Focusing on patients as people as well as the data of their lab tests and medical histories is the foundation of true patient care.

This advice, shared with USF Health’s newest medical students and their families at this year’s White Coat Ceremony, was offered by Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

“Patient care is not simply the endpoint of genetic sequences, lab tests or complex diagnostic and treatment algorithms,” Dr. Lockwood said. “It is also an appreciation that your patients are living, breathing people with hopes and dreams, fears, and anxieties, all of which are magnified when they are sick.”

The 182 students representing the Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2027 received their first white coats during the White Coat Ceremony held Sept. 5 at the Tampa Convention Center.  This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% of students identified as traditionally underrepresented in medicine, including 15% who are Black, one of the highest percentages among medical schools not affiliated with a historically Black college or university.

Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, USF Health executive vice president and Morsani College of Medicine dean.

Dr. Lockwood also thanked the students’ family and friends for their support of the students as well as donors to the event, who contributed more than $175,000 toward the Class of 2027 scholarship fund.  He called on the students to recognize that part of donning their white coats is making a commitment to pursuing a career of life-long learning.

“The physician’s life is a noble one,” Dr. Lockwood said. “But it’s not an easy one.  There will be times when you’re overwhelmed, when you’re frustrated, when you doubt your abilities. These challenges will never abate.  They will span your career.  But the passion and perseverance, grit, and determination that got you here today will see you through.  So keep your eyes on the higher purpose you serve.”

Peter Chang, MD, vice president of Healthcare Design for Tampa General Hospital

Peter Chang, MD, is vice president of Healthcare Design at Tampa General Hospital, MCOM’s primary teaching hospital and clinical partner as well as the primary sponsor of the White Coat Ceremony.  Dr. Chang, an MCOM Class of 2008 graduate, told the new students how he felt when he got his white coat and offered them some encouraging words.

“Today marks a momentous occasion in the beginning of your career as a physician, a day you will remember for the rest of your life — as I did mine. It’s hard to believe that I would be on this stage as a USF medical student 20 years ago,” said Dr. Chang. “I can’t wait to hear about the amazing future you guys will hold and the amazing things you will achieve.”

Ashley Mason, Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2024.

Ashley Mason, a Class of 2024 MCOM student, also spoke.

“This white coat represents a chance to meet people in their most vulnerable moments in life and take time to offer compassion and empathy,” she said. “Importantly, this compassion and empathy occurs not just when in clinic, but with every interaction you have during your lifelong career in medicine.”

Students selected Jennifer Costa, MD, assistant professor of Family Medicine, for the second consecutive year as the faculty member they wanted to address the class. Dr. Costa explained the importance of giving back to their communities throughout their medical careers.

“Your white coat is your portal to humanity and yet also it is a call to action.  We ask that while you’re wearing it, you bear witness to the human experience,” Dr. Costa said. “We chose you to be here because you have proven to be the type of person that does not back down when faced with adversity.  We ask that with your white coat on, you be the type of person who fights for those who can’t fight for themselves.”

Following Dr. Costa’s remarks, students came up in groups to have their first white coats placed on their shoulders by the physician educators who will help guide them during medical school.

Bryan Bognar, MD, MPH, FACP, vice dean of Educational Affairs and chair of the MCOM Department of Medical Education, led the students as they recited the Oath of Commitment, dedicating themselves to a career of life-long learning, community service and patient care.

The memorable evening ended with families and friends congratulating the newest medical students and commemorating the occasion with hugs, happy tears and pictures with the students wearing their new white coats.

Class Profile:

182 Students: 126 Core, 56 SELECT

Median GPA: 3.91

Median MCAT: 518

52% Male, 48% Female

23% Under-represented in medicine

Residency: 47% Florida, 53% Out of State

More photos from the event:

Story by Freddie Coleman.  Photos by Ryan Rossy and Freddie Coleman

From Dr. Kira Zwygart, associate dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Office of Student Affairs regarding the Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony:

Dear class of 2027,

I just want to let you know that given the timing of hurricane Idalia and its projected path, the location of the Convention Center on the water, as well as the closure of the Tampa airport, we will need to move the date of the White Coat Ceremony.

