2 Introduction
We do rigorous quantitative and epidemiologic science to support decision-making for cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention. To the extent possible, we conduct our work using Open Data Science principles, emphasizing scientific excellence (not perfection) that is transparent, reproducible, collaborative, and ethical. We aim to make our methods and results available and support ongoing learning.
Our quantitative work is based on sound design principles supported by statistical thinking, using evidence-based approaches to compare among alternatives for study designs and analytic options.
See the next chapter for more detail on our lab culture and philosophy. We are motivated by the following two papers - which provide a blueprint for how we think about the way we do our work:
- Our path to better science in less time using open data science tools (Lowndes et al. 2017)
- Good enough practices in scientific computing (Wilson et al. 2017)
2.1 Recommended Reading List
Core Concepts in Pharmacoepidemiology - a series of papers, published in PDS, which covers critical methodologic concepts in our area
Causal Inference: What if? - an excellent (though dense) online book, by Miguel Hernan and Jamie Robins
2.2 Meetings
The lab has three types of meetings: project meetings, lab meetings and 1-on-1s with Dr. Smith
2.2.1 Project meetings
When we meet: Depends on the project, but a typical schedule is half an hour every week or 1 hour every other week. The specific day/time may change from semester to semester, depending on schedules of those involved.
How we meet: In person primarily, but supplemented with Zoom for those unable to make it to campus for a particular meeting.
What we discuss: Project goals, progress, barriers, etc.. These are exclusively research-related discussions, focused on the specific project. Content changes over time, as the project matures.
Who decides what we discuss: The project lead, in conjunction with Dr. Smith and/or other collaborators. Typically our projects fund at least one student, and that team member designated by Dr. Smith serves as the project lead and coordinates the discussion topics for each meeting. Others engaged in the project should send discussion topics to them, or add to the agenda directly that is maintained on the project-specific channel in CVmedLab Teams.
What you should expect: If you’re engaged in the project, you should expect to present/discuss regularly. You should also expect to contribute to discussions - we all have a unique background and set of experiences that can contribute meaningful insight to the discussion of the project.
2.2.2 Lab meetings
When we meet: For 1 hour, every other week. The specific day/time will often change from semester to semester, depending on lab members schedules, but we aim to find a time that works for everyone.
How we meet: Lab meetings are in person supplemented with Zoom for those unable to make it to campus. Students, in particular, should try to attend these meetings in person as much as possible.
What we discuss: Determined by the lab members (and occasionally trumped by Dr. Smith to discuss pressing issues), but generally, these are research-related discussions. Most often, ongoing work in the lab, including, e.g., presenting draft study designs or preliminary analyses for feedback, discussing specific problems with an ongoing project and how we can overcome these. Sometimes topics may not be specific to a particular research project, but instead related concepts. For example, how to respond to reviewer comments, an overview of a new dataset being introduced to the lab, or a tutorial on creating a nice visualization.
Who decides what we discuss: The lab members. One team member designated by Dr. Smith (typically senior GS or post-doc) coordinates the discussion topics for each lab meeting, and students should send discussion topics to them, or add to the agenda directly that is maintained on the General channel in CVmedLab Teams.
What you should expect: You should expect to present fairly regularly, both to keep the lab updated on what you’re doing, but also because nothing in our world goes perfectly smoothly. If you’re not having problems you need to work through, the rest of us probably have concerns. You should also expect to contribute to discussions - we all have a unique background and set of experiences that can contribute meaningful insight to the discussion. Sometimes the ideas we think are the littlest (or possibly even worst) are in fact the most helpful.
2.2.3 1-on-1 meetings
When we meet: For 1 hour, every other week (on the off-week from the whole lab meeting). The specific day/time will often change from semester to semester, depending on your schedule.
How we meet: Dr. Smith prefers in person, but Zoom is also acceptable, if needed.
What we discuss: Determined completely by you. This is your opportunity to discuss what is most pressing in your opinion: ongoing research, your IDP, school/class issues, any highlights or difficulties in the past couple of weeks, or just shoot the breeze. If there’s something more complicated that you want Dr. Smith to know about/review in advance, make sure he gets this before the meeting (see below for how to get this to him).
2.3 How we give feedback
Feedback, both giving and receiving it, is an important aspect of our lab. Most of the feedback we give and receive is during lab meetings, on research products (e.g., abstracts, posters, papers), and when giving or attending seminars. We expect feedback to be supportive but constructive.
This resource from UBC does a really great job of outlining the main points of how to give and receive feedback.