Artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into several fields worldwide due to its impressive capabilities in completing tasks, sometimes autonomously. Research by several groups worldwide has shown that AI could similarly be incorporated into clinical practice. Convolutional neural network (CNN) models have an inherent capability of recognising and classifying patterns, allowing them to be used in imaging and other diagnostic techniques in various clinical specialities. With some AI systems already in use, it is anticipated that several other AI models will come into clinical practice in the coming years to improve healthcare and patient outcomes. Hence, it is paramount that current medical students and practising doctors keep up with these recent advances in AI to provide the best standard of care for patients. This narrative review explores the basis of deep learning CNN models and summarises extensive literature to provide an overview of some of the recent applications of CNN models to various clinical specialities in medicine and surgery.

Women in Medicine (WIM) interest groups can provide collaboration and support for the professional development of women as they navigate the gender inequities that persist in the healthcare workplace. This narrative review assesses successful methods used by multiple institutions to form groups and toolkits catered to women's empowerment. Medical career education was stratified into three levels: Pre-Medical, Graduate, and Post-graduate Medical Education. A keyword literature search on peer-reviewed platforms including Google Scholar, PubMed, OVID, EBSCO, and gray literature (i.e. medical societies toolkits) was used to identify applicable articles. We aimed to develop a toolkit derived from literature findings consisting of a list of ten steps for creating and maintaining a successful WIM group based on successful measures reported in the literature. Twenty-three studies were selected after screening using the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). Data extraction was conducted systematically by three researchers who independently reviewed and documented key information from selected studies. Our analysis identified common success factors across all educational levels, including mentorship, adequate resources, administrative support, networking opportunities, and safe spaces as critical elements for women's career advancement in medicine. Based on these findings, we developed a comprehensive ten-step toolkit for institutions seeking to establish or improve their WIM groups. These implications extend beyond individual career advancement to institutional transformation and patient care improvement. Future research should focus on longitudinal outcome measures to evaluate the long-term impact of these interventions on career trajectories, leadership representation, and organizational climate change.

Background Tobacco use is the largest and most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. Though cessation counseling is an effective treatment, its priority is lowered in overcrowded medical curriculums, reducing students’ confidence in clinical counseling. Self-directed e-modules help with didactic lectures and could be used to teach nicotine cessation practices. This study evaluated an interactive self-direct module on students’ knowledge acquisition and confidence in nicotine use disorder management. Methods This pre-post interventional study had 155 medical students complete the module between January and December 2022. Students were given knowledge-based pre- and post-module tests, and later a post-module survey to evaluate their learning experience and comfort with nicotine use disorder management. Paired differences between pre- and post-module tests were assessed for the overall- and question-specific scores. The survey data was qualitatively analyzed. Results The module significantly improved students' overall test scores with a mean difference of 13.4 (IQR: 10.5-16.3) between the pre- and post-module tests. There was a significant increase in understanding of electronic nicotine devices' role in smoking cessation (difference: 29.7; IQR: 21.2-38.2), evidence-based pharmacology therapy (difference:15.5; IQR: 9.2-21.8), and combination treatment plans (difference: 16.1; IQR: 8.8-16.1). Topics related to diagnosis and the harms of electronic nicotine devices showed no significant change. Additionally, students self-reported a significant improvement in comfort with nicotine use disorder management (difference: 0.75; IQR: 0.58-0.93). Finally, most students (53%) did not have concerns about learning from the module. Conclusion Medical students developed knowledge of and confidence in nicotine use disorder management with this interactive self-directed e-module.

Background: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians are among those most affected by burnout. Following the 2017 Revision of ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) Requirements, programs and institutions were encouraged to emphasize physician well-being and recognition and strategies to mitigate burnout. As an at-risk specialty, we desired to develop and implement a facilitated resilience curriculum for Resident Physicians (RPs). Methods: Resilience Series workshop curriculum was put into action during the 2018-2019 academic year at a Rehabilitation Hospital. The leader of each workshop previously underwent formal resilience training in integrative health coaching and organizational leadership. In part with all RP’s, a four-part workshop series was conducted using four guiding questions: (1) “Who am I and who are we?”, (2) “What contributes to resilience?”, (3) “What challenges our resilience?”, and (4) “How can we combat challenges to resilience?”. Pilot data on curriculum usability was collected via an End of Curriculum Assessment (ECA) administered to all RPs. Data did not require specific statistical analysis computation. Results: Key RP ECA themes highlighted that (1) RPs were highly engaged in the process, (2) all RPs reported the Resilience Curriculum was helpful, (3) strategies learned in times of stress were firmly adopted, (4) RPs endorsed increased comfort discussing personal struggles with peers and more control over work schedules. Conclusions: Our resilience curriculum is a pilot program that provides an example curriculum to address RP burnout in the workplace and can be used to meet ACGME residency program requirements.

Background: Insomnia, characterized by difficulties in initiating or maintaining sleep, significantly impacts general health and well-being. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of insomnia among Hispanic university staff at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to February 2024, involving 385 university employees. Participants completed an anonymous online survey collecting data on demographics, lifestyle habits, work-related factors, and sleep behaviors. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) assessed sleep quality and insomnia severity. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlations. Results: Of the 385 participants, 65.2% experienced insomnia. The mean PSQI score was 8.8±5, with 15.1% having severe sleep problems. The mean ISI score was 11.5±7, with 2.9% experiencing severe insomnia. Significant correlations were found between higher PSQI scores and job area, workload, ethnicity, use of insomnia medication, cigarette use, and number of lights in the sleeping environment. ISI scores correlated with workload, ethnicity, and alcohol consumption before sleep. Elevated workplace stress levels strongly correlated with increased insomnia severity. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of Hispanic university staff reported clinically significant insomnia. Key risk factors included job role, workload, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. Addressing these risk factors through targeted interventions is essential to improve sleep health and overall well-being among university staff.

