Health Services AccessibilityLongitudinal StudiesInterpersonal RelationsSubstance-Related DisordersMedically Underserved AreaChild Health ServicesSexual PartnersHealth Services Needs and DemandSocial EnvironmentSpouse AbuseBattered WomenCriminal LawPoliceSpousesWomen's Health
Dr. Overholt studies several important areas in medicine that aim to enhance patient care and outcomes. He employs innovative technologies, such as ocular point of care ultrasound, for quick diagnosis of conditions like traumatic cataracts that can lead to vision loss after injuries. He also explores how artificial intelligence can improve health care by understanding patient perspectives on technology use, ensuring that health care workers are trained to handle these advancements effectively.
Additionally, his research includes vital areas like the effectiveness of protection orders for women facing intimate partner violence, demonstrating how legal measures can enhance safety and reduce the need for emergency medical interventions. He also investigates mental health support for families affected by disasters, focusing on community integration after events like Hurricane Katrina. Overall, Dr. Overholt's work combines patient safety, innovative diagnostics, and the intersection of technology and health care to improve medical services.
Key findings
Using ocular point of care ultrasound, Dr. Overholt accurately diagnosed a traumatic cataract in a patient, demonstrating that this technique can expedite diagnosis in emergency rooms.
In a study on artificial intelligence in health care, 67% of patients felt comfortable with technology, highlighting the importance of patient engagement in adopting new tools.
A study on protection orders revealed that women with these orders reported significantly fewer police incidents and emergency department visits over time, showcasing their effectiveness in enhancing victim safety.
Research on photodynamic therapy for Barrett's esophagus showed that treatment was associated with a decrease in p53 protein levels, lowering the risk of cancer progression after treatment.
The use of laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in diagnosing non-melanoma skin cancers achieved a 93% detection accuracy in light-skinned patients, underlining its potential for early cancer identification.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Overholt study eye conditions?
Yes, Dr. Overholt researches techniques like ocular point of care ultrasound to quickly diagnose eye injuries, such as traumatic cataracts.
What role does artificial intelligence play in Dr. Overholt's research?
He studies patient perspectives on the use of artificial intelligence in health care and how to train professionals to utilize these technologies effectively.
Has Dr. Overholt researched safety measures for domestic violence victims?
Yes, he has examined the effectiveness of protection orders in reducing assault and medical needs among women victims of intimate partner violence.
Is his work relevant for families affected by disasters?
Absolutely, his research includes providing integrated health and mental health services for families living in temporary housing post-disaster, such as after Hurricane Katrina.
What treatments related to cancer has Dr. Overholt studied?
He has researched photodynamic therapy as a treatment for Barrett's esophagus, which helps reduce the risk of cancer progression in patients at high risk.
Publications in plain English
Acute Traumatic Cataract Diagnosed by Ocular Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in the Emergency Department.
2025
POCUS journal
Huffard A, Overholt S, Kantrales A, Hoffman T
Plain English This study focused on using a special type of ultrasound called ocular point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in the emergency room to quickly diagnose traumatic cataracts, which can lead to permanent vision loss. The case involved a 66-year-old man who suddenly lost vision in one eye after a bicycle accident. The ultrasound revealed the cause of his vision loss as a traumatic cataract, which was later confirmed by an eye specialist, highlighting that POCUS can help emergency doctors make quicker and more accurate diagnoses without unnecessary tests.
Who this helps: This helps emergency doctors and patients with eye injuries.
Preparing for an Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Future: Patient Perspectives on Engagement and Health Care Professional Training for Adopting Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Health Care Settings.
2023
JMIR AI
Jeyakumar T, Younus S, Zhang M, Clare M, Charow R +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how patients feel about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care and what skills they think health care workers should have to effectively use this technology. The researchers interviewed 12 patients and found that 67% were from urban areas and many felt comfortable with technology. They identified three main themes: the importance of building trust with patients, encouraging patient participation, and ensuring proper handling of data relating to AI use.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients by emphasizing their role in shaping the future of AI in health care.
Protection orders protect against assault and injury: a longitudinal study of police-involved women victims of intimate partner violence.
2012
Journal of interpersonal violence
Kothari CL, Rhodes KV, Wiley JA, Fink J, Overholt S +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective protection orders (POs) are in preventing assault and injury among women who have experienced intimate partner violence. It found that women with POs had a significant decrease in incidents reported to police and visits to emergency departments over time; specifically, police incidents for those with POs dropped to match those without POs after the order was in place. This matters because it shows that protection orders can help keep victims safer and reduce their need for emergency medical care.
Who this helps: This helps victims of intimate partner violence and the professionals supporting them.
Photodynamic therapy of Barrett's esophagus: ablation of Barrett's mucosa and reduction in p53 protein expression after treatment.
2008
Anticancer research
Panjehpour M, Coppola D, Overholt BF, Vo-Dinh T, Overholt S
Plain English This study examined the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on patients with Barrett's esophagus, particularly looking at p53 protein levels before and after treatment for high-grade dysplasia (HGD). The researchers found that patients treated with PDT had a median p53 protein score of 4.0 in their new mucosa, which is significantly lower than the score of 7.0 found in untreated HGD samples. This decrease in p53 expression suggests that after PDT, patients have a reduced risk of cancer progression.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with Barrett's esophagus who are at high risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Building integrated mental health and medical programs for vulnerable populations post-disaster: connecting children and families to a medical home.
2008
Prehospital and disaster medicine
Madrid PA, Sinclair H, Bankston AQ, Overholt S, Brito A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how a program called "Operation Assist" provided health and mental health services to families living in trailer parks after Hurricane Katrina. It found that many children had health issues like headaches and skin infections due to contaminated air and poor living conditions, with others showing signs of under-nutrition. It also discovered that once mental health services were built into the community and became trusted, they were critical for addressing issues like anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems among both children and adults.
Who this helps: This benefits children and families affected by disasters, especially those living in temporary housing.
Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for in vivo diagnosis of non-melanoma skin cancers.
2002
Lasers in surgery and medicine
Panjehpour M, Julius CE, Phan MN, Vo-Dinh T, Overholt S
Plain English This study looked at a technique called laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy to see if it could effectively detect non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, during medical examinations. Researchers tested this method on 49 patients with different skin types and found that it accurately identified cancers in 93% of the cases for light-skinned patients and around 78% for those with darker skin. This is important because early and accurate detection of skin cancer can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with skin cancers and doctors diagnosing these conditions.
Maull KI, Schwab CW, McHenry SD, Leavy P, Carl L +4 more
Plain English This study examined how trauma centers are verified to ensure they provide high-quality care for injured patients. It found that while many hospitals are designated as trauma centers, the actual performance in care and the commitment of resources varies; effective care requires both a designation and a verification process to measure hospitals' capabilities. This matters because it helps improve the care and outcomes for trauma patients, ensuring they receive timely and effective treatment.
Who this helps: This helps patients who are injured and need immediate medical attention.
Thymineless death in Escherichia coli 15T- and recombinants of 15T- and Escherichia coli K-12.
1970
Journal of bacteriology
Medoff G, Overholt S
Plain English This study looked at how E. coli bacteria die when deprived of thymine, a building block of DNA. Researchers found that some strains of E. coli, like 15T(-), were very sensitive to thymine loss and also to various stressors like UV light and certain chemicals, while other strains were more resistant. The sensitive strains showed a specific increase in a type of DNA modification and had different responses to harmful conditions, suggesting there are two ways that bacteria can die when deprived of thymine.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and microbiologists studying bacterial resilience and antibiotic resistance.