Introduction

As I write this, we have just past the midpoint in August, and it sure feels like summer is flying by. Sometimes it helps to slow things down, and that is just what we have tried to accomplish in this issue. We take some time to do a deeper dive into Dr. Jennifer Barton, alongside Rachel Matsumoto and Chris Larsen, both members of her research team at CIVIC. As you'll see, Dr. Barton is a rheumatologist, but she also possesses a strong background in writing. Her attention to the written word is fitting, given the focus of her research on communication between clinicians and patients, and we have a story about work she and her colleagues have done creating a communication tool to support patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers on, we also dig into research on how pandemics can have implications for health disparities. And in our final special item in this issue, we share an update on the state of research on rural veteran health.

Alan Teo, MD, MS
Editor-in-Chief

Investigator Story: Jennifer Barton, MD, MCR

Producing the next great American novel doesn’t come easily. That was a realization Dr. Jennifer Barton made after graduating from college with an English degree. Little did she know at the time that she would eventually achieve author status in the world of medicine and more, bridging the gap between research and clinical interventions.

Initially, Dr. Barton did not stray far from literature, taking an unpaid editorial internship at Harper’s Magazine and eventually becoming a full-time assistant editor. While the world of writing was both “exciting and intimidating,” Dr. Barton felt her contributions lacked purpose. Reconsidering her career, a memorable social justice lecture by a physician-writer during college provided a spark. So, she pursued her medical degree first through pre-medical classes at Columbia University, followed by medical school at SUNY Stony Brook.

Click here to read the full story!

Abstract Thoughts with Dr. Barton's Team

What do you enjoy most about your current position/work?
Both Rachel and Chris share a love of working with Veterans and learning on the job:
"They often have a funny joke or a good story that makes me smile."
"Gaining perspectives across healthcare means a lot to me."

What helps you balance work and clear your head when you're feeling stuck?
Nature breaks and hobbies are key:
"When I feel stuck or need a moment to reset, I'll lay in the sun for a few minutes. I'm a big advocate of what I call 'Sunshine Hour.' I also cross stitch and am learning to sew."
"I'll play music or take my dog out for a little walk."

What is the most difficult part of your work?
The research cycle can bring both challenge and opportunity:
"I love a routine and when you switch it up, it takes a minute to find the groove."
"I have a constant feeling like more should be getting done given how much work we all put into things. The iterative nature of healthcare and research is difficult but rewarding at the same time."

What are your future goals or plans?
Self-growth as a guiding force:
"I've been very casually learning Italian for about a year. I'd love to go there and make my way around speaking the language."
"I'm applying to medical school to ideally become a clinician-researcher. I can't turn off that part of my brain that thinks things can be better. I love interacting with people and helping them be healthy and happy."

Christopher Larsen, BS~Writer

Arielle Hughes, MS~Writer

Noah Jacobson, BA~Writer

Rachel Matsumoto, MS~Writer

Beau Edwards, BS~Managing Editor

Alan Teo, MD, MS~Editor-in-Chief