Michael Haney
Student spotlight details
Michael enrolled on the MSc in EBHC Medical Statistics to fill the gaps in his knowledge when it came to peer and grant reviewing within his role at work.
‘I am an experienced clinician in perioperative medicine and intensive care medicine, all along in an academic career, with a senior academic position at a major university and hospital in Sweden. I have been active as a clinician, researcher and teacher for many years.
‘Much of my research effort and production had been in pre-clinical areas, and I had come up in a time where there was less focus on rigour in study design and analysis. Due to many circumstances, I found at one point that I needed to ‘retool’ and shift my efforts to supporting clinical research work at ‘home’ over many areas and types of studies, some of these areas where I had limited experience. Over time I became more and more involved in peer review/grant review and scientific/medical journal work. I realised that I needed more education and training to be able to succeed with these new work activities and that just self-educating would not be enough. I had always been interested in the analysis as well as statistics and study design, and this seemed the best subject area to start for the next round of formal coursework.
‘While there are plenty of short and very focused courses available at home and in different places, I was looking for an opportunity that provided both breadth and depth in this kind of area. I found that the MSc in EBHC Medical Statistics programme was a very good match for me. The course offered me both the highest quality in teaching and the course material, excellent breadth and depth in the study area, and part-time, in-person and distance work.
‘What I found to be most challenging was to be satisfied when the modules finished. I wanted (and want) more modules and more learning. The modules were challenging, which was as hoped. They were all well designed to help participants think and gain insight into areas where I wanted to be able to work more effectively. Getting to Oxford for in-person weeks can be a logistical challenge for persons who have very busy regular work schedules. This requires planning and cooperation from one’s employer. Despite logistic challenges, weeks in Oxford were extremely enjoyable, including immersion in the university culture and city.
‘The modules and thesis work were very learning-rich and enjoyable, which was the main goal for me. Once the programme started, though, I found a number of other aspects beyond just the high-quality teaching and material, including outstanding and engaged programme direction, events and activities outside of the modules with students and teachers, and enhancement of the process through supervision by an excellent tutor.
‘Since finishing the course, my regular work has not really changed during or after my time in the EBHC Medical Statistics programme. I have, however, found that after completing the modules, I have more skill and confidence in those areas when I encounter them with my regular work. I am able to be more constructive with the input I give in some areas of my regular work in ways that I just was not equipped for before going through the MSc programme.
‘For anyone thinking of undertaking this course, I would say that these EBHC programmes provide great learning as long as one can make room to commit and do the work. It is not a small undertaking, but very worthwhile in order to get a better footing concerning good practice in clinical research.
‘The knowledge I have gained in this programme has been put to use daily in my regular work regarding research, peer-review of research, medical journal editorial management, and university teaching as well as teaching/managing in professional organisations. I can be more precise and confident on how I assess and present science in the circles where I am asked to express myself.’
