Rural Student Physician Program (RSPP) Community Focused Health Projects
1997 to Present
In 2013, the RSPP Scholarly Project was renamed to be the Community Focused Health Project. This change included a greater focus on a local health problem assessment and plan; however, the general focus of the past projects relates to the current assignment and may give ideas to current and future students.
Townships
Breese
- A Topical Review of Childhood Obesity and a Look at its Prevalence in Clinton County, Illinois (Sr. Rosario Carrasco, 2011-2012)
- Becoming Baby-Friendly: Implementing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative at a Rural Hospital in Southern Illinois (Stephanie Scheibal Milam, 2017-2018)
- Alcohol Abuse in Clinton County (Zachary Kinney, 2020-2021)
Canton/Farmington
- Ergogenic Aid Use Among High School Students 30 (Christopher Miles, 2003-2004)
- Breast Feeding in Rural Illinois (Reid Masters, 2006-2007)
- Pregnancy: What is Safe for my Baby and Me? An Educational Intervention for Rural Pregnant Women (Molly McMorrow, 2008-2009)
- Peoria Health Education, Awareness, and Resources Teams HEARTs: An eight month retrospective (J. Bart Rose, 2008-2009, Canton; joint project w/ Michael Lintner, Effingham)
- Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Communities: Addressing a Persistent Disparity of Care – A Review (Matthew C. Re`, 2009-2010)
- Hospice: The Burden of Late Referral (Jenna Ruple, 2010-2011)
- Physician-Based Approach to Smoking Cessation as an Alternative to Lung Cancer Screening, A Review (Christy George, 2011-2012)
- The Use of New Media and Technologies to Improve Adolescent Sexual Health: A Review & Implications for Rural Medicine (Mindy Colgrove, 2012-2013)
- BMI and Nutritional Knowledge in Fulton County (Linda Agyapong, 2014-2015)
- Fulton County Type II Diabetic Glucose Control (Andrei Froehling, 2015-2016)
- Chronic Pesticide Exposure: A Study of Autoimmune Disease Prevalence in a Rural Illinois County (Chad Lampe, 2015-2016)
- Wall-mounted Oxygen Reading Accuracy in Academic Institution vs. Rural Setting (Anna Bailey, 2016-2017)
- Type 2 Diabetic Action Plan for at Home Glycemic Control (Sarah Coe, 2019-2020)
- Improving CMS Core Measure SEP-1 Compliance in rural Health Systems (Taylor Schweigert, 2020-2021)
- Improving Patient Outcomes: Sepsis Protocol of SEP-1 Compliance in Rural Illinois (Andrew Meister, 2020-2021)
- Community Health and Wellness Seminar (Aleetra Roberts, Randy Davis, Melissa Miller 2021-2022)
- Improving Health Outcomes in Fulton County by Improving Personal Organizational Health Literacy( Oluwadamilola Bankole 2022-2023)
- Increasing Healthcare Outcomes in Canton, IL: 2023 Health and Wellness Fair( Nene Sy- 2023-2024)
- Health Resource Fair Implementation in a Rural Community – (Erin Fund 2023-2024)
Effingham
- The Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in a Rural Primary Care Setting (Daniel Jeremy 1998- 1999, Granville; joint project w/ Michael Schultheis, Effingham)
- Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders in Rural Practice (Brian Harrison, 2000-2001, Effingham; joint project w/ Joshua Schupbach, Kewanee; Ryan Walsh, Granville)
- Peoria Health Education, Awareness, and Resources Teams HEARTs (Michael Lintner, 2008- 2009, Effingham; joint project w/ J. Bart Rose, Canton)
- Survey to Assess the Availability of Mental Health Resources in Rural Communities (Derek Minor, 2018-2019, Effingham; joint project with Emily McLaughlin, 2018-2019, Mattoon)
- Mental Health and Drug Addiction Resource Availability in a Rural Setting (Lance Workman, 2019-2020)
- Evolving in Effingham: Integration of primary care and public health to reduce infant mortality (Leah Beth (Carter) VanBlaricum, 2020-2021)
- Implementing Educational Opportunities for Plant Based Diets to Reduce Coronary Artery Disease and other Chronic Diseases – (Morgan Powers 2022-2023)
Eureka
- Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening (Arthur Rawlings, 2002-2003)
