Reflection Paper On Practicum

Part 1:

The significance of my practicum experience was by my involvement in a real world research project and my exposure to an extraordinary, collaborative team of physicians, professors, managers, research associates, students and statisticians. My community preceptor is Mrs. Laura Diekman, Program Research Manager for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Project at University of Texas Medical School, Rheumatology Department. The first phase of my practicum focused on learning data management processes by my involvement in the AS project. My specific role on the AS project was to ensure proper storage and coding of the five active sites participating in the research (CEDARS-California, NIH, SAN FRANSICO, HOUSTON and Australia) which constituted of approximately 4000 patients.

Mrs. Diekman effectively communicated my responsibilities when I first entered her office. She explained the importance of the project and how proper data management is crucial in maintaining research documents specifically for longitudinal studies. I was amazed by all the research materials that I have to handle, everything was placed in boxes including questionnaires, lab reports and medical documents and needed to be chronologically stored in manuals with proper coding specific for each study site. I worked hard during this phase of my practicum and put all the effort to accomplish my work on time. Mrs. Diekman always supported me, answered my questions, gave me positive complements and encouraged me. She is highly professional, organized, smart and cheerful lady. Her office is a very comfortable place to work in. Moreover, during her absence, her research associate collaboratively worked with me and answered my questions. Basically, my successful accomplishme...

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...s of spondylitis disease that will help scientists in understanding disease pathogenicity and susceptibility so that appropriate intervention programs and treatments can be developed. Moreover, I was involved in extensive review of many published articles that were related to data management and quality assurance as recommended by my faculty advisor. Mrs. Diekman provided me with brochures and articles regarding the AS disease in order to broaden my knowledge regarding disease pathogenicity being investigated. I learned the importance of time management and organization in my work as I multitasked many skills together. I was very aware in maintaining a good balance between my classes, my practicum and my family. I am very thankful for the support of Mrs. Diekman and her team in providing me with a supportive practicum environment that was prosperous and productive.