CDI is excited to share that Chris Okine, a third-year medical student here at U-M Medical School, will present his research at the upcoming 85th American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions this June. His abstract, “Feeling secure is important to me… but I just don't…most of the time”: Patient Definitions of Success in Diabetes Management, highlights his desire to better understand the patient’s perspective when managing chronic diseases like diabetes.
Chris' interest in diabetes research began during his second year of medical school when he recognized a critical difference between provider and patient perspectives in disease management and that, at times, this difference or disconnect could impact patients negatively. “I realized that it was an important skill to be able to center the real experiences of patients managing their diseases, while facing the realities of working as a provider in this current healthcare system,” he explains.
This insight led him to join the Diabetes and Mental Health (DMH) Project, which includes members from CDI faculty, Dr. Briana Mezuk’s Group for Research on the Epidemiology of Mobility, Aging and Psychiatry (GREMAP). “...much of my training described mental or emotional health as separate from other medical problems, so it was interesting to see how Dr. Mezuk and lab members focused on the interaction between the two, often framing mental health as a symptom of the actual disease.”
Motivated to pursue research more deeply, Chris applied to the NIH-supported Short Term Biomedical Research Training Program (SBRP), which offers medical students funding and two months of dedicated research time. Chris’ proposal included qualitative analyses of data from the Diabetes, Distress, and Disparities (3D) Study- a U-M research study addressing the psychosocial needs of patients with diabetes. Given his interests, he focused on the patient's “definition” of success related to diabetes management and how this might differ from more traditional markers.
“Everyone in the lab was very welcoming and kind, and there was a spirit of self-growth, collaboration, and excellence that I was really drawn to.”
Over the next two months, Chris immersed himself in developing research timelines, qualitative analysis methodology, and literature reviews on patient perspectives in diabetes management. He enjoyed the collaborative environment of the lab, from the opportunity to meet and interact with others across disciplines to the useful advice and feedback that was eagerly shared. “Everyone in the lab was very welcoming and kind, and there was a spirit of self-growth, collaboration, and excellence that I was really drawn to.”, Chris shares.
With the assistance of his lab colleagues, Chris' work culminated in the acceptance of his abstract for presentation at the 85th ADA Scientific Sessions, a meaningful accomplishment for a medical student. Beyond this professional milestone, the research experience has transformed his perspective on medical practice.
"Throughout my time in the lab so far, I've learned valuable lessons about how to think about research, pathways to impact, centering community, and leading a project," he says. "It has inspired me to see my role as a physician differently."
As he continues his medical education, Chris is committed to providing holistic patient care informed by his research experience.
"I aspire to become a provider who prioritizes not just the health outcome, but the process and journey taken alongside each patient to achieve it," he affirms. "As I progress through my studies and rotations, I am committed to a holistic approach to care— one that integrates the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of my patients while remaining mindful of the psychosocial factors that shape their experiences."
Congratulations, Chris and best wishes on your presentation at the 85th ADA Scientific Sessions next month!