November 20, 2025
Research & Scholarship Showcase
This bi-annual event showcases scholarship and research activities from various healthcare programs across the Manchester campus of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This year, seven abstracts submitted by students, graduate students, postgraduate residents, and fellows were accepted and will be presented in poster format
The Center for Research and Discovery expresses its profound appreciation to Dr. Caroline Zeind and the Office of the Provost for her continuing support of mentored research.
Showcase Planning Committee Members:
School of Pharmacy, Worcester/Manchester
Holly Baker, Darlene DiTommaso, Kaelen Dunican, Matthew Metcalf, Helen Pervanas, and Alok Sharma
School of Optometry, Worcester/Manchester
Lawrence Baitch
School of Physician Assistant Studies, Worcester/Manchester
Kristry Altongy-Magee and Heather Gallagher
School of Occupational Therapy, Manchester
Heidi Robertson
School of Physical Therapy, Worcester
Danielle Bellows
New England School of Acupuncture, Worcester
Stephen Cina
School of Nursing, Worcester/Manchester
Edie Hamilton and Erica Bush
School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics, Worcester
Jeffrey Hill
Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, Worcester
Irina Smilyanski
Table of Contents
Abstract Title
1 Generation Z and the Future of Physician Associate Education: Insights from a Scoping Review
2 Regulatory and Legal Challenges in the FDA’s Accelerated Approval Pathway: Balancing Evidence for Efficacy, Safety and Speedy Access to New Alzheimer's Treatments
3 The Impact of Pharmacy Closures on Community Access and Patient Outcomes in New Hampshire: Legislation, Pharmacy Deserts, and Solutions
4 Investigating Ibogaine as a Novel Therapy for PTSD and Substance Use Disorders in U.S. Veterans: Evidence, Limitations, and Global Context
5 Occupational Therapists' Role in Menstruation management and education for adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities
6 Quantitative Comparison of Pharmacologic and Non-pharmacologic Interventions for Anxiety and Stress Reduction Among Students.
7 Compounding: The Needs of Professional Practice Versus Pharmacy Education
Abstract: 1
Generation Z and the Future of Physician Associate Education: Insights from a Scoping Review
Author(s): Kasey Dillon, Madison Cresta, and Jenna Desrochers
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Kasey Dillon, DScPAS, PA-C
Program/School: School of Physician Assistant Studies
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: Generation Z learners (born 1995–2012) now make up the majority of students enrolled in physician associate programs across the United States. The unique attributes of this generation make it essential for PA educators to evolve their teaching frameworks and strategies to meaningfully engage and equip tomorrow’s medical professionals. A gap exists, however, in current research targeted specifically to physician associate education.
Design: A scoping review was conducted of peer reviewed literature.
Methods: The EBSCO database was searched for studies written in English and published in the last 5 years. The Arksey and O'Malley five-stage framework (2005) and PRISMA guidelines were utilized to identify articles specific to Generation Z characteristics and classroom learning styles among healthcare students.
Results: Eighteen articles were identified that met all inclusion criteria. Three themes were identified: 1) Generation Z learners prefer independent, on-line or hybrid content delivery; 2) Generation Z learners prefer hands-on, interactive knowledge acquisition with frequent and immediate faculty feedback; and 3) Generation Z learners expect technology-driven and visually engaging content delivery.
Discussion: Consensus exists regarding the traits and learning preferences of Generation Z; however, no studies have examined these factors in physician associate education. Given the intensity of PA programs and the need to deliver vast amounts of content in a condensed period, educators often default to traditional lecture formats. This scoping review underscores the need for PA program–specific research that evaluates the effectiveness of nontraditional approaches to content delivery for this new cohort of learners.
Implications and Clinical Relevance: Nearly 70% of students currently enrolled in PA graduate programs belong to Generation Z. Research consistently demonstrates that this generation possesses distinct learning characteristics and needs. However, it remains unclear whether Physician Associate programs are adapting their instructional strategies to align with these differences. This could have detrimental implications for future patient care and limit the effectiveness of PA's as a profession within the interprofessional clinical team.
