2025 Virtual Abstract Competition Top 20
Congratulations to the Top 20 Winners of SMA’s 2025 Virtual Abstract Competition!
With more than 65 oral and poster abstracts presented during the August 6–7 virtual event, physicians-in-training from 30 medical schools and residency programs showcased their research and connected with peers. SMA extends its appreciation to every participant whose contributions made this year’s competition a success.
“It was such a privilege to spend two days with these talented medical students and residents—listening to engaging case presentations and gaining insight into the latest developments in medicine and across the healthcare field,” said SMA Executive Director Randy Glick. “Each presenter deserves recognition; their dedication and preparation were evident and truly contributed to the success of this year’s competition.”
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE WINNERS?
The winners will be contaced by SMA regarding the logistics of presenting their abstracts in person at SMA’s Annual Scientific Assembly taking place November 13-15, 2025 in New Orleans to compete for more than $9,000 in monetary prizes.
Top 10 Oral Abstract Winners
Listed in alphabetical order
Top 10 Poster Abstract Winners
Listed in alphabetical order
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Helotes, TX
Trapped in the Heart: Fractured Pacemaker Lead Complicates MSSA Endocarditis Management
Sindhoora Koneru
University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
Austin, TX
A Rare Case of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Presenting With Subacute Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in an Older Patient
Feng Li, BA
New Orleans, LA
Tulane University School of Medicine
All Eyes on the Note: Documentation Gaps in Resident-Managed Glaucoma Clinics
Krisha Mehta, BS
UTMB
Webster, TX
Multisystem Comorbidities in Pregnancy: A Case of Delayed Prenatal Care
Kevin T. Nguyen, BA
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Lubbock, TX
DPP4 Inhibitor Use May Confer a Protective Effect Against Skin Cancer in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Syed Rahman, BS
Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Inflammatory and Oxidative Mechanisms in Atrial Fibrillation: Insights into Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Advances
Nidhi Shah, BS Biomedical Engineering
AU/UGA Medical Partnership
Lawrenceville, GA
The Hidden Cost of Compassion: A Caregiver’s Journey to a Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
Zohair Siddiqui, MD
UTHSC
Germantown, TN
A Data-Driven Investigation of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer in the United States
Leonardo Simonelli
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Princeton Junction, NJ
Treatment of Resistant TPM3::ALK + Fusion Protein Metastatic Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor with ALK Targeting and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Combined Therapy
Brittany D. Strickland, BS
UAB Heersink School of Medicine
Auburn, AL
Using Self-Reported Health Metrics as Surrogates in Biomarker-Derived Cardiovascular Risk Estimates in a Deep South Cohort
Join these outstanding students and residents at the Annual Assembly in November to support and encourage them during their presentations and earn CME.
