Research Symposium

Experience > Research Symposium

EXPERIENCE THE 18TH ANNUAL

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Register for Mercy College of Health Sciences’ 18th Annual Research Symposium: Helping Medical Professionals and First Responders Process Trauma.. The event will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025, on Mercy College’s campus. Registration for the event is free.

Register for Event Submit abstract

Helping Medical Professionals &
First Responders Process Trauma

Monday, March 31, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Mercy College of Health Sciences | Sullivan Center Room 102

Experience Mercy College’s

18th Annual Research Symposium

Join us for Mercy College’s 18th Annual Research Symposium: Helping Medical Professionals and First Responders Process Trauma. Current practices often fail to provide sufficient mental health resources and strategies to healthcare providers and first responders for managing trauma. This gap exists due to limited training, stigma around seeking mental health support, and a lack of organizational emphasis on wellness and resilience programs. This symposium aims to close these gaps by educating on trauma recovery and resilience strategies, fostering dialogue among professionals, and equipping participants with actionable tools to implement in their organizations. The ultimate goal is to enhance the well-being and effectiveness of medical professionals and first responders, improving patient outcomes and team performance.

Schedule of Events
Time	Session	Speaker(s)
12:00 – 1:00 P.M.	Registration and Poster Viewing
1:00 – 2:00 P.M.	SESSION ONE: Healing Moral Injury in Healthcare Professionals Describe at least three key models of moral injury in healthcare professionals. Outline the historical development of moral injury concepts and their application in healthcare settings. Analyze at least two real-world examples of moral injury in healthcare. Explain the impact of moral injury on healthcare professionals’ well-being. Explain the relationship between moral injury and trauma. Recommend at least three strategies for supporting healthcare professionals experiencing moral injury.	Warren Kinghorn, MD – Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center
2:00 – 3:00 P.M.	SESSION TWO: Vicarious Trauma: The Cost of Caring and the Power of Prevention Explain the effects of vicarious trauma on healthcare professionals and first responders. Compare different organizational approaches to supporting trauma recovery among first responders.	Autumn Brunia, DO – Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
3:00 – 4:00 P.M.	SESSION THREE: Panel Discussion: Helping Medical Professionals and First Responders Process Trauma Describe the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of trauma experienced by medical professionals and first responders, emphasizing the unique challenges of their roles. Recognize the early signs and symptoms of trauma, burnout, and compassion fatigue to enable timely intervention and support. Discuss evidence-based coping mechanisms, including mindfulness, peer support, and professional counseling, to help individuals process and manage trauma effectively.	Daniel Defenbaugh – President and Founder, 10-42 Project David Filipp, EdD, PM – Chair, Paramedic Program, Mercy College of Health Sciences Sheila Russell, LISW, CADC – Clinical Psychiatric Social Worker, Front Line Therapy
4:00 P.M.	Closing Remarks

Register for Event Submit abstract

Continuing Education

Credits

3.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM
3.00 AOA Category 2A
3.00 CE Contact Hours
3.00 IBON

Meet the

SPEAKERS


AUTUMN BRUNIA, DO Assistant Professor, Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities and Bioethics Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences	DANIEL DEFENBAUGH President and Founder 10-42 Project	DAVID FILIPP, EdD, PM Chair, Paramedic Program Mercy College of Health Sciences
WARREN KINGHORN, MD Associate Professor, Psychiatry Duke University Medical Center	SHEILA RUSSELL, LISW, CADC Clinical Psychiatric Social Worker Front Line Therapy

Register for Event Submit abstract

Research Symposium

EXPERIENCE THE 18TH ANNUAL