- Family Practice Preliminary X-Ray Readings Compared to Radiologist Final Readings (Shayne Fehr, 2005-2006)
Galesburg
- Patient Education and Adherence Concerning Diabetes Mellitus (Hoschek, Christine Baumgardner)
- Performance of the Precision QID and One Touch II Glucometers: Testing the Manufacturer’s Claim of Accuracy (Christine (Baumgardner) Petzing, 1997-1998)
- Reliability and Validity of Home Glucose Monitoring Systems (Jeffrey Baumgardner, 2000-2001)
- MICCAT2: A Prospective Open Label Blinded-Endpoint Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Micardis & Micardis HCT on 24-hr Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Essential HTN (Arin (Johnson) Ford, 2002-2003)
- Coumadin and Vitamin K (Jennifer (Ekdahl) Cortes, 2002-2003)
- Cymbalta vs. Effexor: Treating Chronic Pain (Heather (Barrett) Draeger, 2004-2005)
- Assessing Coronary Heart Disease Risk and Goal LDL Cholesterol Level (Amy Reed, 2004-2005)
- Motivation for Smoking and Methods of Smoking Cessation (Jonathan Howard, 2005-2006)
- Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome Using a Revised Flowsheet… (Sidney Palmer Hill, 2006-2007)
- Efficacy of a Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet in Children with Autism (Lorraine (Torres) Garland, 2006-2007)
- Navigating Adolescent Emergencies – First Aid, Wilderness Survival & Relationship Survival Skills Among Central IL Youth (Debia Kim 2007-2008, Galesburg; joint project w/ Miguel Escalon, Kewanee)
- Updating COPD Spirometry with Appropriate Treatment: Quality Assurance for OSF Galesburg Family Practice Clinic (S. Ryan Gore, 2010-2011)
- Investigation of Knowledge and Awareness of Human Papillomavirus in a Rural Community (Elizabeth Hauslein, 2010-2011)
- The impact of factors that may affect the gut microbiome on childhood obesity in a rural community (Brian Barnacle, 2017-2018)
- Type 2 Diabetes Care Plan (Laura Jorgenson, 2019-2020)
- Expanding Telehealth in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Introduction of Video-Conferencing at Bridgeway Mental Health Center in Knox County (Anna Serrano, 2020-2021)
- Organizing a Schedule II & III Controlled Substance Agreement for Chronic Pain Management in Knox County Illinois (Grant Gingerich 2021- 2022)
- Educating Kewanee High School Students About E-Cigarettes: An Application of the VisCAP Model of Advertising Creativity ( Adee Athiyaman 2022-2023)
- Mental Health and Pregnancy – ( Ajoke Maryam Iromini 2022-2023)
- Utilization of reading materials in a holistic approach to depression and anxiety(Ethan Meeker 2023-2024)
Geneseo
- Improving Community Health Outcomes in Henry County by Enhancing Patient Understanding of Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia in the Outpatient Setting (Nathan Soria- 2023-2024)
- VA Check-In Clinic Introduction to Geneseo and Macomb – Joint Project – (Blythe Richards / Macomb, Ryan Dillard, Geneseo 2023-2024)
Gibson City/Forrest
- The Use of Alternative Medicine by Family Practice Patients (Ellen Pratt, 1997-1998, Gibson City; joint project w/ Jenny Powell, Clinton)
- The Patient’s Differential Diagnosis: Unpredictable Concerns in Visits for Acute Cough in a Rural Family Practice Setting (Bill Olson, 1989-1999)
- Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders in Rural Practice (Shane Fogo, 2000-2001; joint project w/ Geoffrey Capes, Kewanee; Brian Harrison, Effingham; Joshua Schupbach, Kewanee; Ryan Walsh, Granville)
- Perceptions Towards Mental Health (Isaac Lee, 2002-2003, joint project w/ Brad Stoecker, Kewanee)
- Capillary Blood Glucose Testing as an Addition to Traditional Vital Signs (Kathleen Baluk Raschka, 2004-2005)
- Survey Evaluation of a Rural High School Health Care Project (Daniel Lau, 2006-2007)
- Postpartum Depression (Danielle Tomevi, 2007-2008)
- Are Patients Telling the Truth About Taking Medications? (Robert Biggs 2008-2009)
