UNR Med Resident Research Day Highlights Hematologic Premalignancy Research and Vaccine Effectiveness Studies
核心洞察
Bryan Vallejo, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident, was selected as the top presenter at UNR Med's Resident Research Day for his work on hematologic premalignant conditions (搜索).
Natalie Osborn, M.D., a first-year pediatrics resident, won the Philip H. Goodman Competition for her critical appraisal of influenza (搜索) vaccine effectiveness in children with and without underlying medical conditions.
Faculty judges emphasized that strong research presentations demonstrate thoughtful study design, clear purpose, and meaningful clinical context.
The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (搜索) (UNR Med) recently hosted its annual Resident Research Day and the Philip H. Goodman Competition, events that showcased the breadth of scholarly inquiry pursued by residents and fellows across multiple specialties. Held at Renown Health, this year's Resident Research Day drew an impressive turnout, with the auditorium filled wall-to-wall with posters and standing room only for oral presentations.
Farah Madhani-Lovely, M.D., MBA, assistant dean of clinical research, hosted the event alongside UNR Med's GME team. She noted that medicine is a continuously evolving science, spanning the entire human lifespan, and that sharing research is critical to expanding understanding and improving patient care. "By communicating discoveries, residents contribute to a collective knowledge base that ultimately benefits patients across disciplines," Madhani-Lovely said.
Top Presenter: Hematologic Premalignancy Research
Among this year's standout presenters, Bryan Vallejo, M.D., a second-year internal medicine resident, was selected as the top presenter by faculty judges. Vallejo's research focuses on hematologic premalignant conditions (搜索), an area with significant clinical implications. His work aims to better understand the complex factors driving these conditions and their potential progression.
"The teaching and mentorship I received from the investigators I work with inspired me to pursue this specific area of research," Vallejo said. "Their guidance, expertise and passion motivated me to dive deeper into this field."
Vallejo reflected that the audience was highly engaged during the presentations, and the questions participants received were insightful and helpful in advancing the research. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent internal medicine and honored to have been selected as the winner among so many outstanding projects," he said.
For Vallejo, research has profoundly shaped his development as a physician. "I would not be where I am today as a physician without my experience as a researcher," he said. "Research provided me with confidence, expertise and skills that have helped me navigate complex clinical situations. It also strengthened my ability to communicate ideas clearly, manage teams, and develop leadership skills, all of which are essential qualities for any physician."
The Philip H. Goodman Competition: Critical Appraisal in Focus
In addition to original research presentations, UNR Med hosted the Philip H. Goodman Competition, an event dedicated to critical appraisal, a cornerstone of evidence-based medicine. Unlike traditional research presentations, this competition challenges residents to select influential medical literature, analyze it critically, and explain how it informs their clinical practice.
The competition honors the legacy of Philip H. Goodman, M.D., who joined UNR Med in 1983 and built a distinguished career as a physician-educator and researcher. Dr. Goodman encouraged residents to think critically, question assumptions, and approach medicine with scientific rigor and curiosity.
"Opportunities like the Goodman Competition are incredibly valuable in shaping future physicians because they foster critical thinking, curiosity and scholarly rigor," said Alicia Diaz-Thomas, M.D., MPH, senior associate dean of institutional and faculty affairs and one of this year's faculty judges.
Diaz-Thomas added, "Being part of learners' professional journeys is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work. Serving as a judge gave me the opportunity to see firsthand the innovation and dedication of our residents, along with the strength of the mentorship supporting them. It is encouraging to see our academic health center so deeply committed to inquiry, improvement and patient-centered care."
Winner: Influenza (搜索) Vaccine Effectiveness in Children
This year's Goodman Competition winner, Natalie Osborn, M.D., a first-year pediatrics resident, examined influenza (搜索) vaccine effectiveness among children with and without underlying medical conditions. For Osborn, the topic was deeply relevant to her daily practice, as she regularly counsels families on vaccines.
"Vaccines have become a major topic of public debate and I felt it was important for me as a child's pediatrician to strengthen my ability to interpret research, translate it to how it may change my clinical practice, and guide families through the data," Osborn said.
Through her analysis, she strengthened her ability to critically evaluate research and apply it in clinical conversations. The study reinforced a key message she now shares with families: while vaccines may not prevent every illness, they provide critical protection against severe complications.
"The best way to get started in research is finding what you are passionate about," Osborn said. "For me, everything can be tied back to patient education and communication."
Osborn emphasized that meaningful research extends beyond laboratory work or large clinical trials and can include areas such as patient education, communication, and qualitative studies. "Dr. Goodman was a champion of resident research and journal clubs at UNR Med during his tenure as professor of internal medicine," Osborn said. "He challenged residents to think deeper about medical research. I am honored to have been awarded the Philip H. Goodman Award in Resident Excellence in Critical Appraisal this year."
Institutional Commitment to Scholarly Training
David L. Carlson, M.D., MDiv, associate dean of GME, highlighted the Goodman family's ongoing involvement. "It has been a pleasure to work with the Goodman family and to witness the enthusiastic support they provide for this program," Carlson said. "Throughout my tenure, members of the family have attended and been actively engaged in every annual competition. They are deeply appreciative that our residents and fellows have this opportunity, and their commitment has helped make the Goodman Competition a truly special event within our educational community."
Judges noted that the most compelling presentations clearly articulate purpose, demonstrate thoughtful study design, and place findings in a meaningful clinical context. Equally important is the ability to engage an audience by anticipating questions, acknowledging limitations, and communicating why the work matters.
Osborn credited faculty mentorship and institutional support for her success. "We have a very supportive learning environment at UNR Med and Renown Health," she said. "I am grateful for Dr. Shilpi Garg, my pediatrics residency associate program director, who took time after her clinical duties to help me polish and practice my presentation."
Vallejo similarly encouraged fellow residents to seek out mentorship early, emphasizing that the right mentors play a crucial role in developing both skills and confidence. His own journey reflects how research can strengthen a physician's ability to navigate complex clinical scenarios, communicate effectively, and lead within health care teams.