Passion for Teaching and Research

By Joseph Bello Suazo

Rebecca Lufler’s path to her current roles at Tufts University School of Medicine was anything but straightforward. Now an associate professor in the Department of Medical Education, Lufler is also the content director for clinical anatomy and the medical curriculum, co-course director of a fourth-year clinical anatomy pro-section course, and director of the scholarly project program for medical students. But reaching this point involved a journey filled with exploration and discovery.

Lufler recalls her early years as a student with uncertainty about her future. “I didn’t know, even in undergrad what to do. I knew I wanted it in the healthcare field,” she said. “So, I was a health science major and biology minor in undergrad but when I took the anatomy course I loved it.” She then served as a teacher assistant and discovered a love of teaching and seeing the faces of students realizing they understood what was being taught

Combining her interests in science, research, and teaching, Lufler pursued a PhD, attending James Madison University before moving on to Boston University School of Medicine. It was during her PhD studies that she had the opportunity to teach, an experience she describes as fulfilling and one that ultimately brought her to Tufts.

Lufler’s days at Tufts are anything but typical. “It really depends on how much teaching I have to do for different programs,” she explains. Her schedule is often filled with meetings, classes, and collaborative projects, making organization a crucial aspect of her job. “I love organizing content for students,” she says, noting that it’s this skill that enables her to successfully manage multiple collaborations.

When it comes to her research, Lufler’s approach is equally methodical. “What I like to do is try to write as we go,” she explains, describing a process that involves writing up methods while gathering data, submitting findings to conferences, and using feedback to refine the final manuscript.

For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Lufler emphasizes the importance of networking and helping others along the way. “Making connections and taking advice from others is very important,” she advises. In a field where collaboration and relationships are key, these connections can open doors and provide valuable opportunities.