Research

Meritus Health, Inc

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine | Meritus Medical Center | Meritus Medical Practices | John R Marsh Cancer Center | Brook Lane

Research activities at Meritus encompass a broad and integrated portfolio that advances science, education, and community well-being. Community health research initiatives address local and regional health priorities, focusing on health equity and the social determinants of health (SDOH) that influence outcomes in Washington County and beyond. Biomedical and basic science discovery efforts are building the foundation for future clinical and translational applications that bridge bench to bedside. Meritus also supports a growing portfolio of sponsored clinical research trials that bring cutting-edge diagnostics and innovations to patients, strengthening access to advanced care within the local community. Health education research examines effective teaching strategies, precision education, and learner development across the medical continuum, while evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement (QI) projects are embedded within the healthcare system to improve patient care, enhance safety, and promote data-driven decision-making. Collectively, these diverse research domains reflect Meritus’ commitment to improving health through discovery, collaboration, and continuous learning.

For more information about research at Meritus: Reseach@msom.org

For Individuals Considering Participating in a Research Study

Deciding whether to be a part of a research study, especially a clinical trial, may be worrisome and a difficult decision. The answer will not be the same for everyone.

Most people are concerned about taking part in a research study or a clinical trial because they're not sure what it will mean for them. Get as much information as you need to make the choice that's right for you. Each research study or clinical trial has benefits and risks. Before deciding to be in one, you need to have all your questions answered. Make a list of questions, take notes, or even have a family member or friend with you to help remember the answers and think of other questions. Some questions may not have clear answers as each person's situation is different.

HERE ARE A FEW QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER, BUT THESE ARE NOT THE ONLY QUESTIONS TO ASK.

• Why do I want to take part in a clinical trial?
• What are my goals, and how realistic are they?
• Do I have all the information I need to make an informed decision?
• Have I weighed the benefits against the risks?
• Who will have my personal and medical information?
• How much will this cost me?
• What is my doctor's opinion about my future if I decide to take part (or not) in this clinical trial?
• Have I looked at my other options?

Research addresses health issues worldwide. Over the decades research has successfully eradicated various diseases such as Polio, Measles, Mumps & Rubella, and Smallpox to name a few. Scientists are still working on eradicating Malaria, Trachoma, and COVID-19 among others.

Meritus Health not only provides these opportunities close to home but we are also committed to protecting the people in our community who are participating in research through our Institutional Review Board (IRB). The main responsibility of the IRB is to protect the rights and welfare of research participants.

For researcher/physician use only

Meritus Health, Inc Institutional Review Board Information

The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM), Meritus Medical Center, Meritus Medical Practices, John R Marsh Cancer Center, and Brook Lane, are committed to providing the best comprehensive care for our community, including research. It is the responsibility of every researcher to ensure that formal IRB approval is obtained before initiating contact with human subjects in any research project.

If you have any questions or would like assistance, contact the Office of Human Subjects Protection at IRB@msom.org.

• Tues., Wed. & Thurs 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
• IRB meetings are held on the second  Wednesday of the month.
• Office for Human Subjects Protection is located at MSOM, 11120 Health Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742

Looking to submit an IRB protocol? - please email IRB@msom.org for information on how to get started

Research Articles, Publications & Scholarly Works

Smith, Maia ; Iyer, Sudhanvan; Clark, Delaney E.S.; Warren, Simon; McKinnon, Brian. Estrogen Exposure is Associated With Reduced Otosclerosis Risk in Obesity and Hormone Therapy. Otology & Neurotology Open 6(1):p e083, March 2026.  DOI: 10.1097/ONO.0000000000000083 Otology & Neurotology Open

Africa RE, McKinnon BJ, Pine HS, Hajiyev Y, Hughes CA, Hardison SA. Association of Adult Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Pediatric Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy. Laryngoscope. 2026 Feb 18. doi: 10.1002/lary.70451. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41709090. Association of Adult Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Pediatric Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy - Africa - The Laryngoscope - Wiley Online Library
 
Africa RE, Hardison SA, Maldonado-Chapa F, McKinnon BJ. Comprehensive big database analysis of outcomes and complications of combination endoscopic sinus surgery and septorhinoplasty. Am J Otolaryngol. 2026 Jan 22;47(2):104795. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2026.104795. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41592423. Comprehensive big database analysis of outcomes and complications of combination endoscopic sinus surgery and septorhinoplasty - ScienceDirect
 
Africa RE, McKinnon BJ, Hughes CA, Hardison SA. Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Autoimmune Diseases: A Comprehensive Large Population-Based Analysis. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2025 Dec 30;11(1):e70340. doi: 10.1002/lio2.70340. PMID: 41477026; PMCID: PMC12750445. Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Autoimmune Diseases: A Comprehensive Large Population‐Based Analysis - PMC
 
