CHSU Researcher Highlight: Layla Mazdeyasnan, Medical Student

Researcher Highlight: Layla Mazdeyasnan, CHSU-COM Medical Student

Today’s CHSU Researcher Highlight is for Layla Mazdeyasnan, Fourth-year Medical Student at the CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Layla has dedicated significant time in conducting clinical, educational, and community research at CHSU-COM.

This highlight includes descriptions of her research projects and personal information about what inspired her to pursue medicine and conduct research.

We hope Layla’s story and work will inspire future physicians and other pre-med students to follow their dreams and make an impact on healthcare, medicine, and medical education!

Research Projects

1. Posterior Scleritis with Optic Nerve Edema Presenting in a Case of Atypical Cogan’s Syndrome: This case report describes a patient with atypical Cogan’s syndrome manifesting as posterior scleritis, optic nerve edema, and sensorineural hearing loss. It underscores the importance of early recognition and targeted management in preventing vision and hearing loss.
   
2.  A Case of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome With Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: The Role of Unconventional Therapies: This case report describes a patient with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos and Mast Cell Activation. It highlights the challenges of managing overlapping conditions and explores mast cell–targeted therapies, such as Cromolyn, as potential options for managing CRPS.
   
3. Integration of Immunology in a Systems-Based Osteopathic Medical Curriculum: This manuscript addresses a key gap in osteopathic medical education by integrating immunology into a systems-based curriculum. Presents an integrative model to enhance medical students’ understanding and application of immunology concepts across preclinical disciplines.
   
4. Comparative Outcomes of Hydrus Microstent Implant Versus Fellow Eye iStent Inject in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Patients: A Case Series: clinical research: This retrospective case series compares outcomes of Hydrus Microstent implantation versus fellow-eye iStent Inject in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. It highlights differences in IOP, visual acuity, complications, and medication burden between the two devices, providing insight for optimizing surgical management in glaucoma care.
   
5. What’s hot, what’s not: Review of pharmacological options for managing burning mouth syndrome: This literature review outlines pharmacologic management strategies for burning mouth syndrome in the absence of standardized treatment. It provides a potential reference for clinicians seeking evidence-based guidance on therapy selection.
   
6. Evaluating Community Awareness of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and New Educational Programs in Fresno County Utilizing a Cross-Sectional Survey: This survey assesses community awareness of osteopathic medicine and new medical education programs in Fresno County. It identifies gaps in understanding of osteopathy and supports the development of future outreach and educational initiatives.

Learn More About Layla Mazdeyasnan

1. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to CHSU?

I grew up in Los Angeles and completed my bachelor’s degree in marketing. During my third year of undergrad, I shifted my career path and decided to pursue medicine. I wanted to complete my medical training in California, and CHSU was close enough to home to make that possible.

2. What inspired you to pursue research in the medical field?

I know research is very important, especially when applying for competitive specialties. When I began medical school, I had little research experience. However, I made it a point to gain exposure to different types of projects throughout my training.

3. What are your main research interests and passions?

I really enjoyed working on my case series and analyzing patient data to explore primary and secondary outcomes. While I remain open to a variety of opportunities, I am particularly interested in fields that are constantly evolving, with new medications, treatments, procedures, and technologies.

4. Can you describe your current research project(s)?

I am involved in a variety of projects, including literature reviews, case reports, case series, quality improvement studies, and manuscripts. These projects span clinical, educational, and community-focused areas.

5. Why do you believe your research is important to the medical community and our college?

I believe my research is important because it shows that even students who started medical school with little experience can get involved and contribute to projects. I hope to encourage others to engage in research and explore its impact on medicine and education.

6. Who are the students or faculty members you collaborate with on your research?

The faculty I have worked with is Dr. Francisco Ibarra, Dr. Reena Khadka, Dr. Jared Ham-Ying, Dr. Mahboob Qureshi, and Dr. Sam Kadavakollu. I have mainly worked with Zian Shabbir.

7. What has been the most rewarding part of your research journey so far?

The most rewarding part is seeing my work get published!

8. Have you faced any significant challenges in your research, and how did you overcome them?

A key challenge in research is the time it takes for an idea to develop into something meaningful. I have learned that staying patient and committed throughout the process is worthwhile, as it is very fulfilling to see the project come together in the end.

9. How do you involve other faculty, preceptors, and students in your research projects?

I begin by reviewing my research idea, identifying faculty whose expertise aligns with the project and who are likely to provide mentorship. It is also important to select students who are dedicated to completing the project on time. Additionally, I have collaborated with doctors outside of CHSU, who have taught me valuable skills in conducting research and targeting high-impact journals.

10. What are your future goals for your research?

My future goals for research include continuing to expand my portfolio during residency and attending more conferences. Conferences are a fun way to network, grow professionally, and showcase work I am proud of.

11. How do you see your research impacting patient care or medical education?

My research seeks to make an impact on both patient care and medical education. On the clinical side, it can guide providers in managing rare conditions like burning mouth syndrome or choosing the most appropriate trabecular bypass stent for glaucoma patients. Academically, my work in immunology helps students understand and apply complex concepts, while my community survey promotes awareness of osteopathic medicine.

12. What advice would you give to CHSU students about research?

Research can seem intimidating at first, but working with the right mentors and co-authors allows you to explore different types of projects and discover what truly interests you!

13. What do you enjoy most about being part of the research community at CHSU?

I value the mentorship from CHSU’s faculty, who provide guidance and ideas for potential publications. They have played a key role in helping me develop projects and are an excellent resource for shaping ideas.

14. Are there any upcoming publications, presentations, or milestones you’d like to share?

I hope to publish my Glaucoma case series soon.

About the CHSU Research Highlight

The CHSU Researcher Highlight showcases a member of our California Health Sciences University (CHSU) campus community who conducts research and/or scholarly activities. CHSU highly values the research and scholarly activity conducted by our students, faculty, physicians, and scientists, often times in collaboration with other institutions, professionals, and students.

For more information, contact Edward Merino, PhD, Assistant Dean of Research and Professor of Biomedical Education at emerino@chsu.edu.