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| Russell W. Cantrell, MSCIS, MBA |
The Decision Sciences Institute (DSI) is dedicated to advancing research and education in decision sciences, bringing together scholars and professionals who use analytical methods to solve complex problems. With a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, DSI fosters collaboration across disciplines, including analytics, information systems, statistics, healthcare, and higher education.
Cantrell’s first presentation, “Now You See Me: Tracking Medical Faculty and Resident Wellness in Tableau,” was a collaborative research effort with Binata Mukherjee, M.D., MBA, assistant dean for faculty and professional development; Amy Campbell, DNP, RN, assistant professor of nursing; Walker Plash, M.D., assistant professor of emergency medicine and director of the residency program; Amanda Arnold, M.S., education and training specialist; and medical student Ben Loftis. Their work highlights how data visualization can be a powerful tool in supporting physician and resident well-being, a key factor in both medical education and healthcare delivery.
“Wellness is often dismissed with surface-level efforts, but real improvement starts with data,” Cantrell explained. “Our goal is to provide healthcare professionals with the ability to see patterns so they can make proactive choices about their well-being.” This research underscores the importance of incorporating wellness tracking into medical training programs, ensuring future physicians develop sustainable, long-term strategies for their own health as they care for others.
His second presentation, “Surveying Vulnerabilities: Tech-Driven Insights into U.S. Healthcare Disinformation,” explored how misinformation affects healthcare workers and its potential impact on patient care.
“Fake news can spread faster than any virus,” Cantrell noted. “My research examines whether healthcare systems are vulnerable to the same types of disinformation campaigns that have influenced politics.” This study is particularly relevant to medical education, as the ability to critically evaluate information and combat misinformation is becoming an essential skill for future physicians.
Both research projects reflect the Whiddon College of Medicine’s commitment to equipping future healthcare providers with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex medical landscape. By leveraging data analytics to track physician wellness and investigating the impact of misinformation on clinical decision-making, these studies directly support the university’s broader mission of advancing medical education, enhancing provider well-being, and improving patient care.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research, Whiddon COM continues to strengthen medical training by integrating evidence-based approaches that prepare students and residents for the challenges of modern healthcare.
