In the United States, clinical trials continue to be a major strategy for facilitating positive outcomes in both public health and healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), clinical trials are defined as a type of research that studies new tests and treatments and evaluates their effects on human health outcomes. People volunteer to take part in clinical trials to test medical interventions including drugs, cells, and other biological products, surgical procedures, radiological procedures, devices, behavioral treatments and preventive care.
“Clinical trials are paramount to medical advancement of new therapies. Clinical trials are a critical piece of medical professionals’ ability to prescribe medications to patients,” says Caroline Matyas, a 2018 Bachelor of Science in Public Health graduate. Matyas currently works at Apex Skin as a research coordinator and is responsible for recruiting patients, educating providers, working with the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and providing assistance with regulatory guidelines. “The ability to participate in a clinical trials may offer patients an alternative treatment when approved treatments are not available. This can aid patients with feeling empowered about their health,” she states.
Matyas discovered her passion for clinical trials almost by chance. “I found public health when I was a nursing major and added a class about clinical trials. I found it so stimulating and interesting that I ended up switching majors as I knew this would be more fulfilling for me,” she recalls. “I would encourage any student who is interested in science but unsure of their path to take some public health courses.”
At Apex Clinical Research Center, a cutting-edge organization in studies relating to dermatology, from atopic dermatitis (eczema) to psoriasis, acne, urticaria, alopecia, and several more conditions. Matyas is responsible for recruiting research subjects, collaborating with sponsors and contract research organizations, collecting source data, identifying and reporting side effects and protocol deviations, and assisting sub-investigators with trial conduct.
“Թ’s College of Public Health degree set me up perfectly to be a research coordinator. I was completely prepared with a full understanding of what would be expected of me.”
“With my previous experience at the Cleveland Clinic, I prepared submissions relating to stem cell research and conducted the Investigational New Drug trials. Now in my role with Apex, I have the opportunity to work in all 14 of our offices in northeast Ohio and I can see the results of extensive clinical trial research in real-time,” states Matyas.
“During my time at Թ State, I had two mentors that made the difference in my career. Mark James, Ph.D. (former CPH faculty), was extremely passionate about the field of public health and was very discussion-based. He really encouraged critical thinking,” says Matyas. “In addition, epidemiology professor Melissa Zullo, Ph.D., was my academic advisor and was very open about possibilities within the field of public health. I felt very reassured about my decision to pursue a career in public health,” she adds.
In 2019, Matyas earned the Certified Clinical Research Professional certificate through the Society for Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) and while she is planning to start a nursing program to continue her career as a Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator, she is very fond of public health. “Public health reaches through medical care to policy management through our government agencies, and the possibilities are endless for a career if you have a background in public health.”
To learn more about the College of Public Health BSPH with a concentration in Clinical Trials Research, contact Gretchen Thomas at gthoma33@kent.edu or visit our website.