Andrew Jamroz (IMP Class of 2021) has won first place in the original research category of the Medical Student Research Contest for the upcoming Canadian Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (CAPM&R) Annual Scientific Meeting with this abstract abstract “Prednisone for acute complex regional pain syndrome: A retrospective case series.”
“We are proud of Andrew’s accomplishment. Having his work recognized by a national organization like the CAPM&R is a testament to Andrew’s work ethic and dedication to his studies at the IMP,” says Dr. Bruce Wright, Regional Associate Dean, Vancouver Island, Faculty of Medicine.
Andrew Jamroz (IMP Class of 2021)
Andrew’s research focused on using prednisone to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition that can present itself as a swollen and discoloured limb with limited mobility and sensory symptoms. Left untreated, CRPS can progress to permanent disability, severe pain, or amputation.
After analyzing the results of their research, Andrew and his team found most patients saw complete or partial pain reduction. Almost all cases of swelling, sensory, and vasomotor symptoms disappeared too.
“The optimal treatment approach for CRPS continues to be debated,” Andrew says. “These findings may be important for patients with acute CRPS as prednisone appears to be a disease modifying treatment. This project justifies a prospective study to confirm these results.”
Andrew took on this research as part of his FLEX project. “FLEX has provided me the opportunity and time to engage with this project,” he says. “I started the retrospective case series in the first cycle of FLEX back in first year. As I started the project from the beginning, I was able to design the research approach. My supervisor, Dr. [Paul] Winston, supported me throughout the entire process.”
“It would have been impossible for me to make this project work without the extraordinary time Andrew put into it,” says Dr. Winston. “His attention to detail criticisms and command of the literature never ceased to impress.”
Andrew will present his work at the annual CAPM&R meeting, which takes place on May 29 – June 1 in Gatineau-Ottawa. Three weeks before, he will present a poster at the International Congress on Neuropathic Pain in London, United Kingdom.