The Convention Center has given us a couple of alternate dates based on availability for the next few months, ranging from next week to early October. We are actively exploring all options and taking into account your academic calendar along with major events scheduled for the downtown Tampa area.

We anticipate making a determination within the next 24 hour as we continue to work closely with University leadership and the Convention Center to make the best decision possible. 

We notify you as soon as a decision is made.

Dr. Zwygart

Researchers at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine were awarded $5.6 million of expected funds for a 4-year study from the U.S. Department of Defense to examine why many people with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) go on to also develop heart disease, a major cause of death for those with FA.

Principal investigator for the USF study is Thomas McDonald, MD, professor in the Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Cardiology) and the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. Dr. McDonald is also a researcher in the USF Health Heart Institute and director of the USF Health Cardiogenetics Clinic.

“We still don’t have a full understanding of the genetic mutation for Friedrich’s ataxia to determine why so many patients go on to get heart disease – we need to know,” Dr. McDonald said. “The physiology is not well characterized. This study will help us gain a better understanding of the basic mechanisms of the gene that carries FA, and help identify clinical predictors of the FA-associated heart disease.”

The new study dovetails with current work taking place in Dr. McDonald’s lab, including an R56 grant from the National Institutes of Health, which focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of LMNA-associated heart disease passed from one generation to the next — and what can be done to help prevent disease and its consequences.

This FA-heart disease study will follow FA patients and their parents over four years, and will involve careful clinical monitoring of heart health, examination of biomarkers, whole genome sequencing, stem cell modeling of heart tissue, and mitochondrial function studies.

From left, Dr. Kami Kim, Dr. Aarti Patel, Dr. Thomas McDonald, and Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz. Not pictured is Sami Noujaim, PhD.

Spearheading the work in the DoD study is a multidisciplinary team of USF Health experts representing cardiology, genetics, neurology, molecular pharmacology, cardiac electrophysiology and predictive modeling. The diverse expertise will help distinguish the clinical, genetic, and biological factors that contribute to cardiac disease in FA patients. Data from FA families and basic science models will be integrated with clinical data to identify unique factors in the heart that influence the cardiac phenotype and separate cardiac-specific traits from those influencing the neurological phenotype.

“Study results could lead to tools used in patient care settings to identify those FA families most at risk for cardiomyopathy and allow for potential intervention and treatment that could help delay onset of the heart disease,” Dr. McDonald said.

The USF Health interdisciplinary team for the study includes:

• Thomas McDonald, MD: clinical cardiology, molecular pharmacology and cardiogenetics (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, MCOM)
• Aarti Patel, MD: neurocardiogenetics and cardiac imaging (Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, MCOM)
• Sami Noujaim, PhD: molecular pharmacology and cardiac electrophysiology (Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, MCOM)
• Kami Kim, MD: machine learning and clinical predictive modeling (Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, MCOM; Center for Global Health Infectious Diseases Research, COPH)
• Theresa Zesiewicz, MD, clinical neurology (Department of Neurology, MCOM)

Dr. Zesiewicz, professor in MCOM and director of the USF Health Ataxia Research Center, has specialized in clinical research and patient care for ataxias and other movement disorders’ for more than 20 years and is recognized as an international expert and leader in the field of hereditary ataxias. Her movement disorders clinic supports the evaluation of over 3,000 patients per year, likely the busiest in the world.

“Dr. Zesiewicz will play a vital role in recruiting research participant and in overseeing neurological assessments of patients as they are longitudinally followed in this study,” Dr. McDonald said.

The funding for the study came from the DoD through its Congressional Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), a section of DoD that funds novel approaches to biomedical research. Link: https://cdmrp.health.mil/

The team will begin recruiting study participants next month.

Photo by Ryan Rossy, USF Health Communications

Irene Davis, PhD, PT, FACSM, FAPTA, FASB, professor in the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, is trying to understand the intricate relationship between lower extremity mechanics and overuse injuries in runners. With a focus on transforming the way runners experience pain and preventing injury, Dr. Davis and her team are researching gait retraining for injury prevention. 

Subject crossing the force plate at a constant velocity to test the three-dimensional components of force being produced on their joints.

