Graduate Profile: Health Sciences

Tahna lee Pettman completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences (major studies in the Life Sciences -- predominantly Nutrition & Health Promotion, and Biochemistry of Human Disease) and gained a position as a Clinical Trials Coordinator.

Could you give us a description of what your position involves?

Coordination and Assistance in multicentre randomised clinical research trials - these are predominantly pharmaceutical trials with external funding. As a study coordinator I carry out patient contact visits, as well the preparation for these visits - creating templates for source documentation for several studies, recording patient data in case report forms, liasing with the sponsoring company with data clarification and patient care throughout and beyond the end of the trials. Additionally because I work predominantly in Diabetes/Cardiovascular clinical research I offer Diabetes, Diet and Exercise reviews with each patient seen. (as well as general ongoing Diabetes care)

Have the skills you developed at university been an important part of your job? (Have you, or are you planning to undertake further study?)

Absolutely- Primarily; Interpersonal/Communication skills was a fundamental core subject. I find that in any area of Health it is an aspect that requires sound communication skills, both written and verbal.
Health Research (with Carol Grbich) allowed me to gain knowledge of research methods and their application in the health field. This subject, combined with the Bioethics components of the course (ie in 1st year Legal/Ethical aspects, and 3rd year in Resource Allocation in Health care) was valuable in my awareness of the Guidelines of Good Clinical Practice, which is a fundamental aspect of clinical research hence my job today.
On the scientfic/medical side of my discipline, the subjects I undertook in Biochemistry of Human Disease and the several areas of Nutrition that I explored were essential for my background knowledge in the area in which I work in today. I find that the knowledge I gained over 2nd and 3rd year in my life sciences has been pivotal in my understanding of trial purpose, patient needs, as well as in my communication with fellow coordinators, Investigators (Medical Doctors-Endocrinology) and sponsor representatives (Clinical Research Associates).
As far as practical skills go, I accrued only a small number of practical applications in the health care setting (eg Blood Glucose/Cholesterol testing, laboratory skills, diet analysis and data analysis software use. The remaining skills I required as a study coordinator meant that I undertook a private course in venepuncture and ECG, and I have learnt several skills on-the-job such as monitoring vital signs and drug accountability/assisting dispensing.
I may eventually go back to study (nutrition) but this is a personal aim - I am not required to do any more particular study to satisfy the requirements of my job.

At what stage during your studies did you begin to think about employment choices and options?

Mid-way through my 2nd year I began 'keeping an eye out' for positions advertised locally and interstate. I gained work experience where I could (mainly in Nutrition as it was my intention at that stage to transfer into the BND) and generally kept myself aware of what was available. Toward the end of my 3rd year I began distributing letters of interest and curriculum vitae to various organisations, both public and private, in areas such as nutrition and health promotion, diabetes education, clinical and laboratory-based research etc. I undertook volunteer work with a National Nutrition strategy group, gathering local information from affiliated organisations/ foundations on Nutrition Promotion and attended a conference on behalf of the association.
I gained the position that I hold now through my correspondence with the company - a letter of interest in clinical diabetes research with my cv.

What did you do to prepare for the interview? What types of questions were you asked?

I revised simple knowledge on Diabetes and refamiliarised myself with the basic principles of Good Clinical Practice. Essentially I wanted to appear prepared for any task that may have been set for me. As it turned out, it was advantageous to have been familiar with computer applications such as word processing and Database Management, as I began in a research assistance role. (These were some of the areas enquired about in the interview). I was also asked about my knowledge of diabetes and other metabolic disorders, to ensure competent understanding of the many clincial research trials operating at the centre.