Medical students, residents participate in American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference

Medical students and pediatrics residents attended the
AAP national conference in Orlando.

To learn more about the latest pediatric health initiatives and to present case studies and other research, a record number of Whiddon College of Medicine students and USA Health pediatrics residents attended the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference in Orlando earlier this month along with faculty from the Department of Pediatrics. 

More than a dozen students and residents traveled to the conference, with five presenting poster presentations at the national conference.  

“The AAP meeting provides residents with valuable exposure to the latest advancements in pediatric care, networking opportunities with experts, and insights into current best practices, all of which enhance their medical education and professional development,” said Haidee Custodio, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the College of Medicine who leads pediatric graduate medical education for USA Health.

Eru Sujakhu, M.D. received the AAP Section on International Medical Graduates (IMG) Travel Award and gave an oral presentation on her IMG experience.  

“Highlighting the challenges and successes of IMG residents is crucial in addressing the national pediatric workforce shortage,” Custodio said. 

Noor Buttar, D.O., and Iboro Udoete, M.D. served as USA Health’s Section on Pediatric Trainees delegates. The physicians-in-training represented our program and shared insights learned from the AAP conference to help residents thrive during their training, Custodio said. 

Fourth-year medical student Kara Nix, who is president of the Pediatrics Interest Group and a Primary Care Pathway Scholar, said playing an active role in national conferences such as the AAP is vital to career advancement.  

“The AAP provides numerous opportunities for medical students to engage in pediatric advocacy, research, and education,” Nix said. “By providing early exposure and involvement, the AAP plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the field.” 

The following faculty and residents made presentations at the AAP national conference: 

• Maya Augustine, M.D. (poster presentations)
  “A Pediatric Case of Bickerstaff's Brainstem Encephalitis with Relapse of Symptoms Following Initial Treatment with IVIG and Steroids”
  “Identification of Multiple Small Intestinal Arteriovenous Malformations with Double Balloon Enteroscopy in a Pediatric Patient” 
• Shaira Bedi, M.D. (poster presentation)
  “Sodium Levels and Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage: Tale of Two Extremes”  
• Zoha Nizami, M.D. (poster presentation)
  “Placental Pathology and Neonatal Outcomes Associated with Lenticulostriate Vasculopathy in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Case Control Study”  
• Audrey Gunn, D.O. (co-author/presenter with Kelechi Ikeri, M.D.)
  “Reducing Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalization among Infants Admitted to a Regional Hospital”   
• Eru Sujakhu, M.D. (oral presentation)
  Section on International Medical Graduates