Africa RE, Ali SR, Clark D, McKinnon BJ, Hughes CA, Janz TA, Siddiqui F, Hardison SA. Septoplasty opioid prescription trends following the publication of opioid prescribing clinical practice guidelines. Am J Otolaryngol. 2026 Jan- Feb;47(1):104755. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2025.104755. Epub 2025 Dec 1. PMID: 41343958. Septoplasty opioid prescription trends following the publication of opioid prescribing clinical practice guidelines - ScienceDirect

Africa RE, Dunmire AM, Ali SR, McKinnon BJ, Hughes CA, Janz TA, Siddiqui F, Hardison SA. Examination of opioid prescribing guidelines on sinus surgery opioid prescription trends. Am J Otolaryngol. 2025 Nov-Dec;46(6):104747. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2025.104747. Epub 2025 Oct 21. PMID: 41135291. Examination of opioid prescribing guidelines on sinus surgery opioid prescription trends - ScienceDirect
 
Tan W, Rossi N, Nixon-Hemelt O, Quinlan B, Young D, McKinnon B. Social media analysis of Meniere's disease: Insights and challenges for otolaryngologists. J Vestib Res. 2025 Oct 22:9574271251392049. doi: 10.1177/09574271251392049. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41124383. Social media analysis of Meniere’s disease: Insights and challenges for otolaryngologists - Wilhelmina Tan, Nicholas Rossi, Olivia Nixon-Hemelt, Brian Quinlan, Dayton Young, Brian McKinnon, 2025

Piperno S, Burgess ZS, McKinnon BJ, Hajiyev Y, Hughes CA, Pine HS. Postoperative antibiotic ear drops in pediatric tympanostomy tubes: applying statement 13 of the 2022 clinical practice guidelines. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Nov;198:112594. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2025.112594. Epub 2025 Oct 8. PMID: 41109075. Postoperative antibiotic ear drops in pediatric tympanostomy tubes: applying statement 13 of the 2022 clinical practice guidelines - ScienceDirect

Vashist A, Manickam P, Karuppaiah G, Perez Alvarez G, Andion Camargo V, Bhunia S, Kolishetti N, Raymond AD, Yndart Arias A, Vashist A, Atluri V, Runowicz CD, Nair M. Recent advances in diagnostic strategies and nanotechnology-based therapies for ovarian cancer treatment. ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2025; published online September 2025.

Viri F, Wafa R, Cummings K, Crasta M. From manipulation to modulation: evaluating the effect of osteopathic rib raising technique on cardiac autonomic activity through QT interval and heart rate variability analysis. Cardiol Cardiovasc Med. 2025; published online August 2025.

Miller A, Gustin D, Wilson J, Johns J, Burch J, Fotopoulos T, Garg R, Vasauskas A. Autonomic rehabilitation: vagal and sympathetic impacts of modified occipitomastoid suture V-spread. PM R. 2025; published online March 2025.

Kadavakollu S, George A, Atluri V, Gregory P. How to prepare for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the USA Level 2-Cognitive Evaluation (COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE). Int J Osteopath Med. 2025; published online March 2025.

Hoffmann K, Wojczewski S, Rumpler N, George AE, Boeckxtaens P. Giving patients a voice for healthcare reform in Austria: the qualitative voice-study. Fam Pract. 2024. doi:10.1093/fampra/cmae031. PMID:38795059; PMCID:PMC11461150.

Bonatti H, Frushour C, George AE. Vitamin C and thiamin deficiencies in patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic gastric band removal. Am Surg. 2024;90(8):2132-2134. doi:10.1177/00031348241244630. PMID:38567434.

Karunarante J, Gona S, George AE, Bonatti H. Acute cholecystitis due to Lactococcus lactis and single-center experience with infections due to Lactococcus spp. Surg Infect. 2024;25(4):332-334. doi:10.1089/sur.2024.042. PMID:38696668.

Maryland EDDS Bulletin

Project to Publication - A Writing Mentorship Program 

Treatment of Factor-Xa Inhibitor-associated Bleeding with Andexanet Alfa or 4 Factor PCC: A
Multicenter Feasibility Retrospective Study

FEATURED IN: Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health

FAILURE OF CURRENT DIGOXIN MONITORING FOR TOXICITY: NEW MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAINTAIN THERAPEUTIC LEVELS FOR EFFICACY

FRICTIONLESS ACCESS LEADS TO REDUCED DISPARITIES IN CARE: A CASE STUDY OF A REGIONAL DRIVE-THROUGH COVID-19 TESTING CENTER

IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED PATIENT EDUCATION STOPLIGHT TOOL TO REDUCE CANCER TREATMENT-INDUCED DIARRHEA IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED PATIENT EDUCATION STOPLIGHT TOOL TO REDUCE CANCER TREATMENT-INDUCED DIARRHEA

REDISCOVERING MY ROOTS: LESSONS FROM A COVID-19 UNIT

FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH, IT’S TIME TO MOVE FROM ASSESSMENT TO IMPROVEMENT

INNOVATIONS IN CARE DELIVERY

NURSE LEADERS AND STAFF AS PARTNERS TO MANAGE GRIEF AND BUILD RESILIENCY DURING COVID-19