Learning that lifts us all: Insights from a year of growth and professional development
What does it mean to invest in people? At the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, we believe it’s more than professional advancement – it’s about cultivating a culture where knowledge is shared, ideas are energized, and learning extends beyond the individual.
In 2024, our team members participated in transformative learning experiences through the Center’s Professional Development Fund, engaging in opportunities that enriched their expertise and brought valuable insights back to our work. These experiences offer takeaways not only for us but for researchers, educators and students across Baylor and beyond.
Communicating with clarity and impact
Better communication can significantly transform the reach and influence of research. One colleague explored multiple approaches to visual storytelling by participating in both the Stanford Data Storytelling with Intuitive Visualization course and the Great Graphs course from Depict Data Studio. The Stanford course focused on best practices for using visual tools to engage audiences, while the Great Graphs course emphasized creating clear, effective data visuals using Excel, an accessible and widely available platform.
These resources are particularly valuable for faculty, researchers and students who want to present their work in visually engaging and accessible ways, whether in classrooms, policy briefs or scientific presentations. Both platforms also offer helpful tutorials and blogs with practical tips, like pivot table basics.
Stronger research starts with the right methods
Through the UNC Odum Institute, one team member deepened their skills in mixed methods research, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches. For anyone working across disciplines or tackling complex health and policy questions, this kind of methodological training is invaluable.
Global dialogues, local relevance
Colleagues who attended the World Congress of Bioethics in Doha and the ICCEC/Canadian Bioethics Society conference in Montreal engaged in global conversations on clinical ethics, cultural perspectives and emerging ethical challenges. These experiences helped ground our Center’s work in broader, international contexts while also informing our local efforts.
Building research capacity for early career scientists
The Mayo Clinic’s Grant Writing in the Sciences course provided foundational knowledge in grant development – ideal for early-career researchers, research assistants and junior faculty preparing to navigate the complex funding landscape.
The human side of professional growth
At the University of Texas’ Understanding and Managing Motivations course, a team member explored strategies for improving self-awareness and team dynamics. This training supports leadership development, effective communication and more collaborative work environments – skills relevant in any professional setting.
Exploring futures in policy and society
The American Sociological Association’s pre-conference on reproductive futures offered space to explore how reproductive justice, health policy and ethics intersect with social trends and structural inequities. These conversations highlight the importance of contextualizing ethical issues within broader systems.
Each of these opportunities reinforced a shared value: That when we invest in learning, we create ripple effects of knowledge, collaboration and impact. As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting the kind of growth that lifts not only individuals – but our entire community.
By Roberto Alvarado, communications specialist, Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine.
