Interlude: Lessons in Waiting, Communication Illusions, and Medical Art
I've recently learned an important lesson in waiting.
Several months ago, I applied for diplomate status with the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences. I've had the first-level "ELS" status since 2019 and finally had the courage to apply for the diplomate status of "ELS(D)."
For the application, I had to submit a portfolio of my editing work for review by a panel of editors with diplomate status. And let me tell you that I was nervous to have my work dissected by a panel of highly skilled editors!
Honestly, I think my nerves were a good reminder of how my collaborators (whom you might call "clients") might feel when they send me a project to review.
I've always been aware of how my collaborators might feel when they receive my editing suggestions, which is why I'm thoughtful about the changes I suggest and the comments I add to the draft. But I had not considered how they might feel while waiting for my editing suggestions.
I suppose one difference is that my collaborators have the benefit of a set date for when they will get their project returned to them, whereas I only knew I would get news within a handful of months. But I think this process showed me that I can do better by also considering how my collaborators might feel while waiting for my suggestions.
So the next time you are waiting for something, ask yourself what lessons you can take away from the process.
And in case you're wondering, after nearly 4 months of waiting, I finally heard news this week. I'm thrilled to share that I'm now one of less than 40 international editors who have the diplomate status Editor in the Life Sciences! 🎉
Now onto this week's round-up...
💌 Round-up
💻 From My Desk
The #1 Cause of to Bad Scientific Writing
What is the top contributor to poor scientific and medical writing? The curse of knowledge. In this video, you'll learn what the curse of knowledge is, how it tricks all of us into thinking we’re communicating well, how I discovered my curse of knowledge, and five actionable strategies you can use to break the curse in your writing.
👓 Reading
Scientia machina: a proposed conceptual framework for a technology-accelerated system of biomedical science
"Creating a new technology-accelerated knowledge system for biomedical science—what I’m calling here Scientia Machina—may be best approached through first articulating the conceptual and epistemological framework of the current system of biomedical science as it moves from data to information to evidence to knowledge and its application. Along the way it passes through layers of trust and is eventually captured in the artifacts of biomedical science we have come to rely on and expect. For applications of emerging technology—such as the automated complex information processing of AI and the automated trust and governance of blockchain—to be most beneficial to science, we should use them to systematically augment and accelerate these processes and create the artifacts of science while maintaining or improving the basic conceptual framework of biomedical knowledge discovery and implementation."
Granting access: Development of a formal course to demystify and promote predoctoral fellowship applications for graduate students
"Outcomes of GWB [Grant Writing Basics] include a substantial increase in the number of applications submitted and fellowships awarded. Rigorous evaluation provides evidence that learning objectives were met and that students gained confidence in both their scientific writing skills and their ability to give constructive feedback. Our findings show that investment in formal training in written scientific communication provides a foundation for good writing habits, and the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this vital aspect of a scientific research career."
🧰 Tools
Smart Servier Medical Art
"Are you a medical student, healthcare professional, or researcher searching for high-quality medical illustrations to elevate your educational materials, research articles, or presentations? Look no further—Servier Medical Art is your ultimate resource, offering over 3,000 free, professional-grade medical images tailored to meet your needs."
💬 Quote
“The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” –George Bernard Shaw
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
