VCOM-Auburn Holds Sixth Annual Research Recognition Day

On the morning of February 3, the skies cleared, giving way to a bright, cool day. This was the sixth, and maybe the best, version of the VCOM-Auburn Via Research Recognition Day. The session convened at 9 a.m. in lecture hall two, where VCOM Vice Provost for Research, P. Gunnar Brolinson, DO, gave an overview of research efforts and initiatives at VCOM. Following Brolinson’s presentation, keynote speaker Stan Sonu, MD, MPH, gave a presentation titled: “Elephants in the Exam Room: The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity and Why We Need Trauma-Informed Systems of Care.” Sonu serves as assistant professor of internal medicine, pediatrics and preventative medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and as an associate program director of Emory’s internal medicine residency program. As he started his presentation, Sonu posed a question to attendees. “What are we going to be about in medicine – treating smoke or treating fire,” said Sonu.

Sonu’s presentation involved ACES, or Adverse Childhood Experiences, a topic that he was passionate about. ACES include physical, emotional or sexual abuse and physical or emotional neglect, as well as household stress, which would include mental illness, domestic violence, substance abuse, incarceration and parental separation/divorce. According to Sonu, two out of three adults in a specific study reported having at least one ACE. Sonu noted that more ACEs typically result in exponentially higher physical and emotional health risks for individuals. Sonu stressed that babies were born plugged in for connection and that childhood was where children learn developmental skills. “Experiences after birth influence brain architecture over the life course,” said Sonu. “Early life stress has the greatest effect on child development and wellbeing,” he added. Sonu stressed that adversity was not destiny and that many people overcome odds against them. “Safe, stable and nurturing relationships promote health brain development, self-regulation and resilience,” said Sonu. “The committed, attuned presence of an adult is the foundation for healthy brain development,” Sonu added. Sonu stressed the need for caregivers to utilize trauma informed care to screen for trauma symptoms in the clinical environment. “Instead of asking someone what is wrong with you, ask what has happened to you,” said Sonu. “A patient can relate to a doctor if they feel the doctor understands them,” Sonu said. As he closed his presentation, Sonu encouraged students to consider starting an ACE and trauma informed care interest group at VCOM-Auburn. Additionally, he pointed audience members to a free, online course from Brown University about trauma informed care during the physical exam.

Following Sonu’s presentation, two poster sessions were held in a packed MPR on the first floor, which featured 100 posters!

A panel discussion was held after the poster sessions and lunch at 1 p.m. Panelists included Kimberly Klaus, PA, PhD, VCOM-Auburn OMM Discipline Chair, Jos Edison, DO, Bob Seton, PT and VCOM-Auburn Assistant Professor for Anatomical Sciences, Mary Piscura, PhD. Klaus began with her presentation titled: “The Impact of Social Determinants of Health and Trauma on Mind-Body-Spirit Unity Among Underserved Populations.” Klaus works in a safety net-style clinic, where she continually interacts with many patients with enormous life challenges. Klaus encouraged clinicians to look at patients as a whole person, listen for cues, ask questions and know their resources. “Patients want medical providers to understand them,” said Klaus. “The person in front of you is not just a disease or a trauma,” Klaus added. Jos Edison, DO, gave the next presentation, where he discussed Myofascial Pain Syndrome and efforts to reduce suffering and improve the quality of life for MPS patients. Bob Seton, PT, gave a presentation titled: “Trauma Informed Approach to Myofascial Pain Elimination.” Seton discussed his work in pain management and elimination. Seton is a co-investigator on a REAP grant with William Pearson, PhD, entitled: “Autonomic Realignment Approach to Myofascial Pain Elimination.” The last presentation during the panel was given by Mary Piscura, PhD, who also served as panel moderator. Piscura’s presentation was titled: “Conceptualizing an Animal Model to Investigate Pain Mitigation.” Piscura’s presentation discussed using animal models to investigate chronic pain.

Following a question-and-answer session for panelists, awards were given out for poster winners in each category. Additionally, VCOM-Auburn Associate Dean for Biomedical Affairs and Research, Kenny V. Brock, DVM, MS, PhD, awarded VCOM-Auburn’s Researcher of the Year Award to William Pearson, PhD.