Research and Education Newsletter v35- Internal - Flipbook - Page 15
Division of Radiation Oncology Annual Research and Education Newsletter: Fiscal Year 2020
How Research Survived the
Coronavirus: A Spotlight on the
Clinical Research Teams
RESEARCH
The novel coronavirus has changed many aspects of the world
research faculty and staff were able to surpass our fiscal year 2020
around us, including research at MD Anderson. As COVID-19 began
patient enrollment target (goal of at least 5% increase) to an actual
to impact the Texas Medical Center, our communities, and the
increase on FY19 enrollment by 15%. Additionally, we continue to
world at large, uncertainty surrounded cancer treatment delivery
open vital clinical trials that are pushing research to new limits.
as well as the continuity of research efforts
Elizabeth Petersen, a research nurse in
across the institution. In a matter of days,
radiation oncology, was also one of the first
laboratory research and face-to-face patient
allowed back on campus for clinical research
interactions for clinical research halted and
operations. “I had been dreaming about coming
work-from-home became the reality for many
back to campus from the moment we were sent
in our workforce. Radiation oncology research
home,” Elizabeth says. “To be honest, I feel so
leadership and staff faced the challenge of
safe on campus. MD Anderson does a fantastic
finding ways to adapt to this new reality and
job of not only protecting our patients but
take different approaches to collaborate,
protecting our employees as well.” Elizabeth
communicate, and ultimately carry out
Taylor Box and Elizabeth Peterson perform
sees patients on trials in the clinic, and she is
patient
screening.
the many functions of research for over 80
also part of the virtual care team that worked to
therapeutic and imaging clinical trials.
implement and standardize virtual care visits, a
Despite the numerous challenges that COVID-19
major element of our telemedicine technology
has presented, the radiation oncology research
platform that MD Anderson has implemented
team remained focused and determined to
during the pandemic that has now become
adjust to the new normal. Through the guidance
a new mainstay for patient care. “Nursing is
of institutional and divisional leadership,
constantly evolving, and COVID has changed
research operations continued, and eventually
a lot in the healthcare specialty already.
ramped up, in phases to ensure the safety of
Working in healthcare requires adapting and
our patients and our staff. By June 2020, three
Lynn Isales, Lindsey Garciamn, and Alakh Rajan
maintaining stamina often only (observed) in
wear PPE in Mays Clinic.
radiation oncology research staff members
employees who are passionate about their
were permitted back on campus to screen
jobs – especially during these times. This will
patients, collect lab samples, and conduct
definitely be a highlight of my nursing career.”
in-person assessments. Pablo Lopez Bravo, a
research data coordinator, was one of the three.
In addition to their deft maneuvering through
“When my supervisor called me to let me know
our new workflows, many team members
that I would be one of the first to return on-site,
contributed their time to patient and employee
I wasn’t nervous or concerned. I was excited;
screenings, a critical component of the
I wanted to be back,” Pablo explains. This
institution’s reopening strategy. The clinical
mentality exemplifies the spirit of the research
research staff proved to be incredibly resilient
Geena Matthew, Victoria Cabrera, and Abigael
teams – passionate about their work and always Odwuor screen patients in the Pavilion.
and willing to answer the call for help wherever
ready to serve our patients.
needed. They were able to overcome countless
challenges to maintain an impressive level
However, returning to working on-site did not
of productivity, aimed at offering potentially
mean returning to the way things were – but
life-changing options to patients. “Our clinical
to a new normal of sorts. It meant that we had
research frontline teams, and the research
to be even more creative and innovative in
administrative professionals and local leaders
order to maintain safety and effectiveness. “I
quietly working behind the scenes to keep the
help with transporting lab specimens using
wheels rotating – they are the true heavy-lifters
our courier service, as well as direct handoff of
of our research enterprise. I owe to them all that
specimens to the lab staff at Zayed (Building),”
Dema Shobaki, Nancy Philip, and Noveen Ausat
we’ve achieved this year against incredible and
Lynn Isales, a senior clinical studies coordinator screen patients at the Proton Therapy Center.
enormous headwinds. Just simply my deepest
says. Specimen handoff is one of the many new
gratitude and admiration,” says Hanh H. Hoang,
procedures the research staff use to continue
Director of Research Administration for the division. Indeed, the
the daily duties of trials management while preserving the “moat”
novel coronavirus has changed many aspects of our world, but it
around clinical areas. Even though the pandemic challenged many
aspects of clinical and research operations, the radiation oncology
has not changed the commitment and spirit of our team.
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