The fourth module was on Research in Medicine. One of the activities completed in the module was a 2-hour lecture on Statistics. The activity embodied the program outcomes 1 and 8: Exhibit competence and uphold ethical and professional standards.  The activity helped me understand the different statistical analyses that may be useful to our research, fit and appropriate to the research topic we are pursuing. Although, many of us might have already encountered most of the concepts presented in class, I saw this as an opportunity to refresh my knowledge on biostatistics and perhaps clarify and sharpen the areas which I used to be so bad at.

Growing up, I was never a fan of numbers, all the more statistics. But as someone who wishes to pursue research, I know for a fact that I must learn how to love and understand statistics just as how I have learned to love research. Last 29 August 2019, the university statistician gave the batch a lecture on statistics. As a fresh graduate, I can still remember some of the processes and techniques discussed in class since I had to (statistically) analyze my undergraduate research data on my own. The lecture was also very interactive as the statistician effectively promoted student participation. I was able to express myself as I responded to one of the questions of the statistician (competence). I saw the importance of understanding fully the different statistical tests even if some of those will not be used in our current research. As aspiring physician-researchers, having a strong foundation in statistics is essential and will be very useful in the future (Ethical and Professional Standards).

Furthermore, while recalling what I have learned in the past during the lecture, I realized the weight of statistics in the field of medicine and research. I used to find statistics hard and dull. It was not until I had to do research (as a class requirement) that I finally realized its worth. Like any other difficult and tedious subject in school, statistics can be learned and can be loved too. Although it may take some time, but with a bit more patience in understanding the concepts, the learning process can be fun. 

In the future, I will be serving the people in my community and with that comes the huge possibility of pursuing researches every once in a while. I know that the knowledge that I have learned from the lecture and from my experience in research will come in handy. Surely, with the help of the people around me and with the guidance of professionals like statisticians and physician-researchers like our mentors today, I know that I will be able to achieve my goals.

Finally, this activity allowed me to reflect, review, and assess my understanding of the different concepts in statistics as well as identify my weak and strong points (in terms of knowledge or learning). Hopefully, my existing knowledge on statistics as well as the lectures offered by the department will be enough to help me navigate our research better. Lastly, I am very much willing to learn more about statistics. A positive attitude is all it takes to make learning an enjoyable process rather than a dreadful one.