Biostatistics Masters Degree Sample Personal Statement of Purpose

When I was twelve years old, a man visited our house in Saudi Arabia and asked my parents lots of questions relating to our health and the medical history of their families. I was intrigued by this visit and curious about the reasons behind it. I had lots of questions about why such information is collected and why it is useful. My parents explained as far as they were able and over time I did a little research of my own. I became of the specialty of Biostatistics and eventually also that the specialty is not widely studied or its fruits applied in my country, indeed it is not possible to study Medical Biostatistics as a major undergraduate or graduate subject in Saudi Arabia. It is my goal to be part of the solution to this ‘gap’ in my country’s knowledge and skills especially as these are essential to the well-being of so many.

 Among other notable medical problems in Saudi Arabia, there are notably high rates of chronic preventable disease such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. Many members of my own family have suffered with these conditions and this situation has fired a great determination in me to help to reduce the chances of the next generation suffering as much. If the country is ever to reduce the incidences of these conditions, it will be necessary for much work to be conducted by Medical Biostatisticians to identify causes and possible remedies and I want to be involved in doing so. I have a scholarship from the Saudi Ministry of Health for the Master’s program and have contracted to work for the Ministry at the end of my studies.

Having gained an excellent bachelor degree in Mathematics, many careers were open to me. After very carefully considering how my knowledge and skills might be most usefully applied, I decided to pursue Medical Biostatistics in which field I believe that I can make a beneficial difference to the lives of many and help to fill a real need for such specialists in Saudi Arabia. It is my goal to become one of the pioneer specialists in Saudi Arabia conducting useful research and, ultimately, pursuing a Ph.D. and passing on my knowledge, skills and passion to other future specialists in the field at a Saudi university. I have taught high school level mathematics and found great satisfaction in doing so, seeing a new concept understood, especially by a struggling student, is a special joy. I relish the thought of being able to share knowledge and skills again in my future career.

I appreciate that skills in Mathematics, though vital in the specialty, are by no means sufficient alone. I understand that it is necessary to possess almost limitless academic curiosity and to be capable of creative and original thinking about problems. It is vital to separate the superficial from the underlying and not so easily identifiable causes of apparent problems. I understand that a truly effective professional in this field must be able to relate well to others to encourage cooperation, collaboration and the sharing of insight and opinion which is so vital to excellent outcomes. I also aspire to acquire and to apply the soft ‘artistic’ skills of intuition and subtle interpretation to supplement the scientific models and techniques that I shall be using.

My special area of interest is in public health and biomedical research, particularly in the design and analysis of large and complex data, primarily in the context of epidemiological studies. I also aim to contribute to consulting and collaborative research in various other related fields in my future career. I am aware of the vital importance of statisticians maintaining independence and objectivity so that their skills are not used as a tool to ‘prove’ that what is untrue is ‘true’ or vice versa and that this ethical component is of great significance where there may be entrenched or even corrupt pressures for a pre-decided or biased outcome. These considerations are perhaps particularly relevant in the medical applications that are of special interest to me in which scandals have occurred.

I am a native Arabic speaker and have been enrolled in the Intensive English Program at the Language and Culture Institute, Blacksburg, VA. I feel confident speaking, reading and writing English. I like the French language and intend to learn the language when time permits. I have undertaken various voluntary activities in the US including holding offices in Saudi and women students’ organisations and have been involved in the ‘Feeding America’ program. I am happy to take the lead or work as a team member as required. I am a confident public speaker and event organizer.

I have a wide range of interests and hobbies. I like to write and was involved in school journalism with I should love to do again should the opportunity arise. I enjoy craftwork and art, I am a sporty and energetic person who enjoys keeping fit and believe that the health of body and mind are closely linked.

My choice of your program is made because of the close alignment between my specialist interests and those being taught, the prestigious faculty, the outstanding facilities and the successful outcomes for so many graduates. I can assure the reader of highly enthusiastic, committed and diligent participation in the program, if selected.

Thank you for considering my application.