Melody Goodman

Interim Dean, School of Global Public Health

Professor of Biostatistics

Professional overview

Dr. Melody S. Goodman is a biostatistician and research methodologist. Her research interest is identifying the origins of health inequities and developing, as necessary, evidence-informed primary prevention strategies to reduce these health inequities. Dr. Goodman’s research efforts seek to develop a more rigorous understanding of the social risk factors contributing to urban health inequities to develop culturally competent, region-specific solutions through collaborative activities with community members, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and other community health stakeholders. Her work aims to develop solutions for improving health in minoritized and medically underserved communities. 

Dr. Goodman led the team that developed and comprehensively evaluated the Research Engagement Survey Tool, a quantitative survey measure to assess the level of community engagement in research studies from the community partner perspective. She is the Founding Director of the Center for Antiracism, Social Justice, & Public Health. With numerous funders supporting her work (e.g., National Institutes of Health, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Verizon Foundation, Long Island Community Foundation, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, and Susan G. Komen), she has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and two books (2018 Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group): 1) Public Health Research Methods for Partnerships and Practice and 2) Biostatistics for Clinical and Public Health Research. She is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and the inaugural recipient of the Societal Impact Award from the Caucus for Women in Statistics (2021).

Education

BS, Economics and Applied Mathematics & Statistics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY

MS, Biostatistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

PhD, Biostatistics (Minors: Social Determinants of Health Disparities and Theoretical Statistics), Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Honors and awards

Fellow, American Statistical Association (2021)

Societal Impact Award, Caucus for Women in Statistics (2021)

Network Builder Award, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Connections (2019)

Siteman Cancer Center “Rock Doc” (2013)

Satcher Health Leadership Institute - Morehouse School of Medicine, Community Health Leadership Institute Intensive Cohort II (2013)

Women of the Year - Health, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. - Suffolk Chapter (2010)

President’s Award for Teaching Excellence - Stony Brook University (2009)

President’s Award for Excellence in Team Achievement - Stony Brook University (2008)

Areas of research and study

Biostatistics

Community Health

Community-based Participatory Research

Dissemination and Implementation of Evidence-based Programs

Health Disparities

Health Equity

Minorities

Minority Health

Quantitative Research

Publications

Publications

Detecting multiple change points in piecewise constant hazard functions

Goodman, M. S., Li, Y., & Tiwari, R. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

Journal of Applied Statistics

Volume

38

Issue

11

Page(s)

2523-2532

10.1080/02664763.2011.559209

Abstract

Abstract

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggests a sudden reduction in prostate cancer mortality rates, likely due to highly successful treatments and screening methods for early diagnosis. We are interested in understanding the impact of medical breakthroughs, treatments, or interventions, on the survival experience for a population. For this purpose, estimating the underlying hazard function, with possible time change points, would be of substantial interest, as it will provide a general picture of the survival trend and when this trend is disrupted. Increasing attention has been given to testing the assumption of a constant failure rate against a failure rate that changes at a single point in time. We expand the set of alternatives to allow for the consideration of multiple change-points, and propose a model selection algorithm using sequential testing for the piecewise constant hazard model. These methods are data driven and allow us to estimate not only the number of change points in the hazard function but where those changes occur. Such an analysis allows for better understanding of how changing medical practice affects the survival experience for a patient population. We test for change points in prostate cancer mortality rates using the NCI Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results dataset.

Survey study of anesthesiologists' and surgeons' ordering of unnecessary preoperative laboratory tests

Katz, R. I., Dexter, F., Rosenfeld, K., Wolfe, L., Redmond, V., Agarwal, D., Salik, I., Goldsteen, K., Goodman, M., & Glass, P. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

Anesthesia and Analgesia

Volume

112

Issue

1

Page(s)

207-212

10.1213/ANE.0b013e31820034f0

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nearly 20 years ago it was shown that patients are exposed to unnecessary preoperative testing that is both costly and has associated morbidity. To determine whether such unnecessary testing persists, we performed internal and external surveys to quantify the incidence of unnecessary preoperative testing and to identify strategies for reduction. METHODS: The medical records of 1000 consecutive patients scheduled for surgery at our institution were examined for testing outside of our approved guidelines. Subsequently, 4 scenarios were constructed to solicit physician views of appropriate testing: a 45-year-old woman for a laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, a 23-year-old woman for right inguinal herniorrhaphy, a 50-year-old man for a hemithyroidectomy, and a 50-year-old man for a total hip replacement. One or more of these scenarios were sent to directors of preoperative clinics (all), United States anesthesiologists (all), gynecologists (cystectomy), general surgeons (herniorrhaphy), otolaryngologists (thyroidectomy), and orthopedists (hip replacement). Potential predictors of ordering and demographic information were collected. RESULTS: More than half of our patients had at least 1 unnecessary test based on our testing guidelines (95% lower confidence limit = 52%). The 17 responding preoperative directors were unanimous for 36 of the 72 combinations of test or consult (henceforth "test") and scenario as being unnecessary. Among the 175 anesthesiologists responding to the survey, 46% ordered 1 or more of the tests unanimously considered unnecessary by the preoperative directors for the given scenario. Among 17 potential predictors of anesthesiologists' unnecessary ordering, only training completed before 1980 significantly increased the risk of ordering at least 1 unnecessary test (by 48%, 95% confidence limits >29%). Anesthesiologists were 53% less likely to order at least 1 unnecessary test relative to gynecologists for the cystectomy scenario, 64% less likely than general surgeons for the herniorrhaphy scenario, 66% less likely than otolaryngologists for the thyroidectomy scenario, and 67% less likely than orthopedists for the hip replacement scenario. The 95% lower confidence limits were all >40%. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of patients with at least 1 unnecessary test is a suitable end point for monitoring providers' ordering. The incidence can be high despite efforts at improvement, but may be reduced if anesthesiologists rather than surgeons order presurgical tests and consults. However, anesthesia groups should be cognizant of potential heterogeneity among them based on time since training.

