Valuing and Creating a Culture of Health in Academia

Borsika Rabin, PhD, MPH, PharmD* is a leader in the field of Dissemination and Implementation Science. When asked to explain the science, she shares that we are focused on “why certain solutions get used or not used in practice.” We talk about solutions to building connection, acceptance, and a culture of health—within academia, across sectors, and in our own conversations and hearts.  Highlights include:

• Dissemination and Implementation Science is so challenging because we’re talking about a whole system of people doing something differently, together

• Culture exists within an organization, country, or part of a country. There is power in the culture. How can we leverage that for good?
  

• System change relies on shared culture, meaning, and priorities of groups. Any kind of behavior change means a cultural shift.
  

• Lab is all over the US and beyond—not a full integrate, physical space. Lab- "isn’t a physical space, it’s who I work with"

• Stop micromanaging, delegate. Let it go.

• International student interested in studying in US: if there’s a local opportunity (workshop, training, conference). Key: Tailor your email for potential mentor

• A yes to something is a no to something else. Heart is so big, time is so limited.

• If you had one more hour a day, what would you do with it? Borsika says walking!

• Find the beauty in imperfection, we don’t have to be constantly improving ourselves. Can we have more moments where we’re just ourselves?

• System of flow state can be a serotonin rich experience

• "I have to say no to things I’d love to do, my heart is so big but time is so limited"

• Dissemination and Implementation Science is topic agnostic, just enjoy the projects and people along the way

• Beautiful to feel competent and learner—great way to spend the day 
  

 

*Dr. Rabin’s primary positions include: Associate Professor Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, Co-Director, Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, UC San Diego and Co-Director, ACCORDS Dissemination and Implementation Science Graduate Certificate Program.

More about Dr. Rabin’s work here: https://dissemination-implementation.org/