This session will help attendees learn how project management techniques can streamline the clinical study start-up process. Discover essential skills like time management, risk assessment, and effective communication, and explore practical tools for strengthening them. Through interactive activities, attendees will be able to develop a robust project plan, manage resources efficiently, and mitigate risks. Attendees will also be able to enhance their ability to handle complexities and minimize delays, ensuring timely study initiation. This session is ideal for clinical research professionals aiming to improve start-up efficiency, as it will offer practical takeaways, including templates and checklists, to apply immediately to their work.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Megan Lamberti, Vice President of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Nilo Medical Consulting Group

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Clinical research professionals are used to calling the shots, running the protocols, and making sure everything operates smoothly during trials. But have you ever wondered what it's like to be on the other side of the clipboard? This session turn the tables so that attendees can hear from seasoned professionals who have stepped into clinical research participant role. Join us for a lively discussion as our panelists share their experiences and insights, revealing how being a participant has shaped their approach to research.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Bishoy Anastasi, Senior Director, Clinical Research Finance & Strategy, UCLA School of Medicine

• Bree Burks, RN, MSN, Vice President of Strategy, Veeva Systems

• Meredith Fitz-Gerald, RN, MSN, Director-Clinical Research Support Program, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Mark Marchant, MBA, MPH, CCRP, Executive Director-Clinical Trials Administrative Office, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Brian Sevier, PhD, Chief Operations Officer-Yale Center for Clinical Investigation, Yale University

• Laura Viera,, MS, CCRP, Director-Clinical Research Operations, University of North Carolina

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Our industry struggles with inefficiencies in conducting clinical trials effectively and on time. While issues like poor communication between sponsors, contract research organizations, and sites, and even excessive reliance on technology, are often highlighted, the core issue lies in human behavior. The natural reluctance of individuals to embrace change (whether driven by fear or disinterest), coupled with leaders' inability to communicate and sustain changes effectively, hampers progress. This session will delve into how clinical research professionals across all roles can enhance their careers and drive industry-wide improvements by mastering change management and fostering acceptance. By learning to navigate and implement change effectively, professionals can significantly contribute to their organizations and the broader clinical research field.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Christine Senn, PhD, CCRC, CPI, FACRP, SVP, Site-Sponsor Innovation, Advarra

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

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In this session, we will examine barriers impeding effective decision-making and critical thinking in clinical research, including cognitive biases and information overload, and provide tips and scientifically based tools to help study team members navigate difficult decisions. Criteria for fostering a positive decision-making environment, emphasizing transparency and open communication, will also be examined. Attendees will engage in a thorough analysis of the deductive and inductive reasoning processes inherent to clinical research decision-making. By session's end, participants will emerge armed with empirically grounded strategies to navigate complexity, cultivate critical thinking, and drive impactful outcomes in their clinical research endeavors.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Ashley Bader, Clinical Research Nurse Manager, Tampa General Hospital

• Alecia Sorrells, MS, BSN, RN, Clinical Research Nurse, Tampa General Hospital

Related Blog Content

• Embracing Critical Thinking in Clinical Research: New Approaches to Effective Decision Making

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Signature Series Session

Meaningful change can come from the top down and the ground up—but in clinical research, valuable perspectives from seasoned professionals in the field have been silent for too long. This session builds on an NIH survey that was first examined at ACRP 2024 and then expanded upon in a pioneering national survey by ACRP and Continuum Clinical in December 2024 with the goal of understanding how to improve clinical trials from those who implement and manage trials.

Through the lens of transformation, this survey goes beyond the barriers that are typically captured to explore real-world actionable insights for clinical trial implementation, our current state, where do we want to go from here, and the changes needed to reach an ideal future state.

Come hear wisdom gathered from clinical research professionals just like yourself--and share your voice in this lively discussion! Our speakers will share the survey insights and propose practical, solutions-based approaches to overcome the reported barriers. All ACRP 2025 registrants will receive exclusive access to a pre-read document before the conference to help set the stage for the discussion in New Orleans.

Join us for this engaging session to discover actionable solutions to the issues that hinder successful clinical trials. Your colleagues (and hopefully, you!) have spoken, so don't miss out!

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Jeri Burr, MS, RN, PED-BC, CCRC, FACRP, Program Director, University of Utah

• David Burrow, PharmD, JD, Director, Office of Scientific Investigations, Office of Compliance, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Paul Ivsin, Executive Vice President, Trial Engagement Service, Continuum Clinical

• Edwina McNeill-Simaan, EdD, MSHS, CCRC, CCRP, Program Director, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

• Nancy Sacco, PhD, VP Head of Clinical and Site Development Operations, SiteBridge Research Inc

• Pamela Tenaerts, MD, Chief Scientific Officer, Medable

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In this session, we will dive into the history of women leadership and discuss barriers women face in clinical research leadership positions. What is the leadership landscape in clinical research and how can you be an effective leader in it? Let’s create a Blank Space and level the playing field by breaking those barriers. How will we do this? By embracing a journey of change, being fearless, and mastering the strategies necessary for overcoming barriers as a female leader and achieving success.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speaker:

• Jessica Fritter, DHSc, MACPR, ACRP-CP, Associate Clinical Professor, The Ohio State University

Related Blog Content:

• The Past, Present, and Future of Women as Leaders in Clinical Research

Watch a Sneak Peek into the Session Content:

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Over the last two decades, the landscape of clinical research has transformed dramatically with increased staffing needs, largely due to the dynamic nature of the field and escalating regulatory demands. Many clinical research stakeholders have developed workforce programs to address challenges in hiring, recruitment, education, and maintenance of a skilled research team, ultimately enhancing the caliber of clinical research. Opportunities to attract top-tier clinical research personnel are abundant in unconventional environments. Members of this panel will recount the unique paths they traveled along from atypical professions to their current roles in clinical research. Utilizing their adaptable skills, they have successfully transitioned to this sector, contributing their extensive relevant experience. As we tackle the issues of hiring and keeping a dedicated workforce, it is advantageous to consider candidates from non-standard clinical research backgrounds.

CEU: 1.00 ACRP

Speakers:

• Denise Snyder, MS, RD, Associate Dean for Clinical Research, Duke University School of Medicine

• Sherry Huber, Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator, Senior, Duke University School of Medicine

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