Submitted by Heather A. McEwen; edited by JJ Pionke
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Institution: Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Title: College of Medicine Curriculum Mapper/Faculty
Brief description of responsibilities
I am the curriculum mapper for the College of Medicine. We use the curriculum map for curriculum development and to provide curricular information to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). I am also the thread leader for evidence-based medicine in the College of Medicine curriculum. I teach medical and pharmacy students about searching literature, evaluating literature, answering clinical questions, and evaluating systematic reviews. I am also a graduate faculty preceptor in NEOMED’s master’s in public health (MPH) program.
Why is MLA important to you?
I can discuss instruction and curriculum mapping with librarians at other institutions. We share ideas with each other. For some librarians, there is no one at their institution with whom they can discuss librarianship. There are also opportunities with MLA for continuing education.
Why did you become a librarian?
I like working with faculty, staff, and students. I also like finding answers to questions. Librarianship allows me to use my science education outside of a lab setting.
What was your first library job or first professional position?
My first library position was as a reference librarian at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (formerly, NEOUCOM).
What has been the most interesting project you have worked on?
I love teaching and curriculum development. I have enjoyed developing the evidence-based medicine curriculum for the College of Medicine.
What do you consider to be the most pressing issues or trends in librarianship?
Helping scientists and clinicians fight pseudoscience by providing quality medical information.
Bucket list
Go to a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game and meet Sidney Crosby.
What do you do in your spare time?
Go to zoos, read, and do genealogy.
What is the best thing you’ve read/watched/listened to recently?
I have been watching reruns of a British series called QI. I like listening to the BBC radio comedy Cabin Pressure.
Five words to describe you
Determined, kind, analytical, hardworking, and helping.
Is there anything about you that others might be surprised to know?
My thesis was focused on the interactions of stream bacteria with macroinvertebrates.
What are you most proud of?
My work with the evidence-based medicine curriculum at NEOMED.