What makes gene therapy so different from traditional drug development?

How do we address safety when each patient only receives a single dose?

And why are statisticians so essential in this process?

In this episode of The Effective Statistician, I sit down with Oscar Segurado, an MD, PhD, an expert in gene and cell therapies, to answer these questions and more. Oscar draws on decades of experience in academia, med tech, and biopharma—including his work on the blockbuster drug Humira—to guide us through the complexities of clinical development in gene therapy. We discuss everything from early clinical trials to commercialization, uncovering the unique challenges of treating rare diseases like hemophilia A and spinal muscular atrophy.

Whether you’re a statistician, data scientist, or just curious about the future of medicine, this episode offers valuable insights into the clinical development of gene therapies and the vital role statisticians play in advancing these groundbreaking treatments.

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!

Are you a statistician looking to expand your career beyond the statistics department?

Do you want to know how your data expertise and strategic thinking can open new doors?

In this episode of The Effective Statistician podcast, I sit down with Swarna Khare, who made that leap and found success in strategic roles across the industry. We explore her journey, discussing how statisticians can leverage their skills to create a bigger impact outside of technical roles.

If you're ready to take your career to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you step beyond the statistics function and into new opportunities.

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!