- Rural Primary Care Practice HPV Vaccination Rates: A Retrospective Analysis in Gibson Area Hospital Primary Care Practice (Elizabeth Holcomb, 2013-2014)
- Analysis of Rural Primary Care Practice HPV Vaccination (Ashley (Randle) Mallory, 2014-2015)
- Hemoglobin A1c levels and score on Diabetic Numeracy Test (James Smith, 2016-2017)
- Feasibility of an Anti-Bullying Action Plan in the Primary Care Setting (Kaysha Henry, 2019-2020)
- A Study of Health Literacy in Rural Illinois (Lochan Bellamkonda, 2018-2019)
- Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program Outreach (Bhargavi Dhanireddy, 2020-2021)
- Improving community awareness on vascular risk factors associated with Type 2 Diabetes (Dan Henley 2023-2024)
Granville/Spring Valley
- Reasons Adolescents Report For Not Using Contraceptives Prior to Sexual Intercourse (Shawn Reathaford 1997-1998)
- The Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders in a Rural Primary Care Setting (Daniel Jeremy, 1998- 1999, Granville; joint project w/ Michael Schultheis, Effingham)
- Sun Exposure Survey (Ryan Windish, 2002-2003)
- Extra-Anatomic Bypass Surgery as a Way to Treat Peripheral Vascular Disease (Eric High, 2004- 2005)
- Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders in Rural Practice (Ryan Walsh, Granville, 2000-2001, Joshua Schupbach, Kewanee; Brian Harrison, Effingham)
- Prevalence and Correlates of Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Rural Populations in Central Illinois (Jonathan Jou, 2017-2018)
Harrisburg
- Hemoglobin A1C Chart Review at Primary Care Group (Nicole Kennedy, 2008-2009)
Havana
- Community Perceptions of Teen Pregnancy in Havana, IL (Sheema Khan, 2008-2009)
Kewanee/Toulon/Wyoming/Geneseo
- Media Influence on Health-Seeking Behavior in a Rural Population (Joint Project: Chad Painter, and Sherwin Parunagao, 1999-2000, Kewanee)
- Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders in Rural Practice (Joshua Schupbach, 2000-2001, Kewanee Brian Harrison, Effingham; joint project w/; Ryan Walsh, Granville)
- Pregnant Women’s Views and Knowledge about Umbilical Cord Blood Collection, Storage, and Utilization (Jeffrey Meglin, 2004-2005)
- Factors that Influence a Woman’s Decision Regarding Hormone Replacement Therapy (Susan Catt, 2006-2007)
- Navigating Adolescent Emergencies – First Aid, Wilderness Survival & Relationship Survival Skills Among Central IL Youth (Miguel Escalon, 2007-2008, Kewanee; joint project w/ Debia Kim 2007-2008, Galesburg)
- RSPP: Development of an Adolescent Diabetes Support Group (Matt Heberer, 2013-2014)
- Addressing Obesity and Chronic Diet-Related Disease with Prevention Efforts Early in Life (Paulo Michelini, 2016-2017)
- A Comparison of Chronic Pain In The Elderly of Henry and Stark Counties, IL (Joel Dennison, 2017-2018)
- Mapping Medication Assisted Treatment and Behavioral Counseling Services Available to Pregnant Women with Opiod Use Disorder in a Rural Illinois Community (Elizabeth Edwards, 2018-2019)
- Weight Loss Handout for Rural Health Clinic (David Cook, 2020-2021)
Macomb
- Long-Acting Reversible Contraception for Women of Reproductive Age- A Cross-Sectional Study of Women in Rural Illinois (Olivia White, 2015-2016)
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Adolescent Pregnancy in Rural Communities (Catherine Jimenez, 2017-2018)
- Implementation of a Sepsis Protocol in a Rural Emergency Department (Brian Didier, 2018-2019)
- Implementing the “Wake Up and Breathe” Protocol in a Rural Hospital (Mit Patel, 2020-2021)
- Healthy Choices to Combat Childhood Obesity: An Educational Initiative ( Aleyna Brunner 2021-2022)
- Public Education on Sexual Health Following Increasing STI-Incidence in McDonough County, Illinois (Michael Neff 2022-2023)
- Prevalence of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in McDonough County (Rahwa Hailemichael 2023-2024)
- VA Check-In Clinic Introduction to Geneseo and Macomb – Joint Project – (Blythe Richards / Macomb, Ryan Dillard, Geneseo 2023-2024)
