Student Accomplishments and Updates
Jared Brodtmann, MD (School of Medicine) and Eden Gallegos, PhD (School of Graduate Studies) were awarded the Academic & Leadership Excellence Award, given to a student who has demonstrated scholastic and leadership ability and exemplifies an enthusiastic commitment to their chosen profession. This award is selected by a faculty committee representing each of the program concentrations.
Peyton Simons, MD (School of Medicine) was awarded the Dean's Award, given annually to a student who has made significant and demonstrable contributions to their school through service within the school and has acted to promote the school in the wider community. This award is selected by the Dean's Office and the Office of Student Affairs.
The Class of 2027 spent two weeks in Peru with the Global Health Elective.
Pathology
The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Foundation just released an article, “Next Stop: Pathology,” featuring a short write-up of LSU New Orleans medical student Tanner Hoole’s project that received funding from the CAP Foundation Sparking Interest in Pathology
Award.
Hoole was inducted into the Pathology Honor Society, acknowledging his remarkable achievements
The Students Interested in Pathology Subspecialties (SIPS) group organized five informational meetings with guest speakers to expose students to broad aspects of practice as well as several pathology subspecialties, providing medical students with a better understanding of the clinical practice of pathology. Students were invited to tour the UMC-NO pathology laboratory and spend time with the residents. SIPS also hosted several hands-on experiences to introduce students to specimen grossing and fine needle aspiration. SIPS gave back to the community by organizing four schoolwide blood drives and assisting with organ demonstrations for visiting high school students.
SIPS was awarded two grants to benefit the SIPS Foundation Fund, which enables them to continue offering these beneficial experiences for medical students in the coming year. The group was awarded a $500 Medical Student Interest Group grant from the Intersociety Council for Pathology Information, and SIPS President, Tanner Hoole, was awarded the 2026 CAP Foundation Sparking Interest in Pathology Award for his project initiative to expand hands-on opportunities for medical students by offering introductory grossing and FNA demonstrations. SIPS’ successes over this past year are attributable to the work and planning by SIPS officers President Tanner Hoole, Vice President Chloe Schrader, and Secretary Elizabeth Carey, as well as the Faculty Advisor, Dr. Ellen Connor, and the Resident Liaisons, Drs. Angelle Jolly and Andria Chada.
Pediatrics
Fourth-year medical students participated in a two-day “Intern Boot Camp” to help
prepare for the transition into residency training. Students took part in interactive
workshops and hands-on procedural training focused on essential clinical skills they
will use during intern year. Workshop sessions covered practical topics such as “How
to Call a Consult,” “Order Entry,” and “Sick or Not Sick,” giving students valuable
insight into day-to-day patient care and clinical decision-making. Students also received
hands-on experience performing lumbar punctures, suturing, point-of-care ultrasound
(POCUS), and splinting techniques. The boot camp provided graduating students with
confidence, refined clinical skills, and preparation for the next step in their medical
careers.
Physiology
The NIH/NIAAA-sponsored T35 Medical Student Alcohol Research Internship, now in its
13th year, welcomed seven exceptional LSU Health School of Medicine students into
alcohol research laboratories this summer: Ayla Allen (Maiya Lab), Shelby Disorbo (Gilpin Lab), Hannah El Kholy (Salling Lab), Emmanuel Levy (Edwards Lab), Rachel Lonergan (Simon Lab), Haley Marchese (Gardner Lab), and Sarah Velarde (Siggins Lab). The T35 program is Directed by Drs. Patricia Molina and Scott Edwards.
The experience equips medical students with advanced research and communication skills
in preparation for future placement in the School of Medicine Honors Research Program
and highly competitive residency positions. This summer experience has led to some
medical students pursuing a combined MD/PhD, entering through an alternative pathway.