The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI

How can oncologists and healthcare professionals keep up with the ever-growing body of research to make the best decisions for patients? In this episode, I speak with Anna Forsythe, a pharmacologist, health economist, and founder of OncoScope, a groundbreaking platform delivering daily updated systematic literature reviews (SLRs) in oncology. Drawing on decades of experience in pharma and health economics, Anna shares how automation and AI are transforming the traditionally tedious SLR process—making up-to-date evidence accessible to clinicians in just a few clicks. Anna's vision is clear: democratize access to high-quality, current evidence for clinicians—and ultimately improve patient care.

In this episode, I'm joined by Julia Geronimi from Servier and Dr. Pavel Mozgunov from the University of Cambridge to explore a topic that's absolutely central to advancing precision medicine—predictive biomarkers. We dive into the challenges of identifying predictive vs. prognostic biomarkers, especially in early-phase clinical trials with limited sample sizes. What makes their approach so exciting is that it offers a model-flexible, visually intuitive way to detect predictiveness—even before we talk about dichotomizing biomarkers or setting cutoffs. If you work on clinical trial design, translational science, or biomarker development, this conversation will give you fresh tools—and a lot to think about.

In this special episode, I'm sharing the recording of a webinar I co-hosted with Cytel on March 20, 2025. I was joined by an expert panel of leaders in statistics and clinical development: Yannis Jemiai, Flaminia Chiesa, and Benjamin Piske. Together, we explored how the role of statisticians is rapidly evolving in response to industry changes, data innovations, and AI-driven transformation. This rich discussion dives into what it means to lead as a Clinical Data Scientist today—and why statisticians are uniquely positioned to influence strategy, innovation, and decision-making across the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

In this episode, I'm excited to welcome back Katrin Kupas, a statistician with deep expertise in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and real world evidence (RWE). We dive into how RWE and the new Joint Clinical Assessment (JCA) process in Europe can work together—and where the challenges lie. As the JCA becomes more central in EU regulatory and reimbursement discussions, knowing how and when to use real world data is critical. Katrin shares practical use cases, methodological guidance, and strategic insights for integrating RWE into early planning.

As someone who found my way into statistics late—only halfway through university—I often wonder: what if more young people knew about this path earlier? In this episode, I sit down with two wonderful guests and PSI volunteers, Emma Crawford and Alex Spiers, to explore exactly that: how we, as statisticians and scientists, can inspire the next generation. We talk about the why behind investing in STEM outreach, share personal stories, and get into the practical steps you can take—whether you want to volunteer at a school, present virtually, or simply start a conversation with a student.

Group sequential trials, interim analyses, final analyses, updated analyses… what do these terms actually mean, and why is there so much confusion? In this technical yet highly practical episode, I speak with Kaspar Rufibach, Principal Biostatistician at Roche, to unpack some of the most commonly misunderstood terminology and concepts in clinical trial design and analysis. If you've ever questioned what really qualifies as an "interim analysis" or struggled to explain why a “final analysis” isn't always the last word, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Prof. Holger Fröhlich, who leads the AI and Data Science Group at the Fraunhofer Institute and is an honorary professor at the University of Bonn. We explored one of the hottest topics in healthcare data science right now: synthetic data. Holger and I discussed how synthetic data is generated using AI, what role digital twins could play in the future of clinical trials, and how these innovations could fundamentally reshape how we design and conduct research. We dove into the Cynthia Project, which is part of the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) – the largest public-private partnership for health research in Europe.

In this episode, I'm diving into a topic that's very personal to me—working in an English-speaking environment as a non-native speaker. If you've ever felt unsure about your English skills in meetings, emails, or presentations, you're not alone. I've been there myself, and I want to share what's helped me grow more confident and effective over the years. I'll walk you through practical strategies that go beyond grammar—things that have really made a difference for me in both speaking and writing, and most importantly, in getting my message across clearly.

In this episode, I'm once again joined by Daniel Sabanés Bové for a deep dive into one of the most impactful tools for statisticians working with data visualization—R-Shiny. We explore how interactive data visualizations can help you iterate faster, collaborate better across functions, and focus more on the actual scientific questions rather than just coding. Daniel shares some excellent examples from clinical trials and gives practical tips on how to avoid common pitfalls when building Shiny apps. Whether you're designing your first app or maintaining a more complex one, you'll find plenty of value in this conversation—from best practices around UI/UX design to strategies for modular development and testing.

