SAVIR Member Spotlight: Larry Cook, PhD

Larry Cook, PhD, Professor, University of Utah Department of Pediatrics and the Utah Data Coordinating Center

Tell us about your areas of interest within injury and violence prevention. Why did you decide to pursue a career in this field?

I’m not sure I decided to pursue a career in this field. It kind of happened to me. I joined Pediatrics out of my masters program as a SAS programmer. I quickly fell in love with a project called the Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES). CODES used a method I’d never heard of before, probabilistic linkage, to join large administrative databases that had not been designed to be combined. In this case we were linking motor vehicle crash reports with emergency department visits and hospital discharge records. In addition to the math being extremely fun, the results of our research were immediately applicable to a number of legislative initiatives including child passenger safety, graduated driver licensing, and primary seatbelt enforcement. I’d never imagined a statistician standing in front of a legislative committee but there I was. It was so exciting to see our work being discussed and applied. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to apply probabilistic linkage to a number of other issues including opioid prescribing, firearm injuries, burns, and trauma system performance. I also am involved in creating clinical decision rules for identify children at low risk for severe injuries who likely don’t need advanced imaging as well as identifying which adolescents are likely to experience persistent post-concussion symptoms up to three months following their injury.

How long have you been a member of SAVIR? What has been your favorite part about being involved with SAVIR?

I believe I joined SAVIR in 2008. My favorite part has been making friends and colleagues from across the country. Seeing how the next generation is advancing methods and findings is pretty exciting too.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?

Seeing my work translated directly into practice and being able to track the decline in motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries in my state over time.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Well, I may or may not have a Level 50 Pokemon Go account. I also enjoy riding my bike and being outside. And I love going to the movies.