Since 1995, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health Research Day and Awards has been a milestone moment for residents—and later on fellows—to present their research during their first few years as physicians. For the first time in its long history, the annual event was held virtually on its 25th anniversary.
Despite circumstances caused by COVID-19, the department still found a way to celebrate its residents and fellows. They were able to present their research via Zoom, while maintaining social distancing guidelines.
This year’s event was dedicated to obstetricians and gynecologists who are currently serving on the frontlines of the pandemic, providing essential health care in Hawaiʻi’shospitals, offices and community clinics.
For two and a half hours, residents and fellows took turns sharing their hypothesis driven research with faculty attendees and colleagues on a variety of topics, such as racial and ethnic disparities, abortion, diet quality, home births and contraceptive methods. Following their presentations, awards were presented in three categories: Most Outstanding, Audience Choice and the Santosh Sharma Audience Choice Awards.
“We appreciate that even in the midst of this global pandemic, we can come together as a community to discover, learn and inspire each other in our common goal of advancing women’s health in Hawaiʻi and beyond,” said professor and department chair Ivica Zalud.
Also assisting with the event were Associate Professor Reni Soon and Assistant Professor Shandhini Raidoo.
Research Day Awards
Most Outstanding Resident Research Award
Sharareh Firouzbakht
“Abortion Knowledge Affecting Abortion Provision after Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency”
Audience Choice Award
Christina Buchanan
“Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy and Planned Home Birth”
Santosh Sharma Audience Choice Award
Chief residents who already submitted their research for publication:
Nikki Kumura
“Pharmacy Access to Ulipristal Acetate in Small Cities Throughout the United States”
Jennifer Wong
“An Investigation on the Completeness of Salpingectomy Intended for Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction”
Jennifer Chin
“Buffered Lidocaine for Paracervical Blocks in First Trimester Outpatient Surgical Abortions”
Caroline Lau
“Duration of Foley catheter cervical ripening as a predictor of total length of labor”