Medical student research conferences are emerging as a critical platform to bridge the accessibility gap in early research training, foster collaboration, and enhance professional development. This editorial draws upon the experience of the International Journal of Medical Students (IJMS) in organizing the World Conference of Medical Student Research (WCMSR), an annual global, student-led virtual event. Research involvement is increasingly expected in residency applications, yet barriers such as perceived complexity, lack of mentorship, and limited opportunities hinder student engagement. The WCMSR offers a model for overcoming these challenges by providing medical students with roles as presenters, reviewers, organizers, and moderators, transforming conferences into experiential learning spaces. The article outlines essential components of planning, including defining conference vision and scope, forming a multidisciplinary organizing team, establishing transparent abstract review processes, and structuring programs that balance academic sessions with networking and wellness. Considerations for in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats are discussed, emphasizing inclusivity, affordability, and the logistical demands of each. Promotion strategies highlight the importance of social media, partnerships, and co-branding to maximize outreach. The editorial also stresses the role of clear evaluation criteria, awards, and post-conference dissemination to ensure fairness, recognition, and visibility of student research. Ultimately, student-led conferences like the WCMSR demonstrate how small-scale, well-structured initiatives can amplify medical student voices, build leadership and teamwork skills, and inspire future physician-scientists. By sharing these insights, the authors aim to provide a practical blueprint for peers worldwide to design similar conferences, advancing research accessibility and fostering a culture of global scholarly exchange.

In this Letter to the Editor, I respond to the article "A Cross-Sectional Institutional Survey of Depression, Suicidal Ideation, and Stigma in Medical Students" published in the IJMS. I appreciate how the authors have brought out the often-unspoken reality of mental health challenges within the medical student community. I discuss how medical school marks a significant turning point, not only in terms of academic rigor but also in the emotional and personal demands placed upon students. I call upon medical educators, administrators, and students to work together and create a more supportive and nurturing environment in medical education.

This experience-based narrative recounts the author’s return to medical school after a 31-year hiatus, highlighting the unique challenges and personal growth associated with completing a medical degree later in life. The aim of this reflection was to illustrate how nontraditional pathways can still lead to meaningful academic achievement and professional development. The author withdrew from medical school due to financial hardship and a family tragedy. Over the following decades, they built a successful global career in the pharmaceutical industry, eventually leading a professional organization dedicated to the Medical Science Liaison profession. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented opportunity to resume medical education through virtual instruction. At the age of 48, the author re-enrolled and began medical school from the beginning, all while continuing to manage their responsibilities as a Chief Executive Officer. The narrative follows the integration of academic demands with ongoing executive leadership, the emotional and intellectual challenges of returning to school at a later stage in life, and the insights gained from unique clinical rotations, including those at internationally recognized institutions. The story culminates in graduation at age 51 with top academic honors. This account aims to inspire readers by demonstrating that persistence, adaptability, and discipline can overcome nontraditional barriers to completing a medical degree.

Background: Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS) is a rare inflammatory disorder presenting with painful ophthalmoplegia due to granulomatous involvement of the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure. Though autoimmune diseases such as systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus (SLE/DLE) are known to overlap with other disorders, their association with THS remains poorly documented. DLE, a chronic photosensitive condition with scarring skin lesions, is particularly rare in conjunction with THS. This report explores a case of THS associated with DLE, highlighting diagnostic complexities and therapeutic strategies. Case: A 54-year-old woman presented with right-sided headache, diplopia, and ocular pain. Examination revealed right third cranial nerve palsy, hyperpigmented macular lesions, and alopecia areata. Imaging demonstrated cavernous sinus inflammation, and laboratory findings included elevated ESR, positive dsDNA titers, and a homogeneous immunofluorescence pattern. A biopsy confirmed DLE, aligning with clinical and imaging findings of THS. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, resulting in sustained symptom resolution with no relapse during follow-up. Conclusion: This case underscores the need to consider autoimmune conditions like DLE in patients with THS, suggesting a possible shared autoimmune mechanism. Early recognition and timely initiation of immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil were key to achieving remission, supporting their use as first-line treatment. This report adds to the limited literature on DLE-associated THS and highlights the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluation and long-term follow-up to monitor progression and prevent recurrence. Additional reports are needed to improve understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical features, and optimal management of these rare coexisting conditions.

Background: Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is used to measure ovarian reserve and female fertility levels. Physical activity is thought to influence fertility and warrants further investigation, especially using objective measures. Methods: Using the All of Us Research Program dataset, the relationship between normal age-based decline in AMH and levels of physical activity were examined. Inclusion criteria were: ≥ 1 AMH test in electronic health record, AMH level < 7 ng/ml, and ≥ 30 days of valid Fitbit data within 1 year prior to AMH test. Final dataset included 24 participants. Results: Generalized linear regression models were fitted between log transformed AMH level and daily average activity intensity minutes (sedentary, lightly active, fairly active and very active) and daily step counts. Daily average of “very active” minutes showed a trend towards a positive effect on preventing the decline of AMH levels (B = 0.02 (95% CI 0-0.04), p = 0.136), though results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Despite its small sample size, this study is one of the first to report a positive correlation, approaching significance, between objectively measured physical activity and preserving AMH, suggesting that daily high intensity physical activity may extend ovarian reserve. Further studies, with large, diverse samples are needed to provide clearer numbers for optimal engagement in physical activity and AMH level for fertility.