Library Research Information Specialist
Library of Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois
Hello! I'm Jennifer Westrick, MSLIS, AHIP; Library Research Information Specialist at Rush University Medical Center. Medical libraries are a second career for me, and I feel I've really "found my place." I've worked in all kinds of libraries, including my undergrad library, my local public library, my kids' school library, and an archive. Separately I also used to work for a clinical trial facility (Phase I-IV interventionanl trials) in patient and client recruitment. I feel this experience has helped me in my current career, especially when it comes to understanding clinical trials. My job consists mainly of helping students, faculty and clinicians conduct research; lately that has meant a lot of systematic reviews. I enjoy working on systematic reviews, as it allows me to indulge my inner perfectionist. I've also started doing some research of my own, as I was fortunate enough to be a fellow in the 2019 MLA Research Training Institute. Being a medical research librarian is a job that constantly requires me to learn and grow, and has allowed me to meet some fantastic people.