Dive into the fascinating world of biostatistics, where numbers come alive to solve mysteries in health and medicine. From predicting the next flu outbreak to analyzing genetic codes, biostatistics is your toolkit for making sense of complex biological data. The LA CaTS Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Core does just that!

As part of LA CaTS Center mission to increase clinician engagement in research, the BERD Core plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in supporting clinical fellows, in particular at Manning Family Children’s Hospital. At Manning’s, pediatric fellows are required to complete research projects, though they rarely do so alone — and BERD provides critical guidance along the way.

The BERD Core supports fellows through consultation-based statistical support, working closely with them and their physician mentors. Like detectives, fellows learn to use data to uncover patterns, test ideas, and inform better care. Through this hands-on experience, they gain confidence in applying rigorous methods and see firsthand how statistical thinking drives discovery. Several BERD Core members contribute to this effort, including Dr. Zhide Fang and Dr. Don Mercante from LSU Health New Orleans, and Dr. Robbie Beyl and Dr. Shengping Yang from Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

Notably, Dr. Fang and Dr. Mercante are also involved in the Pediatric Cardiology Scientific Oversight Committee — a reflection of their continued presence in research support across specialties.

While some fellows go on to publish their work, staying engaged in research after training remains a challenge. Even so, during their time in training, the BERD Core provides a structured, accessible way for clinicians to participate in research in a meaningful and supported way.

This kind of partnership — grounded, responsive, and designed to meet clinicians where they are — is one way LA CaTS is building real opportunities for clinical research integration. It’s also a reminder that biostatistics isn’t just about numbers; it’s a toolkit for curiosity, collaboration, and the pursuit of answers that can transform patient care.

For questions and consultations with the BERD Core, contact biostatistics@LACaTS.org.