Workforce Development Transformation and Implementation: The Critical Role of Leaders in Success

Picture of Erika Stevens, faculty lecturer at Rutgers Clinical Research Management and Principal of Recherche Transformation Rapide. LLC

Erika Stevens, MA, FACRP

Faculty Lecturer

Rutgers Clinical Research Management

Principal

Recherche Transformation Rapide LLC

Picture of Liz Wool, President of Wool Consulting Group, Inc.

Liz Wool, FACRP, CCRA, CID, CMT

President

Wool Consulting Group, Inc.

Abstract: The role of leaders in successful implementation of a workforce development program is often overlooked. Notably, change management and the leader’s fluency in implementing change is necessary for success. This article describes the critical attributes for leaders to be able to manage and implement workforce development for their organizations, and for leveraging transformation management principles and practices for success.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial relationship(s) in connection with this article.

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Diverse Recruitment in Fast Enrolling Wearable Device Clinical Trials

Picture of Andrew Snyder, director of the Clinical Trials Office at M Health Fairview.

Andrew Snyder

Director

Clinical Trials Office

M Health Fairview

Picture of Andrea Martinez, Community Partnership Manager at M Health Fairview.

Andrea Martinez

Community Partnership Manager

M Health Fairview

Contributors: Diane Tran, System Executive Director, Community Health Equity and Engagement, M Health Fairview and Katherine Grannon, Community Health Equity Impact Manager, M Health Fairview

Improving clinical trial diversity is an ethical, scientific, and clinical priority. Federal regulators, industry sponsors, the National Institute of Health (NIH), academic journals, investigators, coordinators, and physicians agree with the importance of ensuring diverse participation in medical research. Not only will racially diverse research studies validate trial results across the population, but they are also important in building trust in the results and subsequent therapeutic adoption of the studied investigational product. A recent experiment reported that giving African American/Black patients study results from a racially representative trial increased their belief that the drug would be effective for them by 20%, without altering white patients’ perception of the medication1.

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Celebrating Chapter Volunteers on Clinical Trials Day 2024 

As Clinical Trials Day 2024 approaches on May 20, we’re spotlighting the incredible work of our SOCRA chapter volunteers. These individuals dedicate their time and expertise to advance clinical research and foster community connections within our SOCRA chapter program.

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17th Annual Device Research & Regulatory Conference: Navigating Innovation and Compliance 

The 17th Annual Device Research & Regulatory Conference is just around the corner, and it promises to be an enlightening event for professionals in the medical device industry. Hosted in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, this premier device conference brings together experts, thought leaders, and practitioners to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and best practices in the field. 

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Inside the 2024 SOCRA Oncology Clinical Trials Conference: Insights from Program Chairs Tammy Neseth & Susanna Sellmann 

Tammy Neseth

MA, CCRP, CIP

Susanna Sellmann

RTT, BS, CCRP

Oncology Clinical Trials Conference I March 13-15, 2024 I San Antonio, TX 

As the winter chill envelops much of North America, a warm and exciting opportunity awaits oncology clinical trial professionals. SOCRA’s annual Oncology Clinical Trials Conference is set to brighten San Antonio, TX this March. This pivotal event, co-chaired by 2023 SOCRA President’s Award Winner Tammy Neseth, MA, CCRP, CIP, and SOCRA Past-President, Susanna Sellmann, RTT, BS, CCRP, has evolved into an indispensable resource for oncology-focused clinical trials knowledge, networking opportunities, and avenues for professional growth. 

In a recent conversation with Tammy and Susanna, they shared their insights into the conference’s inception, evolution, and what attendees can expect. 

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2024 Pediatric Clinical Trials Conference Preview: A Conversation with Conference Co-Chairs Lisa Benson & Grace Wentzel

Grace Wentzel (GW)

CCRP, CHRC

Lisa Benson (LB)

BS, CRCP

We’re thrilled to announce the 11th annual Pediatric Clinical Trials Conference, which is set to take place February 22-23, 2024, in San Diego, CA. To uncover the vision, evolution, and passion behind the upcoming event, we sat down with conference organizers Lisa Benson, BS, CRCP (LB), and Grace Wentzel, CCRP, CHRC (GW). Join us as we share their insights and reflect on the impact this critical event continues to have on pediatric clinical research. 

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Reflecting on SOCRA’s 32nd Annual Conference

From September 29 to October 1, 2023, Montreal’s Convention Center was buzzing at the 32nd SOCRA Annual Conference, marking our triumphant return to in-person interactions for the first time in three years. The atmosphere was electric, with the charm of old Montreal as the backdrop and nearly a thousand attendees.

The conference hosted 105 speakers, featured 53 exhibitors, and showcased 74 poster presenters. Additionally, we were honored to welcome international attendees, with representation from 14 countries. Among this diverse crowd, there was an undeniable sense of enthusiasm at the Welcome Reception and throughout the event, as attendees engaged in discussions, networking, and anticipation of what the conference had in store.

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My Seat at the (Institutional Review Board) Table

Lauren Surden, MSW, CIP 

Sterling IRB 

I often get asked about the education and experience needed to be selected to serve on an Institutional Review Board (IRB).  The fallback response is that I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), however, my education and work experience is only part of what I bring to my seat at the IRB table.  Understanding who makes up an IRB is important in understanding the ethical review process for clinical research. 

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Developing a Test Taking Plan when Pursuing Professional Certifications

Laura R. Holtz

MS, PMP, CCRP

Jessica Rowe

MA, MS, CCRP, CIP

People pursue certifications for various reasons. Some pursue certification for professional credibility or recognition, while others aim to meet position requirements for job opportunities. “Certification demonstrates your commitment to superior professionalism, to upholding industry standards, and for continued learning (www.mbopartners.com).” Regardless of the motivation, all test takers want to be successful. In our respective roles, we are often approached by research professionals with questions about certification and about taking a certification exam. We rely on our backgrounds to construct a reply. Laura Holtz has a background as a teacher and as a project manager. She relies on her experience in those roles to provide guidance regarding certification. Jessica Rowe has a background in academia and in instructing adult students enrolled in graduate courses. She calls upon that experience to provide tips and tools for successfully pursuing professional certification. Of course, both authors rely on their own experiences pursuing their certifications when answering related questions.

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Clinical Research Studies During the COVID-19 Pandemic Public Health Emergency

Corona Virus Molecule Rendering Public Health Crisis

Defining a “New Normal” in Clinical Research to Support the World’s 336,747 Research Studies

By: Jennifer Goldfarb – MSN, RN, CCRP

As of April 21, 2020, according to clinicaltrials.gov, there were 336,747 research studies registered by organizations in all 50 states and 210 countries throughout the world. Clinical Research is a delicate ecosystem within healthcare that can be easily advocated for as an essential healthcare service. It is a highly complex, intensely regulated and regimented, environment. It is a critical component of healthcare that drives scientific and medical advances to promote health and treat illness. This environment has suffered unprecedented disruption and chaos during this pandemic. While people hunker down in their homes, waiting for this storm to pass, clinical research conduct is being adapted, paused, and even discontinued, in every therapeutic area.

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