During my four years as a chemistry educator, I encountered a myriad of students, each with their unique struggles and strengths. However, one particular experience with a student named Ben stands out as a poignant reminder of the critical role that delivery methods play in facilitating impactful learning.
Ben was a bright young man who found himself on the verge of failing my Advanced Chemistry class for the second time. Hailing from a low-income Hispanic family, he faced numerous challenges both inside and outside the classroom. Initially, his struggles were attributed to a lack of motivation and engagement, but I knew there was more to his story. Determined to uncover the root cause of his academic difficulties, I sat down with Ben and asked him three simple questions:
This experience underscores a broader truth that transcends the confines of the classroom: misaligned delivery is often the root cause of learning failures. Whether in education or healthcare, understanding individual learning styles and tailoring delivery methods accordingly can make all the difference. The consequences of misaligned delivery are indeed more profound in healthcare because this time it isn’t a diploma but rather the quality and longevity of a person’s life at stake. Just as in the classroom, patients come from diverse backgrounds with unique needs and challenges. A one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare delivery can lead to disparities in outcomes and compromise the quality and longevity of a person's life, not to mention result in high costs for all stakeholders. As an educator, aspiring healthcare professional, and advocate for lifelong learning, I believe it's crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role of delivery in shaping meaningful and impactful experiences. By crafting our content and dissemination strategy around principles of empathy, diversity, and individualized needs, we have the power to unlock the full potential of learning, fostering true healing and change. A Role to Be Filled in the Healthcare System The parallels between education and healthcare highlight the high priority of investing in effective information delivery. Just as in the classroom, misaligned methods in healthcare often result in poor outcomes, as patients struggle to comprehend and adhere to their health plans or may disengage altogether. Moreover, the current healthcare system often places the burden on patients to navigate complex medical information without adequately addressing barriers such as language, literacy, or differing learning styles. Drawing from my extensive experience with over 400 diverse students, I see a clear opportunity to introduce personalized learning approaches to healthcare. Through innovative strategies that reimagine how patients receive crucial information, we can empower them to make informed decisions that could potentially save lives. My aspiration is to transition into a role that enables me to reshape healthcare delivery. My hope is that the healthcare system will prioritize investing in developing the necessary infrastructure to ensure that every patient receives the support they require for improved health outcomes through informed decision-making.
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Skills Implemented • Creative Problem-Solving: I addressed challenges and mitigated potential roadblocks with innovation and simplicity. • Bold Communication: I articulated ideas and reasoning among team members. I also guided speakers through the event. • Collaboration: I encouraged idea generation and maximized individual strengths, resulting in team cohesion and productivity. • Efficiency: I streamlined processes and decision-making to allow for immediate clarity on next steps, resulting in desired event outcomes. Reflection Brought on three weeks prior to the event, I had the absolute honor of serving as a program coordinator for the "aiMPACT Davis" conference hosted by the Center of Analytics, Technology, and Society (CATS). This star-studded event showcased insights from 15 experts and pioneers in Generative AI, delving into crucial themes surrounding the reality, responsibility, and relationships we should approach Generative AI across myriad industries. Guided by the visionary and empowering leadership of Professor Bhargava, I aligned my passion and expertise from the education sector with the ongoing efforts of the team to elevate our coordination efforts. With training and practice in curriculum building, time management, and presentation techniques that maximize information retention, I directed the team toward simple solutions that removed potential operational stumbles and roadblocks to attendee learning. For example, I implemented a live display of questions asked by our moderator and audience to offer visual framing of the panel discussion. Additionally, I recruited and trained volunteers to complete time-consuming preparatory tasks, enabling our team to focus on more essential directives during the event. Armed with a clear vision of ideal operational flow and a relentless drive for excellence, I tackled challenges head-on, producing elegant and doable solutions that enabled our team to offer a smooth experience for speakers and attendees. Additionally, I took on a supportive role in orchestrating an exclusive dinner for our esteemed speakers. With meticulous attention to detail, I co-curated an unforgettable dining experience that served as a reminder for the crucial integration of hospitality and grace as a principle in event planning. My journey with "aiMPACT Davis" was an illuminating experience that not only allowed me to exercise my program coordination capabilities but also magnified the interconnectedness of my previous work in education with my current aspirations to enter the healthcare industry. Throughout the planning and execution of this incredible event, I emerged not just as a coordinator but as a catalyst for change, fueling swift progress with every decisive action and bold initiative. I am excited to channel the lessons learned and the skills honed to create healthcare programs characterized by excellence through process simplification and patient prioritization. Review Coming Soon - Dr. Hemant Bhargava (Director of CATS) |
Author's NoteHere I showcase the culmination of strategic lessons and management experiences forged through collaborative efforts with experts and organizations. ArchivesCategories |