By Taylor Haul
I have learned a lot regarding my research topic and community-based interest for my summer experience. When I first came up with my topic of understanding why women are underrepresented in the orthopedic field, I was very narrow headed and did not consider the in-depth reasons for why this is true. Through my research so far, I have come to learn that there is a lot to consider physically and even psychotically when it comes to understanding why this is true. For example, biases without any true reasoning for women being not as adequate as men for the orthopedic field is a psychological perspective that many have. This has been very interesting for me as it has been unique to gain knowledge on different viewpoints and perspectives in this manner. I would say I have grown since the start of the global scholars’ program in my professionalism, research, and critical thinking skills. I am more aware of the importance of expanding knowledge and finding solutions to complex questions regarding my research topic rather than just keeping a broad mind. My connection with my community-based interest is very strong as I have dreams of becoming an orthopedic doctor in the future, as well as I am bridging my background and experience in real life as a completive gymnast to my research topic as well. These personal experiences drive my passion for this research and help me become more motivated to keep learning and finding solutions to women being underrepresented in the orthopedic field. My environment is in the process of changing while I start to really begin my summer experience. I will officially be starting up in the orthopedic office within the next couple of weeks! I am starting a little later than originally planned back in February, but I am thrilled and so ready to start up this amazing experience. I will be facing interactions with doctors, medical assistants, as well as patients that will all help shape my experience as a a whole. Through these interactions, I will be observing demographics, behaviors, and communication between doctors and their patients. I will interview doctors whether it be male or female and ask them their personal perspective or experience with orthopedics being a male dominated field. All these steps will help me come to a solution to this problem and help me further be able to prevent this issue in the future. The goals I can set for myself to help me better understand my community-based interest are to really make sure to ask questions to doctors and patients regarding my topic. Gaining perspectives firsthand will expand my understanding so much more than just research articles on similar topics will. I really think this step is what will make my summer experience and research come together. Other opportunities I have that can help me continue pursuing this include my volunteering at the Tallahassee Orthopedic Center as well as working as a medical assistant in an orthopedic office. I plan on doing both things when I go back to school to keep growing and gaining experiences in this field.
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