Ashley W.
Ashley W.
Clinical Research Program Manager

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Top advice

"Success does not happen overnight. Keep working hard!"

Career path

About Ashley W.

Key experience
Public Health Student to Clinical Research Manager
I grew up with a love of science and knowing I wanted a career that would allow me to help others. While at Clemson, I decided to purse a degree in Public Health. I was not sure how I would use it, but I ended up taking a job as a Research Specialist in Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine here at MUSC. In this role, I was able to build a foundation in clinical research. I realized very quickly that this was a field that would combine my love of science with making a difference for others. I am also competitive and with research there are a limited number of spots for participants in the trials we run. This means we have to work efficiently and fast to give our patients the opportunity participate. I started out working in inpatient research and then moved to outpatient research. I started as a Clinical Research Coordinator first and then ended up creating the specialized role of Regulatory Coordinator for our program. From there, I had the opportunity to begin building our onboarding for new hires and eventually grew into the role of managing the program. I am proud of the work that we do! In the day to day of research, no two days are alike. You are presented with new challenges that allows you to be creative on how to accomplish the task at hand. The work we do is so important. We have been able to part of trials that have significantly changed the lives of the patients we serve.
Current position
I manage a clinical research program looking for new treatments.
The purpose of our research program is to find new ways to treat complicated diseases. Our goal is to improve the health of the patients that we serve.
Main motivation
I enjoy making a difference in the lives of others.
In our program, we have worked on trials that have gone on to become approved treatments for our patients. It is incredibly rewarding to watch your hard work pay off. I also enjoy the challenges presented. No two days are alike and you have to be creative in how you achieve your goals in research. We are also very team oriented, so I enjoy being able to work with others to accomplish our mission.
Top advice
Success does not happen overnight. Keep working hard!
Work hard every day. Success is not going to fall in your lap. Keep learning and growing!
Greatest achievement
My three sons.
My greatest achievement is my three young sons. I am proud to be their mother and enjoy having the opportunity to watch them grow.

Discussions with Ashley W.

Any advice for someone looking to transition from the operating room into a Clinical Research Nurse position?

I've been in the OR for almost 6 years but think I may be nearing the end of my time in this area. Clinical research seems like such a fascinating subject with many opportunities to help patients as well as opportunities for advancement.

internal career mobility

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Skills & Opportunities for Clinical Research in Columbia

Hi Ashley, I am also a mom of three boys (college-age, but, oh, boy!) with a background in Public Health. I have worked in academic health policy research but am interested in clinical research opportunities here in Columbia. Are there specific departments here in Columbia who might be more likely to be hiring for these positions? Also, what skills would you recommend to have and/or brush up on in order to be successful in this field. Thank you!

interview tips

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How do you ensure that junior employees contribute their ideas?

role description

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