NEWS
Marshall University Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine
Marshall University Researcher Secures NIH Grant to Study Synthetic Coolants and Nicotine Addiction
Brandon Henderson , PhD , associate professor of biomedical sciences at the Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine , has been awarded a Research Project grant ( R01 ), one of the most competitive grants issued by the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ), to study the impact of synthetic coolants in vaping products . The 5-year , $ 1.85 million grant seeks to address critical gaps in understanding nicotine addiction . As bans on menthol in nicotine-containing products are implemented , synthetic coolants — some with chemical structures similar to menthol — are increasingly being used , raising public health concerns . Henderson ’ s research will focus on determining how synthetic coolants impact nicotine ’ s abuse potential and their role in addiction-related behaviors , particularly among adolescents .
“ By incorporating the same electronic nicotine delivery systems and e-liquids commonly used by adolescent vapers , this study will ensure high translational relevance to real-world public health concerns ,” Henderson said .
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States , yet it is highly preventable . The Skin Smart Campus initiative aims to encourage universities to adopt policies and practices that protect students , faculty , and staff from the dangers of skin cancer . This designation requires the institution to meet specific criteria , such as prohibiting the use of indoor tanning devices on campus and promoting education about sun safety and skin cancer prevention .
Image : Rebecca Hicks
Marshall Health Network Neurosurgeon Marks 100th Surgery for SI Joint Dysfunction
Nicolas Phan , MD , has achieved the significant milestone of successfully performing his 100th surgery to treat sacroiliac ( SI ) joint dysfunction using SI-BONE ’ s iFuse Implant System . The SI-BONE procedure is a minimally invasive surgical solution designed to alleviate chronic pain in the SI joint which is a common yet often overlooked cause of lower back pain . Patients undergoing the SI-BONE procedure benefit from reduced pain , improved mobility and quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods .
“ This achievement underscores our commitment to provide leading-edge care for our patients ,” said Phan , an associate professor and chair of neurosurgery at the Marshall University Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine .
This is Henderson ’ s second R01 grant award since joining Marshall ’ s faculty in 2017 .
Image : Brandon Henderson , PhD
Marshall Medical Student Champions Effort to Achieve Skin Smart Campus Designation
The Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine has been named a platinum-level Skin Smart Campus by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention , a recognition of the university ’ s commitment to promoting skin cancer prevention and UV safety education . This achievement comes as a result of efforts led by Rebecca Hicks , a third-year medical student at the Joan C . Edwards School of Medicine whose dedication and advocacy played a pivotal role in securing the designation .
Image : Marshall Health Network neurosurgeon Nicolas Phan , MD , ( right ) and his OR team after performing his 100th surgery to treat sacroiliac ( SI ) joint dysfunction using SI-BONE ’ s iFuse Implant System .
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