs. In-Person

• Marie Balfour, MCW-Milwaukee; Bryan Johnston, MD, MCW-Milwaukee, Dept. of Family & Community Medicine
• Watch Recording

19. The Importance of Community Outreach to Improve HBV Education in the Milwaukee Hmong Community

• Maahum Mehdi, BA, MCW-Milwaukee; Kate Bednarke, BS, MCW-Milwaukee; Gloria Lin, BA, MCW-Milwaukee; Xavier Sendaydiego, BS, MCW-Milwaukee; Christine Shen, BS, MCW-Milwaukee; Maxwell Albiero, BS, MCW-Milwaukee; Keng Moua, BS, MCW-Milwaukee; Vishmayaa Saravanan, BS, MCW-Milwaukee; Kia Saeian, MS, MD, FACG, MCW-Milwaukee, Div. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
• Watch Recording

20. Toward Equitable Public Health Pandemic Response: Empowering Community Health Workers of Color during COVID-19

• Joshua C. George, MPH, MCW-Milwaukee; Nnenna Nwaelugo, MCW-Milwaukee; Michael Stevenson, MPH, City of Milwaukee Health Dept.; Amanda Richardson, City of Milwaukee Health Dept.; Marques Hogans, MPH, County Office of African American Affairs; Que El Amin, City of Milwaukee Health Dept.; Katinka Hooyer, PhD, MS, MCW-Milwaukee, Dept. of Family & Community Medicine; Zeno Franco, PhD, MCW-Milwaukee, Dept. of Family & Community Medicine
• Watch Recording

21. Mental Wellbeing InSciEd Out: A Case Study of Health Workshops in Partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico

• Ana M. Corujo Ramirez, Mayo Clinic; Marcos I. Roche Miranda, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus; Ricardo A. Calderon Lopez, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus; Maribel Campos Rivera, PhD, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus; Dena Mundy, Mayo Clinic; Joanna Yang Yowler, PhD, Mayo Clinic; Chris Pierret, PhD, Mayo Clinic
• Watch Recording

watch poster presentations on youtube

On behalf of Syed M. Ahmed, MD, MPH, DrPH, Associate Provost and Senior Associate Dean for Community Engagement:

Across the world and here in Wisconsin, the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and we are currently seeing rising numbers throughout Wisconsin. Though we are unable to gather in person during this unprecedented time, we are excited to try something new and recreate our poster session virtually. We hope that this new platform provides an opportunity to explore and look at the traditional poster session through a new lens. With the many challenges faced by our healthcare system and by our communities alike during this time, we want to encourage people to innovate not only by doing community engagement, but also in how we engage each other, for the overall health and benefit of the communities we serve.

Community engagement, one of the four missions at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), is richly embedded in our programs and throughout our centers, institutes, and departments. The Office of Community Engagement is proud of the many community engaged works happening across MCW campuses and in Wisconsin communities, as well as the expertise and commitment to the practice of community engagement by faculty, staff, students, and community partners. We are fostering future leaders in community engagement by leveraging the mentorship, experience, insights, and efforts offered by these practitioners. It is only through genuine partnerships, and mutual, longstanding commitments to the communities we serve, that MCW can impact lives and play a role in improving health in Wisconsin.

Thank you for contributing to leadership and excellence in community engagement and promoting the health of the community through education, research, and patient care!

watch welcome and opening remarks

Assessment of Indoor Air Quality and Cleaning Behaviors in Urban Childcare Facilities by Erin A. Lee, MS; Joshua Steinberg, MD; Anne Dressel, PhD

Community Engaged Program to Implement the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool for Young Children at the Child and Family Foundation of Uganda Clinic in Kampala Uganda by Sarah Benett, MS; Brittany Fickau; Ronald Anguzu; Harriet Babikako, PhD; Laura Cassidy, PhD

Key Stakeholder Perspectives on Information Exchange Between Early Head Start/Head Start (EHS/HS) Programs and Pediatric Practices by Constance Gundacker, MD, MPH; Rachel Cusatis, PhD; Earnestine Willis, MD, MPH

“Eyes on the Future” Project at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy by Jenna E. Maurer, BA; Velinka Medic, MS; Judy E. Kim, MD

Integrated Mental Health Curriculum for Middle School Students: A Pilot Study by Jacqueline Schaefer, BS; Rebecca Waldman, BA; James Stevens, MD, PhD

