Dr. Timothy Ponce, author of “Technical Writing Pedagogy and Empathetic Medical Intervention,” is a Senior Lecturer of Technical Writing and Professional Design at the UTA Department of English. “I hold a PhD in Literature and a certificate in Teaching Technical Writing from the University of North Texas. I currently serve as a senior lecturer of Technical Writing and Professional Design and as Coordinator of Internships in the Department of English at the University of Texas at Arlington. While my doctoral research focused on perceptions of heroism in sixteenth and seventeenth century England, I have since published and presented papers focused on technical communication, writing pedagogy, literary pedagogy, and curricular accreditation, with an overarching research agenda that addresses the intersections of pedagogy, professional skills, and employment. In addition to my teaching and research, I also serve as a board member at the Society for Technical Communication Loan Star Chapter, as well as on grant review committees for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In this article, I demonstrate the value of technical communication courses—particularly those informed by design thinking—to aspiring medical professionals. Due to technical communication’s user-centered approach to writing, the theoretical framework taught in technical writing courses helps prepare these students to offer empathetic, wholistic, patient-centered care.”
