By Victoria Walker

Embarking on a New Chapter: The World of Clinical Research

My journey through the healthcare environment, spanning over a decade, led me to embark on a new chapter in 2018. Venturing into the realm of clinical research, despite the shift, the heart of patient interaction remained at the core of my work. The transition into clinical research was intriguing, as it introduced me to a new pace and a fresh set of responsibilities. The research world offered a more measured stride, although the pace differed from other healthcare settings I was accustomed to.

Pacing the Unknown: Discovering the Rhythms of Clinical Research

Once I was acclimated and engaged in multiple studies and clinical trials, I quickly progressed to the position of Lead Clinical Research Coordinator. In certain instances, I found myself having to take the initiative to acquire the necessary skills, as I hadn’t always been provided with comprehensive training. These moments of self-driven learning enabled me to bridge the gap, allowing me to effectively integrate into multiple research ventures while upholding the highest professional standards and adhering to protocols.

Beyond Borders: FDA Studies that Propel Medical Innovation

I supervised and managed a range of FDA-approved studies that formed the foundation of innovative medical progress within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. In the clinical trials space, the role of a Clinical Research Coordinator is very dynamic and filled with various interactions daily. You engage with a diverse array of individuals and stakeholders, including sponsors, patients, clinical research associates, principal investigators, medical teams, data management personnel, regulatory authorities, and others.

ALCOA+ Principles Safeguarding Data Integrity in Clinical Research

As a Clinical Research Coordinator, you adopt methods such as ALCOA+ principles to ensure data integrity, rigorously documenting, organizing, and safeguarding all essential trial information from the startup to the close of the study. Beyond that, you juggle multiple responsibilities. You’re the conductor of scheduling patients, orchestrating the study timeline for each participant based on the study protocol, creating source documents, maintaining effective communication, and comprehensive management of regulatory documents, among other tasks.

Pathways and Prospects: Diverse Avenues for Clinical Research Coordinators

Clinical Research Coordinators can find opportunities in various roles and operations, including decentralized clinical trials, site-level positions, academic research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, contract research organizations, and nonprofit organizations. These positions offer a broader perspective on the clinical research process and provide different challenges and growth opportunities.

Building a Foundation for the Future: Meticulousness and Innovation

The future of clinical research emphasizes diversity and inclusion. Designing treatments for a range of demographics is vital for equitable healthcare outcomes, especially for marginalized communities. Being a Clinical Research Coordinator means adapting to evolving trial methods and using state-of-the-art technologies.

Inclusivity in Clinical Research: Shaping the Future of Healthcare

In closing, the road ahead promises to be diverse, ensuring healthcare advancements benefit everyone in society. As healthcare progresses, my foundation will remain strong in meticulousness, communication, and strategic problem-solving. Therefore, I’m excited to contribute to reshaping clinical trials for a more inclusive future.

Victoria Walker

Victoria is a clinical research professional who began her clinical research career working at an academic facility, the University of Alabama Medicine, where she began as a Clinical Research Coordinator in 2018. Over the past 5 years, Victoria has worked diligently to make strides in the clinical research industry. She now works as a Senior Decentralized Clinical Trial Study Coordinator for IQVIA. Among her many accolades, Victoria created strategic plans that resulted in increasing patient recruitment by 36% across multiple sites regionally. Victorias serves as an exemplary example of what you can achieve when you take the initiative to excel in your career.