In this episode, I'm sharing three personal stories where soft skills—or better yet, human skills—made a huge difference in my work as a statistician. Whether it was building trust to access critical data, presenting results in a way that truly resonated, or negotiating a fair contract, these experiences reminded me how essential these skills are alongside our technical expertise.

In this episode, I'm joined once again by Daniel Sabanés Bové to talk all about R packages—why they're so useful, when to create one, and how to do it effectively. Whether you're just starting out with writing reusable functions or thinking about building a more robust and reusable R package, you'll find plenty of hands-on advice in our discussion. Daniel shares his experiences from working at Roche, Google, and now through his consultancy, Arconis. We dive into everything from writing clean and consistent code, to testing, documenting, and even promoting your package in the open-source world. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://podcastae8fac.podigee.io/117309-new-episode 43a3ee787b969e597351ba0a69cbf445 117309 full Friday Episode with Alexander Schacht no Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry

In this episode, I welcome back Necdet Gunsoy, who's now in a new role as the founder of EviMed, a boutique consultancy specializing in health economics, outcomes research, real-world evidence, and market access. We dive into the often tense relationship between statisticians and market access professionals, exploring why these functions struggle to collaborate and, more importantly, how we can work together more effectively.

In this episode of The Effective Statistician podcast, I dive into the art of persuasion. As statisticians and data scientists, we often rely on logic and data, but true influence requires more than just being right. Drawing from ancient Greek philosophy, I explore the three pillars of persuasion—ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion)—and share practical strategies to help you effectively convince others. Whether you are presenting new methodologies, influencing key stakeholders, or advocating for change, this episode will equip you with essential communication skills to make a lasting impact.

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I sit down with Kaspar Rufibach to tackle a topic that affects statisticians every day—how to interpret p-values, confidence intervals, and statistical hypotheses. We explore the differences between Fisher's and Neyman-Pearson's approaches, clear up common misconceptions, and discuss how misinterpreting statistical significance can lead to flawed conclusions. Using real-world examples from clinical trials and drug development, we highlight best practices for communicating statistical results effectively. Whether you're working with clinicians or business stakeholders, this episode will help you gain clarity on these fundamental statistical concepts and use them correctly in your daily work.

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I dive into a crucial skill—building influence within a clinical trial team. As statisticians, we often need to negotiate timelines, advocate for better analysis methods, and ensure clear communication across teams. The stronger our influence, the more impact we can have on study outcomes and, ultimately, patients. I break down the key pillars of trust—care, character, and competence—and share practical strategies to help you collaborate effectively, align team priorities, and proactively tackle challenges. Tune in and start building your influence today!

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage a heavy workload while maintaining mental well-being. In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Peter Wehmeier about the five key dimensions of self-management—building strong relationships, setting priorities, making decisions, and taking action. We share practical strategies to reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and take control of both work and life. With insights from Peter's upcoming workshops, this conversation offers valuable tools to help you stay balanced and productive. Tune in to learn how to take charge of your future!

Welcome to another episode of The Effective Statistician! Today, I sit down with Darko Medin to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming biostatistics. Darko works as a biostatistician for companies worldwide and builds digital solutions that push AI's boundaries. We dive into Bio AI Works, the platform he's developing to improve AI reliability and eliminate issues like hallucinations in large language models. Darko explains how AI can enhance statistical accuracy, uncover hidden data patterns, and accelerate breakthroughs in oncology and precision medicine. If you want to understand how AI can revolutionize biostatistics while maintaining scientific rigor, this episode is for you. Let's get started!

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore Slow Productivity by Cal Newport—a book that challenges how we think about work and efficiency. I welcome Alun Bedding and Steve Mallett to discuss how statisticians can apply Newport's principles: doing fewer things, working at a natural pace, and obsessing over quality. We share our experiences with managing workloads, cutting unnecessary meetings, and focusing on meaningful work. If you want to break free from the busyness trap and boost your impact, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Justin Belair about the process of writing a book on causal inference, one of the hottest topics in statistics. Justin explains how he discovered causal inference, what motivated him to write a hands-on technical book, and how he balances theory, real-world applications, and coding exercises. Having written a book myself, I know the challenges firsthand, so we dive into the strategies that make writing more effective. If you want to learn more about causal inference, apply practical tools in your work, or even write a book yourself, this episode has plenty of insights and inspiration. Tune in and join the conversation!

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I introduce the Medical Data Leaders Community (MDLC)—a powerful new resource for statisticians, data scientists, programmers, and other quantitative professionals in healthcare research. I created this community to help you build and refine your leadership skills, so you can increase your influence and drive better decision-making in your organization. Leadership growth requires continuous learning, practice, and reflection, and MDLC provides the tools to support you every step of the way. Through workshops, peer mentoring, and real-world applications, you'll develop strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and a stronger leadership presence. If you want to take your career to the next level, this episode will show you how MDLC can help.

