Embedded Files
Visualizing Data: Redesigning a graph to improve the Data Presentation
Original Graph
I selected this graph as it is a study reviewing the representation of trainees based on race in the various medical specialties in the US. As an MFM, I think it is important to highlight the need for diversity in the field of women’s health to help identify the needs of women in these underrepresented populations. This graph depicts the underrepresented minorities (URM) in the specialties of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), maternal fetal medicine (MFM) and all other medical specialties in the US. URM was defined as Asian, Hispanic, Black, Alaska/Native American, Native Hawaiian\Pacific Islander, and Other. The study determined that there is a significant increase in the number of people from the URM in these specialties since 2016. It also highlights that although there was an increase in all 3 groups, the increase in OBGYN and MFM was lower than the other specialties in the US.
Trends in underrepresented minorities in maternal fetal medicine fellowship. Lorene Temming et al. AJOG. January 2023
Copyright © 2022 Published by Mosby, Inc.
Edited Graph
I used PowerPoint and Excel to edit the original graph. In keeping with the suggestions to declutter the data, I did the following:
-Cleaned up the y-axis, to remove extra digits (eg. 25 instead of 25.0)
-Removed the horizontal lines in the body of the chart
-Removed the points along the graph/curves with numbers, so the curves looked clean and now it demonstrates the trends better.
-Removed the legend at the bottom and added them next to the curves. Also made the text color match the color of the curves.
Reviewing this module, I learned a lot about simplifying the data. I will admit working in the medical field, graphs are used quite often, and they are usually filled with a lot of information. The first graph does seem very typical of the graphs used in most of the medical journals. The tendency is to provide as much data as possible to avoid having to read the text. But in this process, I realized at first glance these charts and graphs can be overwhelming to the readers. This may be off-putting and take away from the purpose of the journals – to increase readership and share research amongst peers. I hope to incorporate some of these tips learned to my work in the future.
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