A Success Story in Clinical Research

Barbara A., RN, CCRC, CCRA
Clinical Research Manager
Medical Foundation

From nursing to clinical research, patient care remains paramount

People come to a career in clinical research by many doors. In the 1970s, Barbara A. was a registered nurse working in the intensive care unit when she discovered clinical research. "A doctor doing clinical research asked for my help. I found it very interesting and decided to keep doing clinical research,” says Barbara, now a clinical research manager at the Medical Foundation (MF).

As a clinical research manager, her list of responsibilities is a long one. She promotes awareness of clinical trials among the physicians, staff, and patients of MF. She reviews all protocols and helps determine the feasibility of proposed research projects. She coordinates and expedites reviews. She establishes systems for reporting, monitoring, and tracking studies. She assures that projects are in compliance with all regulatory requirements, including good clinical practice guidelines and FDA regulations.

She encounters challenges every day. One challenge she says is "fitting the flow of the clinic without interfering with patients’ clinical visits.” Another is "educating investigators and other staff members to follow protocols without deviation.”

"The reward,” says Barbara, "is when you see that patients are being taken good care of.”

"Medical background or training is important for a career in clinical research. The Clinical Trials Design and Management certificate program is very helpful too—I’ve taken Patty’s classes.” – Barbara A., RN, CCRC, CCRA
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