Scribd
Upload
457 views

Lsu Communicator Certification

Calli Nguyen reflects on her communication skills development during her time at LSU. She took several courses like parasitology and physiology lab that helped improve her written, spoken, and presentation skills. These skills will be important in medical school and her career as a doctor. Nguyen also gained experience through leadership roles in organizations and research presentations. She learned skills like simplifying medical jargon and listening effectively. Nguyen believes regular practice communicating with diverse groups and self-reflection on her own skills will help her continue improving communication abilities needed for her medical career.

Uploaded by

api-591736798
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
457 views

Lsu Communicator Certification

Calli Nguyen reflects on her communication skills development during her time at LSU. She took several courses like parasitology and physiology lab that helped improve her written, spoken, and presentation skills. These skills will be important in medical school and her career as a doctor. Nguyen also gained experience through leadership roles in organizations and research presentations. She learned skills like simplifying medical jargon and listening effectively. Nguyen believes regular practice communicating with diverse groups and self-reflection on her own skills will help her continue improving communication abilities needed for her medical career.

Uploaded by

api-591736798
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

LSU Communicator Certification Reflection Calli Nguyen

Communication is one of the most beneficial tools to have for successful endeavors.
Over the span of my four years at Louisiana State University (LSU), I have had many
opportunities to enhance my communication skills through various courses and events.
These opportunities include but are not limited to C-I courses, paid jobs, and other
leadership experiences. It is with these endeavors that I have been able to grow my
knowledge and implementation of communication in future interests such as the medical
field. Communication tools and tactics are crucial for any fieldwork and many may benefit
in a variety of ways such as a more efficient workforce, an enhanced set of skills for the
workplace, and a plethora of knowledge in the professional setting.
In the medical field, communication tactics and tools are of utmost importance for
success as they can help in properly conveying messages to others in healthcare. In this
setting, medical jargon is needed to appropriately communicate with others. However, this
language can be difficult to fully comprehend for patients and families who have little
knowledge of it. Thus, miscommunication as a whole can result and this can be evidently
shown by a person’s body language, facial expressions, and tone when speaking. For
instance, during my time at LSU I worked at The Urgent Care facilities and communication
issues would sometimes arise mainly due to medical jargon from prescribed medications,
treatment services, or insurances. I noticed that when patients do not comprehend the
medical services being done, they may show confusion or even a lack of confidence. When
communication barriers are present when explaining prescription medications or
insurance details, many patients and family members may show frustration from not
understanding. This may then result in a patient’s poor experience with the practice and
ultimately a loss of profit. By being able to work around the medical jargon or explain
information in a way that is more comprehensible, those who are unfamiliar with it may
better understand. This can be seen in someone who has confidence throughout when
speaking, is articulating clearly, and appears comfortable in the discussion. Consequently,
an increase of business and profit can ensue as patients and families would be more willing
to seek services from those who can fully understand their issues at-hand.
At LSU, I have been grateful to have many opportunities, such as C-I courses or other
college experiences, to help improve my communication skills. The C-I courses I have
completed include BIOL 4105 (Parasitology), BIOL 4161 (Vertebrate Physiology
Laboratory), BIOL 1208 (Biology Laboratory for Science Majors I), KIN 3660 (Stress
Management), KIN 4606 (Introduction to Health Promotion), LSU 1001 (First Year
Seminar). In each course, I was able to effectively show my communication skills through
written, spoken, visual, and technological projects. For instance, in KIN 4606, I presented a
health promotion project on preventing foodborne illnesses in pregnant women. I named
the project Countering Active Disease-causing Entities in Nutrition, or C.A.D.E.N., after my
baby cousin who passed away from similar issues. In this piece, I properly conveyed the
information so well that my professor recorded my presentation to be used as an example
for future classes. Regarding other college experiences that have helped improve my
LSU Communicator Certification Reflection Calli Nguyen

communication skills, I have co-founded and been elected President of an organization at


LSU (MEDLIFE at LSU) that caters to providing medical access and resources to low-income
families. I have also had other leadership roles in LSU’s Sci-Lead Council, which allowed me
to express the importance of collaboration within science majors. I have also been involved
in LSU research for two years and further blossomed my communication skills through
collaboration with my mentors and colleagues, as well as through presenting at research
conferences. It is through research that I have learned how to not only hear but listen to
others, critically think, and simplify difficult scientific jargon. When presenting my project
on natural products inhibiting glucocorticoid resistant breast cancer, I am to always further
clarify any abbreviations or break down complex terms as the individuals I am speaking to
may not be familiar with the topics being discussed. Overall, all experiences have been
successful as I believe I have contributed to making an impact on my peers and
communities.
Due to my C-I courses and other college experiences, I have a plethora of
communication skills and tools to implement for my endeavors post-graduation. Some
skills and tools include but are not limited to listening, reading body language and tone,
clearly articulating, simplifying jargon, and presenting confidently. My post-graduation
plans involve attending a post-baccalaureate program and medical school to earn my
Master’s and Medical Doctor’s degrees, respectively. These programs incorporate a great
deal of collaboration and insightful discussions for topics such as health disparities,
treatment options, or other phenomena of today’s clinical research. Thus, it is important to
mentally decipher and elucidate the subject matter, as well as be clearly expressive when
engaging in professional dialogue. In conclusion, communication is a vital factor within
healthcare or any field of study. For future students seeking to communicate more
effectively and succeed, I would highly advise practicing communication skills as much as
possible with different facets of people - friends, family members, professors, or other
mentors. An employed student may consider practicing these tactics with employers,
coworkers, or people whom he or she is serving such as customers or patients. I also
believe it is beneficial to practice communication skills with oneself. For example, I enjoy
recording myself speaking via my phone’s video capabilities or Zoom. In this manner, I am
able to comfortably view my mistakes, correct any speaking habits such as “Um” or “Like”,
and study my body language and tone. This allows me to grow more self-awareness with
my own person so that I am mentally self-aware when communicating with others. It is also
important to note that communication skills are different for every person and each person
requires a different level of practice. However, it is with practice that communication may
be perfected.

You might also like