Researchers can often be disconnected from reality, but preserving the dignity of your community members is paramount to a people-first research process.

Dr. Rodney Washington is a retired Associate Professor of Early Education and Population Health Science and currently owns Consulting Plus, a health and educational consulting foundation improving health and educational outcomes for communities experiencing high-poverty.

During this episode, he joins us to share his insights on building relationships by applying cultural sensitivity and serving the community while conducting research. More specifically, we speak about his experiences in Mississippi and why he chooses to stay in his hometown and conduct research with the folks who live there.

Join us as Dr. Washington shares key insights on how to honor and respect communities when conducting research, and more. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hello and welcome to Dr. Rodney Washington, public health academic and owner of Consulting Plus. [01:24]

• What he enjoys about the work in Mississippi and how he approaches mentoring others. [03:28]

• Structuring research in a way that gives dignity to the subjects in question. [07:26]

• Building relationships during the research process. [11:03]

• Dr. Washington’s experience of the Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leadership Program. [12:34]

• The mindset shift required to prioritize what communities need over what is necessary for the research. [16:22]

• Countering misinformation in real-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. [19:41]

• Why this work is important and what it can really do for the community. [22:33]

• What brings joy to Dr. Washington’s work. [28:54]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review! For more transcripts, show notes,and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/public-health-joy-podcast-season-3/