International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS)
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Exploring Wonder in Medical School Admissions: Correlations with Admissions Decisions
Full text linkBackground: The capacity for wonder (CfW), which has been proposed as an important personal disposition for clinicians, may provide a meaningful picture of medical school applicants. The purpose of our study was to explore experiences of wonder among applicants and their association with components of the admissions process.
Methods: The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine asks applicants to submit an essay about a time they experienced wonder in their everyday life. Among applicants who were interviewed in the 2021-2022 cycle, we analyzed an anonymized 50% random sample of essays (n = 224). Essays were coded using the validated CfW scale and categorized by topic. Standard bivariate statistical tests were used to assess whether the extent of wonder was associated with admissions decisions and interview scores.
Results: Among applicants who were admitted, 80% had scores reflecting “high wonder,” 62% had “medium wonder” scores, and 27% had “low wonder” scores. Applicants’ extent of wonder was significantly associated with their admissions decisions (p < 0.0002), mean interview scores (p = 0.00025), and mean scores in research portfolio (p < 0.0001). Six broad essay topics were identified: connecting with others, engaging in art, experiences in nature, engaging in wellness, the pursuit of knowledge, and sports/exercise.
Conclusion: Applicants’ capacity for wonder may be a relevant consideration in the admissions process. Future research should verify our findings at other institutions, investigate other components of the medical school application that may be associated with the capacity for wonder, and explore interventions to cultivate wonder throughout medical education
Abstracts of the 9th International Academic Medical Congress of Maranhão (IX COIMAMA) 2024
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Prevalence and Patterns of Gender-Based Violence Among Undergraduate Students in Nigeria
Full text linkBackground: Gender-based violence (GBV) is any harmful act including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse based on gender norms, with significant health, social, and economic consequences. Despite its devastating impact, GBV among males and other under-recognized groups remains understudied. This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of GBV among undergraduates, and respondents’ knowledge of its effects. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 413 University of Calabar undergraduates was conducted using multi-stage sampling. The questionnaire inquired about the experience of GBV and respondents’ knowledge of its effects. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), with logistic regression assessing the association between GBV and age, sex, marital status, and academic year, reporting odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values to evaluate statistical significance and the precision of estimates. Results: GBV prevalence among participants was 19.4%, with emotional violence (threats, intimidation and verbal abuse) being most common (18.6%). Prevalence was slightly higher in males, but not significantly so (p>0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed no significant relationship between GBV and age, sex, marital status, academic year, though older individuals had slightly lower odds of experiencing GBV, while males had slightly higher odds compared to females. Most respondents agreed that GBV has psychological, social and health implications. Conclusion: The study showed that GBV affects both male and female Nigerian students. Universities should implement strict policies, awareness programs, and student support systems including a formal GBV reporting system, survivor support services, and mandatory training for students and staff to address GBV effectively
Comparison of serum PSA and IMPDH-2 in Predicting Aggressive Prostate Cancer: A Cross-sectional Study
Full text linkBackground: Prostate cancer is a cause of morbidity and mortality among men globally. This study compared serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase-2 (IMPDH-2) in predicting aggressive prostate cancer. Methods: Sixty-three prostate adenocarcinoma patients were recruited for this quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. Their serum was assayed for IMPDH-2 and PSA. Serum IMPDH-2 and PSA correlations with Gleason score and ISUP Grade Groups were determined using Spearman’s rho and Kendall tau correlation coefficients, respectively. The magnitude of the correlation was assessed by calculating the coefficient of determination for the respective analysis (R2). Similarly, regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to assess the ability of the biomarkers to predict aggressive prostate cancer. Levels of statistical significance were set as p < 0.05. Results: The mean age was 68.6 years. The mean serum IMPDH-2 and PSA were 76.2pg/ml and 65.9ng/ml respectively. Serum IMPDH-2 did not predict aggressive prostate cancer; (r = 0.08, p = 0.55 Spearman rho), (τ = 0.03, p = 0.79 Kendal tau). Serum PSA weakly predicted aggressive prostate cancer; (r = 0.30, p = 0.02 Spearman rho), (τ = 0.21, p = 0.04 Kendal tau). It was responsible for 10.1 and 8.8% of Gleason score and ISUP grade group variances respectively. However, it did not significantly outperform IMPDH-2 in predicting the Gleason score (p = 0.53). Conclusion: PSA weakly predicted aggressive prostate cancer but did not statistically significantly outperform IMPDH-2. As such, none is sufficiently accurate in predicting aggressive prostate cancer when used in isolatio
Pain Severity Ratings Among Patients with Comorbid Chronic Pain and PTSD: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Full text linkBackground: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD is characterized by physiological symptoms such as sleep disturbances and hyperarousal. One understudied symptom in PTSD patients is chronic pain (CP). Acute pain can lead to CP when it persists beyond adaptation. The interconnection between stress and pain has been well-established in fields of neuroscience and psychology, though we still do not fully understand the nature of this clinical relationship.
