Author: Scott J. Pearson

I write software about biomedical careers, and I write book reviews.
Healthcare Research-Education

The National Institutes of Health: 1991-2008

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

To those interested in healthcare research in America, understanding the National Institutes of Health (NIH) represents a formidable challenge. Few books address the topic well, and most investigators follow the NIH’s trends with deep interest. Even though this book represents history from decades ago – 15 years is a long time in American politics and in research – this book remains relevant to understand the historical trends still operative in this great institution. Reading this…

Continue reading

Poetry Science

The Universe in Verse: 15 Portals to Wonder through Science & Poetry

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

Poetry and science are often placed opposite each other because they describe different things. One describes the human soul; the other describes nature. That’s unfortunate because they can complement each other vividly. The natural world and the vast universe are sources of unending wonder. It’s a shame that too many people are put off by science as intimidating. In truth, it’s awe-inducing and humbling. Maria Popova brings these lessons to life with 15 poems by…

Continue reading

Artificial Intelligence

Prompt Engineering for Generative AI: Future-Proof Inputs for Reliable AI Outputs

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

Prompt engineering is the art and science of finding the right words to generate the right responses from artificial intelligence (AI). It’s becoming a skill in-demand in today’s workplaces. It’s also becoming an essential skill for life. To understand prompt engineering, you must understand how AI tools understand their inputs. This book explains that to you in many forms. It covers prompting as it intersects all the major AI disciplines, like general prompts (as in…

Continue reading

Indie Program Management Software-Technology

The Technical Program Manager Guide: Navigating the Path to Success

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

Traditional program management consists of guiding a suite of programs for business success. As IT has recently become ascendant in the marketplace, that paradigm has applied to software in a role called the technical program manager. Leading tech companies, like Meta, Apple, and Amazon, have made ample use of this position in their business strategy. The problem is that there is no set career progression into this role. Arpit Agrawal tries to demystify this role…

Continue reading

Fiction-Stories

When the Cranes Fly South: A Novel

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

Some people adore books that leave them with a warm feeling, but I adore books that leave me with tears streaming on my face. This book is one of the latter. Originally a bestseller in Sweden, it’s now translated into English (and other languages) for the world to contemplate. In the story, Bo is facing aging as his own body is breaking down. His wife is in long-term care with dementia, unable to recognize even…

Continue reading

Artificial Intelligence Software-Technology

Developing Apps with GPT-4 and ChatGPT: Build Intelligent Chatbots, Content Generators & More

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

Everyone today seems to want to do something with artificial intelligence (AI), but few seem to know how to do it well. We’ve started to see how AI bots can induce horrors, and business leaders plead to avoid those risks. ChatGPT, packaged from OpenAI, remains the dominant, most trusted AI tool even though many other versions exist. It’d be nice if we software folks could stop and get a masters degree in AI, but life…

Continue reading

Biography-Memoir History Society

Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

The Spanish Civil War was a historical precursor to World War II. Franco’s fascism for a time united disparate opposing groups like anarchists and communists. The opposition attracted volunteers from across Europe. However, these groups began infighting among each other, and the opposition ultimately failed. As with most failures, the blame game ran deep among groups. The great English writer George Orwell’s first-hand account provides as much light as can be shown upon the whole…

Continue reading

Healthcare Society

The Political Determinants of Health

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

In scientific circles, the “social determinants of health” is a common phrase used to describe how one’s zip code can have more impact on health outcomes than one’s personal health. This book plays off that title by describing how America’s political situation – whether one is part of a favored class or note – can influence health outcomes. It takes particular aim at health inequities in American history. Daniel Dawes describes attempts in American history…

Continue reading

HIV/AIDS

World AIDS Day 2025

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

I’m not your usual AIDS activist. First of all, I’m actually a terrible activist who rarely, if ever, takes to the streets. Second, I grew up on the political and religious right. Third, I’m a white heterosexual cisgendered monogamous male, not really in any risk group. So why do I care deeply about HIV? I grew fascinated with the complex science involved during medical school. I loved studying – and often forgetting on tests! –…

Continue reading

Humor Science

How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems

By Scott J. Pearson | by Scott J. Pearson

Ever wonder what it takes to land a plane on top of a train? Or what’s the best way to send nuclear waste to the sun? Or how to take a selfie with yourself and the moon? Well, Randall Munroe has answers, filled in a humorous tone. The beauty of how science generalizes – particularly, physics – is how it applies to all sorts of absurd situations. Munroe understands how to create such situations in…

Continue reading