“There certainly were difficult challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the compassion shown by people both inside and outside of the workplace should not be forgotten.”

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a true test of the clinical research industry’s ability to pivot away from the known and create a new way forward — fast. CROs across the globe collectively sought innovative ways to continue clinical trials without a script, precedent or knowledge that this approach would work. 

One of the things hardest to predict, though, was the impact of the changes on the well-being of site staff, who were responsible for both the welfare of their families and the integrity of the research.  

Discover how Advanced Clinical is using lessons learned to better meet the needs of staff and their communities.  

Explore:

  • How Compassion and Support Guide a Better Clinical Experience
  • What Are the 4 Most Important Lessons We Learned From This
  • Why They’re a Permanent Part of Our CRO Services
 

Authors:
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sheri-madrid

Sheri Madrid, executive director of clinical operations, has over 23 years of experience in pharmaceutical and medical device clinical research across multiple therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, interventional neuroradiology, oncology, rare disease, endocrinology and more. She has extensive experience managing large, complex, global studies in many regions, including the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. Her functional experience in clinical research includes global physician training, where she provided direct case support in angiographic suites. She also has experience in clinical monitoring, medical writing, auditing and FDA interactions/submissions. Sheri graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a B.S. in biology and B.A. in social ecology.
doug-lested

Doug Lested is a senior project manager in Advanced Clinical’s Clinical Operations Department managing clinical drug trials. He has a B.S. in business management and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeant’s Major Academy.

Previously, he was with Quintiles, Inc. for 18 years in a variety of roles, including associate director in the Integrated Processes and Technologies group leading MS Project implementation, Project Management Training Manager and Associate Project Manager and Clinical Team Lead. Prior to Quintiles, he served for 22 years in the U.S. Navy in a variety of mid-level line management, project management, training and technical capacities around the world. As a result, Doug’s background in various functions allows him to lead and motivate global cross-functional teams, mitigate project risk and drive quality results. He quickly establishes program infrastructure with plans, forecasts, communication matrices and risk assessments. Doug has proven ability to drive enrollment, meeting and exceeding timelines. He is skilled at forecasting and summarizing study analytics to track and report meaningful metrics and mitigation plans. He believes in transparency and the value of team communication.

His drug and device clinical and project management experience includes feasibility and Phase IIa, III and IV studies, as well as U.S. and Canada small and large studies in adult ADHD, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, cardiovascular nuclear imaging and various dermatology indications. His overall responsibilities have spanned the full duration of a study from start-up to close-out. In addition, he has client experience with both large biotech and small pharmaceutical companies. Doug has received additional formal education in the areas of project management, instructional techniques, development of technology-based training and computer systems. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

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