Overview
Biostatisticians are vital professionals in the field of public health and medical research. They mainly contribute to the healthcare field by using statistics to analyze data collected from medical experiments, identify potential problems, participate in writing scientific reports or research proposals, and many more. Their primary goal is to generate insights that will eventually lead to the improvement of our healthcare system.
Education And Work Life
Due to the rapid advancement of technology, biostatisticians are in high demand, with an expected growth of 31% (2022 – 2032). However, the field is very competitive and normally requires a minimum of a master’s or doctoral degree in biostatistics, statistics, or related fields. Problem-solving skills are also important in order to develop innovative solutions to challenges, along with great communication skills to communicate complex statistical concepts and ideas clearly to audiences.
Biostatisticians typically work in collaborative environments such as academic institutions, government agencies, or private companies. They often work alongside epidemiologists, public health professionals, and medical researchers. The work-life balance for biostatisticians is considered to be quite pleasant. Many work flexible hours, allowing them to manage their professional and personal lives more effectively. However, those in the pharmaceutical industry or medical research may experience a more demanding schedule, especially when facing complications or meeting deadlines.
Contribution
For instance, during the development of the vaccine for COVID-19, biostatisticians used statistical methods to ensure the efficiency and safety of vaccines, which were crucial in the emergency response to the pandemic. Biostatisticians modeled the disease transmission dynamics and evaluated the effectiveness of interventions such as social distancing and vaccination campaigns, which guided policymakers in reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Moreover, biostatistics also plays a role in the rapid development of personalized medicine that aids in cancer treatment. As genomic data is essential in understanding cancer, biostatisticians use this data to identify specific genetic mutations that promote cancerous tumor growth. This analysis facilitates the development of targeted therapies that are suited to each patient’s genetic profile. For example, the identification of mutations in the EGFR gene (epidermal growth factor receptor) has led to the development of targeted therapies for non-small cell lung carcinoma, which significantly improve patient survival rates.
Summary
Overall, I think biostatistics is a rewarding career that plays a critical role in advancing public health and medical research. The use of statistics to interpret data accurately and thoroughly is important for improving our understanding of various diseases. Their commitment to science and data accuracy not only enhances the credibility of health research but also improves our healthcare.
Resources:
Biostatistician Job Details | Johns Hopkins University
The job market for biostatisticians in the United States – CareerExplorer
How to Become a Biostatistician
Essential team science skills for biostatisticians on collaborative research teams – PMC
Reacting to crises: The COVID-19 impact on biostatistics/epidemiology – PMC
The effect of human mobility and control measures on the COVID-19 epidemic in China
Efficacy of gefitinib for non‐adenocarcinoma non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients harboring
epidermal growth factor receptor mutations: A pooled analysis of published reports