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://podcastae8fac.podigee.io/419-new-episode d505d778d41cc0ded4b5196acf57bd5c 419 full Friday Episode with Alexander Schacht no Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://podcastae8fac.podigee.io/418-new-episode bc42a1af5a05c6da071c435c09956aca 418 full Discussion with Alexander Schacht no Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I tackle a challenge that many of us face—working long hours and feeling stuck in an endless cycle of pressure and expectations. I've spoken to countless professionals who struggle with ever-growing workloads, limited resources, and rigid workplace structures that make it difficult to work more efficiently. But the real issue isn't just about managing tasks better—it's about shifting the way we think about work. Here, I break down the limiting beliefs that keep us trapped, like equating our value with how hard we work, mistaking busyness for productivity, and chasing perfection at the expense of progress. Join me as I share strategies to work smarter, achieve more, and create a healthier work-life balance. Plus, I'll tell you about an upcoming free webinar where I'll dive even deeper into how you can become a more effective statistician while still enjoying life outside of work.

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore how GAMS—the General Algebraic Modeling System—can solve complex optimization problems and transform how you approach modeling. I talk with Steve Dirkse, an expert who explains how GAMS simplifies challenges in logistics, healthcare, and beyond. Unlike generalized additive models, GAMS uses an algebraic modeling language to handle intricate systems with ease. Together, we uncover how you can start using this powerful tool, access its resources, and apply it to real-world scenarios. Join me as we dive into this fascinating topic and uncover how GAMS can make a difference in your work!

Are you tired of rushing through endless meetings, juggling countless tasks, and feeling like the grind never stops? Do you wonder if all this hustle is worth the toll it's taking on your health, relationships, and happiness? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I challenge the unsustainable culture of constant hustle and offer a better path: long-haul leadership. I'll show you how focusing on personal growth, prioritizing your well-being, and building meaningful connections can help you break free from the burnout cycle. Let's explore how to create a career that's not only impactful but also sustainable for the long run.

Welcome to another episode of The Effective Statistician podcast! Today, I tackle the essential skill of negotiation—a tool we statisticians use every day, often without realizing it. We negotiate when we push for better study designs, adjust project timelines, or secure resources like training and conference budgets. Beyond work, we negotiate in our personal lives with family, friends, or vendors. In this episode, I share proven strategies to prepare for negotiations, uncover interests behind positions, and confidently advocate for yourself and your work. Mastering these skills empowers you to drive success and create a bigger impact as a statistician. Let's jump in!

In this Friday edition of The Effective Statistician, Alun Bedding takes center stage to discuss a topic central to leadership and personal influence: Trust. With his characteristic insight and practical approach, Alun explores how trust forms the foundation of effective leadership, regardless of one's title or position. Drawing on real-world examples and actionable strategies, he highlights the habits and choices that help build trust, foster authenticity, and inspire those around us. Whether you consider yourself a leader or not, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your role and influence. Tune in and discover how trust can transform your personal and professional life.

Welcome to a brand-new year and an exciting new episode of The Effective Statistician! I'm thrilled to kick off 2025 by sharing some incredible news—I've written a book! After years of planning, false starts, and a lot of learning along the way, How to Be an Effective Statistician is finally complete and will officially launch on January 15th. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how the book came to life. I'll share why I wrote it, how it's structured, and the practical insights it offers for statisticians, data scientists, and other quantitative professionals. Whether you're looking to improve communication, manage challenges, or simply be more effective in your role, this book was designed with you in mind. I'll also give you all the details about the book launch party, where we'll celebrate, learn, and connect. Join me as I reflect on this journey and what it means for our community!

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://podcastae8fac.podigee.io/412-new-episode 17e49fc53b68eaff27cb71cc6abe7d5b 412 full Friday Episode with Alun Bedding no Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0000 https://podcastae8fac.podigee.io/410-new-episode 336204fd81d56d99b4238cdc5caadecb 410 full Discussion with Alexander Schacht no Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry

Planning for 2025 doesn't have to be overwhelming—it can be a powerful exercise in aligning your goals with your ideal lifestyle and long-term aspirations. In this episode, Alun Bedding provides actionable strategies and thoughtful insights to help you approach the year ahead with clarity and purpose. Whether you're aiming to elevate your career, find balance, or simply refine your approach to goal-setting, this episode is packed with ideas you won't want to miss. So, listen now and take the first step toward making 2025 your most impactful year yet. And if you found this episode valuable, don't keep it to yourself—share it with friends and colleagues who could benefit from these transformative strategies!

