Presentations

Conference Presentations

I have delivered 72 presentations at national and international conferences on a wide range of topics, with a strong focus on healthcare communication, medical education, and patient experiences in rare diseases. Key themes include managing medical uncertainty, fostering effective clinician-patient communication, and supporting caregivers of children with vascular anomalies. I have also presented on the integration of theory and practice in healthcare through symposia and contributed to panels focused on partnerships between hospitals, patient advocacy groups, and researchers. Many of my presentations represent collaborations with students and early-career professionals, reflecting a commitment to mentorship and interdisciplinary research.

Haverfield, M., Duimel, D., Ewigman, B., Duggan, A., Kaphingst, K., Kerr, A. M. Hamel, L. (2024) "Bridging the divide: A symposium on the symbiosis of theory and practice in healthcare." Symposium accepted for presentation at the 2024 International Conference on Communication in Healthcare: Zaragoza, Spain.

Kerr, A. M., Haas, S. M., Dean, M. (2024). Genetic testing and uncertainty: patients’ tolerance of uncertainty and self-efficacy, self-advocacy, and health information orientation [Oral Presentation]. Abstract accepted for presentation at the 2024 International Conference on Communication in Healthcare: Zaragoza, Spain.

Kerr, A. M., Sisk, B. A., Wehrli, J., & Contente, C. (2024). Dyadic coping experiences of parents of children with vascular anomalies. Paper submitted for presentation at the 2024 National Communication Association Annual Convention: New Orleans, LA.

Kerr, A. M., & Iannarino, N. (April, 2024). “It’s strange on many levels": Primary care clinicians’ experiences communicating through telemedicine during COVID-19.” Abstract presented at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication [Oral Presentation]: Lexington, KY.

Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C. M., Stewart, C., & Rakowsky, A. (May, 2023). “I don't want them to not trust me or think I'm incompetent:” A longitudinal assessment of pediatric residents’ goals when communicating with attendings about uncertainty. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Toronto, Ontario.

Kerr, A. M., (May, 2023). Partnering with hospitals and patient advocacy groups to improve care and coordination for patients with rare diseases. EACH panel: Forging impactful partnerships among health communication researchers, health professionals, and community stakeholders. Abstract presented at the International Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Toronto, Ontario.

Fernandez, A. [student], Kerr, A. M., & Thompson, C. M. (April, 2023). Assessing the differences of medical specialty and clinical communication training in third-year medical student clinical rotations. Abstract presented at the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium [Poster Presentation]: Columbus, OH.

Pfender, E. J. [student], Wittenberg, E., Kerr, A. M., & Goldsmith, J. (November, 2022). Family communication in autism spectrum disorder: applying the family caregiver communication typology to parent caregivers. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: New Orleans, LA.

Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C. M., & Duty, K. (November, 2022). “I am still learning what works and what doesn’t.” Medical students’ perceptions of communication training during clinical rotations. Abstract presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Research Roundtable]: New Orleans, LA.

Biss, D. [student], Kerr, A. M., & Peterson, B. L. (November, 2022). Storying contradictions of care: Exploring tensions in rural emergency services. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: New Orleans, LA.

Sisk, B. A., Abell, K., & Kerr, A. M. (May, 2022). Factors affecting pathways to care for patients with vascular anomalies: Parental perspectives. Abstract presented at the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies World Congress [Poster Presentation]: Vancouver, BC.

Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C. M., Stewart, C., & Rakowsky, A. (May, 2022). A longitudinal assessment of pediatric residents’ perceptions of shared decision making and communication competence during residency. Extended abstract accepted for oral presentation at the International Communication Association Annual Convention: Paris, France.

Rosenbaum, M., Duggan, A., Ho, E.,...Kerr, A. M. (May, 2022). Research Partnership and Opportunities between the Health Communication Division of ICA and EACH: International Association for Communication in Healthcare. Panel presentation accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Paris, France.

Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C. M., Stewart, C., & Rakowsky, A. (April, 2022). Piloting an intervention to improve pediatric residents’ communication about medical uncertainty. Abstract accepted for presentation at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Educating Leaders Conference [Oral Presentation]: Denver, CO.

Kerr, A. M., & Sisk, B. A. (April, 2022). Caring for children with rare illnesses: Parents' advice to other parents and clinicians. Abstract accepted for presentation at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication: Lexington, KY.

Thompson, C. M., & Kerr, A. M. (April, 2022). Medical students’ orientation to preceptor feedback during clinical rotations: Self and group identity influences. Abstract presented at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication [Poster Presentation]: Lexington, KY.

