Questions & Answers
About Sarah
Q: What is your educational background?
A: My undergraduate degree is in Communication Studies from Wilfrid University. I also have a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree from the University of Ottawa. Following completion of my BEd, I taught for two years in a remote First Nations community in Northern Ontario. It was my experience working in an Indigenous context that propelled me to pursue graduate studies. My master’s degree is in Curriculum Studies and my PhD is in Educational Studies, both completed at Western University.
Q: How long have you been at Dalhousie University?
A: I started at Dalhousie University in September 2019. Previously I worked as an education specialist at the Centre for Education Research Innovation (CERI) at Western University in London, Ontario.
Q: What are you currently researching?
A: Before I tell you about what I am currently researching, I should tell you a bit about how I approach research.
I identify as a critical qualitative researcher. The use of the term ‘critical’ refers to my inclination to inquire ‘against the grain’. This involves listening keenly for how people talk about specific issues, identifying the stories and experiences that hold privilege or distinctive power in the field of medicine, and recognizing narratives that evoke discomfort or remain invisible or marginalized.
To conduct this work, I draw on a broad range of research methods. While I primarily rely on interview methods in my work, I also use other elicitation methods, such as incorporating visuals, to deepen and enrich research participants’ understanding of their experiences. For specific information about my research program, click here.
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue research in this area?
A: Many of my research projects are inspired by real-life events that have originated from personal experiences. My research pursuits serve as valuable outlets for processing my emotions, allowing me to find meaning and glean insights from past experiences.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working in medical education?
A: I love the chance it provides me to explore my intellectual curiosities. Starting a new project is particularly exciting for me, as the conceptualization phase is brimming with possibilities. I also enjoy the variety of roles I get to fulfill on a day-to-day basis. While my primary focus is on being an education researcher, depending on the day, I also get to take on the roles of a teacher, a writer, a mentor…the list goes on! The flexibility to work independently and engage in meaningful collaboration as part of a team has made this journey dynamic and fulfilling so far!
Q: What is your teaching involvement?
A: Most of my teaching focuses on providing learners across the medical education continuum with a solid foundation of relevant skills and training in medical education research and scholarship. What this looks like on a day-to-day basis depends on the learner group and the identified education need. I am involved in different research education activities such as the Research in Medicine (RIM) Program, Medical Education Elective for Residents, and Medical Education Research Roundtables.
Q: What advice do you have for students or faculty interested in pursuing research in medical education?
A: I think people should ask themselves the following questions before pursuing any type of research:
What’s your why for pursuing research? Do you have a personal or professional interest in a particular area of inquiry?
Do you have access to mentorship?
What difference do you hope this research will make?
Do you have the time and resources to carry out this work in an ethical and rigorous manner?
Then I would encourage individuals to develop a timeline and workplan that is both feasible and flexible. The last piece of advice I would give is to ask for help often! Seeking advice and guidance is not a sign of weakness or failure. It demonstrates a commitment to conducting meaningful and ethical research.
Q: I am new to qualitative research. Where should I start?
A: I am glad to hear you’re venturing into qualitative research! Quite simply, qualitative research is about exploring experiences deeply. The key is staying open-minded and enjoying the journey of discovery. If you are just beginning out, I would suggest seeking mentorship from someone who has qualitative research experience. There are also a lot of wonderful resources available. Here are just a few from the health professions education field:
Bearman, M. (2019). Focus on methodology: Eliciting rich data: A practical approach to writing semi-structured interview schedules. Focus on Health Professional Education: A Multi-Professional Journal. 20(3): 1-11.
Frambach, J. M.; van der Vleuten, C. & Durning, S. J. (2013). AM last page: Quality criteria in qualitative and quantitative research. Academic Medicine 88(4): 552.
Tai, J. and Ajjawi, R. (2016), Undertaking and reporting qualitative research. Clinical Teacher, 13: 175-182. .
Q: Are you available to supervise?
A: Yes! If you are interested in discussing potential supervision, please contact me with the following information:
Academic program
Research interests
Educational background
Previous experience/involvement in research (if applicable)
Academic writing sample