SUCCESS STORIES
DR. KSHITIJ THAKUR
Dr Kshitij Thakur is a gastroenterology fellow and a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Kentucky. Prior to that, he served as the Hospitalist Director at the Malignant Hematology Co-management Services.
Being a natural leader, Dr. Thakur has always been very comfortable with public speaking and presentation. However, as he transitions to a research career, he wants to bring the same speaking energy and conviction into his written words.
GOALS AND CHALLENGES
“My ultimate goal is to publish my research paper. I have many research projects, but I have difficulty turning the data into a manuscript. I seem to have trouble converting my thoughts into words, particularly when framing the discussion section. Also, I found myself procrastinating when it was time to write.”
THE APPROACH
The first coaching session started with identifying goals and roadblocks. For Dr. Thakur, we learned that he struggles to get into the writing habit, frame the discussion section, organize thoughts, and write concisely. Then, the remainder of the session was focused on setting the right mindset and on writing strategies.
THE RESULTS
“Jia helped me shift my mindset. I now view myself as a writer and schedule writing sessions during work hours."
“Also, I learned about the structure of the discussion section and the elements of good academic writing. Having a clear writing strategy gave me the motivation to take action. I was able to send my first draft of the manuscript to my mentor within 1 week. A record-breaking time!”
“I feel empowered because I know that I can get better at academic writing as long as I use the right strategy and continue to practice writing."
HOW THIS PROGRAM IS SPECIAL
"Because Jia was in my shoes not long ago, I feel like she really understands my struggle"
"I have always thought that I will not get better at writing because English is my second language. Jia helped me see that, just like medicine, Academic writing is another skill that can be learned. The coaching program was structured in a step-by-step manner. So I could take action immediately."
DR. DELIA CHIARAMONTE
Founder and CEO, The Institute for Integrative Palliative Medicine; Senior Medical Editor Boards&Beyond; Former Division Chief Integrative & Palliative Medicine; Former Assoc Director Center for Integrative Medicine.
GOALS AND CHALLENGES
"My goal was to create a practical plan to get one or more articles submitted. I had several ideas in my head and my inability to formulate a clear plan created inaction."
THE APPROACH
Dr. Chiaramonte was confident in writing. However, she needed guidance in navigating the publication process. Given that her research work is at the intersection of oncology and palliative care, I guided her how to choose the right journal to submit based on the nature of her project. We also discussed strategies to optimize the number of publications and to increase the chance of paper acceptance. Once she had clarity of which direction, she was able to progress very quickly.
THE RESULT
Tangible: I submitted an article and am waiting to hear if it was accepted! I am working on the next article now.
Intangible: taking action got me “unstuck” and made the next action easier
HOW THIS PROGRAM IS SPECIAL
"This program is highly practical and spurred me into action. It is appropriate for both experienced and beginning authors."
DR. SHUBHARTHI KAR
Dr Shubharthi Kar Completed his MD in Nephrology from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka Bangladesh and is now working as a Nephrologist in Sylhet M A G Osmani Medical College Sylhet, Bangladesh.
GOALS AND CHALLENGES
"Stuck at writing papers"
"Lack of confidence in writing and overcoming it"
"Time management for writing works"
"Learning tit-bits of scientific writing"
THE APPROACH
Dr. Kar’s targets were to 1) increase his research and academic writing skills, and 2) start a research project at his institution. So, our session started by identifying skill gaps and creating a lesson plan. He was also given guidance on the type of projects he could start given the resources available at his institution. Once the strategic plans were in place, we focused the remainder of sessions on critical appraisal of papers and on writing techniques.
THE RESULTS
"Started a new scientific project and writing a new article"
HOW THIS PROGRAM IS SPECIAL
"Dr Jia is an excellent teacher and discovers the lacking of her students"
"The way of her delivery is excellent"
"The course can transform the way of thinking"