Abstract:
2
Regulatory and Legal Challenges in the FDA’s Accelerated Approval Pathway: Balancing Evidence for Efficacy, Safety and Speedy Access to New Alzheimer's Treatments
Author(s): Andrew Hall, Andrea Lunde, Luiza Saldanha, and Frederick Frankhauser Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Frederick Frankhauser, JD, MBA, RPh
Program/School: School of Physician Assistant Studies
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: This project examines the regulatory, legal, and ethical challenges surrounding the FDA’s Accelerated Approval (AA) pathway using Alzheimer’s treatments Aduhelm (aducanumab) and Leqembi (lecanemab) as case studies. The goal is to evaluate how the AA framework balances expedited access with scientific evidence, post-approval accountability, and patient safety, and to identify reforms that strengthen public trust in the pathway.
Methods: A structured literature review and comparative case analysis were conducted using FDA guidance documents, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act §506, 21 CFR 314 Subpart H, CMS coverage decisions, and cost-effectiveness assessments from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). Peer-reviewed studies, FDA and CMS press releases, and health policy sources were synthesized to examine clinical efficacy, regulatory oversight, and pricing frameworks for Aduhelm and Leqembi. Data were analyzed qualitatively to identify trends in safety outcomes, confirmatory trial enforcement, and payer response.
Results: Aduhelm’s approval in 2021, based solely on amyloid-plaque reduction, led to significant controversy, limited CMS reimbursement, and discontinuation in 2024 due to lack of proven cognitive benefit and poor cost-effectiveness (ICER ≈ $383,000 per QALY). In contrast, Leqembi demonstrated a 27% slowing in cognitive decline in the CLARITY-AD trial, leading to full FDA approval in 2023 and expanded CMS coverage. Despite stronger data, Leqembi’s annual price of $26,500 still exceeds ICER’s value benchmark, highlighting persistent access and affordability issues.
Discussion: Findings reveal the AA pathway can accelerate innovation but risks eroding credibility without rigorous confirmatory trials and inter-agency transparency. Aduhelm’s failure exposed weaknesses in evidence validation, while Leqembi’s success restored partial confidence by meeting confirmatory endpoints. The analysis supports calls for stricter post-market enforcement, transparent data reporting, and collaborative FDA-CMS frameworks to align regulatory approval with reimbursement decisions and real-world patient outcomes.
Implications and Clinical Relevance: This project underscores the importance of evidence-based oversight in expedited drug approval, especially for neurodegenerative disorders. Clinicians, regulators, and policymakers must balance rapid patient access with verifiable efficacy and equitable affordability. Strengthening FDA-CMS coordination and adopting value-based pricing models will ensure that accelerated approvals deliver both innovation and sustainable public health benefit.
Abstract: 3
The Impact of Pharmacy Closures on Community Access and Patient Outcomes in New Hampshire: Legislation, Pharmacy Deserts, and Solutions
Author(s): Sean Posner, Tyler Fougere, Carmen Rodriguez, Ian Bello, Amanda Morrill, and Helen Pervanas
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Amanda Morrill, PharmD, BCPS and Helen Pervanas, PharmD, RPh
Program/School: School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: This research describes proposed legislative and systemic changes to improve community pharmacy care delivery in New Hampshire (NH) amid rising pharmacy closures. The project’s goal is to evaluate the impact of recent closures, highlight policy efforts to address pharmacy access challenges, and identify feasible solutions to protect pharmacy infrastructure and maintain equitable access for underserved communities. Since 2024, Rite Aid has closed 46 sites in NH. Exacerbated by other major pharmacy chains closing rural locations, these shutdowns increase chronic disease management issues and decrease immunization access. Compounding the crisis are Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) practices, influencing pharmacy reimbursement and access.
Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and state legislative databases from January 2023 to August 2025. Search terms included “pharmacy deserts,” “pharmacy closures,” “PBM legislation,” “New Hampshire,” and “drug pricing reform.” The search yielded 132 results, of which 38 met inclusion criteria after screening for relevance to community pharmacy access, PBM regulation, and health outcomes. Exclusion criteria included non-U.S. data, purely economic models without health access components, and non-peer-reviewed opinion pieces.
NH legislative bills were analyzed, along with similar PBM-focused legislation from Arkansas, Ohio, and New York. Federal reports from Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and ongoing FTC investigations into PBM practices were also reviewed. Health impact data were extracted from peer-reviewed studies linking pharmacy access to medication adherence, immunization rates, chronic disease outcomes, and rural health disparities.
A count of NH pharmacy closures over the last five years was obtained using state licensing data and verified against corporate reports.
Abstract: 3
The Impact of Pharmacy Closures on Community Access and Patient Outcomes in New Hampshire: Legislation, Pharmacy Deserts, and Solutions
Results: Recent legislative activity in NH reflects growing concern about PMBs and access to care. Senate Bill 247 prohibits PBMs from reimbursing pharmacies below acquisition cost and allows pharmacies to appeal such reimbursements within 30 days. While the bill passed in the Senate, it was retained in committee in the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee and will likely go to interim study. Senate Bill 17 aims to improve affordability by allowing patients to apply co-pay coupons and charity program funds toward their deductibles under commercial insurance plans. This bill is currently pending further action to determine its future. Other states have already taken steps to rein in PBM practices. In Arkansas v. PCMA, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ rights to regulate PBMs. Ohio implemented Medicaid PBM reforms to reduce spread pricing, and New York passed legislation limiting PBM practices and requiring greater transparency.
The loss of community pharmacies contributes to growing health disparities, access to health care services, and disruptions in continuity of care. Transportation barriers in NH’s rural areas further compound access challenges, particularly for elderly or mobility-limited patients.
Discussion: Community pharmacy closures threaten equitable healthcare access in NH, especially in rural and underserved areas. These effects are especially pronounced in the elderly and low-income populations. Targeted legislation and regulatory oversight, such as PBM reimbursement fairness, anti-gag clause laws, and anti-consolidation measures, could stabilize remaining pharmacies and preserve access. Long-term solutions may include state-level PBM reform, direct support for independent pharmacies, and expanded pharmacist provider status to diversify care offerings. Ensuring that pharmacies are reimbursed fairly without penalties for being non-preferred will be essential to curbing pharmacy deserts and protecting patient outcomes.
Abstract: 4
Investigating Ibogaine as a Novel Therapy for PTSD and Substance Use Disorders in U.S. Veterans: Evidence, Limitations, and Global Context
Author(s): Carmen Rodriguez, Ian Bello, Sean Posner, Tyler Fougere, Amanda M. Morrill, and Cheryl Durand
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Amanda Morrill, PharmD, BCPS and Cheryl Durand, PharmD
Program/School: School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: This research examines the evidence for using ibogaine in the treatment of U.S. Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid substance use disorder (SUD). In the United States, ibogaine is currently classified as a Schedule I substance. Ibogaine, a psychoactive alkaloid derived from Tabernanthe iboga, has shown promise in interrupting opioid dependence, reducing withdrawal symptoms, and improving trauma-related psychiatric outcomes. Given high rates of PTSD and opioid use disorder among veterans, this report evaluates ibogaine’s potential role as an adjunct in veteran-focused mental health care, examining clinical trial evidence and global experiences.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on September 17, 2025, using PubMed, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Search terms included “ibogaine AND PTSD,” “ibogaine AND veterans,” “ibogaine AND opioid use disorder,” and “ibogaine clinical trial,” yielding 169 results. Studies were included if they: (1) involved adults ≥18 years with PTSD and/or SUD; (2) used ibogaine as the primary intervention; (3) were randomized controlled trials, prospective or retrospective studies, or case series with ≥10 participants; and (4) reported clinical outcomes such as PTSD symptoms, withdrawal severity, abstinence or relapse rates, cognitive or functional outcomes, or other psychiatric measures.
