Research can only be influential if it is communicated effectively to people who aren’t experts in the field you are researching. Sharing your research with others will not only maximize the impact of research but also helps you comprehend how others perceive the problem. But communicating effectively to an outside audience is not an easy task and requires effort and practice. It is an ongoing process where you fine-tune your science communication skills based on feedback to allow for better understanding and remembrance.
Before conveying my research to others, I will first understand who the audience is and how well they are ready to comprehend the research topic. Understanding the audience will enable me to tailor my language when communicating my research content. I will then begin with a brief introduction to my research, adding to it the relevance and uniqueness of my research and its impact on society. Also, who benefits from my research findings. Next, I will go in-depth into my research, keeping the conversation captivating and using lay terms, minimizing scientific jargon. I will ensure to simplify the main message, avoiding losing the audience’s attention and getting straight to the issue. Where possible, while explaining my research, I will also include simple illustrations to help understand the science researched.
The example below helps understand the algorithmic bias when diagnosing skin cancer.
Image Source: https://www.quantib.com/blog/understanding-the-role-of-ai-bias-in-healthcare
Finally, I will expand on the steps involved while conducting the research, connecting to the critical issues my research addresses and the next steps. The interdisciplinary community that the Brackenridge fellowship provides is an important platform for practicing the strategies of communicating my research.
My passion for helping people and curiosity about the human brain contribute to my love for studying medicine to become a doctor. As a doctor, to provide effective treatment, I would need the crucial skill of effective communication with patients as outcomes depend on how well I communicate with them. A clear and compassionate conversation with the patient makes them comfortable, builds trust, and provides them with a comprehensive understanding of their healthcare choices. While providing treatment options, besides patients, I would also interact with physicians and other support personnel, which is integral to delivering effective health care. Effective communication skills are far more necessary when a doctor interacts with patients with mental health issues, as empathetic discussions can help diagnose and heal them. As a doctor, I would also have to interact with family members of patients receiving care to communicate updates and hope and prepare them for any outcome in the best possible manner. To become an exceptional doctor, I would have to look at health holistically, including being an effective communicator and not just treating only diseases.
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Featured Image Source: https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/communication/resource/eight-essential-traits-of-successful-public-speakers