‘Sparks and accelerates’

The Robert J. Lucas Surgical Society recently held its annual surgical symposium, giving students an opportunity to present research and network with students and physicians alike.

The 8th Annual Robert J. Lucas Surgical Society Research Symposium took place on March 14.

Eight medical students from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and Central Michigan University College of Medicine presented research in the auditorium at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak. Presentations were judged and scored by a panel of surgeons from the hospital.

The event was hosted by the Robert J. Lucas Surgical Society (RJLSS) — an OUWB student organization that aims to provide students with exposure to the surgical field through guest speakers, mentorship, and events.

Cullen Woodley, M2, president of RJLSS, said there are two primary benefits for participating students.

“One, it’s a good opportunity to practice in a smaller setting as opposed to a big national conference,” he said. “Two, it helps foster an appreciation for the community of surgeons at (Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital).”

‘Sparks and accelerates’

RJLSS was previously known as the “Surgical Society” until about seven years ago. The student organization was renamed after the late Robert J. Lucas, M.D., longtime chief of general surgery, director of the surgical residency program, chief of surgical services and medical director of Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. He retired in 1999.

The annual surgical symposium hosted by RJLSS has become an OUWB signature event.

Mark Frikker, M.D., chair of Surgical Services, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, and chair of OUWB’s Department of Surgery, said he hopes the event is inspiring.

“These are first- and second-year medical students who have already engaged in research that indicates they are interested in careers in surgery,” he said. “We hope that an event like this sparks and accelerates that interest.”

He said the best way to measure the success of the program is by how people respond.

“The enthusiasm of the people who have done the research and present is the best way to justify the event and gauge the level of success,” he said.

‘A good opportunity’

Brandon Snel, M2, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, presented “DAn Explanation for Unexplained Hematuria — the Retroaortic Left Renal Vein — a Case Report.”

Snel said he wanted to present his work to spread awareness, and also take advantage of the opportunity to network.

“The audience was at the same level we were at so we didn’t have to worry much because we should generally know where they are at in their education,” he said. “We’re able to go in-depth a little more.”

Rachel Blaisdell, M4, OUWB, presented “A Retrospective Review of Cosmetic Surgery Medical Tourism Complications During COVID-19 Pandemic.”

“(The symposium) is a good opportunity for students to come out and share their research, support other students, and network,” she said.

Blaisdell said she had one other goal.

“I don’t have to win, but if somebody knows my name after this, then I did my job,” she said.

Mohamed Idris, M3, OUWB, presented “Does the Use of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring During Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgeries Reduce the Incidence of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Iatrogenic Injuries: A Meta-Analysis.”

“This was a great experience for me because its my first time giving an oral presentation like this,” he said. “It also was nice to get to know more of the people here.”

At the end of the event, the panel of surgeons awarded two first place winners – both OUWB students.

They were Catherine Barkach, M3, OUWB, for “Incidence of Symptomatic Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Adults in Relation to Venous Catheter Insertion Site of Subcutaneous Port: A Retrospective Review; and Anne Sophie Heukwa, M2, OUWB, for “MRI-Guided Later Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Complete Corpus Callosotomy in Pediatric Patients: Single Institution Outcomes.”

"I was just very excited to share my very first research project with everyone," said Heukwa. "I was in slight disbelief when I heard my name as one of the winners of the night. It gave me an extra boost of confidence that I am in the right path towards my career goal."

Mohamed Idris, M3, OUWB, was named the second place winner for "Does the Use of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring During Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgeries Reduce the Incidence of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Iatrogenic Injuries: A Meta-Analysis."