What is a Clinical Research Coordinator?
The job of a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) is to ensure that a clinical trial, be it observational or interventional, is well conducted and follows GCP guidelines. A CRC typically must wear many hats, but screening patients is probably one of the first/most important tasks a CRC conducts because it determines whether a patient is eligible for a particular trial. The inclusion/exclusion criteria must always be reviewed with the Principal Investigator or Sub-Investigator prior to enrolling a patient in a study.
What does a CRC do in a typical day?
CRCs typically interact with patients, technicians, nurses, physician assistants, doctors, and other administrative personnel. If it is determined that the patient meets the criteria for a study, the CRC will then conduct the Informed Consent Process with the patient and schedule the follow-up telephone/clinic visits to collect the data needed for the trial.
The CRC must then:
- Enter the data in the relevant systems
- Ensure that the proper billing is done for the trial
- Answer queries issued by the sponsor to clean up the data
- Do daily checks for patients’ adverse events in the Electronic Medical Record system
Because there are so many moving parts involved in conducting a clinical trial, it is the CRC’s job to prioritize his/her daily tasks and the order in which each should be completed.
What do you like the most about being a CRC?
I am happy to be able to help a patient (albeit in a small way) find alternative/better solutions for the treatment of a disease. That is the most rewarding part of the job; feeling as though you are contributing to the greater good and making a difference.
What do you find most challenging?
One of the most challenging aspects of working as a CRC is ensuring that while the clinical trial is being conducted the data collected is of quality and that small things do not fall through the cracks. There are many tasks to be completed on any given day, and the pace can be overwhelming.
Another challenge involves the Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) availability to review, sign, and assess the data and any adverse events that occur while the trial is being conducted. It is crucial that this gets done in a timely fashion as there are deadlines imposed by the sponsor, especially during times when the data needs to be locked to be presented to the FDA.
How did you get into this field? What drew you to it?
I was interested in public health but wanted to take part in a project like the Peace Corps. I decided to take a chance and get involved in the field of Public Health at a time when the job market was awful. I was struggling to find work after the market crash of 2008/2009. I realized that in this field there will always be jobs available and that it is very rewarding if you pursue it for the right reasons.
I have gotten so much professional and personal satisfaction working with clinical staff to help patients. I have learned so much. Because each trial is different and each patient population has different needs, I continue to learn and feel that I gain so much from that experience. So here I am, 13 years later!
What skills do you need to be a good CRC?
Having great interpersonal skills is vital for CRCs to do their job. This is important, as the CRCs will interact with patients, administrative, and clinical personnel daily. Roadblocks will always come up but good communication throughout those interactions always helps.
What advice would you give to someone entering the field?
- Be prepared to be challenged regularly; a CRC’s job is not easy. The job can be stressful but also fulfilling!
- Work on building relationships with both the clinical and administrative personnel, as they will all be an integral part of your day-to-day activities.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help from your peers, management, the PIs, clinical staff, etc.
- Feel confident in your ability to make decisions as you will not always have someone readily available to assist you.
Why did you choose Vitalief as the next step in your professional journey?
During my job search, I interviewed with multiple companies and spoke with several hiring managers. I decided to join the Vitalief team because I believe in their mission. The company’s “people first” mantra is why I felt it was the right career move for me.
It is so motivating to know that Vitalief is genuinely invested in creating a thriving career path for each one of its employees. As a functional service provider (FSP) supporting clinical trials, the company is constantly rethinking current practices and envisioning new solutions that drive improved outcomes. I was seeking an entrepreneurial career that would support my personal and professional growth and I found it with Vitalief.
