Empowering Statisticians through Connecting Expertise
Statisticians play a crucial role in DSMBs, yet the demand for statisticians with the expertise and experience to fulfill this role in Australia exceeds supply. The ACTA DSMB mentoring program seeks to address this gap by offering hands-on training for statisticians.
Dr Victor Oguoma is an Associate Professor in Biostatistics at the Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast and Senior Research Fellow at the Menzies School of Health Research. He has over 15 years of experience in public health, epidemiological, and applied biostatistics research across sectors, non-governmental organisations and academia in Australia, Africa and the Middle East.
A/Prof Oguoma completed his PhD in cardiometabolic disease epidemiology at Charles Darwin University before commencing a Master of Biostatistics from Macquarie University through the prestigious Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia program. Since 2017, he has led and contributed to the design, implementation, and analyses of large-scale randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and epidemiological studies in the Indigenous populations of Australia, sub-Saharan Africa, and diverse populations in Kuwait.
Why I Became a Statistician
I moved to Australia in 2013 to pursue a PhD in cardiometabolic disease epidemiology. As I searched for post-doctoral opportunities
a year before completing my PhD, I noticed many roles required advanced statistical expertise. This made me rethink how I could best position myself for the future.
In 2016, I joined the Biostatistics Collaboration of Australia (BCA) program at Macquarie University, and by 2018 I secured my first biostatistician role at Menzies. I became a biostatistician through recognising the critical shortage of statisticians and realising that I had a strong aptitude for mathematics and statistics. Looking back, joining the BCA program was the best career decision I ever made.
Experience in the DSMB Mentoring Program
I joined ACTA STInG in 2019 while at Menzies and the DSMB mentoring program in 2021 after I joined the University of Canberra. At that time, there was no DSMB trial in Canberra, so we were linked with a trial in Melbourne. However, that trial didn’t require a DSMB meeting at the time. I later moved to the University of Queensland and was paired with Associate Professor Lisa Yelland at the
South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). She gave me the opportunity to participate in the DSMB for a paediatric trial.
The mentorship provided invaluable opportunities to observe both open and closed sessions. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in two annual DSMB meetings with my mentor. After each meeting, we debrief, and my mentor shares valuable insights and feedback. This has given me a deeper understanding of the complex decision-making process in DSMBs.
Initial Interest in the DSMB Mentoring Program
Before joining the DSMB program I was approached to be a DSMB statistician. At the time, I didn’t have the experience and clarity regarding the expectations. I saw the mentoring program as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience. It was a stepping stone for me to eventually take on a DSMB role in the future.
Value of the DSMB Mentoring Program
The mentoring program was essential in helping me understand the nuances of decision-making, reaffirming the importance of attention to detail and being familiar with the DSMB guiding charter. Overall, the experience was incredibly insightful.
Involvement in DSMBs
Before the program, I had limited involvement in DSMBs. I remember one project where I assisted in generating tabulations for a DSMB report, but I wasn’t involved in the meetings themselves, so I didn’t really understand what was involved in a DSMB meeting. Since joining the mentoring program, I have gained a much clearer understanding of the process, and I feel more confident about handling DSMB roles if the opportunity arises.
Advice for Aspiring DSMB Statisticians
For early-career statisticians, the DSMB program builds confidence and provides valuable hands-on experience. It also offers greater networking opportunities, which have proven invaluable to my career. I now have colleagues I can easily reach out to be involved in studies or bounce ideas off.
ACTA STInG’s Value
ACTA STInG is my go-to for resources and has been crucial for professional development. The webinars and resources, in particular the resources on grants and promotion advice, have helped me advance my career and position myself as a leader in research, not just as a service provider. These resources offer valuable guidelines and advocacy, especially in pushing for funding through NHMRC, MRFF, and other organisations, to support research led by statisticians.
ACTA STInG’s Impact on the Broader Statistician Community
I wouldn’t be talking about the DSMB mentoring program now without being part of this network. It’s been a huge influence on my career development. ACTA STInG has increased my visibility in the clinical trial research community, providing vital resources for statisticians to advance their careers and improve trial quality.
Thinking of Joining?
I highly recommend joining ACTA STInG. The mentorship and resources it offers have been essential for my career growth.