Kerr, A. M., & Thompson, C. M. (November, 2021). A longitudinal study of third-year medical students’ attitudes toward physician-patient communication, communication competence, and communication anxiety. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Seattle, WA.

Kerr, A. M., Spaeth, L. [student], Gerome, J. (November, 2021). Medical students’ management of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Seattle, WA.

Kerr, A. M. (May, 2021). Using stand-up comedy to understand illness narratives, identity, social support, and uncertainty. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C. M., Stewart, C., & Rakowsky, A. (May, 2021). “I want them to still trust me with their child’s care”: A longitudinal study of pediatric residents’ reactions to and communication about medical uncertainty. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Kerr, A. M., Wittenberg, E., & Goldsmith, J. (April, 2021). Dyadic coping, family communication patterns, and pediatric cancer: Mothers' perceptions of coping with their partners. Abstract presented at the DC Conference on Health Communication [Poster Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Kerr, A. M., & Thompson, C. M. (April, 2021). Longitudinal analysis of third-year medical students’ uncertainty during clinical rotations: An uncertainty management perspective. Abstract presented at the DC Conference on Health Communication [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Kerr, A.M., & Zidron, A. (April, 2021). Changes in first-year medical students’ attitudes toward patient and family-centered care. Abstract presented at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Educating Leaders Conference [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Casapulla, C., Vagedes, R. [student], Kerr, A. M., Franz, B., Wymbs, F., Kropf, K., Rodgers, A. [student], Nandyal, S. [student], Strawhun, D. [student], & Smith, C. (April, 2021). Addressing structural inequality in medical education cases: Applying the Race And Culture Guide. Abstract presented at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Educating Leaders Conference [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Spaeth, L. [student], Kerr, A. M., & Gerome, J. (November, 2020). Medical student uncertainty in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Abstract presented at the North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Kerr, A. M., Rubinsky, V., & Raush, K. [student] (November, 2020). Pediatricians’ communication with parents and colleagues about medical uncertainty: integrating uncertainty management theory and a multiple goals perspective. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Kerr, A.M., Thompson, C.M., Rakowsky, A., Stewart, C., Mahan, J. (November, 2020). “It’s become a little easier to accept that I don’t know what’s going on:” First-year pediatric residents’ reactions to and communication about medical uncertainty. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting. [Top Paper Award; Health Communication Division]

Wittenberg, E., Kerr, A., & Goldsmith, J. V. (November, 2020). Differences among family caregiver communication types and communication with physicians. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Wittenberg, E., Kerr, A. M., & Goldsmith, J. (November, 2020). Exploring family caregiver communication difficulties and caregiver quality of life and anxiety. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C., Chavan, B., (May, 2020). A longitudinal analysis of third-year medical students’ tolerance of and reactions to medical uncertainty during clinical rotations. Paper presented at the International Communication Association [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Polakampalli, A. [student], Nandyal, S. [student], & Kerr, A. M. (April, 2020). Behind the White Coat: Using storytelling to promote connection between medical students. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium: Columbus, OH. [Conference canceled]

Kerr, A. M., & Zidron, A. (April, 2020). Incoming medical students’ attitudes toward family-centered care. Abstract presented at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Shaub, T., Forster, L., Kerr, A. M., Runyon, A. [student] (March, 2020). An assessment of osteopathic medical students’ views on social media and professionalism. Abstract presented at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Conference [Poster Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Walkowski, S., & Kerr, A. M. (March, 2020). The effect of postgraduate OMT training on practice: A survey of osteopathic residents. Abstract presented at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Conference [Oral Presentation]: Virtual Meeting.

Wittenberg, E., Goldsmith, J., & Kerr, A. M., (November, 2019) Variation in Health Literacy Among Family Caregiver Communication Types. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Baltimore, Maryland.

Shaub, T., Forster, L., Kerr, A.M., Runyon, A. [student] (November, 2019). Patients’ perceptions about professionalism of physicians on social media. Abstract presented at the North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting [Poster Presentation]: Toronto, Ontario.

Wittenberg, E., Goldsmith, J., Kerr, A. M., & Forsbald, V. (October, 2019) Exploring variance in family caregiver communication behaviors. Abstract presented at the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare [Oral Presentation]: San Diego, CA.

Kerr, A.M., Thompson, C.M., Rakowsky, A., Stewart, C., Mahan, J. (October, 2019). First-year pediatric residents' medical communication competence, shared decision making, and perceptions of parent trust. Abstract presented at the International Conference on Communication in Healthcare [Poster Presentation]: San Diego, CA.

Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C. M., Rubinsky, V., & Walker, T. (May, 2019). Third-Year Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward Patient-Centered Communication: Exploring the Transition from Pre-Clinical to Clinical Education. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Washington, DC.

Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C. M., Rakowsky, A., Stewart, C., & Mahan, J. (April, 2019). First-year pediatric residents’ communication about medical uncertainty: A multiple goals approach. Abstract presented at the DC Health Communication Conference [Poster Presentation]: Fairfax, VA.

Kerr, A. M. Thompson, C. M., Rubinsky, V. [student], & Walker, T. [student] (April, 2019). Pre-clinical medical students’ group identification, feelings of impostor phenomenon, and links to feedback orientation. Abstract presented at the DC Health Communication Conference [Poster Presentation]: Fairfax, VA.

Kerr, A. M. Thompson, C. M., Rubinsky, V. [student], & Walker, T. [student] (April, 2019). Osteopathic medical students' emotional intelligence before starting clinical rotations. Abstract presented at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Conference [Poster Presentation]: Washington, DC.

Amstadt, R., Hernandez, L., Barrick, C., Hampton, T., Snyder, S., Kerr, A. M., Thompson, C. M., & Bates, B. (April, 2019). Providers' willingness to communicate about weight control and links to patients' attitudes about and intentions to control their weight. Abstract presented at the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium [Poster Presentation]: Columbus, OH.

Kerr, A. M. (Chair), Bylund, C., Shaunfield, S., Clayton, M., Hoffmann-Longtin, K., & Street, R. (November, 2018). Playing with disciplinary boundaries: Exploring the career opportunities and challenges communication scholars face in faculty positions in nursing/medical schools. Panel presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention: Salt Lake City, UT.

Kerr, A. M., Shaub, T. (November, 2018). Addressing social justice and inclusion in the classroom: Using the principles of narrative medicine to discuss identity negotiation and passing. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Salt Lake City, UT.

Kerr, A. M., Biechler, M., Kachmar, U. [student], Palocko, B. [student], & Shaub, T. (November, 2018) ‘Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver' Palliative Educational Program: Using readers' theater to teach end-of-life care in undergraduate medical education. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Salt Lake City, UT.

Runyon, A. [student], Forster, L., Kerr, A. M., Shaub, T. (November, 2018).  An examination of first and second year medical students' perspective on social media use and previous training regarding e-professionalism. Abstract presented at the North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting [Poster Presentation]: Chicago, IL.

Shaub, T., Kerr, A. M., Forster, L. (November, 2018). E-professionalism: An examination of the attitudes and beliefs of osteopathic medical school faculty and staff. Abstract presented at the North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting [Poster Presentation]: Chicago, IL.

Kachmar, U. [student], Palocko, B. [student], Kerr, A. M., Biechler, M., & Shaub, T. (April, 2018). “Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver” Palliative Educational Program: Physicians' perceptions of drama-based education on end-of-life care. Abstract presented at the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium [Poster Presentation]: Columbus, OH. 

Kerr, A. M., & Thompson, C. M. (April, 2018). Understanding the memorable messages parents of children with vascular birthmarks receive. Abstract presented at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication [Poster Presentation]: Lexington, KY.

Kerr, A. M., & Thompson, C. M. (April, 2018). Pediatric residents' perceptions of medical uncertainty and communication during graduate medical education. Paper presented at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication [Oral Presentation]: Lexington, KY.

Palocko, B. [student], Kachmar, U. [student], Kerr, A.M., Biechler, M., & Shaub, T. (April, 2018). “The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver” Palliative Educational Program: Nursing students’ perceptions of drama-based education. Abstract presented at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication [Poster Presentation]: Lexington, KY.

Plow, B., Fedricks, T., & Kerr, A. M. (November, 2017). The Veteran’s Project. Film presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention: Dallas, Texas.

Kerr, A. M., Shaub, T., Biechler, M., Palocko, B. [student], & Kachmar, U. [student] (November, 2017). Assessing the effects of “The Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver” Palliative Educational Program. Abstract presented at the North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting [Poster Presentation]: Montreal, Quebec.

Fredricks, T., Beverly, E., Diaz, S., Forster, L., Jensen, L., Kerr, A. M., Nottingham, K., & Plow, B. (November, 2017). The Veteran’s Project. Abstract presented at the North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting [Poster Presentation]: Montreal, Quebec.

