Rickey E. Carter, Ph.D.

Rickey E. Carter, Ph.D., is an associate professor of biostatistics in the Department of Health Sciences Research. As a biostatistician, he helps plan and analyze research studies through active collaboration with other researchers.

Dr. Carter's collaborative research interests can be generally grouped into diabetes, radiology and translational science. In addition to these research activities, he actively researches new approaches to the design and analysis of research studies from a statistical perspective.

Administratively, Dr. Carter serves as the section head for Clinical Statistics in the Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics.

Focus areas

Medical research

• Diagnostic accuracy of imaging devices
• CT dose reduction
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Acute lung injury

Statistical methodology research
Dr. Carter is an active researcher studying statistical methods for categorical data and statistical issues that arise through collaboration. Some of his recent publications are on improved estimators for relative risk as well as design considerations for pilot studies.

Education
Dr. Carter engages in education activities through the Mayo Clinic Center for Translational Science Activities (CTSA). He teaches the STAT: Statistical Techniques Amicably Taught continuing education program through the CTSA. Many of his talks are archived and available to all who are interested.

Significance to patient care

Through collaboration with the Department of Radiology, Dr. Carter is helping test novel imaging approaches that will produce high-quality images while minimizing exposure to risks, such as radiation exposure. In addition, Dr. Carter works with interventional radiologists in testing if image-guided therapies are safe and effective for the treatment of patients.

Within his research on diabetes, he is working with others on the development of an "artificial pancreas." This research is striving to determine if an automated piece of equipment can monitor changes in activity levels, food intake and blood glucose levels to deliver the correct amount of insulin to patients with type 1 diabetes.

Professional highlights

• Member, Interventions Committee for Adult Disorders (ITVA) Study Section, National Institutes of Health
• Voting Member, Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) Key Function Committee, National CTSA Consortium
• Chair, Evaluation Working Group, BERD Key Function Committee, National CTSA Consortium