Just a brief update as I attempt to record significant events/thoughts on my journey to become a data scientist.

I just received my official confirmation that I have been accepted into Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Predictive Analytics (MSPA) program.  I am due to start in the fall.  Here is the link if you are unfamiliar with the program.

http://sps.northwestern.edu/program-areas/graduate/predictive-analytics/index.php

I selected this program for many reasons. First, it is oriented towards what I really want to do – predictive analytics.  This should give me a solid foundational background upon which I can build the specific skills and specialization I need to develop smarter bedside monitoring systems and help predict patient outcomes.

Second, this is an online curriculum.  At this point in my life I am not easily able to move or change jobs.  I am a practicing Emergency Physician.  I am a Chief Medical Information Officer for my health system.  And I am the Medical Director for our flight service.  I really enjoy all of these pursuits, and am not willing to give this up to move and go back to school full time.  Nor could I with my family obligations.   So the online option works best for me.

Third, Northwestern has a great reputation in this field.  I did my due diligence and researched the program, and the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive.  As an aside, I did most of my undergraduate degree at Northwestern in the 1980’s (I did not graduate, but would love to finally have a degree from them, so this will hopefully allow me to do this!).

So the easy part is over.  I have been accepted.  Now I will have to do the hard work of learning all of the new material and keep up with the coursework, while still performing my regular day jobs.