Two Clarkson Healthcare MBA alumni, Avi Gajjar and Ethan Paliwoda, have made significant strides in their respective medical research endeavors, showcasing their commitment to advancing healthcare.
Avi Gajjar engaged in extensive research on pediatric brain tumor outcomes, both in Singapore and the United States. He collaborated with esteemed institutions, including KK Women and Children’s Hospital and the National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore. Simultaneously, he continued his cerebrovascular research at the University of Pennsylvania, exploring the complexities of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Avi had the unique opportunity to present his findings at the Society for Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS) Annual Meeting and a conference in Frankfurt, Germany. His experiences have further ignited his passion for research, driving him to continue investigating stroke and neurointervention.
Ethan Paliwoda dedicated his summer to research focused on craniosynostosis, a condition where a baby’s skull fuses too early, leading to complications with brain development. He examined patients treated for the condition, comparing the two main surgical options – open cranial vault remodeling and the lesser invasive endoscopic strip craniectomy. Ethan’s research showed differences in duration of surgery, recovery time in hospital, as well as other post procedural complications. When it came to long-term brain development, there was no clear difference between the two approaches, although slightly more patients who had open surgery showed signs of cognitive delay after one year.
Together, Avi and Ethan’s research endeavors highlight their dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes.