Clinical Research Professionals Work to Advance Cancer Care Through Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are possible thanks to the dedication of clinical research professionals. The Clinical Research Department at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute is a diverse group of specialists who work behind the scenes supporting the physicians in their goal to improve patient care and treatment outcomes. Every year in May, Clinical Trials Day is celebrated through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). Let’s find out more about this amazing team and the research that goes on at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
What do clinical research professionals do?
The roles of each team member vary slightly, but most of them are considered research coordinators or research assistants. Research coordinator, Audrey Gardner, explains, “Our work includes working with physicians and physicists to submit a study to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review and approval, training study staff on their roles and responsibilities in research studies, reporting data to study sponsors and submitting regulatory paperwork to the IRB throughout the course of the study.”
Ashley Williams, research coordinator, shared, “We’re also somewhat unique compared to a lot of other institutions in that our research coordinators are akin to project managers – we have a hand in almost every aspect of the research studies we manage.”
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute research department has over 70 years of combined clinical research experience.
Why do you like working in research?
The clinical research coordinators at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute work hard because they believe that research has the power to help cancer patients by increasing the chances of a cure and improving their quality of life. Here is what some of our team members say about their roles:
“I enjoy the teamwork each protocol requires to achieve the best patient care.” – Jonathan Gaskins
“Research allows me to be a part of something that is much bigger than myself.” – Magory Dolcy
“Research holds a special place in my heart because it allows me the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements that genuinely improve lives, bring hope where it is needed and transform the healthcare landscape. Working in research fills me with a deep sense of gratitude and purpose, knowing that my efforts have the potential to play a vital role in healthcare.” – Brittany Kennedy
“Working in research allows me to contribute to the advancement of knowledge. I also enjoy the collaborative efforts and process of problem solving that occur throughout my days.” – Cristina Bremer
“I like that in some small part I help shape the care that our patients receive.” – Valerie Fergusson
“I like that no day is really the same. There are always new challenges and things to learn! Projects tend to be more successful when you can incorporate ideas from varying perspectives and experiences.” – Maddie Atkins
“Research has expanded my understanding of healthcare and allowed me to meet amazing people who share my goal of making a difference.” – Rianna Vazquez
Is there something that makes our research department unique?
The 17 team members that make up the Clinical Research Department at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute are a close-knit group of diverse individuals, both professionally and personally. They encourage and support each other through the complexities of clinical research.
“Our research team has several team members with experience in multiple sectors such as neurology, oncology and pediatrics. We also have members with direct patient care experiences such as nursing. All these experiences help us understand what is needed to develop a study and to understand the perspectives from our patients and physicians,” said Ed Michel, research coordinator.
The department also tries to incorporate team building activities outside of work and organizes a monthly lunch potluck so they can take time to get to know each other better outside of their work. “While our department has welcomed some new faces, many of us have shared years of collaboration and built lasting friendships beyond the office. We've celebrated milestones together—weddings, baby showers, and birthdays—and have even enjoyed outings and trips together. It makes work even more enjoyable when you get to see some of your closest friends each day,” said Samantha Lambert, research coordinator.
Fun Facts the Research Team Shared About Themselves:
- I enrolled my dog in a clinical trial when he was having surgery.
- I worked in Africa for a year managing a public health clinic.
- I’m a voracious reader; in 2023, I read over 120 books.
- I studied voice starting at the age of 10 and once performed during a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
- I volunteered in a wildlife sanctuary for about 10 years and had the opportunity to interact with and care for baby leopards, tigers and lions, along with assist as a caretaker for a wide range of other exotic wild animals in different life stages.
- I rode on an elephant through the Thailand mountains!
- I love all types of music, and I’m the bass guitarist for two local Sunday service bands, learning an average of six songs a week.
- I can speak several languages: English, Spanish and French Creole.
- I love running (I’ve ran 5 full marathons), horseback riding, reading, playing soccer, and rock climbing.
- During the summer, I work with my mother to assist with her vegan food business and have the opportunity to serve many people in different venues and cities.
Robin Cacchio, director of clinical research services, shared her view on research, “Clinical research plays a crucial role in driving medical advancements, improving patient care and ultimately saving lives. It's an integral component of current healthcare that continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible in medicine and contributes to better health outcomes for patients and communities alike.”
Happy Clinical Trials Month to our amazing research department!
View the clinical trials currently open for enrollment here.