M.P.H. and M.S.P.H. students participated in the Applied Integrative Workshop on HAIs, a three-session series led by Victor D. Rosenthal, M.D., Ph.D., director of the M.P.H. and M.S.P.H. programs. Held on February 19, February 26, and March 5, 2026, at the Don Soffer Clinical Research Center, the workshop guided students through the full process of developing a scientific abstract using real-world surveillance data.
Students worked with the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) global database, which includes data from 169,325 patients across 210 hospitals in multiple countries. The dataset spans January 2017 through October 2025 and includes information on major healthcare-associated infections, including central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), ventilator-associated events (VAEs), and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
Participants analyzed HAI rates, sex-based differences in incidence, excess intensive care unit length of stay, and mortality associated with HAIs. Findings were benchmarked against international standards to contextualize results within global infection prevention efforts.
Applied Training in Epidemiology and Scientific Writing
The workshop combined epidemiologic training with practical application. Sessions covered the global burden of HAIs, standardized surveillance definitions, and the structure of the INICC dataset, including key demographic, economic, clinical, and microbiological variables.
Students applied epidemiologic measures such as HAI incidence density, cumulative mortality, and incidence rate ratios, along with statistical approaches including confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and stratified analyses. Instruction also included scientific writing aligned with American Public Health Association (APHA) abstract standards.
Each participant worked independently with an assigned dataset, developing a research question, conducting analyses, and preparing a structured abstract. Students also presented their findings and participated in peer review, which reinforced collaborative learning and critical evaluation.
From Data to Dissemination
On March 25, 2026, all eight student-developed abstracts were submitted to the APHA Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Each student contributed as both the first and second author across the submissions, with Dr. Rosenthal serving as the senior author.
The workshop emphasized translating data into scientific communication, providing students with experience preparing work for professional dissemination.
Strengthening Research Skills and Workforce Readiness
Through the workshop, students developed applied skills in epidemiologic analysis, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The training aligned with core public health competencies, including evidence-based approaches, communication, systems thinking, and interprofessional practice.
Dr. Rosenthal noted the level of participant engagement and the value of integrating hands-on training with tangible academic outcomes.
“It is very encouraging to see our students’ enthusiasm during the workshop and at the Open House,” he said. “Preparing students to submit scientific abstracts by the end of the workshop is a key outcome and reflects the value we aim to bring to the residential program.”
Student Feedback
Students completed formal evaluations of the course, with Dr. Rosenthal receiving top scores across all assessed areas, including scientific knowledge, teaching quality, and mentorship.
Feedback highlighted the value of working with real-world data, the clarity of instruction, the chance to include a publication in their CVs, and the individualized feedback provided throughout the workshop.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published March 30, 2026.
