In August 2025, more than 60 medical students and residents submitted their abstracts for SMA’s 3rd Annual Virtual Abstract Competition (VAC), showcasing diverse research across medical fields. The top 20 submissions were invited to present live at SMA’s recent Annual Scientific Assembly in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the top 3 oral presenters and the top 3 poster presenters received monetary awards.

Congratulations to this year's winners!

Oral Abstract Winners

First Place
Sudhanvan Iyer, BSA
University of Texas Medical Branch
“Unraveling the Pathways: How Burn Injuries May Contribute to Neurodegenerative Disease”

Second Place
Ryan Qiu, BS
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
“In Vivo Analysis of Stem Cell Loaded Scaffolds Targeted”

Third Place
Hector Caceres, BS
UAB Heersink School of Medicine
“Cleft Surgery in Guatemala: The Impact of Hospital de Obras Sociales del Santo Hermano Pedro, a Non-Governmental Social Aid Institution”

Poster Abstract Winners

First Place
Brittany Strickland, BS
UAB Heersink School of Medicine
“Using Self-Reported Health Metrics as Surrogates in Biomarker-Derived Cardiovascular Risk Estimates in a Deep South Cohort”

Second Place
Leonardo Simonelli, BS
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
“Treatment of Resistant TPM3::ALK + Fusion Protein Metastatic Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor with ALK Targeting and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Combined Therapy”

Third Place
Racha Cherradi, BS
Texas A&M College of Medicine
“DPP4 Inhibitor Use May Confer a Protective Effect Against Skin Cancer in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes”

This year, SMA awarded a total of $9,000 to the abstract competition winners—made possible through generous support of SMA’s Research and Education Endowment Fund.

“Our physicians-in-training continue to impress us with the depth, quality, and originality of their work,” said SMA Executive Director Randy Glick. “Each presentation reflected preparation and insight, and their contributions enhanced the Assembly.”

SMA extends its appreciation to every medical student and resident who submitted or presented their abstracts. We also thank the medical schools and residency programs that encouraged their participation and helped foster the next generation of medical leaders.