What are your strengths and areas needing improvement?

How have I prepared to enter a program which focuses on clinical research? What are your strengths and areas needing improvement?

As a future PA, I am prepared to enter the Yale program which has a high regard for clinical research by participating in research activities driven by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Viewing e-posters from research teams and thinking about possible solutions, can help improve my critical thinking skills and raise confidence.

As a respiratory therapist, I am constantly researching new healthcare trends. Such as new ventilator modalities for the critically ill patient or finding the best bronchodilator treatment for severe status asthmaticus.

During my undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, my research project focused on smoking cessation education in the COPD ( Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ) patient; Research was constantly integrated into the program. I was very interested in helping those who suffered with this condition, quit smoking. I worked closely with Dr. Coyle, a prominent anesthesiologist and Dr. Robert Lombard a renowned pulmonologist at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. I drafted an algorithm which could be used in conjunction with patient assessments. This would help the respiratory therapist assist with treatment, education , and management, of the COPD patient. Research procedures included data collection from surveys, interviews, patient findings being careful to comply with HIPAA.

Strengths include:

Creativity
Determination
Dedication

Weaknesses include:

1) “At times in the past, I’ve battled with confidence. It’s been beneficial for me to keep track of the effect I’ve had on my team and the project in order to better understand why I should be confident in the abilities and unique qualities I bring to the table.

2) My biggest fault is that I spend too much time studying the technical nuances of a project and miss the important details. I’ve tried to better myself in this regard by making it a point to check in with myself often and allowing myself the opportunity to concentrate on the larger picture. Letting my attention go away from the specifics, thus ensuring quality, helps me stay on top of the rest of the project as well as my and the team’s capacity to make the deadline.

Last Completed Projects