For the fifth consecutive year, students at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) had the opportunity to participate in a research project organized by the Idaho Urologic Institute (IUI), focusing on clinical practice guidelines from the American Urological Association (AUA).

Over the last several months, groups of second-year medical students worked together to demonstrate their proficiency in producing patient-friendly content in the form of informational videos pertaining to current urological guidelines, including a comprehensive critical evaluation of current literature.

ICOM students were tasked with creating two educational videos — one geared toward physicians and one geared toward patients — that focused on their chosen topics. The winning team included Student Doctors Emily Harrell, Sara Stark, Rachel Oates, and Lucy Thomas. Their project focused on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. [Watch their video for patients and physicians].

“Participating in the IUI Research Competition was an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience, especially since urology is my primary interest,” said Student Doctor Harrell. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to educate doctors and patients on a complex urologic issue. I hope the information helps patients navigate a difficult diagnosis with their team of doctors.”

The group that took second place was comprised of Student Doctors Connor Charles, Isaiah Porter, Zackary Philpot, and Anthony Guidotti. The future physicians chose to focus on neurogenic bladder for their project. [Watch their video for patients and physicians].

The entries were judged by a panel of physicians at IUI, including Dr. Williams and Drs. Cynthia Fairfax, Dawn King, Lisa Parillo, and Adam Schatz. The participating students were recognized during a ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Both winning teams received a financial award for their efforts and credit IUI for offering a rewarding research experience for ICOM students.