"The best things about studying the Master of Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne were the relationships with fellow students and staff, the opportunity to learn from passionate and world-leading staff and the practicality of the skills taught."
I decided to complete a Master of Biostatistics after enjoying the biostatistics subjects I undertook during my Master of Public Health. I was looking for a career change that would still allow me to utilise my clinical knowledge.
The combination of face-to-face and online learning appealed to me as well as my familiarity with the inspiring and friendly biostatistics teaching staff at the University of Melbourne. While face-to-face learning allowed me to network with biostatisticians and fellow students, the flexibility of online learning allowed me to continue working and caring for my kids.
The best things about studying the Master of Biostatistics at the University of Melbourne were the relationships with fellow students and staff, the opportunity to learn from passionate and world-leading staff and the practicality of the skills taught. I was pleasantly surprised by how practical both the core and elective subjects were. I’ve developed skills in computer programming, statistical analysis of clinical research and interpretation of analyses.
I enjoyed learning something new and challenging as well as consolidating my knowledge through the research project. The project helped me consolidate my statistical analysis skills and develop project management skills, as well as skills in interpreting statistical results to clinicians.
Prior to starting the Master of Biostatistics, I was working in community rehabilitation as a falls prevention and vestibular physiotherapist at Western Health. I’d completed a Master of Public Health in 2015 and I had also worked as a physiotherapy research assistant for the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine from 2008 to 2011.
I’m currently working as a research assistant in biostatistics as part of the Methods and Implementation Support for Clinical and Health (MISCH) research hub in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health. I work on collaborative research projects with Professor Kim Bennell and her team at the Centre for Health Exercise and Sports Medicine (CHESM), Department of Physiotherapy, Melbourne School of Health Sciences. I love that I am applying my new skills to physiotherapy and other clinical data.
I’d like to consolidate and expand my skills as a statistical consultant to clinicians in future. This course has been integral to giving me the foundational skills to build on. I’m inspired by the impact that high quality research can have on clinical practice and the health of individuals.
My advice for future and current students would be to have an idea of what area of biostatistics you would like to work in and choose elective subjects and research projects that will complement such a career.