Green Schoolyards: A Descriptive Analysis of Baseline Data Prior to a Natural Experiment by Taylor Brockman; Charissa Fritzen-Pedicini; Yuhong Zhou; Michael Totoraitis; Sima Namin; Ronald Anguzu; Justin Hegarty; Kirsten Beyer

Key Stakeholder Perspectives On Community-Wide Resource Directories To Address Social Determinants Of Health by Constance Gundacker, MD, MPH; Krisjon Olson, PhD; Sarah Zuk, MD, MPH; Earnestine Willis, MD, MPH

Housing Instability among Families and Caregivers of Children in Foster Care by Michellai K. Parks, BS; Lisa Zetley, MD

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Emergency Department Utilization by Kaitlyn S. Sonnentag

Partnering with Community Leaders to Enhance Patient Care in the Emergency Department by Ashley Pavlic, MD, MA; Taylor Sonnenberg, MD, MSGH; Sarah Russell

Factors Influencing Show Rates of Emergency Department Referrals to Primary Care Clinics by Miranda H. Brown; Greg Stadter, MPH; M. Chris Decker, MD

Measuring Patient Length of Visit & Reducing Wait Times at Philippine Center Free Medical Clinic by Jonathan Slimovitch; Cameron Stewart; Maria Mendoza-Lemes, MD

Empowering Primary Care Family Networks towards Nutrition Behavior Change by Marie Balfour; Bryan Johnston, MD

Qualitative Findings of Latinx Families Experiences Following a Physical Activity and Nutrition Program by David Nelson, PhD; Kelly Dione, MA; Mari Cevilla; Jackie Jones, MS, RDN; Jeffrey Condit, MS; Paula Papanek, PhD, MPT, LAT, ATC, FACSM

Impacting pharmacy practice based on community-centered interventions at community pharmacy by Sanaya Bhathena, BSc

Lessons learned in the first year of implementing a pharmacist-led community-based health screening program in underserved Milwaukee neighborhoods by Michael DeBisschop, PharmD; David Ombengi, PharmD, MBA, MPH; Colleen Cornelius, MS

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Community-Academic Partnership in Milwaukee County: A Model For Improving Veteran Healthcare Nationally by Anjali Goswami, MS; Zeno Franco, PhD

Opioid Misuse Among Veterans: A community engaged approach to tackling a wicked problem by Myah Pazdera, MS; Kajua B. Lor, BCACP; Otis Winstead Jr.; L. Kevin. Hamberger, PhD; Zeno Franco, PhD; Sarah O'Connor, MS; Martina Gollin-Graves, MSW; Robert Hurley, MD, PhD; Syed M. Ahmed, MD, MPH, DrPH

The Warriors Path: Using clinical measures in a Veteran arts- based community project... should we? by Katinka Hooyer, MS, PhD; Nancy Smith-Watson, BA; Leslie Ruffalo, MS, PhD

Bringing COVID-19 Patients Comfort: Virtual Music Sessions in the ICU by Jennifer C. Mackinnon, MD, MM; Jennifer Hollis, CM-Th, MDiv; Julia Reimann

Enhancing patient-centered medical care through life story work by Sai Suma K. Samudrala; Justin Laridaen; Seth Jovaag; Thor Ringler, MFA, MS; Michael McBride, MD, MS; Bertrand D. Berger, PhD

Evidence-Based Decision Making: Marathon County Pre-trial Project by Natalie Weeks

Wisconsin Views on Addiction and Mental Health by Nathan R. Staidl

Factors Associated with Tobacco use in Homeless Adults; A Mixed Methods Study by Benjamin Wrucke, BS; Lauren Bauer, MD, MPH; Rebecca Bernstein, MD, MS

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Examining the Social Network of PATCH Teens by Anna Bauman; Paula Neiweem; Corina Norrbom, MD; Amy Prunuske, PhD

“A gay man and a doctor are just like, a recipe for destruction”: How racism and homonegativity influence health care for young Black gay and bisexual men by Katherine G. Quinn, PhD; Broderick Pearson, MCW; Matthew Lewis

Anatomy-based Community Education Using Plastinated Organs by Ryan E. Hillmer, PhD; Teresa N. Patitucci, PhD

COVID-19 in Wisconsin: A Qualitative Study Examining Wisconsinites Perceptions and Reactions by Maren Hawkins; Anne Dressel, PhD, MLIS, MA, CFPH; Lucy Mkandawire-Valhmu, PhD; Peninnah Kako, PhD; Lance Weinhardt, PhD

