by Rowan Mohammed
Introduction
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to conduct research with Dr. Andrew Gill who is a pediatric psychologist at Johns Hopkins Hosptial. Here, I was able to focus on child burn psychology research. As a rising senior studying Public Health and the Natural Sciences on a pre-med track, this practicum aligned perfectly with my academic interests and professional aspirations. My role primarily involved conducting research on the psychological impacts of burns on children, which provided me with valuable hands-on experience in a field I am deeply passionate about.
Key Experiences
During my practicum, I was entrusted with several critical tasks. One of the most significant projects I worked on was conducting in-depth interviews with child burn survivors and their families. These interviews aimed to gather qualitative data on the emotional and psychological challenges these children face during recovery. I conducted five interviews a week, and this process not only deepened my understanding of the subject matter but also honed my skills in empathetic communication. In addition to conducting interviews, I transcribed and analyzed the collected data. This task was particularly challenging as it required meticulous attention to detail and the ability to identify emerging psychological patterns. One of my proudest achievements was identifying a new psychological factor that had not been extensively studied before, which I plan to explore further in my upcoming podium presentation at a research conference.
Skills and Knowledge Gained
This practicum allowed me to develop both technical and soft skills. On the technical side, I gained proficiency in qualitative data analysis, especially in identifying and categorizing psychological factors in burn survivors. I also improved my ability to conduct sensitive interviews, a skill that will be critical, especially in a future medical career. This experience also enhanced my decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Through regular interactions with my PI and participation in high-level research meetings, I learned how to approach complex problems. These experiences have also reinforced the importance of collaboration and teamwork, as I wouldn’t have been able to tackle challenging problems without conversing with my peers.
Impact of OKRs
Setting and working towards my OKRs played a pivotal role in shaping my practicum experience. One of my primary OKRs was to enhance my decision-making and problem-solvingskills in research, and I achieved this by interviewing my PI on strategic decision-making in healthcare research. This conversation provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities of healthcare research and how to navigate them effectively. Another key result that had a significant impact was participating in research team meetings that were typically reserved for higher-ups. By using a deliberative and empathetic approach, I was able to contribute meaningfully to these discussions and gain a deeper understanding of the research process.
Lessons Learned
This practicum taught me several important lessons, both professionally and personally. Professionally, I learned the value of perseverance and attention to detail. Conducting interviews and analyzing data required a high level of commitment and focus, but the insights gained from this process were incredibly rewarding. I also learned the importance of empathy in research, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations like child burn survivors. Personally, this experience reinforced the importance of setting clear goals and working diligently towards them. The OKRs I set at the beginning of the practicum kept me focused and motivated, and achieving them gave me a sense of accomplishment that will carry over into my future endeavors.
Future Applications
The skills and knowledge I gained from this practicum will undoubtedly shape my future career and academic pursuits. I plan to apply the qualitative research skills I developed in my honors thesis, where I will focus on refugee work, particularly in the context of Syrian refugees in Turkey and the ongoing conflict in Palestine. This practicum has also solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine, with a focus on mental health and trauma. Moreover, the lessons I learned about empathy and strategic decision-making will guide me as I continue my journey in the medical field. I am more committed than ever to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by trauma, and this practicum has given me the tools and confidence to do so.
Conclusion
My summer practicum was an incredibly enriching experience that not only advanced my research skills but also provided me with valuable personal insights. By setting clear objectives and working diligently towards them, I was able to make a meaningful contribution to the field of child burn psychology and grow both personally and professionally. As I move forward in my academic and career journey, I am excited to apply what I have learned and continue making a positive impact in the field of public health.
