In Their Words: Testimonials from the CTRN

Before working at Dell Medical School, I had clinical experience but minimal exposure to research. The CTRN study gave me the opportunity to build that foundation from the ground up. Starting as a research assistant, I gained valuable experience meeting with participants and their families one-on-one—strengthening my communication skills, deepening my empathy, and learning to navigate sensitive conversations with professionalism and care. These interactions helped me appreciate the human side of research: the trust participants place in us, the importance of rapport, and our responsibility to ensure their comfort and safety. I also developed core research skills essential to my growth. I learned to manage participant recruitment and screening, execute data collection and assessments with precision, maintain detailed study timelines, and enter data accurately into REDCap. Each task reinforced the importance of consistency, attention to detail, and adaptability—skills vital both in research and clinical practice. Throughout this process, the CTRN team and leadership provided invaluable mentorship, fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to grow and succeed in their personal career goals.

As my responsibilities grew, I transitioned into the role of CTRN study coordinator, where I learned what it truly means to lead a collaborative team. I manage daily operations, coordinate across disciplines, support team members through challenges, and contribute to the overall success of the research. This experience has strengthened my skills in organization, delegation, problem-solving, and communication, and shaped me into a more capable, confident leader. Overall, the CTRN study has been instrumental in my professional and personal growth and has reinforced my commitment to a career that integrates clinical care with meaningful research. As I take the next steps toward medical school, I feel confident in my path and motivated to carry these lessons forward- guiding both the care I provide to patients and the research I pursue in the future.