ACRP’s Clinical Trials Day helps raise clinical trial awareness and honors clinical research professionals by recognizing their contributions to public health and medical progress. In honor of this day of industry recognition, we asked clinical research professionals from across the industry to share their stories and thoughts about the impactful work they do:
Why did you get into clinical research?
“My best friend has twins that were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy in 2009. Through this relationship, I was introduced to a new community of people desperate for research and treatments for their terminally ill children. Over the years, I found a deep desire to further research being done for all diseases and age groups and found myself changing my career path after 13 years in private aviation to clinical research. I am happy to dedicate my work hours to furthering the cause and to be an advocate and active participant in the community in my personal time.”
Stacie, Project Administrator
“I got involved in clinical trials by chance. I was charge nurse of the outpatient oncology clinic and was looking for a new job. The breast research nurse approached me and asked for my CV. The next thing I knew, USC was calling with a start date. I can tell you that accepting the position as a research nurse 10 years ago has been the best decision I have ever made. Not only am I helping the research world with new drug development, but I have also felt instrumental by helping and educating patients of the myriads of treatments that are available.”
Xiomara, RN, BSN, PHN,
Oncology Research Nurse
“I was the manager of a Quality Assurance Training program for an independent medical examinations office that catered to insurance organizations. Anyway, because of my familiarity and fascination with medical cases, I connected with a clinical project manager at a local CRO that specialized in sponsored, Phase I, healthy volunteers’ trials. She gave me the opportunity to join her team as a study manager. Since then, I’ve learned plenty about our industry and its value in our society. I also know that there are endless opportunities to grow and continue to learn. It is exciting to know that clinical research will continue its evolution, and we are barely breaking the ice when it comes to discovery of a disease prevention and cure.”
Fanny, BBA CCRP
Research/Regulatory Affairs Operations Manager
It’s extremely fulfilling to know that our team is (even though it’s indirectly) truly impacting lives through our talent and clients.
Edmond, Clinical Research Recruitment Advisor at Medix
What is your favorite clinical research story?
“My favorite research story/moment involved working with a patient who had a rare neurological disease called Neuromyelitis Optica. She came into the drug trial barely being able to stand without a walker and after starting study medication was able to do laps around the hospital in a matter of months. Seeing her to be given an opportunity like this and seeing the joy and relief on her face makes this kind of work with it.”
Benjamin, Regulatory Coordinator
“My favorite clinical research story was when I was the research nurse supervisor and was orienting a nurse new to clinical research. In preparation for our patient visit, we went to radiology to review the patient’s first CT scan after starting the new drug. The physician investigator shared the patient’s story with the radiologist, with many prior lines of failed therapy and unsuccessful resection of her cancer. After comparing the baseline scans to the new scans, the physician determined the patient had a complete response. We were so excited share the good news with the patient and her sister. Upon hearing the news, the patient and her sister (and all of us) broke out in tears of joy. The patient shared how she had given up hope and the will to live prior to going on this clinical trial. She has lost her job, her home, her husband, and her kids. With the success of this new drug and reconnection with her family, she was able to live again. Being able to share that kind of joy and hope after giving up on life is the greatest gift of clinical research.”
Molly, Medix Clinical Research Consultant
“My favorite clinical research story, which seems to be a trend amongst oncology patients, is hearing how family and friends all come together as a support group as their loved ones battle every day to defeat their disease. Being able to hear and witness how close-knit these relationships become is definitely a life changer for these patients. It gives them motivation and endless determination to keep fighting.”
Clarisse, Data Manager
Why do you think clinical trials are important?
“I think clinical trials are an essential part of desiring what’s best for the patient. As far as medicine has come over the last century, there are still many unsolved devastating conditions. Clinical trials are how patients and providers alike say, ‘There is hope! We can do better!’”
Denise, MSN
Clinical Trial Data Specialist
“The only way we make progress and advance the science of various disease states is by getting patients to participate in clinical trials. By participating, patients often gain access to novel treatments that they may have not had access to prior.”
Katy, BSN,RN, OCN,CCRP
CTO Early Phase Research Manager
“I think clinical trials are important because they give hope to people suffering from diseases who in need of pharmaceutical drugs and those that know future generations of their families may suffer because of genetics.”
Anthony, Director of Strategic Partnerships
“Clinical trials are crucial in helping to develop new treatments. We would not have all of the vaccines, drugs and devices that we have now that keep our loved ones with us if it were not for clinical research.”
Bridget, Clinical Research Account Executive at Medix
I think one of the most important is the opportunity for individuals to pursue treatment options when their oncologist has run out of options. Treatment in a clinical trial can provide the opportunity for additional quality and quantity of life so they can experience one more birthday, or one more anniversary, or one more dinner date…just one more!”
Joyce, MSN RN AOCNS
Oncology Nurse Navigator
