Author Archives: Alex Whicker

Research Analyst, HCA Healthcare

Category : Alumni

The Research Analyst will assist in translating clinical needs into analytic questions, design and conduct rigorous analyses of health related data, and translate analytic findings into actionable intelligence for HCA faculty and residents. This position serves as an expert resource in supporting data analytics for the HCA GME portfolio by performing a variety of activities related to data management, analysis, reporting, and visualization.

Job Summary and Qualifications
  • Constructing and manipulating large electronic claims datasets, knowledge in domain modeling, relational database design, programming language(s),SAS, data transfer methods, and electronic health record and health care claims standards and/or analytical techniques used in research programs.
  • Developing study designs and analytic solutions based on available data sources, business partner’s needs, and timelines;
  • Managing multiple projects related to a wide variety of business settings and clinical needs;
  • Collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders to gather and analyze needs and requirements;
  • Presenting data or analytic findings in a variety of formats (reports, PPT, graphs, figures and tables)
  • Develop and maintain a working knowledge of statistical principles and analysis considerations taken into account during planning of research.
  • Consult on and provide direct technical support for research projects of high complexity and often requiring solutions not previously used by the project team or work group.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge of terminologies and coding procedures used in research and the health care environment.
  • Contribute to the development of training, tools, and process documentation for both the department and for assigned projects.
  • Perform data analyst functions that generate knowledge via data mining, visualization, or other analytics. Serve as a resource to others performing this work. Lead the creation of best practices, resources, and tools that enable new analytical capabilities.
  • Ensure compliance to HCA data access policy and procedures.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

  • Master’s Degree preferred from an accredited master’s degree program providing training in a research related field, statistics, informatics, or related field of study and a minimum of 5 years related experience.
  • Experience in health services research environment.
  • Experience with large health care data sets including, electronic health records, Medicare claims, or other health care claims data sets preferred.
  • SAS experience is strongly preferred. RDBMS SQL valued.

To learn more click here.


CDC Evaluation Fellowship Info Webinar, December 1, 2021

Category : News/Events

The CDC Evaluation Fellowship Program aims to expand the capacity of CDC programs to conduct evaluation and increase its usefulness and impact. The Fellowship signifies CDC’s dual commitment to making program evaluation a standard part of practice and to developing a cadre of professionals with the skills to make that happen.

The Program Performance and Evaluation Office (PPEO) manages the Fellowship under the leadership of CDC’s Chief Evaluation Officer (Dan Kidder). Fellows are placed in host programs to work on program evaluation and related activities across the agency.  With the CDC Evaluation Fellowship, programs continuously improve their work with the appropriate resources, tools, and leadership.

The Fellowship is intended to be a two-year program, with the second year being contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The Fellowship started in 2011 with an initial class of five Fellows and has grown to about 20 Fellows per cohort.

Fellows are doctoral or master’s degree professionals with backgrounds in evaluation, behavioral and social sciences, public health, and other disciplines relevant to evaluation and CDC’s work. Successful applicants bring diverse experiences, having worked on several applied program evaluation projects in non-profit, governmental, and/or academic settings. Once at CDC, they take on a variety of projects in areas of program evaluation, evaluation capacity building, performance monitoring, and program design.

Applicants for the Fellowship go through an extensive selection process, including interviews with potential host programs. The process culminates in a match with a CDC host program based on mutual interest.

To learn more about the program click here.

An informational webinar about the fellowship will be held on December 1, 2021 from 12-1 PM EST. To register for the webinar click here.


2022 EGHI Field Scholars Awards Program

EGHI annually funds multidisciplinary teams of Emory University students to conduct global health projects in collaboration with an Emory faculty member and in-country partner organization. Projects will take place summer 2022. Emory undergraduate and graduate students from all nine schools at Emory University are eligible to apply. To learn more about 2022 project ideas, how to connect with a faculty PI/mentor, and application requirements, please visit https://bit.ly/2022FSA. Applications proposals are due Feb. 21, 2022. 


Intramural Emory Global Health Case Competition

EGHI invites you to apply for the 2022 Intramural Emory Global Health Case Competition

This competition provides multidisciplinary teams of Emory students with an opportunity to address a real-world global health challenge in a competitive and collaborative environment. Student teams work together for a week to analyze a case challenge and develop a comprehensive programmatic solution by incorporating perspectives from multiple disciplines. Emory undergraduate and graduate students from all nine schools at Emory University are encouraged to apply. The case challenge will be released on January 28, and competition day is February 5. The top five teams win cash prizes and the winning team goes on to compete in the March 2022 Emory Morningside Global Health Case Competition. Students can apply in pre-formed teams or as individuals. To learn more and to apply, please visit https://bit.ly/2022IntramuralEmoryGHCC.