Methods: In the current retrospective cohort study, we use a sample of patients with PTSD and CP through a database of numerous healthcare organizations called TriNetX. We compare the reported pain severity rating between three groups: those with PTSD and no CP, those with CP and no PTSD, and those with comorbid PTSD and CP. The summary data was compared using a one-way analysis of variance with the Welch statistic.
Results: The average reported pain severity was significantly different between all three groups (F(2, 21288)=279.80, p < .001). The patients with comorbid PTSD and CP reported the highest average pain severity, followed by patients with only CP and then patients with only PTSD.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a need to further investigate the complex relationship between PTSD and CP. The higher average pain severity in patients with both disorders suggest that integrated pain management and mental health interventions must be prioritized in this population
From Observation to Participation: Gender Differences and Surgical Exposure among Medical Students
Full text linkIntroduction: Surgical rotations are critical to the clinical education of medical students, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical experience. In many medical institutions, the transition from passive observation to active participation in surgical settings remains inconsistent and may be influenced by gender disparities. This study aimed to assess the extent of surgical exposure among clinical medical students in Georgia, with a particular focus on gender-based differences in opportunities to participate actively during general surgery rotations.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students from the University of Georgia, Ilia State University, European University, Caucasus University, and Caucasus International University in Tbilisi, following ethical approval. The survey was carried out from June 27 to July 18, 2025. Participants were asked about the duration of their general surgery rotation, the number and types of procedures they observed and assisted with, and their involvement in basic surgical tasks. Perceptions of supervisory support, feedback, and overall satisfaction were measured using a Likert scale. Gender-based comparisons were analyzed using independent sample t-tests, with statistical significance at p < 0.05.
Results: Of the 96 respondents (mean age: 24.05 ± 2.65 years), 52 were female (54.2%) and 44 male (45.8%). Most students (58.3%) spent 2–4 weeks in general surgery rotations. Only 70.8% had the chance to perform basic surgical skills under supervision. Male students were more likely to have scrubbed in during surgeries compared to females. Males also reported significantly more opportunities to perform basic surgical tasks (p = 0.007) and assist in operations (p = 0.017). While both genders reported similar perceptions of supervisor approachability, female students rated their overall learning experience lower on average. 43.8% of all students strongly disagreed they had sufficient hands-on practice, and only 16.7% received regular constructive feedback. When asked whether the experience increased their interest in pursuing a surgical career, only about one-third agreed or strongly agreed, with a slight but not statistically significant male predominance.
Conclusion: This study showed the presence of gender-based disparities, with male students receiving significantly more hands-on opportunities. Addressing these gaps through more structured and equitable training is essential to ensure that all students gain meaningful surgical experience.
Table 1. Survey of Medical Students’ Surgical Exposure, Participation, and Satisfaction
Exposure to Surgical Procedures
Approximately how many weeks did your General Surgery rotation last?
Less than 2 weeks
5
5.2
2–4 weeks
56
58.3
5–8 weeks
26
27.1
More than 8 weeks
9
9.4
How many surgeries did you observe during your rotation?
Less than 2 weeks
22
22.9
1–5
47
49.0
6–10
17
17.7
More than 10
10
10.4
How many surgeries did you assist in (scrubbed in)?
None
66
68.8
1–3
24
25.0
4–7
3
3.1
More than 7
3
3.
Left Colo-renal Fistula in an Elderly Female: Case Report
Full text linkBackground: Colo-renal fistulas are rare entities, with very few cases reported worldwide and no established prevalence. Left-sided fistulas are the most frequent reno-intestinal communications. They usually result from chronic inflammation, diverticular disease, or necrotic processes. However, colo-renal fistulas caused by an abscessed renal cyst are exceptionally uncommon. This case highlights a rare presentation in an elderly female and underscores the importance of considering fistulous complications in patients with complicated renal cysts.
The Case: An 82-year-old female, history of high blood pressure, diverticulitis, left renal cyst classified as Bosniak II F–III was admitted for a scheduled cystectomy. She presented with progressive low back pain, asthenia, unintentional weight loss, pneumaturia, fecaluria and sustained a fall from standing height during hospitalization. No additional medical history was noted. Follow-up abdominal CT revealed findings suggestive of emphysematous pyelonephritis, an infected left renal cyst, and a small communicating tract between the left kidney and the splenic flexure of the colon. Exploratory left lumbotomy confirmed the colo-renal fistula. The patient was managed by a fistulectomy, and drainage of the abscessed renal cyst was performed, followed by placement of a Jackson-Pratt drain. Postoperative recovery was favorable, with resolution of pain and no recurrence at 6 months-follow-up.
Conclusion: This case illustrates an unusual cause of colo-renal fistula, secondary to rupture and infection of a renal cyst after trauma. Given its rarity and nonspecific presentation, early suspicion based on imaging and clinical findings is critical. Management requires a multidisciplinary surgical approach in a tertiary care setting. To our knowledge, this is one of the few reported cases of a colo-renal fistula associated with an abscessed renal cyst, contributing to the limited body of literature on this rare condition