Comparison of small-area analysis techniques for estimating prevalence by race

Goodman, M. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

Preventing Chronic Disease

Volume

7

Issue

2

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is commonly used for estimating the prevalence of chronic disease. One limitation of the BRFSS is that valid estimates can only be obtained for states and larger geographic regions. Limited health data are available on the county level and, thus, many have used small-area analysis techniques to estimate the prevalence of disease on the county level using BRFSS data. Methods: This study compared the validity and precision of 4 small-area analysis techniques for estimating the prevalence of 3 chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, and hypertension) by race on the county level. County-level reference estimates obtained through local data collection were compared with prevalence estimates produced by direct estimation, synthetic estimation, spatial data smoothing, and regression. Discrepancy statistics used were Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, mean square error, mean absolute difference, mean relative absolute difference, and rank statistics. Results: The regression method produced estimates of the prevalence of chronic disease by race on the county level that had the smallest discrepancies for a large number of counties. Conclusion: Regression is the preferable method when applying small-area analysis techniques to obtain county-level prevalence estimates of chronic disease by race using a single year of BRFSS data.

Hepatitis B vaccination of male neonates and autism diagnosis, NHIS 1997-2002

Gallagher, C. M., & Goodman, M. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health - Part A: Current Issues

Volume

73

Issue

24

Page(s)

1665-1677

10.1080/15287394.2010.519317

Abstract

Abstract

Universal hepatitis B vaccination was recommended for U.S. newborns in 1991; however, safety findings are mixed. The association between hepatitis B vaccination of male neonates and parental report of autism diagnosis was determined. This cross-sectional study used weighted probability samples obtained from National Health Interview Survey 1997-2002 data sets. Vaccination status was determined from the vaccination record. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds for autism diagnosis associated with neonatal hepatitis B vaccination among boys age 3-17 years, born before 1999, adjusted for race, maternal education, and two-parent household. Boys vaccinated as neonates had threefold greater odds for autism diagnosis compared to boys never vaccinated or vaccinated after the first month of life. Non-Hispanic white boys were 64% less likely to have autism diagnosis relative to nonwhite boys. Findings suggest that U.S. male neonates vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine prior to 1999 (from vaccination record) had a threefold higher risk for parental report of autism diagnosis compared to boys not vaccinated as neonates during that same time period. Nonwhite boys bore a greater risk.

Increasing research literacy in minority communities: CARES fellows training program

Goodman, M. S., Dias, J. J., & Stafford, J. D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics

Volume

5

Issue

4

Page(s)

33-41

10.1525/jer.2010.5.4.33

Abstract

Abstract

THE COMMUNITY ALLIANCE FOR Research Empowering Social Change (CARES) is an academic-community research partnership designed to: (1) train community members about evidencebased public health, (2) increase community members' scientific literacy, and (3) develop the infrastructure for community-based participatory research so that local stakeholders can examine and address racial/ethnic health disparities in their communities. Nineteen community members enrolled in the CARES training. The training consisted of 11 didactic training sessions and 4 experiential workshops, taught by a multidisciplinary faculty from research institutions. Results suggest that the training increased research literacy, prepared community members for collaborative work with academic researchers, and empowered them to utilize scientific research methods to create social change in their communities.

Does "off-hours" admission affect burn patient outcome?

