M3 Case Symposium highlights medical students' unique case reports

Winners of the M3 Case Symposium with the judges, from left: Frederick Rossi, D.O.; Anne-Marie Kaulfers, M.D.; Caroline Howell; Brian Nguyen; Bree Cobine; Larry Lee, M.D.; and Nicolette Holliday, M.D. 

Members of the Class of 2026 presented interesting, rare and novel case studies observed during their third-year rotations at the annual M3 Case Symposium, held June 6 at the Strada Patient Care Center. 

A total of 54 posters were judged based on originality, strength of conclusions, quality of references, overall appearance, organization and topic. 

Caroline Howell

Caroline Howell took first place for her presentation of a case of lepromatous leprosy in a patient without classic risk factors or exposures. The patient was initially diagnosed with granuloma annulare on biopsy, but her condition worsened after initiating the drug methotrexate. Empiric multidrug therapy was started, and histopathology in collaboration with the National Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy) Program confirmed lepromatous leprosy.

Howell said the case highlights the importance of including leprosy in the differential diagnosis for granulomatous skin lesions, even in non-endemic settings. 

“Presenting at the M3 Case Symposium was a truly rewarding experience,” she said. “I appreciated the opportunity to share what I learned through this unique case and was honored to be recognized. It was also a pleasure to engage with faculty and explore the wide range of fascinating cases presented by my classmates.”

Brian Nguyen won second place for his presentation of a 60-year-old patient living in a rural area, with multiple chronic conditions including diabetes, neuropathy, and chronic sacral wounds. 

“More critically, his care was shaped by significant social determinants — limited transportation, food insecurity, and complete reliance on caregiver support,” Nguyen said. “My case emphasized the importance of integrating community resources, shared goal-setting, and patient-centered planning into chronic disease management so that he could regain control over his life. It also highlighted how addressing social context can be just as impactful as medical treatment in improving health outcomes.”

Nguyen said he felt strongly about sharing this patient’s story, as it changed the way he thinks about providing care. 

“His case reminded me that medicine isn’t just about managing diseases, but also about understanding the day-to-day challenges patients face,” he said. “So, when I was awarded second place, it was a truly welcome surprise. More than the recognition, it reinforced the importance of listening to patients and providing care that’s grounded in their real lives — a lesson I’ll carry along with me for a long time.”

Bree Cobine won third place for her presentation of an atypical etiology of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) following a dental procedure. SBP is a serious infection of the fluid in the abdominal cavity that occurs in people with liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. Patients who are post-liver transplant, as in this case, are more likely to exhibit severe and atypical features of SBP than the non-transplant population. 

Serving as judges at the symposium were Nicolette Holliday, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology; Anne-Marie Kaulfers, M.D., professor of pediatrics; Larry Lee, M.D., assistant professor of surgery; and Frederick Rossi, D.O., assistant professor of internal medicine.

Student coordinators of the event were Olivia Grace Brookins, Juliette Lewis, Thomas Robinson and Macy Wright.

View more photos from the M3 Case Symposium on Flickr.