Leena Elhussein

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR ROLE

I am a first year DPhil student in Musculoskeletal Sciences at NDORMS. It has been quite a journey for me. It started with me studying biotechnology engineering as an undergraduate to an MSc in medical statistics and then working as a medical statistician in clinical trials and pharmaco and device-epidemiology at NDORMS for three years before finally starting my DPhil this year. I believe that rigorous statistical planning and applying is essential to produce credible medical research. That is where I mostly see myself, contributing to the medical sciences using the statistical skills I have and continue to learn at NDORMS.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?

The fact that we start with a research question and a study design or even calculating sample size of the study hoping to make a direct impact on patients’ lives. Then, after a long process, we see this become a reality.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU'VE DONE, CONTRIBUTED TO THAT YOU'RE MOST PROUD OF?

One of my studies with the team aimed to build and validate a prediction model for people diagnosed with osteoporosis/recent fractures. The model gives a one and two-year prediction of having a cardiovascular disease related event. Once this study is published, it can be utilised by health practitioners to identify the group of people at the highest risk of that outcome. For me, this is fascinating, knowing that my research is being implemented and is improving people’s health outcome.

WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO SEE IN THE MEDICAL SCIENCES IN THE NEXT 100 YEARS?

I believe the pandemic has already changed the world’s view of medical sciences and research. Everyone now recognises that more funding needs to go into this area. Women played a vital role in vaccine development and clinical trials. Therefore, we need to see more support and recognition allowing them to occupy more powerful positions in Science.

Meet other NDORMS women