Marion/Carbondale/Herrin/ West Frankfort
- Breast Cancer: How Well Are We Teaching our Patients? (Sara Beth Malone, 2005-2006)
- A Survey of Adolescent Knowledge of Timing of Conception During Menstrual Cycle.(Amy (Smith) Gerwe, 2005-2006)
- A Review of Coal Workers’ Pneumoconiosis (Joseph Jackson, 2010-2011)
- Designation of a Level 2 Trauma Center in Southern Illinois (Jacob Stewart, 2019-2020)
- Designation of a Level 2 Trauma Center in Southern Illinois (Justin Thorpe, 2020-2021)
Mattoon/ Charleston
- The Effects of the Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Montelukast on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Pulmonary Function in Non-asthmatics (John Lee, 1999-2000)
- Women’s Preventive Health Priorities Survey (Scott Meyer, 2002-2003)
- Allergic Rhinitis (Wen-Hsiang Chung, 2004-2005)
- Survey to Assess the Availability of Mental Health Resources in Rural Communities (Emily McLaughlin, 2018-2019, Mattoon; joint project with Derek Minor, 2018-2019, Effingham)
- Buprenorphine Therapy for Opiod Use Disorder in a Rural Setting: Needs, Obstacles and Possible Solutions (David Jackson, 2019-2020)
- Buprenorphine induction protocol for a rural emergency department (Scott Rentfrow 2021-2022)
- Supporting Childhood Development at the Toledo Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project (Catharine Leahy 2022-2023)
- Assessing Vaccine Hesitancy in Obstetric Patients in Mattoon, IL (Andrea Ohk- 2023-2024)
- Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Community Health Needs Assessment (Not-for Profit Hospital) (Zaphrirah Chin 2023-2024)
Mt Vernon
- Factors Affecting Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Adults in Jefferson County, IL (Nathan DeVenney, 2017-2018)
Pontiac
- A Review of MRSA (Brent Rocke, 2007-2008)
- Colorectal Cancer in Livingston County, Illinois (Jason Douglas, 2010-2011)
- Treatment of Alcoholism (Lisa LeBerge, 2012-2013)
- Narcotic Prescribing for Chronic Pain Patients in Rural Western Illinois (Kerry Storms, 2014-1015)
- Attitudes and Beliefs Toward the Influenza Vaccine in Livingston County, 2015-2016)
- Examining Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Livingston County (Michael Atwell, 2016- 2017)
- Simplified Nutrition Guide for Patients with Diabetes in a Rural Outpatient Setting (Zebib Yemane, 2019-2020)
Princeton
- Suicide & Generation Y (Melissa Jo Davis, 2007-2008)
- Assessing Patients’ Understanding of their Prescription Medications in a Primary Care Physician’s Practice (Jonathan Gehlbach 2008-2009)
Tremont/ Pekin
- Patient/Parent Perceptions Regarding Antibiotic Use (Jared Zotz, 2005-2006)
- RSPP Track vs. Traditional Track: A Descriptive Analysis of Surgical Caseloads (Yolanda Chang, 2006-2007)
- An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Tar Wars Smoking Prevention Program (Michael Klingler, 2003-2004)
- Student Satisfaction with the Support Services Offered by UICOMP (Nathan Holt, 2004-2005)
- Efficacy of the RSPP Log (Matthew Deppe, 2001-2002, Tremont; joint project w/ Gregory Johnson, Kewanee)
- Eating, Couching and Slouching – A Review on the Literature of Obesity in the US (Christopher Johnson, 2007-2008)
- The Future of Private Practice Medicine (Jonathan Schmidt, 2008-2009)
- Music and Medicine (Abraham Rodriguez, 2011-2012)
- Continuous Quality Improvement in Tazewell County: Evaluating Patient Awareness (Alyssa (Lawler) Mowrer, 2014-2015)
- Logic Model: Adopting a Healthy School Lunch Resolution to Combat Obesity and Diet-Related Chronic Disease from an Early Age (Ryan Herring, 2016-2017)
- Sulfur Dioxide Exposure in an Environmental Protection Agency Nonattainment Area (Therese Korndorf Woodring, 2017-2018)
- Promoting Proper Nutrition in Adolescent Athletes (Adam Geier, 2020-2021)
- The 5-2-1-0 Message: A Guideline in Preventing Childhood Obesity (Miles Herr 2021-2022)
Watseka
- Latino Community and Health Care in Iroquois County (Jamie Hannah, 2000-2001)