Seventh Medical Education Research and Innovation Conference set for Oct. 27 – School of Medicine News

The Wayne State University School of Medicine’s seventh annual Medical Education Research and Innovation Conference on Oct. 27 will feature a keynote address on the topic “Unreal Became Real: A Story of How WSU Pioneered AI Enhanced Mixed Reality Technology.”

The conference, which will take place from noon to 4:45 p.m. in three Wayne State University School of Medicine locations, showcases medical education research and innovation projects conducted by students, residents, staff and faculty.

Medical Education Research and Innovation topics encompass the study of the learning process within medical education, including learner characteristics, optimizing learning methods, assessment and evaluation, professional development, instructional design, the role of technology, well-being and innovative curricula addressing current challenges in the field.

The keynote speaker is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences Arash Javanbakht, M.D., founding director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic, or STARC, at the School of Medicine.

STARC is a national leader in the utilization of patented artificial intelligence and augmented reality and telemedicine technologies for treatment for anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Dr. Javanbakht is also nationally known for his clinical and research work on anxiety, trauma and PTSD. He is heavily involved in treatment of civilians, refugees and first responders with PTSD. 

He also researches biological and psychological factors of risk and resilience among refugee children and adults. The work is funded by an R01 award from the National Institutes of Health and examines epigenetic, autonomic, parenting and environmental elements of trauma impact. STARC also uses art, dance and movement, and yoga and mindfulness in helping refugee families overcome stress. His work in treatment and research of trauma among first responders is funded by the State of Michigan.

This year’s conference will also feature:

• More than 80 posters across themes including curriculum and assessment, professionalism and communication, global health, wellness and resilience, technology and artificial intelligence, specialty training and career development, and research literacy and community engagement.
• More than 25 oral presentations on topics spanning the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 preparation, research and scholarship, professionalism and cultural competency, wellness and mentorship, and clinical and skills training.

Aimed at first-time research participants, the conference will feature topics that are both timely and highly relevant to medical education and the broader educational community. Recognition and awards will be given for the best-in-class presentations.

Conference agenda:

Noon – 1 p.m. | Keynote speaker (Margherio Family Conference Center)

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1:15 – 2:30 p.m. | Poster presentations (Scott Hall Cafeteria)

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2:45 – 3:45 p.m. | Oral presentations (Mazurek Classrooms)

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4:15 – 4:45 p.m. | Awards ceremony and afterglow (Margherio Family Conference Center)

Registration is now open. Please RSVP here. For more details, visit the MERI website: www.mericonference.org For additional questions, email Robbie Duve at [email protected].