SHU Alums Win Health-Care Poster Competition

“I had a really good experience when I presented my poster for this competition. I made a lot of new connections and got to learn more about the subject through other people who are more experienced in the field. It also boosted my self-confidence,” said Patel.

HIMSS is a global adviser, thought leader and member-based society committed to reforming the global health ecosystem through information and technology. The New England chapter recently held its annual spring conference, which included the poster competition to showcase student research. 

“Our Annual New England HIMSS Spring Conference is our largest event of the year with over 200 health care IT professionals in attendance,” said Katie Bethel, HIMSS New England Chapter president 2022-2023. “This conference delivers on our mission to bring education, collaboration and networking opportunities to our members across our six-state region. A huge part of this day is our poster competition to showcase student research.”

Patel, Olabisi and Gurram graduated from SHU’s College of Health Professions. Their posters were selected for the competition from 47 graduate students’ submissions.

Patel chose his topic, “Use of Artificial Intelligence to Diagnose Osteoarthritis,” after seeing how many Americans suffer from the disease. “There is no cure for osteoarthritis, so early, preventative care is a must to avoid chronic complications, and early care can only be provided if the disease is diagnosed early. Artificial intelligence has the capability to do so,” he said.

Olabisi’s project, “The Role of Patient Portals in Chronic Disease,” investigated the potential for patient portals to improve health outcomes and reduce health-care spending on chronic diseases. “Submitting my work to the competition was both exhilarating and nerve-racking. It provided me with the opportunity to showcase my knowledge and expertise in health-care informatics to a broader audience, including experts in the field. I put a lot of effort into preparing my submission, ensuring that it effectively communicated the significance and practical applications of my research,” she said.

“Placing in the competition is incredibly exciting for me,” Olabisi added. “It serves as validation for the hard work and dedication I have put into my studies and research. Being recognized in this competition provides me with motivation and confidence to continue pursuing my career goals in health-care informatics.”

Gurram’s project, “Mobile Health for Treatment of Postpartum Depression,” explained how the onset of postpartum depression (PPD) can increase health-care costs significantly. She said studies have revealed that PPD can lead to a sharp drop in income and health-care standards for those who are experiencing it. “This study aims to understand how mHealth applications [technology that runs on a mobile device] can improve the lives of women with postpartum depression and lessen the negative effects if it is not treated,” Gurram said.

“I know I speak for the faculty when I say how very proud we are of these students,” said Stephen Burrows, professor and director of the healthcare informatics program. “This outstanding accomplishment of our students reflects not only on their hard work and accomplishments, but also the dedication and expertise of the healthcare informatics faculty who so tirelessly work with our students.”

“I am thrilled to extend my congratulations to Sacred Heart University alumni Bhargav, Deborah and Ruchitha for emerging as the top three winners this year,” said Bethel. “I had the opportunity to review the poster content and was blown away by the remarkable talent, creativity and commitment they have all exhibited through their submissions. To be selected as the top three winners out of 47 submissions is a true testament to each of these health care professionals, and they deserve every bit of recognition for their outstanding achievements. On behalf of the New England HIMSS Chapter—thank you to the winners and Sacred Heart University!”