Biography

Ph.D. Virginia Tech

Dr. Reed’s academic background spans science, medicine, and communication. In 2012, she earned her PhD in Rhetoric and Writing from Virginia Tech where she focused on the role of rhetoric (or persuasive language) in medicine. Her current research analyzes the role of stigma in medical communication--including stigma about Down syndrome in prenatal testing discourse and stigma about addiction in substance use disorder discourse. In her work, she aims to identify concrete strategies for reducing stigma and facilitating better communication between medical professionals and patients.

Within the HSC major, she teaches HSC 08200: Developing Health and Science Literacy, WA 01330: Medical Writing and Rhetoric, and HSC 08450: Senior Seminar.

Research Bio

Amy R. Reed earned her PhD in Rhetoric and Writing from Virginia Tech where she focused on the role of rhetoric (or persuasive language) in medicine. Her current research analyzes the role of stigma in medical communication--including stigma about Down syndrome in prenatal testing discourse and stigma about addiction in substance use disorder discourse. In her work, she aims to identify concrete strategies for reducing stigma (and perceived stigma) and facilitating better communication between medical professionals and patients. Her current work is funded by a Camden Health Initiative Grant. 

Dr. Reed has experience collaborating with medical professionals and patient advocates. She is a qualitative researcher who primarily uses observation and interview methods, as well as close textual analysis and usability analysis. Her work has been published in medical and communication venues including: the Journal of Genetic Counseling, the Journal of Medical Humanities, Rhetoric of Health and Medicine, and the Journal of Technical Writing and Communication.