Kerr, A. M., Meeks, S., Kerwin, K., Lee, S., Forster, L., & Nottingham, K. (November, 2017). Feasibility of a nurse-led family navigator program in rural Appalachian community. Abstract presented at the North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting [Poster Presentation]: Montreal, Quebec.

Prokopakis, K. E. [student], Diaz, S. R., Kerr, A. M., Fredricks, T. R., Balbo, J., & Beverly, E. A. (April, 2017). The use of trigger warnings in medical education. Abstract presented at the Joint AACOM & AODME Annual Conference [Poster Presentation]: Baltimore, MD.

Kerr, A. M., Beverly, E. A., & Diaz, S. (April, 2017). Osteopathic medical students’ communication satisfaction and their desire to practice primary care in rural and underserved areas. Abstract presented to the DC Health Communication Conference [Poster Presentation]: Fairfax, VA.

Nottingham, K., Thomson, N., Kerr, A. M., & Bianco, J. (November, 2016). Creating community-university connection to impact rural mental health services: I HAVE A VOICE!. Abstract presented at the North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting [Poster Presentation]: Colorado Springs, CO.

Kerr, A. M., Harrington, N.G., & Scott, A. M. (November, 2015) Communication and the reappraisal of uncertainty: Exploring parental uncertainty in the context of childhood illness and multidisciplinary care. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Convention [Oral Presentation]: Las Vegas, NV. (Top Paper Award: Health Communication Division)

Kerr, A. M., Harrington, N. G., & Scott, A. M. (April, 2015) Communication during first-time multidisciplinary clinic visits: Understanding parental decision making and information management in pediatric chronic illness. Abstract presented at the DC Health Communication Conference [Poster Presentation]: Fairfax, VA. (Honorable Mention Top Presentation Award)

Kerr, A. M. (April, 2014). Parental uncertainty and decision-making: Navigating the diagnosis and treatment of a complex chronic illness. Abstract presented at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication [Poster Presentation]: Lexington, KY.

Rankin, A. M. (March, 2013). Coping with stigma: An analysis of “stigma narratives” in an online community. Abstract presented at the DC Health Communication Conference [Poster Presentation]: Fairfax, VA. (Research Presentation of Distinction Award)

Rankin, A. M., & Harrington, N. G. (March, 2013). Probability vs. unpleasantness: Prospect Theory application in message framing research. Abstract presented at the DC Health Communication Conference [Poster Presentation]: Fairfax, VA.

Wittenberg-Lyles, E., Demiris, G., Kruse, R., Oliver, D. P., Rankin, A. M., & Shaunfield, S. (November, 2012). Conveying empathy to hospice family caregivers: Team responses to caregiver empathic communication. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Orlando, FL. (NIHMSID: 369310)

Wittenberg-Lyles, E., Goldsmith, J., Oliver, D. P., Demiris, G., Rankin, A. M. (May, 2012). Targeting communication interventions to decrease oncology family caregiver burden. Abstract presented at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Research Day [Poster Presentation]: Lexington, KY. (R01NR011472)

Rankin, A. M. (November, 2011). Health literacy and patient-centered care: Communicative and critical health literacy can give patients a voice. Paper presented at the National Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: New Orleans, LA.

Rankin, A. M., & Haas, S. M. (May, 2011). Parental uncertainty in illness: The struggle for parents to assign meaning to an “orphan” illness. Paper presented at the International Communication Association Annual Convention [Oral Presentation]: Boston, MA.

Huber, J., Harrington, N. G., Cupp, P. K., Parrish, A., Rankin, A. M., O’Hair, H. D. (March, 2011). Improving patient health literacy through exam room based technology. Abstract presented at the Annual Health Literacy Kentucky Summit [Poster Presentation]: Bowling Green, KY.

Rankin, A. M. (March, 2011). Health literacy and patient-centered care: A call for more research on communicative and critical health literacy. Abstract presented at the Annual Health Literacy Kentucky Summit [Poster Presentation]: Bowling Green, KY.

Rankin, A. M., & Haas, S. M. (April, 2010). Doctor-patient communication: Communication skills training and managing uncertainty. Abstract presented at Kentucky Conference on Health Communication [Poster Presentation]: Lexington, KY.

Rankin, A. M. (March, 2009). Pharmaceutical marketing: Patient-centered care or profit-driven tool? Panel presentation at the Central States Communication Association Convention: Cincinnati, OH.