By John Anderson
Introduction
This summer, I had the privilege of volunteering at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where I designed an original research project aimed at improving the patient experience in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. My primary focus was studying the impact of medical terminology on parent stress levels and developing solutions to make complex medical information easier to understand. Additionally, I participated in other research initiatives that further honed my skills and knowledge in the medical field, particularly as it relates to the cancer field.
Key Experiences
During my time volunteering at JH Hospital, my primary responsibility was to analyze how the use of complex medical terminology affects the stress levels of parents with critically ill children. This involved conducting in-depth surveys and interviews with parents, gathering qualitative data on their experiences, and collaborating closely with the ICU staff to understand the specific medical terms that posed the greatest challenges. Simplifying these terms and definitions to a 5th-6th grade reading level was the most difficult and time consuming component of my experience, but completing this task and finalizing the glossary was probably my biggest achievement this summer. In addition to this project, I engaged in cutting-edge research focused on the potential use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a diagnostic tool for osteosarcoma. My role involved designing specific primers to detect tumor DNA mutations in cfDNA samples taken from blood. This task required a deep understanding of molecular biology and careful design to ensure the primers were both sensitive and specific to the mutations of interest. One of the major challenges I faced was optimizing the primers to avoid non-specific binding, which required several rounds of testing and refinement. Despite these challenges, the successful development of these primers was a rewarding experience that underscored the importance of precision in research.
Skills and Knowledge
Gained This internship significantly expanded my skill set. I developed technical skills such as designing effective primers for cfDNA analysis and conducting quantitative PCR (qPCR) to analyze results. These experiences sharpened my analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, particularly in a research context. One of the most valuable skills I gained was the ability to simplify complex medical information to a lower reading level. This skill is essential for enhancing accessibility and ensuring that all patients and their families can understand their medical situation. I also improved my communication and project management skills, coordinating with various teams to implement the patient education system in the ICU.
Impact of OKRs
Setting and working towards OKRs played a crucial role in my success during this experience. To manage the complexity of my projects, I broke down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, which made achieving them more manageable and less overwhelming. For instance, one of my primary objectives was to complete the glossary by the end of the summer. To reach this goal, I set smaller, weekly targets, such as getting a certain number of terms added and defined each week. This approach allowed me to make steady progress, ensuring that each piece of the project was carefully and accurately completed. By the end of the summer, these incremental achievements culminated in a comprehensive glossary which I then had time to simplify and polish into the final product. These experiences taught me the importance of setting clear, specific OKRs and breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks. This method not only kept me on track but also allowed me to celebrate small victories along the way, which kept me motivated and focused on achieving my larger objectives.
Lessons Learned
Through this experience, I learned the importance of clear communication in the medical field. Simplifying complex information is not just about accessibility– it’s about empathy and ensuring that patients and their families feel supported during difficult times. I also came to realize that there is a significant amount of unnecessary stress that is often brought into the medical environment. While it’s true that some level of stress is inevitable in these situations, there is much that can be done to alleviate it through thoughtful communication and patient-centered care. By simplifying medical terminology and making information more accessible, we can help ease the burden on patients and their families, improving their overall experience during what is often an incredibly challenging time.
Future Applications
The experiences and skills I gained this summer will have a lasting impact on my future career and academic pursuits. I plan to continue my work in the field of medical research, with a focus on improving patient outcomes through better communication and education. This internship has also reinforced my desire to work in healthcare, where I can combine my technical skills with a passion for helping others. In conclusion, this internship not only provided me with valuable research experience but also deepened my commitment to making healthcare more accessible and compassionate. I look forward to applying what I have learned as I continue my academic journey and beyond.