Shining a Spotlight on Priscila Rodrigues Armijo
Academy Member Since 2020
Educational Research Specialist, iEXCEL
Assistant Professor, College of Medicine
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What do you do at UNMC?
I have had the pleasure to work at UNMC for over seven years, as a postdoc, house officer and faculty member. Currently, I am an Educational Research Specialist at the iEXCEL program and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery. As a physician-scientist, I oversee the research initiatives and facilitate the assessment and evaluation of the training sessions within the iEXCEL program.
My passion for education led me to pursue a PhD in Medical Education and Research at UNMC, focused on the competency assessment of health care training as a driver for improving patient safety. Additionally, I serve on several committees, such as the UNMC Assessment Committee, and had the honor to be a co-founder of WE STRIVE.
Tell us about your educational research interests and teaching role.
My research interest is in the assessment of competency-based education and its impact on patient outcomes. Additionally, I have an extensive research background in the fields of patient-centered outcomes, surgical simulation and big data analysis, which complements my current research work. My unique combination of clinical training, research background and passion for re-engineering health professions training allows me to provide the best possible teaching experience to my students and clinical residents mentees.
What is one of your favorite/memorable teaching moments?
One of my memorable teaching moments happened in the clinical setting. During morning rounds in the pediatric transplant surgery service, I had the opportunity to clarify several questions for a father and his daughter, who was about to undergo a complex surgical procedure. They asked me several questions related to anatomy and procedural steps. At the end of the conversation, both were extremely grateful that I was able to ease their concerns and clearly explain the information that they needed. This illustrated that meaningful teaching in health care can occur in the most unexpected situations.
What do you see as the biggest benefit to being a member of the IAE?
The connections and networking opportunities. I am so glad that I can share my experiences and learn from so many experts at the University of Nebraska. It is reassuring to witness IAE leading and promoting so many initiatives related to healthcare education and educational research. I am honored to be a member of the Academy.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
"Happy is the one who shares their knowledge and learns from the act of teaching others."