I believe that many of my classmates know that my current profession is an investigative reporter. In that profession, I work with not only research, but allowing for storytelling in a realm that provides insight and information into numerous different topics that can ultimately lead to conversations. As I went into the first lecture that broke down the professions possible for academia v.s. industry, I began to wonder how I could merge my current job with one that has always been my passion, which is helping others in the healthcare field. There are many different paths that both can take me, but the one that interested me the most was the one in clinical research and how that can benefit the prospective medical device. I think that the research that is compiled through this form can therefore be relayed using terminology that can not only benefit the target audience, but those who may be "on the fence" about trusting the device once it hits the market. When I look into the lens of my own community and the levels of medical mistrust and distrust, and when I speak with members of my community on matters of health awareness, most of the time it is related to the fact that they either do not understand the technology as its made, or they do not trust that the companies that made it have their best interest at heart. The more I look into professions and opportunities in biotechnology, I hope to be able to bridge these gaps in health literacy and health advocacy through the development of medical devices by not only merging that research through my background in journalism, but by allowing members of my community to see just how beneficial many of the health and wellness medical devices and advancements can truly provide longevity as well. So, I'm not changing lanes, or really switching hats, but allowing for the merging of the lanes to provide hope for those who may need it most.
I understand the disconnect between people in underrepresented communities and new technologies in medicine, and that is one of the many reasons why I wanted to become a scientist. Communication, to bridge the gap, has to happen between the doctor and medical salesperson/manufacturer and the doctor and patient. Both parties need to communicate the "how" and "why" regarding how a device works and its benefits. Every day I come home from work, I'm telling my wife about some new technology that I read about in a scientific news journal and how it can benefit patients in the future. In addition, there needs to be more representation of people that come from these underrepresented communities to help build trust and educate. Great discussion topic!
Hi Leah,
This is a really great topic. I’m sure everyone has come across the common theme that health outcomes are always lower within minority communities as well as communities with low social-economic status. A lot of this stems from a combination of the lack of health information accessible within these communities as well as distrust for the medical community. As medical professionals of color I believe we will be pivotal in bridging these gaps. It is much easier for a patient to seek medical attention when they know they medical professionals is someone they can trust. Someone that is able to communicate with them on a level where the patient isn’t overwhelmed by medical jargon. As well as providing realistic and affordable solutions for people in underprivileged communities.
Your thoughts and awareness on bridging the gaps through journalism on health literacy and health advocacy on medical devices is a great one. Primarily, there should be more knowledge and understand of the value of medical device in market. Also, we should seek better ways for them to be introduced - maybe journalism :^). Introducing new medical devices to the market providing comprehensive and reliable data research in a new way could help build community trust. I find it awesome of your desire to create a delivery in that way.
