RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article is to describe the design and implementation of a multimodal, student-driven, sex- and gender-based women's health (SGBWH) elective with a curricular focus on patient and legislative advocacy. In this single arm, pre/post design, interventional study, we detail and evaluate the use of social media, newsletters, and round-table discussions in conjunction with a traditional lecture-based educational format to engage medical students in a virtual learning environment. METHODS: We developed a 22-week SGBWH curriculum for pre-clinical and clinical medical students, which included a series of lectures on multi-specialty and gender-inclusive topics related to SGBWH, small group discussions with community leaders and legislators involved in women's health advocacy, and other self-directed resources such as social media, a website, and digital newsletters. Students were surveyed before and after completing the curriculum to assess for increases in self-reported confidence in advocating for their female and gender minority patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: One hundred and one students completed the anonymous pre- and post-elective surveys. There was statistically significant improvement in 8 of the 12 self-reported confidence measures. Eight (8%) participants identified their sex as male. Fifty-five (55%) participants stated future interest in primary care specialties (Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatrics). Our curriculum improved medical students' self-reported confidence in advocating for their female and gender minority patients when controlling for sex and specialty interest of participants. The success of our multimodal approach demonstrates the value in incorporating resources such as social media as tools for education and advocacy in the evolving landscape of medical education.
RESUMEN
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic fungal disease caused by the dimorphic Paracoccidioides species endemic to South America. Infection classically presents with pulmonary, mucosal, or reticuloendothelial involvement, though other organs can be involved. Central nervous system involvement is rare, and almost universally reported within the endemic area for the fungus. We present a 60-year-old Brazilian male who complained of occipital headache, ataxia, dysmetria, and dysarthria for two months, diagnosed with neuroparacoccidioidomycosis in Houston, Texas. The patient had a cerebellar mass and a left pulmonary spiculated apical mass suspicious for a lung metastatic malignancy and a preliminary histological report consistent with invasive cryptococcosis. The patient's work and travel history were paramount in achieving the final diagnosis.