At the heart of their research is a force plate used at the center of an elongated runway. This allows individuals to simulate a complete running cycle, starting from acceleration, and crossing the force plate at a consistent velocity. The force plate captures not only vertical forces but also forces in all three dimensions, offering a clearer picture of the intricate nature of the forces exerted when landing. This three-dimensional analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of how alignment and mechanics contribute to the risk of injury.

Reflective markers attached to a subject’s body which supply data with a multi-dimensional perspective on joint movement. Essential for understanding the mechanics involved in running.

To access this data, the research team attaches reflective markers to the subjects’ bodies, which are then tracked by multiple cameras. These complex algorithms decipher the markers’ movements, enabling the researchers to see the angles at the ankle, knee, and hip joints. This approach supplies a multi-dimensional perspective on joint movement, essential for understanding the mechanics involved in running.

The integration of force plate data and marker tracking empowers the team to calculate joint loads and torques, giving a complete picture of the forces experienced by various joints during a runner’s gait cycle. This holistic approach enables Dr. Davis and her team to identify problematic mechanics and design interventions that could alleviate pain and reduce the risk of injury. 

By applying their findings, her team is pioneering an innovative approach to runner rehabilitation. Through a series of sessions involving real-time feedback and targeted practice, the research team has started receiving results. A notable example is a study focused on addressing knee pain, in which participants underwent a tailored gait retraining program. Participants experienced improvements in their alignment and mechanics, easing the persistent pain that they have dealt with for years. 

This groundbreaking research challenges the traditional notion that gait patterns are fixed and unalterable. By bridging the gap between scientific understanding and medical practice, Dr. Davis and her team have proven that gait retraining is not only possible but also effective in alleviating pain and preventing future injuries. The success of their interventions underscores the transformative potential of multidimensional biomechanical analysis in sports medicine. 

The researcher is analyzing data provided by the force plate.

In a field where innovation meets application, Dr. Davis and her team are revolutionizing the way we think about running mechanics and their impact on injuries. This has not only raised awareness but also instilled hope for countless runners who want to run free of pain. Dr. Davis hopes that science and medicine can work hand in hand to reshape runners’ lives.

“We hope our clinic and our research will offer injured runners a solution so they are able to continue to run pain-free,” Dr. Davis said. “We really have pioneered this idea of retraining gait patterns.”  

Story, photos, and video by Ryan Rossy.

The USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) is taking strides to expand its research efforts and contribute significantly to the improvement of patient care and the advancement in the movement sciences, particularly in physical therapy and athletic training. With a vision to make lives better, the school is focused on internal and external collaborations, securing grants, and conducting research that addresses critical questions using scientific methods. 

Guided and supported by the school’s leadership, SPTRS faculty are committed to increasing their research footprint by attracting new faculty members, obtaining additional grants, and generating research with widespread implications. They aim to create a significant impact on patients, their families, and society, said Dave Russ, PT, PhD, associate professor and assistant director of research at SPTRS.

“Our primary goal is to produce research that goes beyond mere accreditation requirements,” Dr. Russ said. “We aspire to explore real questions and apply strong scientific methods to address them.” 

USF Health’s strategic location in the growing Tampa Bay region plays a pivotal role in SPTRS research pursuits. The area’s diverse population mirrors that of the entire United States. This provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with clinical partners, local hospitals, and the community, which enables the school to produce research findings that are generalizable and applicable to the broader U.S. population. 

“Our presence in Tampa Bay allows us to work closely with our clinical partners and the community to tackle diverse research topics,” said Doug Haladay, PT, DPT, PhD, MHS, professor and director of the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences and associate dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “Despite the variations in subject matter, we share one common vision… to make lives better.” 

The research produced by SPTRS faculty benefits patients directly and contributes to the advancement of the physical therapy and athletic training professions. Not only does their research advance the professions, but they are able to bring that research into the classroom for their students to ensure they are being taught contemporary practices and evidence. The school prides itself on its ability to have a collaborative environment, where interdisciplinary partnerships with different departments and colleges strengthen potential research projects and grant applications. The athletic training faculty have a strong partnership with USF Health Sports Medicine and Athletics and are continually working to share research findings and collaborate on best practices to support our USF athletes and teams.

