The Health of AI in the Medical Field

Robert Wetz, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Computer Science

My thesis concerned the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the medical field. I decided to choose writing a thesis for my capstone as it is something I had never done before, and I believed that I would be able to cover my topic in depth.

Upon starting my thesis, I was completely lost on where to begin. I knew what I wanted to write about and had done some research already, but starting it had proven to be the most difficult part. It was not until I met with my mentor that I was steered in the right direction and had a path to follow.

With that guidance, I began my thesis and made some headway. However, having never written a thesis before, I was unaware of all the different aspects there were in comparison to that of a college paper, something that I was very familiar with at that point in my college career. The most notable difference was how references were handled and how much they were emphasized in a thesis. Although it slowed my progress down a bit, it added a level of professionality that I had never considered outside of the references that I used to in college papers.

During this process, I also learned about the resources available through the CSI database and how expansive it is, encompassing a large number of topics. The final and most important part that I discovered when working on my capstone was simply the dedication it takes to complete. When starting out, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of content I would have to write about and I had no idea if I would even be able to complete something of this size. However, along with my mentor’s assistance, I was able to keep at it and took it piece by piece and soon enough the end was in sight. 

Something I was unprepared for in this process was how rewarding it would feel to complete it. Being able to go from nothing at all to something tangible and be a part of that process left me feeling accomplished in what I have done. Although my thesis is completed, there is room for future developments.

My thesis discusses various aspects of AI in healthcare, including its work in the field of cancer, radiology, and drug discovery. However, that only scratches the surface that AI has made within such a vast field. If I were to continue this research, different applications of AI in the medical field could be discussed or even new innovations that have come out since completing my thesis. 

Overall, I am grateful to have completed this capstone because I learned not only about AI’s impact in the field of medicine, but I also learned a lot about myself in the process.

Christina Testa, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Nursing

My capstone journey focused on strategies that healthcare teams could implement to promote HPV and cervical cancer screenings in lesbian and bisexual women. It has been a rewarding experience that has allowed me to uncover the pressing need for tailored healthcare initiatives for this patient population.

Learning about vulnerable populations such as the LGBTQ+ community in nursing classes has always felt limited and generalized, and sparked my interest in delving more into this topic. Having the privilege of working alongside my mentor Dr. Marianne Jeffreys for over two semesters, I learned so much about this population and myself as well, as an LGBTQ+ individual, that I will carry on with me throughout the rest of my nursing career.

Navigating through the literature has uncovered promising initiatives for promoting screenings in lesbian and bisexual women under the domains of clinical practice, health care provider education, patient education, administration and policy, and research. Not only has reviewing the literature expanded my knowledge of healthcare disparities, but it has instilled a sense of purpose and responsibility.

This project represents a culmination of hard, diligent work that has taught me how to communicate effectively with others and manage my time, which are important aspects of nursing care. In addition to taking classes, completing this project has been challenging, but through communication with Dr. Jeffreys, we were able to create a timeline that best fit my schedule while still remaining actively dedicated to it.

If I were to pursue further development of this project, I’d love to gather real accounts from LGBTQ+ patients about their healthcare experiences and any barriers they are currently facing.

One thing I would say about working on the project is that it did not feel like a chore. I take pride in what I’ve uncovered and accomplished now that it is complete, and have learned what it feels like to be involved in something that fulfills such a glorious sense of purpose. I was not working on my capstone to complete a requirement; I was compelled to gain empathy, compassion, and confidence when caring for and interacting with LGBTQ+ patients, so that I am better able to promote a sense of comfort and acceptance for them in the healthcare field. The insights gained have paved the way for personal growth in my life, strengthening my desire to work with a wide array of women in the future as a labor and delivery nurse.

Achievement of a goal takes commitment, which is something I accomplished while working on my project. With this experience of commitment, I now realize I can achieve any goal in nursing by putting my all into it. As I begin the next chapter of my professional journey, I will carry with me these lessons learned, relationships fostered, and a commitment to championing health equity for all through advocacy and inclusivity in my nursing care.

 

Asian American Representation in the Healthcare System

 Rommel Martin, Verrazzano Class of 2021, completed major in Nursing 

As a Filipino kid growing up in New York, I thought of myself as different from others. At home, my family spoke a completely different language from English, ate traditional Filipino food, and followed Filipino customs and traditions that seemed out of the ordinary to me at the time. However as I got older, I began to embrace my Filipino identity and accept all of the customs that came with it. I am proud to be a Filipino-American.

Living in the United States, I realize how difficult life can be for Asian American families. The U.S health care system is difficult to navigate, especially for those who cannot effectively communicate. Due to my family’s inexperience with English, they have had issues of communication with health care providers. Because of this most health care experiences for my family have been negative.

One of my biggest inspirations to become a nurse is my uncle. In his teenage years, my uncle and the rest of my family moved to the United States from the Philippines. Through stories told by my family, they have experienced hardships associated with work and health care. When my uncle decided to go to nursing school, he quickly learned about the health care industry, which made it easier for my family.

For my Capstone project, I wanted to highlight the unique experiences of Asian Americans, specifically in the health care sector. Prior to beginning this project, I never thought about the need for research in Asian Americans and their health experiences. I learned that they are under-represented in the United States, despite being one of the fastest, growing populations. There is a lot of action and research to yet be done, such as calling for under-represented populations to participate in clinical trial and research projects. This will allow for health-care professionals to expand their knowledge and improve nursing and medical care for these populations. If I were to continue to pursue this research, I would interview my Asian patients and create a patient satisfactory survey specialized towards them. The survey would include aspects of culturally competent care and health literacy. Overall, as an Asian registered professional nurse, I want to become an advocate for underrepresented populations in the United States, beyond the Asian population.