Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Mercedes C. Morales Castro

Wallington,NJ

Summary

Seasoned and bilingual Clinical Research Coordinator with a medical degree (MD) and over 5 years of experience in clinical trial management across multiple therapeutic areas, including Cardiovascular, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and Pain Management. Proven ability to lead study start-up, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive patient-centric operations. Adept at leveraging a strong clinical foundation to enhance protocol adherence, optimize data integrity, and support investigator-initiated research. Seeking to leverage a comprehensive skill set to contribute to impactful research initiatives.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Research Coordinator II / Cardiology

Mount Sinal Hospital
05.2024 - Current
  • Coordinated clinical trial activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and protocols.
  • Assisted in patient recruitment and informed consent processes to enhance study participation.
  • Managed data collection and documentation using electronic data capture systems for accuracy.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate communication between departments and stakeholders.
  • Trained new team members on essential clinical research protocols and procedures, promoting a culture of continuous learning.
  • Screened patient records, databases, and physician referrals to identify prospective candidates for research studies.
  • Gathered, processed, and shipped lab specimens.
  • Worked with principal investigator and sponsors to facilitate daily trial activities and comply with research protocols.
  • Assessed patients'' eligibility criteria following strict adherence to inclusion/exclusion guidelines.
  • Streamlined process for serious adverse event reporting, enhancing safety monitoring efforts.

Lead Clinical Research Coordinator

Metropolitan Dermatology
08.2021 - 05.2024
  • Coordinated clinical trial activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and protocols.
  • Developed and maintained study documentation, enhancing data accuracy and integrity.
  • Managed patient recruitment strategies, optimizing enrollment timelines for clinical studies.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline research processes and improve operational efficiency.
  • Trained junior staff on best practices in clinical research methodologies and data management systems.
  • Oversaw budget management for multiple clinical trials, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost control.
  • Facilitated communication between investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies to ensure project alignment and timely execution.
  • Accelerated study completion by effectively managing clinical trial schedules and coordinating site visits.
  • Maximized protocol compliance by providing comprehensive training to research staff and ensuring adherence to guidelines.
  • Participated in initiation visits and investigator meetings, implementing trials following study timelines and budgets.
  • Collected data and followed research protocols, operations manuals, and case report form requirements.
  • Worked with principal investigator and sponsors to facilitate daily trial activities and comply with research protocols.
  • Gathered, processed, and shipped lab specimens.
  • Screened patient records, databases, and physician referrals to identify prospective candidates for research studies.
  • Ensured timely and accurate completion of case report forms (CRFs) and data entry across different electronic data capture (EDC) systems.

Clinical Research Coordinator / Physician Liaison

Orthopaedics Advanced Pain Medicine Institute
11.2018 - 03.2020

Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Coordinated patient recruitment and retention strategies for clinical trials.
  • Developed study materials and ensured adherence to Good Clinical Practice guidelines.
  • Gathered, processed, and shipped lab specimens.
  • Assessed patients'' eligibility criteria following strict adherence to inclusion/exclusion guidelines.
  • Conducted the informed consent process and coordinated participant visits, and procedures.


Physician Liaison

  • Cultivated relationships with healthcare providers to enhance referral networks.
  • Provided support for clinical staff through regular communication and educational initiatives.
  • Collaborated with marketing teams to develop effective outreach strategies for physician engagement.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, and medical professionals, ensuring seamless coordination of care throughout treatment processes.

Certified Surgical Assistant

Minimally Invasive Vascular Centers
03.2015 - 10.2018
  • Assisted the surgeon during minimally invasive Vascular procedures.
  • Maintained sterile environments and adhered to safety protocols throughout surgical processes.
  • Kept views unobstructed by retracting, sponging, and suctioning surgical sites.
  • Collaborated with the surgical team to enhance workflow efficiency and patient care standards.
  • Prepared and handled surgical instruments, ensuring availability and functionality for each procedure.
  • Educated patients on pre-operative instructions, contributing to improved compliance and satisfaction rates.
  • Mentored junior staff in surgical techniques and best practices, fostering a knowledgeable team environment.
  • Increased patient satisfaction through compassionate pre-and post-operative communication and care.
  • Assessed patients'' vitals before surgery to ensure stable condition throughout the procedure.

General Physician

Hospital Dr. Luis E. Aybar
06.2009 - 11.2013
  • Diagnosed and treated diverse medical conditions, ensuring optimal patient care standards.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans.
  • Conducted physical examinations and diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose patients'' medical conditions.
  • Mentored junior physicians and medical interns, fostering professional development and clinical skills enhancement.
  • Advocated for preventative care measures within the community to promote health awareness and education.
  • Collaborated with specialists for comprehensive patient care, resulting in improved health outcomes.
  • Provided ongoing support to patients with chronic illnesses by monitoring their progress and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
  • Participated in continuing education programs to stay current on the latest advancements in medical knowledge and technology.
  • Educated patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices, contributing to overall community wellbeing.
  • Prescribed or administered treatment, therapy and medication to treat or prevent illness, disease or injury.
  • Conferred with specialists to obtain expertise on patient conditions and referred individuals in need of additional care.


Regional Project Manager for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (03/2012 - 11/2013)

  • Monitored data collection processes for accuracy and adherence to protocols.
  • Provided training and support to junior team members on project-related tasks.
  • Enhanced patient recruitment for clinical studies by developing targeted marketing materials and outreach strategies.
  • Ensured data integrity in clinical trials by implementing rigorous quality control measures and closely monitoring study progress.

Education

Certificate - Medicine

Grupo CTO
Madrid, Spain
02-2011

M.D. - Medicine

Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo (UASD)
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
06-2009

Skills

  • Good clinical practices
  • Electronic data capture
  • Information management expertise
  • Informed consent process management
  • Adverse event reporting
  • Study protocols
  • Investigational product management
  • Research SOPs development and understanding
  • Clinical trial management
  • Phlebotomy
  • Specimen collections and handling
  • Participant recruitment
  • Effective time management
  • Effective team collaboration
  • Decision-making
  • Clinical trial expertise
  • Written communication
  • Leadership skills
  • Safety reporting
  • Budget management
  • Regulatory compliance and management

Affiliations

  • Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)

Certification

  • Surgical Assistant Certified, American Board of Surgical Assistant, 2014 - 2024
  • Good Clinical Practice (GCP) - CITI - Active
  • Transporting Dangerous Goods (IATA/DGR) - Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Active
  • Multiple Certificates of actualization in clinical research - SOCRA

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional

Timeline

Clinical Research Coordinator II / Cardiology

Mount Sinal Hospital
05.2024 - Current

Lead Clinical Research Coordinator

Metropolitan Dermatology
08.2021 - 05.2024

Clinical Research Coordinator / Physician Liaison

Orthopaedics Advanced Pain Medicine Institute
11.2018 - 03.2020

Certified Surgical Assistant

Minimally Invasive Vascular Centers
03.2015 - 10.2018

General Physician

Hospital Dr. Luis E. Aybar
06.2009 - 11.2013

Certificate - Medicine

Grupo CTO

M.D. - Medicine

Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo (UASD)
Mercedes C. Morales Castro