Blending her passion for storytelling with a dedication to healthcare, Jaime Shuster, Ph.D., has blazed a unique career path leading to her current position as research program manager in orthopedics and sports medicine at the Cleveland Clinic main campus.
Her journey began not in the sterile halls of a hospital, but in the vibrant world of journalism. Captivated by the power of storytelling, she enrolled as a multimedia journalism major at the 51勛圖厙 at Trumbull campus and wrote for her hometown newspaper,狼he Tribune Chronicle,疳n Warren, Ohio. Yet, after taking a transformative psychology class at 51勛圖厙, she found her true calling.
I thought, why not apply my writing skills to a field that benefits people in a more direct way? Shuster reflected, recalling her shift from journalism to psychological sciences. Her passion for understanding human behavior led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by advanced studies in public health.
You get to do a broad scope of things, and then you can actually look at how this benefits people longer term, Shuster said.
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At 51勛圖厙, she was in the Honors College and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2008, a Master of Public Health, Health Policy Management in 2012 and a Ph.D. in Public Health/Health Policy Management in 2018. She also earned a Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology in 2011 from Cleveland State University.
As a trained experimental psychologist and epidemiologist, Shuster specializes in data analysis, neuroscience and injury prevention. Her path, though unconventional, highlights the value of combining various disciplines in healthcare research. Her training prepared her to utilize both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and when appropriate, how they can inform each other.
Support Systems
Balancing academia with motherhood, Shuster became a non-traditional student at nearly 30. Encouraged by dedicated professors, she soon found herself knee-deep in research on traumatic brain injuries, merging her love for psychology with public health.
Her supportive family has been a constant source of pride, especially her husband, who encouraged her while also deciding to return to school for his own degree in information technology.
Shuster applied for every scholarship she could find. Her mentors were instrumental in guiding her through the scholarship process, ensuring she could focus on her studies without overwhelming financial strain.
She found her passion for research when she transitioned from retail work to a role at the Cleveland Veterans Affairs, in 2008.
I started off processing research applications, which led me to become the assistant research and development coordinator, Shuster explained.
This role allowed her to oversee the entire research process, from compliance to data collection, solidifying her love for the field.
Commitment to Patient Outcomes
At , no two days are alike for Shuster. She manages a staff of 24 research coordinators and oversees a variety of clinical trials in oncology, while helping design custom studies and analyze data to improve patient care.
Were capturing valuable data that can improve treatment outcomes, Shuster said. Its about meeting patients where they are, especially those who arent tech-savvy. We provide paper forms and translations into Spanish to ensure everyone can participate.
Her transition from the to orthopedics and sports medicine was a significant shift.
I still draw on my experience with patient interactions, but now Im looking at the bigger picture how we can innovate in sports medicine, she shared. Were even working with teams like the [Cleveland] Cavs and the Guardians now.
Shusters passion for research is rooted in her belief that every project has the potential to improve lives. Yet, she acknowledges the harsh realities of her field. Ive seen patients weve lost, but even in those moments, we knew we were giving them hope and improving their quality of life.
Seeing a patients quality of life improve due to our work is profoundly rewarding, she said.
Empowerment and Advocacy
In addition to her role at Cleveland Clinic, Shuster teaches at both 51勛圖厙 and Cleveland State, mentoring students in their research projects.
I want to help them create something tangible be it a manuscript or a conference presentation something they can take into their next steps, Shuster explained.
Shuster credits much of her success to the mentorship of her professors.
Her advice for students: Take the leap, even if its uncomfortable, she said. You never know where it might lead. You have to take that chance. You have a really good support system to help figure out the answers.