Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Research
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Nayrelis Alfonso

Miami

Summary

Master of Public Health student with a focus on health equity and hands-on experience in both clinical and research settings. I’ve worked closely with patients and providers in ENT, surgery, and oncology, building a strong foundation in patient care, medical documentation, and team-based medicine. I'm passionate about bridging public health and clinical care, and driven to become a physician assistant who provides thoughtful, evidence-based care to diverse communities.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Research Associate 2

University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
12.2024 - Current
  • Coordinate multiple clinical research studies concurrently, collaborating with Principal Investigators (PIs), attending regular research meetings, and ensuring compliance with study protocols and timelines
  • Recruit eligible participants across various clinical settings through Epic medical record review, direct outreach, and community engagement (CTC, tabling, in-person visits)
  • Screen and assess participants for eligibility by reviewing medical histories, lab values, and pathology reports; apply exclusion criteria and monitor for adverse responses, escalating as needed
  • Interpret clinical indicators such as PSA, TSA, and Gleason scores to identify patients with low to intermediate prostate cancer risk for targeted enrollment
  • Utilize Epic EMR to track patient progress, extract relevant clinical data, and support longitudinal data collection
  • Performed phlebotomy for research participants, providing bilingual (English/Spanish) communication to ensure understanding and comfort
  • Collect and process biological samples (e.g., blood draws) per safety standards, including labeling, centrifugation, and biohazard transport protocols
  • Lead the informed consent process, ensuring participants understand study procedures, risks, and rights in accordance with IRB guidelines
  • Design and execute tailored recruitment strategies using culturally appropriate materials to maximize enrollment and retention
  • Maintain detailed, accurate source documentation and coordinate participant visits, follow-ups, and study-related appointments
  • Ensure protocol adherence, regulatory compliance, and participant safety throughout all stages of the study
  • Take a lead coordinator role in select studies, overseeing timelines, troubleshooting barriers, and ensuring seamless operations
  • Support qualitative research through transcription, focus group note-taking, and coded data entry
  • Conduct data entry, management, and preliminary analysis using software tools such as Excel, SPSS, and R
  • Communicate effectively in English and Spanish with participants and interdisciplinary teams, providing education, follow-up, and logistical support to ensure study compliance

Health Care Assistant

University of Utah
09.2023 - 07.2024
  • Cared for orthopedic, trauma, GI, and burn patients by following post-op protocols focused on pain control, mobility support, and individualized recovery plans
  • Performed wound care under supervision, including cleaning surgical sites, packing wounds, applying sterile dressings, and monitoring for infection
  • Closely monitored trauma patients for signs of instability, including vitals, mental status, and wound healing; reported critical changes to the care team
  • Took and documented vitals: including orthostatic blood pressure, and tracked trends in EPIC for early signs of post-op decline
  • Checked blood glucose using a glucometer
  • Removed Foley catheters and peripheral IVs with sterile technique, ensuring patient safety and comfort
  • Applied cardiac leads, oxygen delivery devices, and incentive spirometers to support respiratory and cardiac recovery
  • Set up and monitored telemetry leads; alerted staff to any abnormal readings
  • Provided 1:1 observation for high-risk psych patients, maintaining safety and offering emotional support during episodes of distress
  • Responded promptly to call lights, assisting with hygiene, mobility, and repositioning
  • Helped with passive range-of-motion exercises to promote circulation and prevent atrophy in immobile patients
  • Restocked supplies and cleaned equipment to maintain a safe, ready clinical environment

Authorization Department Supervisor

Applied ABC
01.2023 - 09.2023
  • Supervised the authorization team, providing clinical context, guidance, and training to ensure timely and accurate processing of medical authorizations
  • Reviewed patient records and collected relevant clinical data to support medical necessity documentation and insurance approval
  • Evaluated incoming authorization requests for completeness, medical appropriateness, and compliance with organizational and payer guidelines
  • Collaborated with departments such as Finance and Compliance to resolve issues related to prior authorizations, coverage policies, and billing workflows

Certified Nursing Assistant

University of Miami- Bascom Palmer
09.2022 - 01.2023
  • Assisted ENT physicians during nasal endoscopies and cauterization procedures for epistaxis, gaining hands-on exposure to outpatient ENT interventions and post-operative care
  • Collected and recorded vital signs, patient history, and chief complaints under nurse supervision to support timely clinical assessments
  • Practiced proper instrument reprocessing by cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing endoscopes and surgical tools in accordance with infection control standards
  • Maintained clinical readiness by restocking ENT-specific supplies, preparing trays, and ensuring exam rooms were fully equipped for procedures
  • Arrived early to organize rooms and anticipate procedural needs based on daily patient volume and scheduled interventions
  • Actively supported physicians and nurses in a high-volume clinic, promoting efficient patient flow and continuity of care

Education

Associate in Science (A.S.) - Health Sciences

Miami Dade College

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Post-baccalaureate - Biology

Florida International University

Master of Science - Public Health

Boston University
10.2025

Skills

  • Took and recorded vital signs, including orthostatics, to support patient assessments
  • Assisted with ENT procedures like nasal endoscopies, wound care, and cauterizations
  • Monitored post-op patients and recognized early signs of complications
  • Used sterile technique for tasks like dressing changes, Foley and IV removal
  • Reviewed and documented patient info in EPIC to support provider evaluations
  • Drew blood and processed lab samples safely and accurately
  • Explained procedures and obtained informed consent in both English and Spanish
  • Observed how providers reviewed CT, MRI, and PET scans to locate abnormalities like thyroid nodules
  • Learned to apply clinical guidelines like TIRADS and ATA to determine next steps for thyroid evaluation
  • Worked closely with physicians, PAs, and nurses to keep patient care moving smoothly
  • Helped ensure safety and provided support for high-risk or psychiatric patients
  • Recruited participants and reviewed eligibility criteria for clinical research studies

Certification

  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Phlebotomy
  • BLS/CPR
  • Principles of Clinical Pharmacology 2024-2025
  • GCP for Clinical Trials with Investigational Drugs and Medical Devices (U.S. FDA Focus)
  • Good Clinical Practice and ICH (GCP)
  • Group 1: Biomedical Researchers
  • Group 2: Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers
  • Informed Consent Course for Social and Behavioral Research Investigators
  • Stem Cell Research Oversight
  • Academic Research Foundations: Quantitative (LinkedIn Learning)
  • Descriptive Healthcare Analytics in R (LinkedIn Learning)
  • The Data Science of Healthcare, Medicine, and Public Health (LinkedIn Learning)


Research

Boston University School of Public Health, Nourishing Mothers: A Fair Start Policy, Contributed to the development of a policy proposal addressing food insecurity among low-income pregnant individuals in Louisiana. Conducted interviews with health professionals to gather insights on food insecurity and its impact. Focused on expanding Medicaid-covered nutritional services and automatic WIC enrollment for Medicaid-enrolled pregnant mothers. Analyzed food insecurity prevalence and health risks, particularly in Black and Hispanic populations, and identified solutions to improve access to nutritional services. Assisted in creating policy recommendations, conducting literature reviews, and developing a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the policy's impact.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary

Timeline

Research Associate 2

University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
12.2024 - Current

Health Care Assistant

University of Utah
09.2023 - 07.2024

Authorization Department Supervisor

Applied ABC
01.2023 - 09.2023

Certified Nursing Assistant

University of Miami- Bascom Palmer
09.2022 - 01.2023

Associate in Science (A.S.) - Health Sciences

Miami Dade College

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Florida International University

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Post-baccalaureate - Biology

Florida International University

Master of Science - Public Health

Boston University
Nayrelis Alfonso