5 Minutes with Maria Gonzalez
20 May 2016
This International Clinical Trials Day (20th May) we reflect on the importance of clinical trials and the people who dedicate their lives to helping melanoma patients today and in the future. We've sat down with MIA's Clinical Trials Manager, Maria Gonzalez to discuss.
What does a Clinical Trials Manager do and how did you get here?
In my role I work with a team of highly dedicated and caring trial co-ordinators who are responsible for looking after our trial patients. I completed a degree in nursing at The University of Sydney and worked at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital before deciding to work in clinical trials in the hope that I may contribute to life-saving research. I have been at MIA for 6 years now.
What are clinical trials so important?
Clinical trials provide patients with access to unavailable new treatments and are also the vital step in making discoveries that will enable us to find a cure for melanoma. Clinical trials are also an opportunity for patients to receive very specialised care from clinical trial co-ordinators who are available at every step along the way to support patients and their families.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
As a nurse I am most rewarded by making a difference in the lives of those suffering with cancer. It is a privilege to be part of a patient support network at MIA and also wonderful to share in the good news when a trial treatment is successful. Although we have made significant progress and the future is positive, it is important we keep working together to find the cure.
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