Weeks after I thought my manuscript would be finished, I stared at the computer screen wishing I had made more progress. I reached for my coffee mug and noticed the logo. Having a background in business allowed me to develop a unique skill set with team development, branding, marketing, and design. Other than creating some aesthetically pleasing diagrams during the first two years of medical school, I thought those skills were largely irrelevant in my daily routine. Looking at this coffee mug, I recalled that my research mentor mentioned he wanted a “cooler” name for the lab. In the word document of my manuscript I began experimenting with his name followed by the word “Lab.”

Within a few hours, I drafted over 30 different logo options and showed him the following day. I was surprised by his level of enthusiasm and shocked that this skill I thought would be useless in medicine could now have an important role in my career. What started as a lab logo became a brand, website, and an expanding group of researchers. Suddenly, I was being asked to make infographics and attention-grabbing figures for multiple projects and was given creative freedom to further explore my interests.

Reflecting on this experience, I have learned the importance of trainees embracing their unique skills, experiences, and talents in their careers. I was told writer’s block is inevitable with one’s first manuscript but it becomes easier with each paper. To my surprise, embracing my seemingly odd talents and finding ways to have fun with work was a means to professional development. With the increasing presence of educational medical content on social media platforms, and the desire to have one’s research reach a larger audience, the role for creative persons will only increase. In parallel with this is the importance of finding mentors that encourage trainees to embrace their unique qualities to both improve patient care and progress professionally. I have learned that effective research teams include individuals who find joy in different aspects of the process and mentors who celebrate this. Many thrive as writers, others with coding, and some of us with design who desire to see the products of research presented in innovative ways.

Madelyn A. Flitcroft

5/27/22