Exclusion criteria included animal or preclinical studies, narrative reviews, anecdotal reports, studies with <10 participants, those without ibogaine-specific interventions, or those lacking clear methodology or outcome reporting. Five studies met inclusion criteria.
Regulatory frameworks in Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, and New Zealand were also reviewed to provide context for U.S. feasibility. Findings were synthesized into a comparative table summarizing study characteristics, treatment protocols, and key clinical outcomes.
Abstract: 4
Investigating Ibogaine as a Novel Therapy for PTSD and Substance Use Disorders in U.S. Veterans: Evidence, Limitations, and Global Context
Results: Across studies, ibogaine-based interventions were associated with reductions in psychiatric symptoms. A prospective observational study of 30 veterans receiving ibogaine with magnesium showed immediate improvement in functional disability (WHODAS-2.0) and reductions in PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Neuropsychological testing demonstrated gains in processing speed, executive functioning, memory, and sustained attention, with no cognitive declines observed.
A retrospective survey reported significant reductions in PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and cognitive impairment, alongside improvements in psychological flexibility. A prospective chart review of 86 veterans confirmed improvements in PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, anger, and post-concussive symptoms, as well as increases in life satisfaction, cognitive functioning, and psychological flexibility, sustained up to six months.
An observational study in New Zealand and a retrospective review in Brazil both showed statistically significant reductions in illicit drug use, with the former also noting decreased depression severity. Safety monitoring across all studies reported no unexpected or serious adverse events. Common mild effects included transient ataxia, headache, nausea, and anxiety, all resolving within 24 hours.
Discussion: Ibogaine-based therapy shows promise for treating complex psychiatric and cognitive disorders in veterans. Reported benefits include reductions in PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, and improvements in cognition and functioning. Current research is limited by retrospective and open-label designs, lack of control groups, self-report bias, and homogeneous samples, reducing generalizability. Ibogaine’s Schedule I classification in the U.S. creates barriers to research and clinical use. International experiences demonstrate feasibility, but rigorous, controlled trials are needed. With expanded funding and regulatory reconsideration, ibogaine could emerge as a novel therapy for veterans facing trauma and addiction.
Abstract: 5
Occupational Therapists' Role in Menstruation management and education for adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities
Author(s): Eilis O’Brien, Sawyer Storaasli, and Heidi Robertson
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Heidi Robertson, OTD, OTR/L
Program/School: School of Occupational Therapy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose/Hypothesis: Examine the ability of occupational therapists to support adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) in managing menstruation and promoting hygiene, and explore direct intervention strategies and techniques used to improve menstrual self-care behaviors, bodily awareness, and routine management.
Methods: A narrative synthesis was conducted on 28 peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and intervention studies published from 2015-2025. Sources were found via PubMed, CINAHL, and MCPHS Smart Search using keywords like "menstrual health," "occupational therapy," " autism spectrum disorder," "developmental disabilities," and "education interventions." Inclusion criteria included studies on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) education or interventions for adolescents, as well as interventions reporting measurable outcomes in knowledge, hygiene, skill development, or psychosocial well-being. Exclusion criteria included opinion pieces or studies without measurable outcomes, and interventions that were not focused on adolescents.