Areas of Epi: Faculty Talk Series, November 30 & December 2

Category : News/Events

If you missed out on the Areas of Epi sessions earlier this month don’t forget you have another chance to hear Epi faculty introduce their research areas, ongoing work, and opportunities for students this week.

When: November 30, December 2 from 12-1PM

Zoom link in outlook

See flyer below for information on the sessions being offered this week.


Data Analysis in the Real World

Category : PROspective

By: Nicole Luisi, MPH, MS

In movies and television, when a data analyst is assigned a task they spring to action, typing hundreds of words per minute without ever looking down from their wall of monitors — cut to them presenting the results, glossing over the details on how they scraped all the data from some website, performed a complex analysis, and solved a crime, all in about 60 seconds. Admittedly, it would make for some pretty boring television if they showed the 7 hours that person had to spend reformatting and cleaning a dataset, the 4 hours it took to resolve an error they encountered, or the 2 hours they spent staring at the screen trying to find the missing parenthesis that broke everything and caused them to question all of their life choices. Although we all envision ourselves solving the world’s problems with our fancy analyses, the reality is that real-world data can be messy, and we will probably spend 25% of our time on those fancy analyses and the other 75% on data cleaning and preparation.

In the classroom, we often use examples that demonstrate techniques (working with missing values, cleaning character data, etc.), but there is really no substitute for time and experience with real data. Real-world data is predictably unpredictable! Even the best systems can’t anticipate every issue that will occur during data collection, but it is safe to assume that you will encounter something you did not expect. Some things are just out of our control – your online survey platform could glitch and cause the skip patterns to fail, the intern you are training could accidentally enter data in the wrong table, a teenager might create a bunch of fake identities to repeatedly join your online study and scam you out of incentives, someone may even show up to enroll in person for your study and turn out to be 2 kids in a trench coat.    

So, what can aspiring data analysts do to prepare to work with messy, unpredictable data and stand out to potential employers?

  • Get a solid foundation in the platform(s) you plan to use most. At Rollins we focus on SAS and R which are both widely used in epidemiology, but if you have a dream job in mind, find out what that organization prefers. It’s great to have some working knowledge of a variety of tools, but you want to get really good with one or two. If you like the structure of a class, you can consider formal classes and workshops offered by companies like SAS or R Studio, and there are a number of great online platforms that offer training as well (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, DataCamp). There are also a lot of useful books out there with companion websites that provide datasets and practice exercises.
  • Get some experience with real data. Again, you can only simulate so much in the classroom – working with real data (and its issues) will expose you to all kind of things. This experience might come through formal opportunities with employment, internships or volunteer work, through a thesis or practicum, or even on your own through the use of publicly available data. There is a ton of public health data available online (Census, NIH, CDC), and if you just want to play around and improve your skills, people have created all kinds of interesting datasets and made them available online (Github, Kaggle, FiveThirtyEight) – go ahead and download a dataset full of Netflix movie reviews, sportsball stats, Twitter posts with the latest controversial hashtag, anything that is interesting to you!
  • Practice, practice, practice. Programming is otherwise known as…learning a programming language. Classroom training is only part of this – it can get you the foundation but to really excel you must put in the time. If you were trying to learn a new language, even after taking a traditional class, you might spend an hour a day on Duolingo, listen to songs in that language, or read books and articles in that language, looking up any words you don’t know along the way…it’s the same thing here. The more practice you get, especially with real data, the more you will have to draw from when you encounter something new. You don’t have to know everything (I certainly don’t), but you will get better at doing things from memory that you have done dozens of times, and you will also remember unique examples that forced you to learn something new. Much like reading will expand your vocabulary, practice will add techniques to your toolbox that you can adapt when faced with similar tasks later on.
  • Focus on other related skills such as problem solving, communication, and critical thinking – it’s not ALL about programming. Even if you are starting out in a position where you don’t have a lot of input, you can still exercise these skills as an analyst. The best data analysts I have worked with are detail oriented people that take the time to ask questions (even of themselves) and carefully evaluate their own work. In some ways as an analyst it’s helpful to be a bit of a pessimist (at least that’s my excuse) – I spend a lot of my time anticipating things that could go wrong to prevent and identify data quality issues. As a hiring manager, I think programming and analysis skills are necessary, but I also think it is important to give equal weight to other skills like subject matter expertise, creativity, communication skills, attention to detail, etc. I would be more likely to hire a well-rounded person that has experience working on a real study, over someone with numerous technical skills and certifications on their resume that has only ever done this type of work in a classroom.

