About
I'm a pharmacoepidemiologist researching medication safety, clinical outcomes, and the real-world effectiveness of pharmaceutical interventions. My work focuses on translating complex evidence into actionable insights for patients and clinicians.
Research Focus
My research sits at the intersection of pharmacology, epidemiology, and clinical medicine. I specialize in:
- Drug safety surveillance — identifying and quantifying adverse effects of commonly prescribed medications
- Comparative effectiveness research — evaluating which treatments work best in real-world settings
- Methodological innovation — developing and applying rigorous epidemiologic methods to healthcare data
- Evidence synthesis — systematic reviews and meta-analyses to integrate findings across studies
Much of my recent work has focused on 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride), widely used medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness. I've investigated their potential effects on depression, diabetes risk, and glycemic control using large-scale observational data from the United States, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Research Philosophy
I believe that good epidemiology requires both methodological rigor and clear communication. A study can be statistically sophisticated, but if its implications aren't understood by clinicians and patients, its impact is limited.
In my work, I emphasize:
- Appropriate comparator selection — the control group matters enormously in observational research
- Transparency — open data, open code, and clear reporting of limitations
- Clinical relevance — focusing on questions that matter for patient care
- Nuanced interpretation — avoiding both alarmism and false reassurance
Background
I hold a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) and am currently pursuing doctoral studies in Epidemiology at Vanderbilt University. My training spans clinical pharmacy, epidemiologic methods, and biostatistics.
I've had the privilege of collaborating with researchers across multiple institutions and countries, including:
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Yonsei University College of Medicine
- University of Auckland
- University of British Columbia
About This Blog
This blog serves as a bridge between academic research and broader understanding. Each post explains one of my studies in accessible terms, exploring:
- Why the research question matters
- How we designed the study and why
- What we found and what it means
- The limitations and unanswered questions
I also provide AI prompts for readers who want to explore the research more deeply with tools like ChatGPT or Claude. These prompts are designed to facilitate nuanced discussions about the methodology, findings, and implications.
Contact
I'm always interested in connecting with fellow researchers, clinicians, students, or anyone interested in pharmacoepidemiology. You can reach me at:
- Email: ha.m.nguyen@vanderbilt.edu
- GitHub: github.com/minhha0510