Kay Chandler, MD
Arkansas Surgeon General
OB-GYN
Dr. Kay Chandler serves as the Surgeon General of Arkansas, appointed in 2023. A board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist, she has cared for women across Arkansas since 1997 through her long-standing practice at Cornerstone Clinic for Women in Little Rock.
In her role as Surgeon General, Dr. Chandler is actively involved in statewide initiatives to improve women’s health, including service on the Arkansas Strategic Committee on Maternal Health and the Maternal Mortality Review Committee. She also serves as Medical Director for Women’s Health within the Arkansas Department of Health.
Dr. Chandler is a past president of the Pulaski County Medical Society and has held leadership roles within the Arkansas Medical Society. She is widely recognized for her commitment to preventive care, patient education, and promoting long-term wellness for women across all stages of life.
Naveen Patil, MD
President, Arkansas Medical Society
Infectious Disease Specialist, Arkansas Department of Health
Dr. Naveen Patil is a board certified Infectious disease specialist and President-elect of the Arkansas Medical Society. He is affiliated with the Arkansas Department of Health, where he plays an active role in advancing public health initiatives across the state.
Dr. Patil’s clinical and leadership work focuses on infectious diseases, population health, and physician advocacy. Through his roles in organized medicine and public health, he is committed to improving healthcare delivery, strengthening physician engagement, and addressing key health challenges affecting Arkansas communities.
Rajendram Rajnarayanan, PhD
Assistant Dean & Associate Professor
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Rajendra Rajnarayanan is an Assistant Dean and researcher at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he leads work in molecular pharmacology and structural biology. His research focuses on protein interactions within endocrine and neuroendocrine systems, with the goal of advancing drug discovery and understanding complex biological signaling pathways.
Dr. Rajnarayanan’s team integrates innovative approaches, including 3D protein modeling and human-computer interface tools, to study dynamic protein structures and accelerate therapeutic development. His work has contributed to advances in receptor biology, environmental health, and antiviral research, including studies on repurposing existing drugs for emerging viral diseases.
Women's Health Week (May 10–16)
Special Recognition: Women's Health Poster Award
A special award will be presented to the Best Poster in Women's Health during Research Day 2026, recognizing outstanding research and scholarship that advances women's wellness and care.
Why Women's Health Week?
National Women's Health Week was established in 1999 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. Celebrated annually starting on Mother's Day (the second Sunday in May), the week encourages women and girls to make their health a priority. For over 25 years, this observance has served as a reminder to focus on preventive care, healthy behaviors, and overall wellness.
Research Day 2026 (May 8) coincides with National Women's Health Week, highlighting St. Bernards' commitment to both clinical excellence and scholarly advancement in women's health.
Women's Health at St. Bernards
St. Bernards Medical Center is committed to supporting women's health throughout every stage of life by providing comprehensive, patient-centered care, advanced screening services, and community-focused education. Our approach emphasizes prevention, early detection, compassionate treatment, and ongoing support for women and families in our region.
Our Services
Preventive & Well-Woman Care
Comprehensive gynecologic and preventive services, including routine well-woman exams, cervical cancer screening, STI prevention and treatment, and management of menstrual and menopausal health concerns.
Breast Health & Imaging
Advanced breast health services with 3D screening and diagnostic mammography, automated breast ultrasound for dense breast tissue, image-guided biopsies, and mobile mammography units. St. Bernards is accredited as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.
Maternal, Labor & Postpartum Care
Personalized prenatal care, family-centered labor and delivery with 24/7 obstetric coverage, private postpartum rooms, and comprehensive lactation support.
Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
The region's only Level IIIA Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, providing advanced care for premature and critically ill newborns.
Research & Innovation
St. Bernards participates in clinical research studies that expand access to advanced treatment options for women, supporting innovation and evidence-based care.
Women's Health Week Activities
Community Screenings & Events
Free or low-cost screenings including Pap smears, mammograms, blood work, vision and hearing checks, and colon cancer screening. These events reduce barriers to care and encourage early detection.
Education & Outreach
Educational activities emphasizing preventive screenings, breast health awareness, pregnancy and postpartum care, breastfeeding education, and overall wellness.
Support & Awareness Initiatives
Breastfeeding support groups, wellness classes, and awareness events like the Pink Warrior Walk, which honors breast cancer survivors and supports cancer care services.
Contact Information
Women's Health & Scheduling: 870.935.3990
Location: St. Bernards Medical Center, Jonesboro, Arkansas
Before You Submit - Quick Check
- First author is a trainee
- Structured abstract less than or equal to 300 words
- Category selected
- IRB status noted (Approved/Exempt/Not Required)
- Institution identified
- 10 or fewer authors listed
Who Can Submit
First author must be a trainee - residents, fellows, medical students, nursing students, or pharmacy students/residents. Projects may come from any institution.
Your Abstract
- 300 words max (excluding title, authors, and affiliations).
- Structure: Background · Methods (Case description for case report) · Results (Discussion for Case report) · Conclusions
- Each submission must include: author/poster category, institution, and IRB status.
- Accepted project types: original research, systematic reviews or meta-analyses, case reports or case series, and QI/patient safety projects.
- A trainee may submit any number of abstracts. If previously submitted to a conference, please note that.
Author / Poster Categories
Category is based on first author's training level. Posters are judged only within their category.
- Medical Students - All MD/DO students
- Residents & Fellows - All specialties
- Nursing Students - Undergraduate or graduate
- Pharmacy Trainees - Students or residents
Poster Specifications
Size: 36" x 48"
Session: Displayed and judged during the morning session
Presenter: First author must be present at the event to compete
Required: Institutional logo in header; references in footnotes
Awards
First, Second, and Third Place awards are presented in each of the four poster categories: Medical Students (MD/DO), Residents & Fellows, Nursing Students, and Pharmacy Trainees.
St. Bernards Research Day 2026 now features $1,500 in poster prizes, and we’ve extended the abstract deadline to April 15, 2026. We invite your trainees and students to submit their work and be part of an engaging, multidisciplinary academic event.
Award Criteria
Awards are based on posters demonstrating exceptional:
- Scientific rigor and methodology
- Originality and innovation
- Clinical relevance and impact
- Visual presentation quality
- Oral presentation and subject mastery
Best Poster in Women's Health (Special Award)
Awarded to the highest-scoring poster focused on:
- Women's health conditions or outcomes
- Sex-based differences in disease or treatment
- Gender disparities or health equity
Additional consideration given to impact on improving care or advancing knowledge in women's health.
Total Awards: 12 category awards (First, Second, and Third Place in each of 4 categories) + 1 special Women's Health award
Important Dates
Abstract deadline: April 15, 2026
Research Day (Poster presentation): May 8, 2026
