Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine MBS students present research

Two members of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine's (GCSOM) master of biomedical sciences (MBS) Class of 2019 presented a poster of their research in collaboration with several Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine's medical students entitled, "Trends in the Acquisition and Distribution of Opioid Drugs Among 10 Contiguous States," at an event held March 21.

Kristin Feickert of Purcellville, first author and Ceilia Severini of Clarks Summit, together with faculty member Dr. Brian Piper, co-authored the research that examined the pattern of acquisition/distribution between 2007 and 2017 for 19 different opioid medications across 10 contiguous states (Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky), with particular emphasis on Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Over the studied period, the students' research showed there has been a general downward trend in legal acquisition/ distribution of common opiates such as hydrocodone, morphine and oxycodone. With a better understanding of patterns of use and how that may affect adjacent states, public policy may be shaped to best mitigate the worst outcomes of the opioid epidemic locally and nationwide.

The research was presented at GCSOM's Spring Research Symposium for faculty, staff, physicians, students and researchers.