Taira, B. R., Meng, H., Goodman, M. S., & Singer, A. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

Burns

Volume

35

Issue

8

Page(s)

1092-1096

10.1016/j.burns.2009.04.023

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Previous critical care and cardiology studies find that critically ill patients have worse outcomes when admitted to the hospital during off-hours as compared to those admitted during weekdays. As severe burn is equally emergent we hypothesized that this disparity in outcomes would exist for burn patients as well. Study design: Secondary analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) version 7.1. The NTDB is a national registry of hospital admissions for traumatic injury administered by the American College of Surgeons. Setting: 700 trauma facilities nationwide contributing to the NTDB between 2002 and 2006. Subjects: All trauma patients included in the dataset with the injury mechanism of burn divided into "off-hours" admits (nights from 6 pm to 6 am and weekends) and weekday admits. Measures: Time and day of admission, demographics, ISS score, injury characteristics (±inhalational injury, TBSA, and full thickness injury), facility characteristics (number of burn beds, teaching status). Outcomes: Mortality as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital length of stay. Data analysis: Descriptive statistics to summarize group characteristics, χ2 and Student's t tests for bivariate analysis, multivariable linear and logistic regressions. Results: Of the 25,572 burn patients, 17,625 (68.9%) arrived during off-hours. There was no difference in ICU length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.233), hospital LOS (p = 0.82), or mortality (p = 0.546) for those admitted during off-hours compared with weekday admits. In multivariate analysis when controlling for age, gender, burn characteristics (inhalation injury, full thickness injury, and TBSA >30%), and hospital type, off-hours admission was not predictive of mortality (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.91-1.23). Conclusions: Contrary to studies in other critically ill patient populations, off-hours admission is not predictive of worse outcomes in burn patients.

Psychosocial stress and 13-year BMI change among blacks: The pitt county study

Fowler-Brown, A. G., Bennett, G. G., Goodman, M. S., Wee, C. C., Corbie-Smith, G. M., & James, S. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

Obesity

Volume

17

Issue

11

Page(s)

2106-2109

10.1038/oby.2009.130

Abstract

Abstract

Adverse psychosocial exposures may partially drive the high rates of obesity among blacks. The objective of this study was to prospectively examine the relationship between perceived psychosocial stress and percent change in BMI among adult black men and women. We used data from 756 women and 416 men who were participants in the Pitt County Study, a community-based, prospective cohort study of blacks in eastern North Carolina. Participants were aged 25-50 years of age on entry into the study in 1988 and follow-up was obtained in 2001. Using multivariable linear regression, we calculated the adjusted mean percentage change in BMI over the follow-up period for each tertile of baseline measures of the Perceived Stress Scale (low, medium, and high), adjusted for potential confounders. For black women, higher levels of psychosocial stress at baseline predicted higher adjusted percentage increase in BMI over the 13-year follow-up: low stress 12.0% (95% CI 9.6-14.4), medium stress 16.3% (95% CI 13.7-18.9), and high stress 15.5% (95% CI 13.1-17.8). For black men, perceived stress was not associated with percent BMI change. These data suggest that interventions targeting obesity in black women should consider the potential impact of emotional stress on weight change.

Hepatitis B triple series vaccine and developmental disability in US children aged 1-9 years

Gallagher, C., & Goodman, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2008

Journal title

Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry

Volume

90

Issue

5

Page(s)

997-1008

10.1080/02772240701806501

Abstract

Abstract

This study investigated the association between vaccination with the Hepatitis B triple series vaccine prior to 2000 and developmental disability in children aged 1-9 years (n = 1824), proxied by parental report that their child receives early intervention or special education services (EIS). National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000 data were analyzed and adjusted for survey design by Taylor Linearization using SAS version 9.1 software, with SAS callable SUDAAN version 9.0.1. The odds of receiving EIS were approximately nine times as great for vaccinated boys (n = 46) as for unvaccinated boys (n = 7), after adjustment for confounders. This study found statistically significant evidence to suggest that boys in United States who were vaccinated with the triple series Hepatitis B vaccine, during the time period in which vaccines were manufactured with thimerosal, were more susceptible to developmental disability than were unvaccinated boys.

An evaluation of multiple behavioral risk factors for cancer in a working class, multi-ethnic population

Goodman, M., Li, Y., Bennett, G. G., Stoddard, A. M., & Emmons, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Journal of Data Science

Volume

4

Page(s)

291

Attitudes regarding overweight, exercise, and health among Blacks (United States)

Bennett, G. G., Wolin, K. Y., Goodman, M., Samplin-Salgado, M., Carter, P., Dutton, S., Hill, R., & Emmons, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Cancer Causes and Control

Volume

17

Issue

1

Page(s)

95-101

10.1007/s10552-005-0412-5

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To investigate Blacks'views regarding the connections among overweight, exercise, and health. Methods: A national randomized telephone survey of 986 US Blacks, conducted between 6 July 2004 and 15 July 2004. Results: The majority (65%) of respondents reported their weight as average or underweight. Most participants also reported being regularly physically active in the last month (84.5%). The majority of participants reported believing that it is possible to be overweight and healthy. Most acknowledged the connection between exercise and health, and just over half of respondents identified the association between overweight and cancer risk. There was little sociodemographic variation in responses, although findings differed by self-reported overweight and physical activity. Conclusions: Some Blacks may underestimate the extent of their overweight, perhaps resulting from the high prevalence of the condition in the population. Gaps exist in Blacks' recognition of the connection between weight and health, although the importance of exercise for health promotion was widely acknowledged. These data may highlight an important target for intervention attention.