How do we find the right dose in immune-oncology trials? Is the traditional “maximum tolerated dose” approach still enough, or should we also focus on efficacy? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Teppo Huttunen, a seasoned statistician and co-founder of the boutique CRO, Estimeds. We uncover the shortcomings of the conventional three-plus-three design and explain how the Bayesian Optimal Interval (BOIN) design gives us more flexibility and better insights. Teppo shares practical tips on dose optimization and highlights the critical role statisticians play in shaping smarter, evidence-based decisions for phase two trials. If you want to learn how we can balance safety, efficacy, and practical challenges in oncology studies, this episode is for you!

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your work as a statistician? Do you wonder how to stay sharp and maintain balance while tackling complex challenges? In this Friday episode of The Effective Statistician, my co-host for, Alun Bedding, takes the lead to unpack the concept of "sharpening the saw," inspired by Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Alun dives into the art of continuous renewal—physical, mental, social, and spiritual—to help you stay proactive and effective. He shares practical tips, personal insights, and lessons from recent PSI webinars, offering actionable steps to improve focus and boost productivity. Listen in and discover how small, intentional changes can sharpen your edge as a statistician!

Welcome to this episode of The Effective Statistician! Today, I explore an exciting and rapidly growing field: digital health interventions. Have you ever wondered how to define engagement with these tools? Why does measuring engagement matter so much for their success? And how can statisticians solve the unique challenges that come with this digital space? I speak with Jack Elkes, a PhD researcher focused on digital health, to answer these questions. Together, we tackle the complexities of these interventions, their use in areas like mental health, and how tools like cluster analysis help make sense of multidimensional data. With over 10,000 mental health apps already on the App Store, this field expands rapidly, creating opportunities and challenges. If you want to know how engagement in digital health connects to marketing strategies or how these tools reshape decentralized trials, you'll find plenty of insights here. Let's dive in!

Have you ever thought about how clinical trials affect the environment? I hadn't, until I spoke with Annie Wright, a first-year PhD student at Imperial College who is passionate about greener research. In this episode, we uncover how clinical trials contribute to climate change, from travel emissions to operational inefficiencies. We dive into practical actions statisticians and researchers can take to reduce the carbon footprint of trials, like adopting decentralized approaches and streamlining study designs. Join us as we explore how to transform clinical research into a more sustainable practice while still delivering valuable scientific outcomes.

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000 https://podcastae8fac.podigee.io/404-new-episode 013b54530069ed16bc480cef2ba1b140 404 full Interview with Kaspar Rufibach no Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry

Introduction to Episode: "How Real Leaders Help Their People Grow Professionally and Personally" What does it take to be a great leader? How do you build trust, inspire growth, and create real value for your team and organization? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I sit down with Aziza Yormirzaeva and Klaus Breuer to answer these questions. Aziza shares how Klaus, her former manager, guided her to discover her passion for statistics and grow both as a professional and as a person. Klaus explains how he empowers his team, fosters trust, and creates a workplace culture that prioritizes learning and collaboration. Their story is filled with practical lessons, inspiring moments, and insights that will challenge how you think about leadership and personal growth. Let's jump right into this fascinating conversation!

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000 https://podcastae8fac.podigee.io/402-new-episode 05d38b65bf0814edbb14803f71b46e04 402 full Interview with Oscar Segurado, MD PhD no Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry

What if we could target genetic diseases at their root, offering lifelong cures instead of temporary solutions? And what role do statisticians play in making this breakthrough possible? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I dive into the fascinating world of gene therapy—an area packed with both promise and complexity. I'm thrilled to finally cover this revolutionary field with two expert guests, Avery McIntosh from Pfizer and Alex Sverdlov from Novartis. Together, we break down the science behind gene therapies, explore the ethical and logistical challenges, and reveal how statisticians drive these life-changing treatments forward. So, how close are we to curing diseases through gene therapy? Let's jump in and find out.

What does it take to create an effective clinical development plan? How do our early decisions shape the path of a compound through clinical phases? And how can statisticians actively balance the demands of science, speed, and cost in drug development? In this special 400th episode of The Effective Statistician, I dive into these questions with Carrie Li, a biostatistics expert whose career spans both big pharma and startups. Carrie shares how she builds clinical development plans from scratch, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and uses statistical expertise to create strategies that drive both scientific and commercial success. Join us as we explore the impact statisticians have on the clinical development journey.

Have you wondered how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are transforming the way we work? How can AI tools boost efficiency in statistics and pharmaceutical research? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Pietro Mascheroni from Boehringer Ingelheim to answer these questions. Pietro, a physicist, shares how LLMs are being used in real-world applications, from simplifying document retrieval to enhancing data exploration and refining code. We dive into why it's crucial to maintain human oversight, how AI can improve team communication, and the challenges in validating these models. If you're eager to learn how AI can revolutionize your work or help you stay ahead in this fast-paced field, tune in to this insightful episode!

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0000 https://podcastae8fac.podigee.io/398-new-episode 7eaf7017150b6c5ec6d5b2a4dad2a7c1 398 full Interview with Swarna Khare no Alexander Schacht and Benjamin Piske, biometricians, statisticians and leaders in the pharma industry

Are you trying to boost your productivity and organize your tasks more efficiently? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Taina Pereenniemi about how Notion can help you take control of your workflows. Taina shares how she transformed her own productivity by using Notion to manage tasks, projects, and collaboration all in one place. We dive into how you can start using Notion right away to simplify your work and personal life. Plus, get a preview of Taina's upcoming workshop at the Effective Statistician conference, where she'll guide participants through setting up their own Notion systems.

What can statisticians gain from the world of software engineering? How can coding practices from companies like Google help us enhance the quality of statistical work in the pharmaceutical industry? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I talk with Daniel Sabanés Bové to explore these questions. Daniel walks us through his career, from working as a biostatistician at Roche to becoming a data scientist at Google, and shares why he returned to healthcare. We discuss how applying software engineering principles—like clean coding, automation, and collaboration—can transform the way statisticians work. If you want to improve your coding skills and efficiency using open-source tools and better workflows, this conversation with Daniel offers practical insights and a glimpse into his new consulting venture, RCONIS.

Are you curious about how predictive models forecast future outcomes? Or how do experts build and test these models to ensure they're reliable? In this episode, I sit down with Chantelle to explore these questions and dive deep into the world of predictive modeling. We break down the process, from analyzing the data to validating the final model, and discuss how these techniques are used, especially in healthcare. If you're eager to understand how predictive models work and why they matter, this episode is for you.

How can artificial intelligence simplify your daily work? How do tools like GitHub Copilot streamline tasks for statisticians and data scientists? In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I explore these questions with Paolo Eusebi, who shares his direct experience using Copilot in R Studio. We dive into how AI can suggest accurate code, assist with data manipulation, and help you quickly learn new programming techniques. We also discuss the critical need to safeguard data privacy when using these tools in larger organizations. Join us to see how AI can boost your productivity and transform how you work!

Are you feeling nervous about delivering your next presentation? Do you dread the moment you step in front of an audience? You're not alone. But what if you could turn that anxiety into confidence and deliver your presentation like a pro? In this episode, I guide you through practical tips to help you feel more comfortable and in control. You'll learn how to shift your focus to the audience, practice to build confidence and master your setup, whether in-person or virtual. I also show you how to use your voice effectively, incorporate gestures, and even film yourself to identify areas for improvement. Ready to transform your presentation skills? Let's get started!

In this episode, I dive into some key questions: How does luck influence our careers? How do we stay humble while continually learning and growing? What can we learn from someone who has shaped the field of statistics for decades? I'm thrilled to explore these topics with one of the most influential statisticians, Stephen Senn. Stephen shares his journey, revealing the pivotal decisions that guided his career and the insights he gained along the way. Join me as we uncover the lessons that can inspire and guide statisticians at every stage of their careers.

Do your slides overwhelm your audience with too much information? Are they cluttered, and distracting from the message you want to deliver? In this episode, I help you tackle these challenges by showing you how to craft better, more engaging slides. Building on the last two episodes about preparing presentations, I guide you through practical strategies to simplify your slides, focus on key takeaways, and enhance them with visuals and storytelling. With these tips, you'll create slides that captivate your audience and strengthen your overall presentation.

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is transforming clinical research? Do you want to know how statisticians can use AI to improve healthcare outcomes? In this episode, I explore these questions with Francois Vandenhende, a seasoned expert in the pharmaceutical industry with nearly three decades of experience. Francois shares his journey from using traditional statistical methods to pioneering AI and machine learning in clinical development. We dive into how AI is making a difference in areas like digital twins and the integration of structured and unstructured data. Francois also highlights how statisticians can leverage AI to shape the future of healthcare. Join us as we uncover the exciting opportunities AI offers in clinical research and why it's more than just a trend.