Although I find the human brain to be truly fascinating, I understand that this is not necessarily the case with everyone. In order to explain the significance and purpose of my research to non-neuroscientists, I try to emphasize the broader implications of how neuroanatomy knowledge can benefit society as a whole. Often, as is the case for my current project, this has meant associating the research with clinical end goals such as treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease. However, this is not necessarily the way I explain my research to those who are within the field of neuroscience. When addressing others with similar research interests, I can share more about the curiosity and excitement that comes with looking at the brain in a new way and without having much of a concrete idea as to what I might find.
However, through the use of metaphors or relating this same emotion of curiosity to situations in other fields of research, I can evoke this same excitement that drives my research into brain structure as is apparent to those excavating ancient ruins or delving deep into long lost manuscripts of celebrated authors. Another method I use to communicate my research with other audiences is to limit use of jargon, and include small parenthetical definitions of terms that are essential to the message I am trying to convey. In this way, the main point comes across without loss of interest and minimal loss of accuracy or specificity.
Although I am currently conducting neuroscience research, I am ultimately interested in helping living people with neurological disorders, specifically dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, as a neurologist. Physicians, often highly specialized for care within a specific field, must communicate with a variety of individuals having limited understanding of the work that they do. By nature of the extensive training path that they must undergo, it is inevitable that what is clear to them may be utterly confusing to others. Whether it be with nurses, patients, families, or other hospital staff, there are a plethora of individuals interacting in the care of patients that need critical information to ensure that the treatment plan is clear and comfortable for the patient. Beyond the hospital, physicians also interact with insurance companies, who often decide what treatments are essential and covered by insurance, and which will be accompanied with a heavy out of pocket bill. Therefore, the practice I am receiving in simplifying complex and technical language within research will be helpful as I face a similar challenge in my future career in medicine.