Results: In individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), awareness of menstruation onset increased from 60.0% before training to 93.3% after training (Kaydırak et al., 2023). Girls with intellectual disabilities who participated in doll-based menstrual care training demonstrated significant improvements in menstrual care skills over an 8-week training period (Aktaş & Öncü, 2022). Task analysis and chaining procedures were shown to be effective in helping individuals with ASD master complete feminine hygiene routine management (Veazey et al., 2016). Skills-based menstrual hygiene training programs also resulted in significant improvements in independence and the ability to self-manage menstruation in autistic adolescents (Kaydırak et al., 2023). Additionally, peer- and small-group–based menstrual education was shown to be more effective than traditional lecture-style teaching in improving hygiene behaviors and comfort discussing menstruation (AgyeiSarpong, 2025; Jarrahi et al., 2020).
Discussion: The literature indicates that structured programs can improve independence, selfmanagement of hygiene habits, self-care skills, and awareness of menstruation in individuals with NDDs (Kaydırak et al., 2023). Hands-on interventions, including backward chaining and play-based approaches, have also shown positive outcomes in supporting skill acquisition and autonomy (Veazey et al., 2016; Aktaş & Öncü, 2022). Lastly, the incorporation of MMH programs further enhances outcomes by providing individualized strategies that address sensory, organizational, and social challenges, supporting adolescents’ participation across various settings (Veazey et al., 2016; Larson et al., 2021).
Abstract: 5
Occupational Therapists' Role in Menstruation management and education for adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities
Implications and Clinical Relevance: By addressing menstrual management, occupational therapists play an important role in reducing barriers to participation within educational, social, and community contexts. Occupational therapists can further advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive health education and the integration of menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) initiatives into occupational therapy practice. Collaborative engagement with caregivers and interdisciplinary team members supports the generalization and sustainability of these skills across home, school, and community environments
Abstract: 6
Quantitative Comparison of Pharmacologic and Non-pharmacologic Interventions for Anxiety and Stress Reduction Among Students.
Author(s):
Faculty
Mary Grossi and Carroll-Ann Goldsmith
Advisor/Principal Investigator: Caroll-Ann Goldsmith, DSc
Program/School: School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose: The purpose of this work was to review and compare quantitative changes in stress and anxiety among students who are using pharmacologic versus non-pharmacologic treatments.
Students in graduate level programs are at risk for experiencing higher stress and increased anxiety levels. Current first-line stress and anxiety treatment regimens consist of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and benzodiazepines. A meta-analysis reported that SSRIs are only 41% more effective than placebo for anxiety reduction. Additionally, SSRIs have notable side effects, such as cardiovascular abnormalities, sexual dysfunction. and weight gain. The aim of this study was to identify, review, and quantitatively describe non-pharmacologic anxiety and stress reduction techniques that can be utilized easily and efficiently by students. For consistency in quantitative comparisons, studies using the validated, reliable, perceived stress scale (PSS) were sought and analyzed. The PSS is a survey instrument that provides quantification of perceived stress, which correlates strongly with anxiety.
Methods: On September 16th, 2025, a PubMed search was conducted using the terms, “anxiety reduction” AND “treatment” AND “quantitative” AND “students”. This generated 29 results, and yielded one randomized controlled trial that met the inclusion criteria after review of the results and review of the references of each returned article. A second search with the terms “perceived stress scale” AND “anxiety” AND “treatment” AND “quantitative” AND “students” generated 2 results, one of which met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were: students, anxiety and stress reduction as determined using the PSS. Exclusion criteria were: trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cancer or other related healthcare conditions, social anxiety, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cannabis, and both pre- and postoperative anxiety. After screening, three articles met the inclusion criteria, while 28 were excluded
Results: A Hatha yoga course consisting of stretching exercises, postures and mindful breathing, was performed 3x/week for 8-weeks resulting in a 13.2% reduction in stress. An “emotional freedom technique” (EFT), consisting of tapping meridian points while focusing on a negative emotion and repeating a statement of self-acceptance was used to provide desensitization to the negative emotion. EFT was performed once daily for 4 weeks and resulted in a 23.8% reduction in anxiety. Lastly, a high intensity interval training (HIIT) program, consisting of multiple 30 second, high intensity, bouts of exercise, with 30-second periods of rests between, was done 3x/week for 8 weeks and resulted in a 27.4% reduction in anxiety.