Implementation of Digital Strategy for Community-Based COVID-19 Clinical Trial Recruitment by Thomas Luo, BSE; Tom Jiang, PharmD

MaskUpMKE: The Medical College of Wisconsin's Collaborative Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greater Milwaukee by Jonathan C. Horng, BA; Michelle C. Horng, MPAS, PA-C; Mack G. Jablonski, BA; Zeno E. Franco, PhD; Adina L. Kalet, MD, MPH; Christopher S. Davis, MD, MPH

COVID-19: Engaging Hmong and Hispanic Populations in Bi-Directional Communication - Part 1 and Part 2 by Corina J. Norrbom, MD; Dima T. Jaber, BS; Greta Berger, BA; Mariana Savela, BS; Julie Bunczak, MSEd; Amy Prunuske, PhD; Mang Xiong, BA; Tony Gonzalez, BA

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Analysis of Focus Group Results for Teleophthalmology to Improve Eye Health Among Latinos Study by Megan D. Yee, BA; Militza Bonet Vázquez, MPH; Al Castro, MS; Velinka Medic, MS; Blanca Rodriguez; Judy E. Kim, MD

A community-engaged tool to bridge the gap in student ophthalmology education and inform student-led CHECK UP education sessions by Katerina Tori; Megan Cory; Wasif Osmani; Rebecca C. Lundh, MD; Annette L. Giangiacomo, MD; Deborah M. Costakos, MD, MS

Implementing Telemedicine at a Student-Run Free Clinic: Adapting Operations to Continue our Mission During a Pandemic by Allison E. Whorton; Spenser T. Marting; Staci A. Young, MD; Rebecca C. Lundh, MD

Medical Student Competencies for Community Engagement Informed by Community Stakeholders by Amy Prunuske, PhD; Lucas Mathson, BS; Haley Pysick; Eric Giordano, PhD; Jacob Prunuske, MD; Corina Norrbom, MD

Wisconsin Physician Gender Bias by Kristin Tischer; Brittany Shultz

Impacts of a Service-Learning Health Education Program on Public Housing Residents and Medical Student Leaders by Eliana Sosa; Linda Meurer, MD, MPH; Staci Young, PhD

Implementing a Medical Student Community Engagement Summer Immersion Program by Bryan Johnston, MD; Sarah O'Connor, MS; Kelsey Heindel; Myah Pazdera, MS; David Nelson, PhD, MS; Leslie Ruffalo, PhD; Syed M Ahmed, MD, MPH, DrPH, FAAFP

Tiered Mentoring At JMAC: Evaluation of a Medical Student-Led Health Careers Outreach Program by Morgan Ashley C. Craft; Kyle Welhouse; Suzanne Letellier, MEd, MCHES; Linda Meurer, MD, MPH

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Avanzando Juntas: Adapting an Evidence-based Weight Loss Program for Hispanic Breast Cancer & Gynecological Cancer Survivors by AnaKaren Manriquez Prado, BA; Staci Young, PhD; Sailaja Kamaraju, MD; Patricia Sheean; Kathleen Jensik, MSW; Melinda Stolley, PhD

The Impact of Adaptive Garden Tools in Central Wisconsin by Hannah Phelan; Corina Norrbom, MD; Amy Prunuske, PhD; Elise Schuler; Brianna Wright 

A framework for transformed community-academic partnerships to reduce cancer disparities: A Case Study by Tobi Cawthra, MPH; Laura Pinsoneault, PhD; Beth Brunner; Deborah Thomas, DD; Carol Williams, PhD; Melinda Stolley, PhD

Prescription Medication Disposal Methods in Marathon County Among the Aging by Shannon D. Faehling; Corina Norrbom, MD

Geriatric Perceptions of Weight and Weight Loss in a Community Clinic by Elise Kahn, BA; Leslie Ruffalo, PhD, MS

Healthcare System Support for Caregivers of Elderly Adults Through the Lens of the Medical Community by Annie Tuman; Leslie Ruffalo, PhD

Brain is Time by Abdulghani Mounir; Timothy Guthrie

Assessing Efficacy of Pre-Hospital Providers in Correctly Identifying CVA in De Pere and Ashwaubenon WI - A Retrospective Study by Jayme S. Nelson; Patrick D. Best 

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