Joni Chenoweth

Joni Chenoweth, who is studying for her master’s in physician assistant education, presented a research paper about neurogenic pulmonary edema at the New England Neurosurgical Society's annual conference June 8, 2007, in Concord, Mass.

Health science students in graduate school rarely have the opportunity to present a research paper to neurosurgeons.

“I would have been very intimidated by the distinguished audience, however, the neurosurgeons were so kind and welcoming to me that they made me feel at ease,” Chenoweth said.

Chenoweth wrote the paper for her clinical rotation at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. A neurosurgeon she worked with suggested the topic.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema is when fluid builds in the lungs after a brain injury. “It’s frequently misdiagnosed and is a complicated condition to treat,” Chenoweth said. “It was frequently seen in World War I soldiers who suffered gunshot wounds. There is a lot of controversy about the physiological causes.”
 
Chenoweth first presented her paper to the neurosurgery department at the Lahey Clinic. Her research impressed several neurosurgeons who suggested she submit her paper for presentation at the New England Neurosurgical Society meeting.

Chenoweth will graduate with her master’s degree in physician assistant education in August. Previously she was a clinical social worker for more than 22 years. She earned her master’s degree in social work in 1985 and her bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1980, both from Indiana University.