Abstract: 6
Quantitative Comparison of Pharmacologic and Non-pharmacologic Interventions for Anxiety and Stress Reduction Among Students.
Discussion: Current pharmacologic treatments provide larger reductions in anxiety than nonpharmacologic options, but carry the risk of adverse events. Non-pharmacologic interventions may have greater accessibility, fewer side effects, and offer a meaningful reduction in stress and anxiety among students. Limitations of this work include no head-to-head studies, small sample sizes, and lack of long-term studies. Additionally due to time constraints, access was limited to free, full-text, articles.
Implications and Clinical Relevance: For students experiencing high stress and anxiety levels, hatha yoga, EFT, and HIIT offer accessible, effective, and expeditious interventions. Future research includes conducting direct comparison of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions using quantifiable outcomes via controlled trials.
Abstract: 7
Compounding: The Needs of Professional Practice Versus Pharmacy Education
Author(s): Aaliyah Mercado, Alexander Cole, Elizabeth Ducharme, Jennifer Towle, and Anthony Pollano
Faculty Advisor/Principal Investigator: Jennifer Towle, PharmD and Anthony Pollano, RPh Program/School: School of Pharmacy
Affiliate(s): N/A
Purpose: Pharmaceutical drug compounding, including both sterile and non-sterile techniques, remains important in many pharmacy settings, providing customized therapeutic solutions unavailable from commercial manufacturers. Pharmacists must be knowledgeable of the techniques, as well as drug compounding regulations such as United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Therefore, it is essential that professional curricula reflect the activities and skills used in professional practice. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the current pharmacy compounding curriculum at one institution against the necessary professional knowledge and skills required for pharmacist licensure.
Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify articles evaluating drug compounding curriculum and the needs associated with professional practice. Key words included: compounding education or compounding curriculum, sterile or nonsterile compounding, and pharmacy students. Articles were excluded if the studies were published before 2018 or lacked a generalizable evaluation of compounding curricula. Additional literature used for this review included USP guidelines, pharmacy licensing exam study material, and surveys conducted for industry by major pharmacy organizations: 2021 National Pharmacy Compounding Demographics Study and the National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings: Dispensing and Administration from 2020. Literature was compared with the current pharmaceutics course curricula to identify areas for improvement.
Results: The curriculum represents approximately 6% of total instruction (didactic and laboratory). This time is allocated to non-sterile (80%), sterile (15%), and hazardous drug handling (5%). Students acquire the majority of this content during their first professional year, receiving only limited reinforcement in subsequent years. Comparison of the curriculum against current professional standards revealed key deficiencies in verification of compounded products, hazardous compounding procedures, and sterile garbing techniques. These gaps are particularly relevant for students targeting institutional or specialty practice settings. National data confirms that the majority of schools (70%) rely on hands-on training and practicing pharmacists (84%) affirm compounding's core curricular status. These findings, coupled with evidence showing experiential learning, increase student confidence by up to 93%, underscore the necessity of addressing the identified curricular gaps with applied, continuous practice.
Discussion: This study revealed specific opportunities to enhance the integration of compounding principles and USP standards to better align the pharmacy curriculum with professional practice and licensure. Specifically, training in sterile and hazardous compounding particularly verification and garbing competencies should be increased and distributed longitudinally. Future research should prioritize identifying the specific products, techniques, and equipment most utilized in professional practice to guide curricular refinement.
Abstract: 7
Compounding: The Needs of Professional Practice Versus Pharmacy Education
Implications and Clinical Relevance: This review identified critical curricular gaps, notably the limited longitudinal reinforcement of compounding concepts beyond the first professional year and minimal focus on sterile and hazardous preparations. By successfully aligning the pharmacy curriculum with professional standards, graduates will be equipped to uphold safety, quality, and rigorous regulatory standards in practice.