If you want to be a great analyst, in some ways you will always need to consider yourself a student – I learn something new every day doing this type of work. Spend some time early in your program figuring out what appeals to you most in terms of software and data and then get to it!  

 

Nicole Luisi (MPH, MS) is a Director of Data Analytics and Informatics Projects in the Rollins School of Public Health, and an instructor in the Department of Epidemiology. She also teaches several courses for the Executive MPH program and serves as the EMPH Applied Epidemiology thesis advisor. Featured here is her dog, Doug, doing some casual data analysis.

 

Featured Image by Sai Kiran Anagani on Unsplash


Health Communication Fellowship in Diabetes, Division of Diabetes Translation

Category : Alumni

The Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT) is now accepting applications for an ORISE Health Communication Fellowship. Please help us spread the word and share with your networks! 

The selected participant will have the opportunity to interact closely with public health program professionals in the Division of Diabetes Translation, and will be involved in the following activities:  

  • Participate in developing, implementing, and learning how to manage national communication and marketing programs, projects, and initiatives for various audiences 
  • Plan, apply, and evaluate various communication science and marketing techniques to achieve optimal program results and promote positive health outcomes 
  • Contribute to the preparation of written documents that reflect a thorough knowledge of complex public health issues and appropriate health communication, health promotion, and marketing intervention strategies 
  • Participate in researching and developing messages and materials that are valid and consistent with program objectives and are based on communication and marketing theory and principles as well as audience research (including concept, message, and Web-usability testing) 
  • Collect data and contribute to the development of products such as fact sheets, program briefings, questions and answers, program summaries, Web pages, and program-in-briefs 
  • Collaborate with Center/Division communication offices and others within the Office of the Director to provide support on communication efforts, e.g., campaigns, observance days 
  • Collaborate with web team members to ensure information is successfully disseminated across the web sites providing clear oral and/or written instructions on this topic, as appropriate 
  • Collaborate with the web team in providing technical support for digital and social media evaluation 

Ready to join this dynamic communications team? Please complete the application by the deadline, Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Questions can be directed to Tanya Hamburger (dln7 [at] cdc [dot] gov) and Lourdes Martinez (gmf5 [at] cdc [dot] gov).   

About the Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT) 

CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation is at the leading edge of the nation’s efforts to end the devastation of diabetes. The division works with other federal agencies, state health departments, healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify people with prediabetes, prevent type 2 diabetes, prevent diabetes complications, and improve the health of all people with diabetes. These efforts have helped millions of Americans reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes and prevent or delay serious diabetes complications. 


Is Research Epidemiology For You?

Category : PROspective

By: Kristina Lai, MPH

One of the things I love most about my career as an epidemiologist is just how flexible my skills are thanks to the broad applications of my training. An area that is less well known is the role that epidemiologists play in clinical research and academic medicine. Research epidemiologists can work in nearly any medical specialty. They may work only with specific physician researchers or on collaborative studies within a larger clinical research team. This type of position is distinct from hospital epidemiologists involved in infection prevention and control.

I graduated from RSPH in 2016 with an MPH in Global Epidemiology. I initially worked in infectious disease surveillance and control at a local health department in Atlanta until I decided to pivot to a position that would allow me to use more of my data analysis skills. Thanks to my network and connections from my former ADAP, I found a dynamic role as a Research Epidemiologist with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. While I am no longer in this role, the research experience I gained was instrumental in preparing me for my current PhD program and my future career.

Epidemiologists in a clinical research and health services environment use many skills including study design, data analysis, data manipulation, and informatics. In my specific role, I led the collection and management of the largest longitudinal database of pediatric sickle cell patients in the country and served as the primary analyst and statistician for research studies related to sickle cell disease to better understand utilization, clinical outcomes, and health disparities among our pediatric patients. I also consulted on clinical study design and analysis plans, and managed data requests for clinical trials, grants, research studies, and quality improvement assessments. I also helped with the submission of IRB protocols, data use agreements, and other regulatory approvals.

Here are a few of the unique benefits of working as an epidemiologist in medical research:

  1. Because you work with physicians who may not have epidemiologic training, you are often the expert in study design and data analysis for your clinical team. For this reason, most epidemiologists will have at least a couple of years of work experience under their belts before taking on a role like this.
  2. You get to learn about all kinds of new research and hospital data management. I never thought I would know so much about blood disorders, but now I feel honored to have contributed to this important work. I also had the opportunity to work with specialists in informatics, outcomes research, and partners at universities and health agencies across the country.
  3. You get to work with primary data and electronic medical records. This may not seem like much of a benefit, but the amount of data available to us for retrospective studies can answer a wide range of research questions that are just not possible in most epidemiology roles. That means that your research can impact clinical operations and decision-making.

