Student Research Review Published in Cureus
Discover how Jonathan Remon is helping enrich medical research in support of glaucoma patients.
The international field of medicine is always changing and evolving, with new medical issues emerging and innovative treatments being developed to keep pace. It is essential that aspiring physicians be aware of current trends and topics, and be able to contribute to the ever-growing body of medical research, in order to successfully develop impactful future careers.
That is why Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) prioritizes student research by incorporating it throughout our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. In particular, the Research: Literature Review and Analysis module runs over the first eight weeks of the 80-week Clinical Medicine program (semesters 6-10 of the MD program), before students progress into their clinical rotations in the U.S. (core and electives) and Canada (select electives).
During this time, students further develop their abilities to evaluate and assimilate scientific evidence, and to reinforce the skills required to critically appraise the ever-changing body of medical knowledge. The research module concludes with a written paper where students present their findings and draw conclusions, which can also be submitted for publication in various journals and recognized forums.
Excitingly, Jonathan Remon, a current SUSOM student, was recently published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, an online Open Access medical journal!
Titled Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Versus Pattern Scanning Laser Trabeculoplasty for Reducing Intraocular Pressure in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, this comparative research review focuses on two particular forms of glaucoma treatment, and how they each impact vision and quality of life for patients.
To highlight both our student and this meaningful field of focus, we shared several questions that Mr. Remon was generous enough to answer below. Read on to learn more!
Please provide a brief summary of your article and share why it is important for the current field of medicine:
“This article compares Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Pattern Scanning Laser Trabeculoplasty (PSLT) as treatments for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, and reducing intraocular pressure remains the keystone of management. While SLT is well established, PSLT is a newer approach that may provide comparable results with added precision and patient comfort.
Our findings highlight that both are effective, but more research is needed to define PSLT’s long-term role. This matters because small improvements in glaucoma care can have a profound impact on preserving vision and quality of life.”
What sparked your interest in this topic and why did you feel it was important to author this article?
“I was drawn to this project because of my passion for ophthalmology and my recognition of glaucoma as a global health challenge. Millions of people suffer vision loss due to delayed diagnosis or suboptimal treatment. Laser trabeculoplasty has the potential to address accessibility gaps. PSLT is relatively underexplored in the literature, so it felt meaningful to contribute a comparative review that could guide future research and clinical decision-making.”
Moving forward, how do you hope your article will foster new medical outlooks, approaches and/or actions?
“I hope this article encourages clinicians and researchers to continue investigating innovative laser technologies and to design prospective trials that directly compare SLT and PSLT. By doing so, we can better determine the most effective, patient-centered approaches to glaucoma management. The goal is to ensure that treatment strategies evolve with advancing technology, while staying focused on preserving sight for patients.”
How did the learning environment and support systems at Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) support this initiative?
“SUSOM provided an environment that fosters research curiosity and perseverance. Faculty guidance and encouragement to publish were instrumental in completing this work. Beyond the academics, the culture of collaboration and peer support at Saba helped me stay motivated and focused on bringing this project to completion.”
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about the article, your findings or important next steps?
“A key takeaway from this article is that both SLT and PSLT are promising, but glaucoma care must remain individualized. What works best for one patient may not be optimal for another and ongoing research is crucial to tailoring treatment approaches. The next step for the field is long-term follow-up to clarify PSLT’s place in practice.”
Why did you decide to pursue a career as a practicing physician? Why did you choose SUSOM and what are your hopes for the future?
“I chose medicine because it blends science with service, providing the chance to directly improve someone’s life. Vision is such a fundamental sense that losing it can alter every aspect of daily living, which is why I feel drawn to ophthalmology.
I chose SUSOM because it provided me with the opportunity to pursue my medical education in a rigorous setting, while also pushing me to develop resilience and independence. The experience has challenged me to grow as both a student and a future physician.
My hope is to contribute meaningfully to both clinical care and research, as well as becoming a mentor for future students who are just beginning their journey.”
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