Medical statistics, sometimes called biostatistics, is an exciting field that plays a key role in healthcare. It is the science of summarizing, collecting, presenting and interpreting data in medical practice.
Using Maths in the Medical Statistics Industry
Medical Statisticians help with the monitoring and surveillance of health, the detection and prevention of disease, and the development of new medicines.
Statisticians get involved at all stages:
- Helping chemists in the lab with their experiments in creating compounds
- Designing and monitoring clinical trials
- Ensuring quality in manufacturing
- Long term monitoring of the safety of medicines in the real world
Statistics is key at every step of the way to help answer questions from scientists, governments, doctors and patients, and to make sure that there is strong reliable evidence for any claims.
More About the Medical Statistics Industry
Before a new medicine can be used, it must go through careful testing in clinical trials. Statisticians help design, analyse and communicate the results of clinical trials. In these trials, some patients receive the new treatment, while others get a placebo or an existing treatment for comparison. Carefully designing these trials is crucial. Statisticians work with doctors, study managers and other experts to create robust studies that help prove whether a new treatment is better than the alternatives. Their skills in maths and statistics are vital to ensure the trials provide reliable results.
Career Prospects in Medical Statistics
The medical research field is full of exciting job opportunities. Many different types of organisations are involved, from small local companies to large international ones. As well as pharmaceutical companies that develop and manufacture the medicines, there are also Contract Research Organisations (CROs) and Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) that play important roles in medical research.
Do Maths Students Really End up Working in the Medical Statistics Industry?
Yes, many maths students choose a career in medical statistics. The Medical Statistics field values analytical thinking and quantitative skills, which are developed through studying mathematics. Statisticians can apply their expertise in a wide range of medical contexts, and it is a great career opportunity as:
- There is a growing demand. As healthcare becomes more data-driven, there is an increased need for skilled medical statisticians.
- Diverse opportunities: you can find jobs in pharmaceutical companies, CROs, CTUs, and universities, offering various career paths to explore.
Typical Day in the Life of a Medical Statistician
Research is the focus, and a typical day might involve:
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals and researchers
- Analysing clinical trial data
- Designing clinical trials to ensure valid results
- Presenting findings to stakeholders
- Writing reports and articles to share research results
Educational Pathways
- A Levels: focus on mathematical and science subjects.
- Degrees: look for degrees in statistics, mathematics, or biostatistics. You may also look into public health and epidemiology.
- Postgraduate training: a master’s degree in medical statistics is usually required, and some companies offer this as an apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeships, work experience, or industrial placement/sandwich years during your studies can be a valuable entry point into the industry, offering practical experience while you study for a qualification.
Where Can I Find Out More?
Medical statistics is a thriving field that not only offers a promising career path but also contributes significantly to advancements in healthcare. It’s a great route to consider if you are interested in a career that uses maths and science and has a real impact on patients. With a growing job market and diverse opportunities, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who is passionate about data and its role in improving lives.
You can find out more by looking at the PSI Careers Website, which has loads of information on medical statistics. It covers everything from how the field has evolved to the different career paths that lead to becoming a medical statistician. You can explore a wealth of resources to guide you in your journey.
Useful Links
Career Profile
Katie Gwinnell -Statistics and Data Insights Placement Student – Maths Careers
An article about the day-to-day life of a placement student in the medical statistics sector.
This article was written by the team at PSI
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