Event Title
Biostatistics Internship at Spectrum Health: An Overview
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: In the world of research the ability to back up theories with relevant data, statistical techniques and results of analysis are vital to advancements in science and a successful career. Through an internship in the Spectrum Research Department, we were able to develop our statistical skills in a healthcare research setting. CHALLENGE: Currently the biostatistics interns are the main source of statistical support in the Research Department at Spectrum Health. It is often a daunting task to choose the appropriate technique and effectively communicate this methodology to non-statisticians, especially with limited statistical mentorship on the premises. Other challenges included meticulous organization and time management, as our statistical support extended over six Spectrum Health entities including Butterworth Hospital, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion, Blodgett Hospital and Zeeland Community Hospital. EXPERIENCE: Not only were we able to hone and expand our statistical skills, we came to fully understand the magnitude of being statisticians in a medical research setting. We worked independently and as a team to consult on issues of sample size, experimental design, and data collection techniques. Further responsibilities included conducting data analyses, drafting statistical portions of manuscripts, and creating graphical displays for presentations. This internship offered a real-world setting in which to develop our SAS programming, data visualization, and writing skills. OUTCOME: Through this internship we were able to enhance our communication skills with each other and with the entire research teams. We quickly learned effective techniques to explain statistical concepts and methodology to others who are not statistically minded. We received the opportunity to put together statistical designs, sample size and power calculations/analyses, write the statistical portion of papers, and help others narrow down their research questions to something measureable and therefore, obtainable. IMPACT: This experience has prepared us for the real world of statistics in a medical research setting. Not only were we given an amazing opportunity to be a part of revolutionary research, we were supported and encouraged by everyone in the department throughout our journey. The diverse skill set we learned and developed within the Spectrum Health Research Department will carry over into the next chapter of our careers and be forever useful.
Biostatistics Internship at Spectrum Health: An Overview
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: In the world of research the ability to back up theories with relevant data, statistical techniques and results of analysis are vital to advancements in science and a successful career. Through an internship in the Spectrum Research Department, we were able to develop our statistical skills in a healthcare research setting. CHALLENGE: Currently the biostatistics interns are the main source of statistical support in the Research Department at Spectrum Health. It is often a daunting task to choose the appropriate technique and effectively communicate this methodology to non-statisticians, especially with limited statistical mentorship on the premises. Other challenges included meticulous organization and time management, as our statistical support extended over six Spectrum Health entities including Butterworth Hospital, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion, Blodgett Hospital and Zeeland Community Hospital. EXPERIENCE: Not only were we able to hone and expand our statistical skills, we came to fully understand the magnitude of being statisticians in a medical research setting. We worked independently and as a team to consult on issues of sample size, experimental design, and data collection techniques. Further responsibilities included conducting data analyses, drafting statistical portions of manuscripts, and creating graphical displays for presentations. This internship offered a real-world setting in which to develop our SAS programming, data visualization, and writing skills. OUTCOME: Through this internship we were able to enhance our communication skills with each other and with the entire research teams. We quickly learned effective techniques to explain statistical concepts and methodology to others who are not statistically minded. We received the opportunity to put together statistical designs, sample size and power calculations/analyses, write the statistical portion of papers, and help others narrow down their research questions to something measureable and therefore, obtainable. IMPACT: This experience has prepared us for the real world of statistics in a medical research setting. Not only were we given an amazing opportunity to be a part of revolutionary research, we were supported and encouraged by everyone in the department throughout our journey. The diverse skill set we learned and developed within the Spectrum Health Research Department will carry over into the next chapter of our careers and be forever useful.