Biostatistics Center Medical Center Unit

Who We Are

The Biostatistics Center Medical Center Unit (BCMCU) is comprised of a group of Ph.D. and Master's level biostatisticians, both full and part-time. We provide high-quality statistical support - including data management, biostatistical and clinical epidemiological expertise and grant development - to all George Washington University Medical Center faculty. Investigators from nearly every academic department and division at the Medical Center have received assistance from the BCMCU staff. The BCMCU also provides biostatistical and epidemiological expertise to GWUMC investigators who are preparing Institutional Review Board and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) applications, including sample size estimates.

The BCMCU is affiliated with the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at The George Washington University's School of Public Health and Health Services. The majority of salary support for BCMCU members comes from the sponsored research of GWUMC investigators. The BCMCU serves as a GW Medical Center-wide research resource, and is located administratively within the Medical Center's Office of Health Research, Compliance, and Technology Transfer.

Staff members from the BCMCU also work with students enrolled in the GWU Biostatistics MPH, MS, and PhD programs, as well as the Epidemiology MS and PhD programs. Students in these programs are generally required to have supervised experience in biostatistical consultation on Medical Center projects. The BCMCU generally identifies those projects and provides supervision for this excellent learning experience.

What We Do

The BCMCU is equipped to handle small to medium size observational studies, epidemiological studies and clinical trials. By contrast, the Department's Biostatistics Center is configured to manage very large clinical trials and epidemiological studies. These are the key services available through BCMCU:

Data management
Assistance with grant applications
Study design
Statistical programming
Statistical analysis and interpretation
Hiring, supervision and training of project data staff

A sampling of current, recent, and past studies involving BCMCU collaboration:

Basic Sciences

Correlates of stem cell integrin expressed profiles
Racial differences in the genetic expression of a gene associated with breast cancer
Prenatal nicotine exposure, central cardiorespiratory response, and sudden infant death syndrome

Clinical Research

Trial of acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome
Studies of hyperlipidemia for patients with HIV disease
Evaluation of a respiratory distress index for recovering cardiothoracic surgery patients
Clinical management of atypical lobular lesions of the breast
A safety, efficacy, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of Lamictal in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia

Epidemiology

Clinical evaluation of a proposed new Gulf War Syndrome
Electromagnetic radiation and brain tumors
Relative cancer rates among gulf war veterans

Psychosocial, Behavior, and Prevention Science

Psychosocial factors in breast cancer progression
Intergenerational long-term-care intervention for patients and families with Alzheimer's disease
Multi-site evaluation of a school-based anti-smoking advocacy program for middle-school children
Predictors of anxiety disorders among infants and among toddlers
Longitudinal study of the role of gene by family environment interactions in early child psychosocial development

Health Services

Data system for monitoring the RWJF partnership for training project
Evaluating a creative education strategy for diabetics in underserved populations

Faculty

Contact Us

Biostatistics Center Medical Center Unit
2300 I St., NW
Ross Hall, Suite 121
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
School of Public Health and Health Services
The George Washington University
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: (202) 994-7887
Fax: (202) 994-2542
Email: bscsjs@gwumc.edu
Web site: www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/institutescenters/
biostatistics_center_medical_center_unit.cfm

Director: Samuel Simmens, PhD, MA