How MSSP Students Are “Collaborating to Improve Healthcare Decision Making”
Students in the Master’s in Statistical Practice (MSSP) Program have been actively engaged in cutting-edge research, using statistical analysis to advance healthcare outcomes. Through collaborations with Alira Health and FORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases, they have tackled critical issues in rheumatology and healthcare disparities.
Now, two separate groups of MSSP students have achieved a remarkable milestone—their research has been accepted for presentation at ISPOR 2025, the world’s leading conference for health economics and outcomes research.
This recognition places them at the forefront of statistical applications in healthcare, solidifying their contributions to evidence-based decision-making.
Research Project Highlights
Understanding Risk Factors for Lupus Flares After Glucocorticoid Withdrawal
Beiming Yu (MSSP ’25), Ruijian Lin (MSSP ’25), Sun Zilu (MSSP ’25), in collaboration with Sofia Pedro, MSc (FORWARD) and Minjee Park (Alira Health), explored how patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience flare-ups after discontinuing low-dose glucocorticoids. Their analysis of 24 years of patient-reported data identified key risk factors, including symptom severity, mental health, and access to care, paving the way for personalized disease management strategies.
Investigating Racial Disparities in Emergency Room Visits for Lupus Patients
Annika Balk (MSSP ’25), You Been Park (MSSP ’25), Xiaohan Shi (MSSP ’25), Singer Chloe (MSSP ’25), in collaboration with Sofia Pedro, MSc (FORWARD) and Minjee Park (Alira Health), examined racial disparities in ER visits among lupus patients. Their findings revealed Black patients are over twice as likely to require emergency care compared to White patients, even when controlling for disease severity and socioeconomic factors. This research underscores the urgent need for equitable healthcare interventions.
These presentations at ISPOR 2025 (May 13-16 in Montreal, Canada) reflect the exceptional work of MSSP students in applying statistical methods to pressing healthcare challenges. Their contributions not only advance academic research but also have the potential to influence real-world healthcare policy and decision-making.
🔗 ISPOR 2025
🔗 Abstract 1 | Lupus Flares & Glucocorticoid Withdrawal
🔗 Abstract 2 | Racial Disparities in ER Visits