Whether it’s inspiring health care policy changes or increasing the accessibility of medical devices, faculty members at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have proven the ability of research to enact positive — and even life-saving — change.
But the process of getting these research projects funded and published is not always an inspiring one, as it can be filled with discouraging critiques and rejection. That’s why the CU Department of Medicine, as part of its monthly Research Achievement Highlights (REACH) forum, hosted an event, “The Story Behind the Money,” to highlight how three researchers have persevered even amidst challenges.
“What we want to do, in the Department of Medicine, is share real-life stories with folks, because we all go through the same struggles. The idea behind the DOM REACH forums is inspiration, not information,” said Janine Higgins, PhD, the department’s vice chair for research, who emceed the event.
The three experts included: Lilia Cervantes, MD, an associate professor in the Division of Hospital Medicine; Wendy Kohrt, PhD, a distinguished professor in the Division of Geriatric Medicine; and Patrick Wilson, MD, MPH, an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics.
Although their careers are vastly different, many of the lessons they’ve learned along the way have been the same. Below are three tips these experts shared on how researchers can find success.