Furthermore, the school is proud of its ability to secure research funding from many sources, ranging from local foundations to nationally funded initiatives, including the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DOD). This diversified funding approach enables researchers to explore a wide array of topics and pursue programmatic research that can drive significant improvements in patient outcomes.

Research milestones at USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences: 

• Growth in Peer-Reviewed Publications: Over the last three years, the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences has experienced a substantial 76% increase in peer-reviewed publications.
   
• Engagement in Professional Presentations: The school’s faculty members actively participate in more than 32 professional presentations annually, sharing their research findings with the wider academic and healthcare communities both nationally and internationally.
   

• Surging Research Expenditures: The school has experienced an impressive 33% increase in research expenditures from 2019 to 2023.
   
• Funding from DOD and NIH: Several projects have been awarded funding from esteemed organizations such as the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  

As the USF Health School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences continues to expand its research endeavors, its focus on producing impactful, evidence-based research continues to contribute to the betterment of society striving for its vision of making lives better.

Story, photos, and video by Ryan Rossy.

The Esophageal String Test is a brand-new option, and USF Health is one of only three sites in the country offering it.

Racha Khalaf, MD, assistant professor and chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, is using a less invasive method to monitor a condition known as Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). The chronic disease is characterized by white blood cells called eosinophils infiltrating the esophagus and causing inflammation, which can lead to difficulty swallowing or food getting caught in the swallowing tube known as the esophagus.

“EoE patients have a migration of eosinophils to the esophagus, causing symptoms like vomiting and difficulty eating,” Dr. Khalaf said. “In children, it can even lead to difficulty with growth.”

Dr. Racha Khalaf.

Traditionally, after diagnosing the condition, physicians monitor EoE using a sedated procedure known as an endoscopy, in which the doctor snakes a tube containing a tiny camera down the patient’s throat to view the esophageal lining. The procedure requires anesthesia in children and can have risks including pain and discomfort. But Dr. Khalaf said she uses the Esophageal String Test, which provides her the information she needs to determine a treatment plan without the same level of discomfort and an improved risk profile.

The Esophageal String Test is a brand-new option, and USF Health is one of only three sites in the country offering it.

During the test, the patient swallows a small pill containing a flexible string. The end of the string is taped to the cheek and the string remains in place for one hour and collects esophageal secretions that are then examined for the presence of inflammation caused by eosinophils.

Esophageal String Test with capsule.

For 9-year-old Shark Smith, who has been diagnosed with EoE, the Esophageal String Test is a welcome alternative to regular endoscopies. “It’s better because I don’t have to get put under with anesthesia,” he said. “And it doesn’t take that long. It only takes an hour.”

Shark’s mother, Jennifer Smith, shared his sentiment. She said, “He’s been scoped, I think, seven times since he was two years old.” The diagnosis of EoE came accidentally when Shark swallowed a penny, leading to his first endoscopy. “We never had any symptoms,” she said.

The Esophageal String Test proved beneficial when Shark’s treatment was not yielding the desired results. “It told us that we’re pretty much taking this medication for no reason now,” Jennifer Smith said. “So, we have to change our treatment plan.” They came to Dr. Khalaf, seeking other options apart from scoping every six to 12 months.

“It’s easier on him; it’s easier on the mom,” Jennifer Smith noted. Shark recommends patients bring something to keep themselves entertained during the procedure, such as a book or an electronic device. Both mother and son praise Dr. Khalaf and the string test. “Dr. Khalaf is amazing,” Shark said. “And if anybody has the chance to do this, I would definitely recommend it over scoping.”

“We’re just really happy,” Jennifer Smith said. “We’re happy with Dr. Khalaf. We’re happy with the test.”

Story, video and images by Allison Long, USF Health Office of Communications.

Tampa General Hospital continues to be the best hospital in the Tampa Bay area, as today’s release of the 2023-24 rankings by U.S. News & World Report show.

Today’s U.S. News announcement also recognized 11 Tampa General specialties for their strong national reputation and performance, including six in the nation’s top 50 and three in the top 20. Many of the 11 specialties are led or co-led by USF Health faculty physicians.

