When I first saw news publications like NPR, Vox, and SkyNews started talking non-stop about my favorite type of trees, I thought I was high.
These colorful trees represent the relationships between various COVID-19 variants. Normally, you'd find them sandwiched between bar charts and science jargon in academic papers that dive deep into the connections between animals, plants, bacteria, and, as it became exceedingly pertinent in 2020, viruses.
As someone well-versed in interpreting these tree diagrams from my days as a computational biology student in my undergrad, I was taken aback to see them featured in mainstream media outlets. These visualizations aren't exactly a walk in the park to grasp; they can easily overwhelm or even mislead those unfamiliar with the intricacies. The use of technical diagrams in articles targeted at a layperson may be overwhelming, but I think it is great to see its increased accessibility to a broader audience. After all, phylogenetic analysis isn't confined to biology alone; it's applicable across a spectrum of disciplines. I’ve seen it used in literature, linguistics, culture, and even for understanding business processes.
While technical experts provide the insights necessary for accurate analysis and interpretation, non-technical experts play a vital role in translating this information into engaging narratives accessible to a wider audience. The collaboration of technical and non-technical professionals helps synthesize the information for the public that bridges the gap between complex technical concepts and everyday understanding.
I never followed through to become a computational biologist but instead ended up in software engineering and picked up a graduate degree in psychometrics while working at OwlDQ (acquired by Collibra). We were focused on developing enterprise data quality monitoring and management software, quite different from my academic pursuits. One of my main contributions involved enhancing our categorical outlier detection algorithm, drawing from insights from the founder’s thesis. Without revealing too much and making the lawyers mad, let's just say the algorithm I ended up implementing was truly unique. This is not a statement about my ability; it's more about highlighting the niche nature of the psychometrics field. Nonetheless, the algorithm I helped develop remains an integral part of Collibra’s production system to this day.
We should work together
As someone who's navigated through different fields, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Teams composed of individuals from varied backgrounds can bring fresh insights and innovative solutions by leveraging diverse perspectives and pulling knowledge from different disciplines. Interdisciplinary collaboration isn't just a buzzword—it's the secret sauce behind game-changing innovation.
At Flagler, I've had the opportunity to blend my expertise in software engineering with insights from psychometrics to pioneer innovative approaches in treatment recommendations, chronic care management, and remote therapy efficacy assessments.
By leveraging software engineering principles, we've developed sophisticated AI algorithms capable of analyzing patient data to uncover nuanced insights into mental health trends and chronic care management outcomes. These algorithms combine the principles of machine learning and psychometrics, allowing us to translate raw data into actionable insights that empower healthcare providers to deliver personalized care and interventions.
The guidance provided by our healthcare-focused/semi-technical founders brings invaluable business experiences to the team. It has been instrumental in helping the engineering team effectively bridge the gap between technical innovation and practical application. As Dalton Caldwell aptly notes, their industry expertise has enabled us to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape with precision, ensuring that our solutions align seamlessly with real-world needs and healthcare industry regulations.
Moreover, our team composition reflects the vision of building bilingual teams outlined by Betty Chang with a diverse cohort of both tech and healthcare experts. This synergy between technical prowess and domain-specific knowledge has been integral to our success, enabling us to approach challenges from multiple angles and develop holistic solutions that address the multifaceted nature of patient management and therapy efficacy assessment.
No, but we should actually work together
Our journey at Flagler Health exemplifies the power of collaboration across disciplines. By combining technical expertise with non-technical operational know-how, we've forged a path toward redefining how we understand and support effective remote care in the digital age.
If you’d like to talk healthcare, feel free to reach out.
Here’s another Fun Flag Fact:
Belize's flag is the only national flag to feature humans as a prominent element. It depicts a mahogany tree, a national emblem, with two woodcutters. The design was influenced by a wide array of stakeholders, including artists, historians, and government officials, showcasing collaboration across disciplines.