We’re bringing back one of our most downloaded episodes ever – a deep dive into how adverse events should be analyzed properly. This conversation with Jan Beyersmann and Kaspar Rufibach is packed with methodological insights and practical implications for statisticians working in clinical trials.
Adverse event (AE) analysis has long been approached differently from efficacy analysis, often using overly simplistic methods that can bias results. In this episode, we discuss why that’s a problem – and how the SAVVY collaboration (Survival analysis for AdVerse events with Varying follow-up times) is pushing the field forward.
Together with academia and multiple pharma companies, this collaboration tackled the issue of AE analysis using real randomized trial data, not just simulations. The findings show how common methods can underestimate or overestimate event probabilities and how established statistical methods can be applied more consistently to ensure fair benefit–risk assessments.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your approach to safety analysis is leading to misleading conclusions, this episode is a must-listen.
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Replay: R vs SAS - which is the better tool in pharmaceutical research
In this special replay of one of our all-time most popular episodes, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the pharmaceutical industry: R vs SAS.
Together with Thomas Neitmann and my co-host Sam Gardner, we compare these two powerful statistical programming tools from multiple angles — ease of learning, day-to-day usability, community support, visualization capabilities, regulatory acceptance, and more.
Whether you are a seasoned SAS programmer, an R enthusiast, or someone deciding which tool to focus on, this conversation will give you valuable insights into where each shines, where they struggle, and how the industry is evolving.
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Replay: The Chimp Paradox
In this special replay episode — the top 3 most downloaded of all time — I’m again joined by Stuart McGuire as we explore The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters.
This book provides a simple yet powerful model for understanding how our brain works — and how it often works against us if we’re not aware of it. Whether in meetings, under pressure, or dealing with self-doubt, understanding your inner “chimp” can help you manage emotions, lead with clarity, and avoid the traps that keep so many statisticians and scientists stuck.
This episode remains a favorite because it strikes at the core of how we think, react, and lead — especially in high-stakes scientific and business environments.
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Replay: Is data science something for you?
This episode ranks as the #2 most downloaded of all time—and for good reason. As data science continues to disrupt and redefine the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, statisticians everywhere are asking: Where do I fit in? In this insightful conversation, two leaders from Cytel—Yannis Jemiai, Head of Consulting and Software, and Rajat Mukherjee, Head of Data Science—share their personal journeys from traditional statistics into data science, how the field is evolving, and why statisticians are uniquely positioned to lead the future of analytics in life sciences. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or already exploring data science, this episode will inspire and equip you with practical insights.
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Replay: Things we would like to have known before we started with RWE
This episode originally struck a chord with statisticians around the world—and for good reason. Whether you’re just starting with real-world evidence (RWE) or mentoring someone who is, this conversation is packed with practical lessons that will help you navigate the complexities of observational data with more confidence.
In this special replay, guest Rachel Tham and I reflect on the real-world analysis mistakes, misconceptions, and growing pains they wish someone had warned them about earlier in their careers.
From ambiguous index dates to messy exposure definitions and unexpected data quirks—this episode will save you hours of rework and help you better manage timelines and expectations.
Om The Effective Statistician - in association with PSI
The podcast from statisticians for statisticians to have a bigger impact at work. This podcast is set up in association with PSI - Promoting Statistical Insight. This podcast helps you to grow your leadership skills, learn about ongoing discussions in the scientific community, build you knowledge about the health sector and be more efficient at work. This podcast helps statisticians at all levels with and without management experience. It is targeted towards the health, but lots of topics will be important for the wider data scientists community.
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