“Tampa General’s strong showing in this year’s rankings is a testament to the compassionate care and clinical expertise of our primary teaching partner,” said Dr. Charles J. Lockwood, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

“I’m so proud of our physicians and the leadership they have provided in propelling so many specialties to be among the best in the nation. These rankings translate into saving patients’ lives across Tampa Bay and beyond.”

Dr. Lockwood is also the executive vice president and chief academic officer of Tampa General Hospital.

The six specialties ranked among the top 50 in the nation are:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology – ranked #9 in the U.S. and #1 in Florida
• Gastroenterology and GI Surgery – ranked #19 in the U.S. and #1 in Florida
• Diabetes & Endocrinology – ranked #18 in the U.S. and #2 in Florida
• Ear, Nose & Throat – ranked #39 in the U.S. and #2 in Florida
• Orthopedics – ranked #30 in the U.S. and #2 in Florida
• Urology – ranked #49 in the U.S. and #2 in Florida

In addition, five more specialties were recognized as “high performing” and among the top 10% in the nation:

• Cancer
• Cardiology & Heart Surgery
• Geriatrics
• Neurology & Neurosurgery
• Pulmonology & Lung Surgery

Family medicine, considered the oldest and broadest subspecialty of medicine, plays a critical role in maintaining community health and access to care. In fact, 90 percent of primary care doctors are family physicians, providing care of a wide range of ailments and conditions from newborns to seniors.

Eric Coris, MD

Eric Coris, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, said that family physicians significantly enhance overall health outcomes, particularly for patients from underserved populations.

Aspiring doctors echo this sentiment. Kirtan Patel, a fourth year Morsani College of Medicine student, emphasizes his commitment to the community: “Free clinic work is crucial. It provides a place for the underinsured and uninsured in the community to receive medical care.”

However, the United States – and especially a state like Florida — faces a severe shortage of primary care doctors, posing a serious healthcare challenge. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that the country will need an additional 55,000 primary care physicians over the next 10 years to keep up with demand.

To counteract this shortage, USF Health and Tampa General Hospital are joining forces to offer a Family Medicine residency position starting in July 2025. Dr. Coris underlined the necessity of these residency programs, saying, “These programs play a pivotal role in strengthening the health care infrastructure, nurturing a new generation of physicians and facilitating enhanced patient care.”

Patel added, “Family Medicine is the specialty geared toward primary care and preventative care.”

Kirtan Patel studies recently at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in downtown Tampa.

Family medicine training includes care for pediatric patients, adults, and pregnant women. The field often attracts medical students and residents passionate about serving their communities, which is key in addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing community health.

“Making a difference in the community is a powerful feeling,” Patel said. “The more family medicine physicians we can train and graduate, the better for any community as a whole.”

The goal remains clear: cultivate family medicine physicians through effective residency programs, enhancing access to care and reducing healthcare disparities.

The family medicine residency program will be a key addition to the nation’s fastest-rising medical school in primary care over the past decade, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report Academic Insights.

Excitement, anticipation, a few tears of joy were all part of the experience at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute today as the medical students of the Class of 2027 celebrated their first official day of class.

Edwing Daniel, PhD, USF Health Morsani College of Medicine assistant dean of admissions.

The admissions team, led by Edwing Daniel, PhD, sorted through more than 5,500 applicants to select 182 of the best and brightest candidates representing a wide variety of backgrounds including (unique prior careers).  This cohort of students represents another academically strong class and the most diverse yet, with a record 23% from those groups traditionally underrepresented in medicine (URM).  The life experiences and previous careers of the class are equally diverse with students who were NCAA athletes, weightlifters, gardeners, and musicians.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, gave a presentation on the book The Obstacle is the Way, which provides a framework for turning obstacles into opportunities.  He said whether in medical school or as a practicing physician, obstacles will be a mainstay in health care.  Knowing how to navigate those obstacles will be the difference between success and failure in medical school, and positive patient outcomes as a physician.

“Life is tough. Medical school is really hard. There are a lot of obstacles ahead of you.  You’re going to embrace them.  When you do, you’re going to be incredibly successful,” said Dr. Lockwood to his newest medical students.  “You’re entering, truly, one of the most noble of professions.  We have a joyous job. But it’s also one of the hardest jobs you can imagine.”

