Annual Resident Scholarly Works Day
June 4, 2019
TYLER, TX – The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler hosted the Sixth Annual Resident Scholarly Works Day on Friday, May 31, 2019. The event was presented by the Department of Graduate Medical Education and showcased projects from the multiple residency programs, as well as the psychology internship program offered on campus. The exhibit consisted of 20 posters, covering topics such as quality improvement initiatives, primary care services and other research topics. The presentations were on display in the Louise and Joseph Z. Ornelas Academic Amphitheater lobby, followed by oral presentations from the residents.
Dr. Emmanuel Elueze, vice president for medical education and professional development, began the oral presentations with opening remarks, stating that the overall goal of the residency projects is to improve patient care throughout East Texas and beyond. Courtney Pratt, MD, and David Larsen, DO, both residents in the family medicine program, presented “Understanding Uncontrolled A1c Outcomes in a Primary Care Clinic.”
Dr. Pratt was interviewed concerning her collaborative project and how it facilitates continuous improvement of patient care.
Can you provide a brief overview of your project?
“My project is to learn more about the diabetic population we serve at UT Health East Texas North Tyler Campus. Who are our patients and how can we improve their diabetic control? Our goal is to increase the percent of controlled diabetics from 74% to more than 80% by the end of 2019.”
What have you learned throughout working on this project?
“We serve patients across a large geographic area in East Texas. We have found that if a patient can increase the number of office visits, they are more likely to have well-controlled diabetes. That means it is important to come in to see your doctor every three months to discuss your blood sugars. Every visit counts.”
How does this impact you going forward in your medical career?
“Literature shows that disadvantaged patients face worse health outcomes. We hope to tackle diabetes with a team approach by using our colleagues in public health, community health workers and social workers to ensure patients have access to healthcare providers and that they can see the providers on a routine basis.”
How does your project facilitate continuous improvement of patient care?
“We want to improve diabetes in East Texas. A lifetime of uncontrolled diabetes leads to heart disease, heart attacks, vision loss, kidney disease and even limb loss. Improving a diabetic’s glycemic control today will improve their health outcomes later in life.”
First, second and third place winners will be announced later this week.