How long have you been at Jefferson?

I’ve been here off and on since 1997, first in the Department of Radiology. In the interim I worked at Temple University Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children. I’ve been in my current position since March 2009, but previously served as the research coordinator for the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.

What are the responsibilities of your current role?

I coordinate clinical trials for the Department of Surgery and handle the administration of Institutional Review Board submissions and budgets for industry trials. My primary responsibility is to provide support to the faculty who are undertaking an increasing number of clinical research projects in their efforts to establish a more robust clinical trial program in the department.

What is required to become certified as a Clinical Research Coordinator?

The formal Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) certification by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals requires experience in clinical practice, knowledge of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, a comprehensive written exam, and continuing education in clinical research as well as nursing.

What does an average day on the job look like?

It really varies almost daily. One day, I might recruit patients to participate in a particular study. In early August, I supervised a study monitor’s four-day visit for one of our ongoing industry sponsored trials. I also evaluate new studies proposed to our surgeons to determine their fiscal feasibility, if they are ethically appropriate and whether we have the appropriate patient population. Given the range of responsibilities I’m juggling, a critical part of my job is time management!