The new medical students will receive their first white coat during the Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony Aug. 31.

Class Profile:

182 Students: 126 Core, 56 SELECT

Median GPA: 3.92

Median MCAT: 518

52% Male, 48% Female

23% Under-represented in medicine

Residency: 47% Florida, 53% Out of State

More Images:

Story by Freddie Coleman.  Photos by Freddie Coleman and Ryan Rossy.

Using a comprehensive hearing intervention designed, tested, and implemented by researchers at the University of South Florida, the multi-site ACHIEVE study examined the efficacy of hearing aids for reducing long-term cognitive decline in older adults.

Results from the largest randomized, controlled clinical trial testing the efficacy of hearing aids for reducing long-term cognitive decline in older adults were published July 18, 2023, in the journal Lancet, as well as reported for the first time at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2023, held the same day, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Called the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study, the multisite study found that, in older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline, hearing intervention slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over three years.

While the results were negative in the total study population, the hearing intervention did slow cognitive decline by 48% in a study subset of older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who are participating in an ongoing observational study of heart health. Investigators believe that the effect of the hearing intervention on reducing cognitive decline was only apparent in the group of participants from the heart health study because this group had nearly a 3-fold faster rate of cognitive decline over the study period than the healthy volunteers that enrolled in the trial. That much faster rate of decline allowed researchers to see the beneficial effects of hearing intervention on reducing this decline within the limited 3-year period of the study.

“The hearing intervention had a significant effect on reducing cognitive change within three years in the population of older adults in the study who are at increased risk for cognitive decline,” said Frank Lin, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, and co-principal investigator of the ACHIEVE study. “Hearing loss is very treatable in later life, which makes it an important public health target to reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia, along with other dementia risk factors such as less education in early life, high blood pressure, social isolation and physical inactivity.”

The overall ACHIEVE study was led by researchers at Johns Hopkins and seven additional contributing institutions. A team of researchers from USF led the hearing intervention provided in the study. From the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the USF College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Theresa H. Chisolm, PhD, professor and vice provost for Strategic Planning, Performance and Accountability, and Michelle Arnold AuD, PhD, assistant professor, collaborated with Victoria Sanchez, AuD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine.

In addition to designing the hearing intervention, the USF team also trained the study audiologists and continuously monitored the hearing intervention that was provided in the overall study.

“The ACHIEVE Study is evidence that auditory rehabilitation, including the use of hearing aids, in older adults who had more risk factors for cognitive decline slowed the rate of cognitive decline,” said USF Health’s Dr. Sanchez. “Important risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia that could be potentially addressed to help reduce dementia include hearing loss, less education in early life, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, social isolation, and physical inactivity. Addressing hearing loss is one way we could reduce the increase rate of older adults living with dementia.”

Established research shows that loss of hearing can increase a person’s likelihood of cognitive decline, she said, adding that further research is needed.

“Our main trial results shared today are exciting and informative, but much more research is still needed,” Dr. Sanchez said. “Our team of multi-institution investigators are continuing to follow all participants in the ACHIEVE study beyond three years to look at longer term effects of hearing intervention on cognition and other outcomes.”

This foundational work can also help guide policymakers, she said.

“Our results will hopefully create policy changes because in many parts of the world we need improved affordable access and insurance coverage for hearing treatment/intervention,” Dr. Sanchez said. “This does not mean just a hearing aid, as hearing intervention consists of two components. First are hearing aids and related hearing technologies, and second are the diagnostic and hearing care support services of an audiologist to guide the individual in using these hearing technologies to hear and communicate optimally.

“We recommend that people who have concerns about their hearing and their risk factors for cognitive decline discuss these concerns with their doctor and be seen by an audiologist to address their hearing and communication needs.”

The ACHIEVE study is a randomized trial of older adults aged 70-84 with untreated hearing loss who were free from substantial cognitive impairment, conducted at four study sites in the United States, and 977 total participants were recruited from two study populations: 238 adults participating in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, and 739 healthy community volunteers newly recruited to the study.