This past October, I delivered a podium presentation at the International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty’s 32nd Annual Congress in Toronto, Canada. My talk was entitled “Pelvic Tilt and Rotation Measured Using Handheld Navigation for Acetabular Component Positioning During Direct Anterior Total Hip Replacement.”

This opportunity came to me through my previous experience working at the Hospital for Special Surgery (New York, NY) in orthopedic joint replacement research, where I worked on a research project, led by orthopedic surgeon Edwin Su, MD. Presenting at the conference provided me with a tremendous opportunity to build on my previous research by utilizing skills I am learning in the MSL program.

MSL classes have challenged me to formulate my ideas carefully and to express myself in writing and speech using precise language. These skills are obviously important across many industries. In particular, during the Fall 1 Power Week course on Negotiations Skills & Strategies, we read “Getting to Yes: Negotiation Agreement Without Giving In” by Roger Fisher and William Ury. This text was very helpful in teaching me how to manage the Question and Answer period after my talk. I was able to focus on understanding differing perspectives and this allowed me to respond effectively to questions about the challenges we encountered with this research.

As we approach the half-way point of Fall 2 term, I am grateful to continue expanding my communication skills in the Public Persuasion course, where I am learning to enhance my verbal and written persuasion skills in preparation for future presentations.

T. Alastair DeNova
Master of Science in Law 2020