Medical Students Showcase Research at National Neurology Conference
Nine Medical Students Presented Their Research at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting
New York Medical College (NYMC) shined at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in April when nine medical students presented their projects on a wide variety of topics, ranging from implementing a neurology mentorship program and launching a hands-on clinical neuroscience workshop to the utility of intravenous alteplase and mechanical thrombectomy in central retinal arterial occlusions and autonomic dysfunction in autoimmune encephalitis.
"Attending the AAN Annual Meeting in Denver was an incredible experience for me as a medical student,” said Harli Weber, SOM Class of 2024. “Not only did I have the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in the field, but I also had the opportunity to network with fellow medical students and meet some of my future co-residents. Engaging with experts in neurology provided me with insights and mentorship that has made me even more excited about pursuing a career in neurology."
Lauren Seidman, SOM Class of 2026, gave oral presentations on infection rates associated with anti-CD20 treatment in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis and binocular vision function testing in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) research center.
“There is growing recognition of subtle changes in visual processing and perception as early indicators of cognitive decline,” said Seidman. “In our study, binocular low-contrast acuity and the rapid automatized naming (RAN) tasks showed promise in differentiating individuals with mild cognitive impairment and early AD from cognitively normal controls.”
"Attending my first AAN conference was an unforgettable experience,” said Audrey Huang, SOM Class of 2026. “I had the opportunity to attend many fascinating sessions, where I learned about the newest developments in neurology, from hot topics to neurology education workshops led by NYMC's own Tracey Milligan, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Neurology. Another highlight was connecting with a variety of individuals, from other medical students to professionals in the field. Their unique perspectives and experiences in the field of neurology provided invaluable insights and made the conference experience all the more fulfilling."
Oral Presentations
Alexandra Chaves, SOM Class of 2026
“Seizure Freedom After Failure of Levetiracetam vs. Sodium Channel Blocker”
Lauren Seidman, SOM Class of 2026
“Infection Rates Associated with Anti-CD20 Treatment in Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis” and “Binocular Visual Function Testing in an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) Cohort: Low-contrast Letter Acuity and Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) Tasks of MULES and SUN”
Poster Presentations
Audrey Huang, SOM Class of 2026, Harli Weber, SOM Class of 2024, and Michelle You, SOM Class of 2025
“Implementing a Neurology Mentorship Program to Ease Residency Application Process”
Michelle You and Harli Weber
“The Development of Podcast Interviews on Fostering Interest and Awareness in Neurology Subspecialties”
Harli Weber and Michelle You
“Launching an Interactive, Interdisciplinary, Hands-on Clinical Neurosciences Workshop During Preclinical Medical Education to Enhance Student Learning”
Matt Vaughn, SOM Class of 2025, and Harli Weber
“Evaluating the Psychosocial Benefits of a Virtual Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group”
Patricia Xu, SOM Class of 2026
“Utility of Intravenous Alteplase and Mechanical Thrombectomy in Central Retinal Arterial Occlusions - A Nationwide Analysis” and “Development of a Medical Student Curriculum in Technology”
Shigeru Kaneki, SOM Class of 2026
“Making the Diagnosis”
Sophie Ohrn, SOM Class of 2026
“Autonomic Dysfunction in Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Review of the Literature”