There are many ways to get involved in this type of work. The Emory Healthcare and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta systems are great places to network and get research experience. You can start as a student through your practicum, REAL positions, or thesis by reaching out to faculty members or looking for posted positions. Many clinicians may have a research idea or even full datasets, but they often need help from someone with the bandwidth to analyze it. While all epidemiologists on my team had at least a couple of years of epidemiology experience, one great way to start is by working as a data manager or clinical research coordinator to familiarize yourself with the clinical research environment. So, if you’re naturally curious, interested in applying your epidemiology skills to a clinical environment, and looking to gain valuable research experience, a role as a research epidemiologist might be for you!

 

Kristina Lai, MPH is a PhD student in Epidemiology at the University of California, Davis and a data manager with the California Department of Public Health. Kristina is also the co-founder of Allen & Lai Consulting LLC. She has broad experience with public health surveillance, clinical research, and international nonprofits. Kristina’s current interests lie at the intersection of health equity, infectious disease, and climate change.

 

 

 

Featured Image by UX Indonesia on Unsplash


HDGH Special Seminar: Using Rights‐Based Approaches to Health for Gender‐Based Violence Prevention & Response, Nov 23

Category : News/Events

Join the Hubert Department of Global Health for their special seminar by Dr. Dabney P. Evans on Tuesday, November 23 at 12 pm.

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/92160373754?pwd=aldYbVc0VVJnZFpzNXFyR0xmd3RtZz09

Dr. Dabney P. Evans is a Research Associate Professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health at Emory University. Drawing on her interdisciplinary training in public health & law, Dr. Evans is a mixed-methods researcher focused on gender, health & human rights. Her global research portfolio includes projects on: intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic (US); the commercial sexual exploitation of children (US); & femicide prevention (Brazil). Dr. Evans has published over 50 peer reviewed journal articles & book chapters. She is a member of the Lancet Commission on Gender-Based Violence & the Maltreatment of Young People scientific advisory group.

 


Racial diversity, equity, and inclusion campus climate survey deadline approaching, Nov 23

Category : News/Events

As part of our ongoing efforts to cultivate a thriving academic community—one that is more diverse, equitable, and inclusive—Emory is participating in the National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climates. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Your participation in this process is critical. Survey results will allow us not only to determine where we are as a community but also will allow us to establish strategic and actionable goals that can shift conversations around campus climate. Our current institutional DEI planning process will benefit greatly from the discussions that the survey will stimulate.

Employees who complete the survey by November 23, 2021, will automatically be entered in a weekly drawing to receive one $50 Amazon gift card or one of five $10 Starbucks gift cards. Your chances of winning depend on how many people participate. Recipients will be notified by email. You may enter the survey from here.


Upcoming Events

  • Emory Farmers Market Stroll April 2, 2024 at 11:00 am – 1:30 pm Networking and Special Event Event Type: Networking,Special EventContact Name: Staff CouncilContact Email: rsphstaffcouncil@emory.eduLace up your sneakers and join the RSPH Staff Council for a refreshing walk to the Emory Farmers Market. Grab lunch, support local businesses, and stay as long as you like. Meet between RRR and O. Wayne Rollins Buildings at 11 AM to walk over as a…
  • The EGDRC and Dr. Judy Gichoya presents: "Opportunistic Screening for Diabetes Using Artificial Intelligence Applied to Radiology Images" April 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Zoom Online Location: ZoomSpeaker: Dr. Judy GichoyaContact Name: Wendy GillContact Email: wggill@emory.eduLink: https://tinyurl.com/Judy-GichoyaDr. Judy Gichoya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine:
  • Humphrey Fellows Noontime Seminar Series April 11, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Networking and Guest Lecture and Meeting and Special Event and Student Event; zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/95325531576Event Type: Networking,Guest Lecture,Meeting,Special Event,Student EventSeries: Noontime SeminarSpeaker: Various Speakers - see details by dateContact Name: Kris ValerianoContact Email: kvaleri@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://sph.emory.edu/departments/gh/fellows/humphrey-fellows/index.htmlFellows will present on a topic pertaining to their home country, culture and/or their work in public health.Deb Mcfarland Room, 8th floor RRR.3.28: Abeselom Gutta, MD &Yeshoda Aryal, MPH4.11: Ola Ziara,…

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