International Clinical Trials Day, recognized each year on May 20, honors the people at the heart of medical progress: clinical research professionals. Inspired by the first controlled clinical trial conducted by James Lind in 1747, this day celebrates the individuals who bring research to life, and turn scientific discoveries into real-world therapies that improve lives. They guide patients through complex journeys, ensure every data point is meaningful, and help move promising treatments forward.
This year’s theme—Collaborate. Innovate. Advance.—reflects the teamwork and shared purpose that drives clinical research. Below, we spotlight some members of the Clinical Trials Office who share how collaboration fuels their work, strengthens research quality, and drives progress toward more effective cancer care.
- “Serving as one of the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) coordinators, I’ve seen how much has changed for the better through consistent collaboration with research managers, PIs, SRC leadership, and Feasibility members. Each person brings different skills and knowledge to achieve a goal bigger than all of us. Cancer is complex, but it brings me hope to work with people who are so dedicated and compassionate. I feel grateful to be a part of it.” — Alyssa Parker, SRC Coordinator
- “Collaboration is really what drives clinical research forward. When everyone’s on the same page, we can catch problems earlier, solve them faster, and keep things running smoothly and safely. It also keeps us focused on what’s most important: our patients and making sure the data we’re collecting is accurate. At the end of the day, it’s this teamwork that helps us make real progress and move closer to treatments that can truly change lives.” — Mariah Rossebo, Clinical Research Coordinator II
- “Collaboration is not just a part of the Operations and Activation Team—it’s the lifeblood of our success. Without consistent partnership with the lab, pharmacy, and nursing, processes would be slower and prone to errors. Our commitment to clear communication ensures stakeholders are informed and prepared. And by fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives, we avoid pitfalls like wasted resources, flawed study designs, and delays in advancing effective treatments.” — Margaret Marcou, Clinical Research Quality Assurance Specialist II
- “I work closely with clinical staff and institutional partners to integrate lab operations into study workflows, ensure accurate biospecimen collection, and support research projects. By representing the CTO Lab in interdisciplinary meetings, I advocate for operational improvements and resource needs. My solution-oriented, collaborative approach helps deliver reliable lab services, streamline processes, and contribute to high-quality research that drives scientific progress and better patient outcomes.” — Megan Koceja, Cancer Center CTO Lab Manager
- “I discuss patient needs and trial requirements with various departments to provide adequate testing and superior care that later becomes the foundation of clinical research data. I also work closely with clinic nurses and physicians to determine which patients best fit a trial, and to educate patients on the research behind a potential new treatment. While the nurses and physicians are the experts behind the medicine, clinical research coordinators are the experts behind the trial.” — Courtney Gadbois, Clinical Research Coordinator II
- “As a Clinical Research Nurse at Moorland Reserve Cancer Center, I see my role as an extension of the clinical team. I collaborate with staff to educate patients about how clinical trials work and ensure they fully understand the procedures and choices involved. By working closely with physicians, nurses, techs, and schedulers, we help patients navigate the complex healthcare system while gathering valuable data that can answer critical research questions—potentially changing future therapies or even leading to a cure.” — Cheryl Knapp, Clinical Research Nurse II
- “Clinical research is never a solo effort, especially in cancer trials. The progress we make comes from working together with a shared purpose. Our collaboration improves enrollment, upholds quality, and brings new treatments to patients more efficiently. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how this collaboration helps bring new options to patients who often have few.” — Geneva Kennedy, Clinical Research Coordinator II, Thoracic Disease Group Lead
- “Our Rock-Solid team supports each other every day, and cross-coverage is essential to our success. We know each other’s studies, providers, clinics, and patients, which gives us the confidence and coordination needed to conduct clinical research effectively. This work doesn’t happen without a true team effort or the vital funding and support from organizations like the NIH and NCI. That’s why I’m heading to Capitol Hill—to advocate for continued investment in cancer research.” — Sarah Kaehny, Clinical Research Coordinator II