#PositiveVibes - Network is Net Worth

By John R.Nocero & Nicole M. Palmer

The VIBE: Meet People. Grow Your Connections. Build Your Network

John: I have been working in clinical research since 2003, and I am still amazed at how small the world really is. In the healthcare field, I liken research to the third wheel on an all-terrain vehicle. The front wheel is the largest, and it is clinical care, which is the engine. The back left wheel, is teaching, which is important for the next wave of healthcare leaders. While research makes up the other portion, it is good to remember that it takes all three wheels to make the ATV stand up. When people ask me what I do, I still say I take care of patients. I don’t in the same way as the doctors and nurses do, but I still help to advance clinical care through quality outcomes. Additionally, when people say they know so much about clinical research, I cringe a little bit; because in the field, we are always learning and growing. There is always a new acronym, learning more about a disease specialty, even learning how process can function most efficiently. That’s why it is so important to network with your colleagues. From talking to many in the field, they don’t do it as as much as they should, which is a shame, because it is the BEST way to share best practices, and find out how other sites do things. You don’t have to do it for a job – the best part is, you can do it and see what happens. A strong network pays more dividends than you realize – it is truly your net worth in clinical research.

Nicole, do you see any reason why you wouldn't grow your network?

Nicole: I’ve been working in clinical research since 2014, and I agree with you John, it really is a small world. Clinical research is such a small industry. When people ask what I do, and they are not in clinical research, they assume that I work in a lab or a hospital. I don’t work in either. I take the time and I explain to them what I do on daily basis. I think it’s important for people to understand what goes on behind the scenes before the drug gets FDA approved. During these conversations, it often leads to a networking call, because somebody knows somebody and may be able to help me, or I can help them, or we can teach each other something. I am always hungry for knowledge and to further my self-development. In this industry, and generally speaking, it is all who you know. I love to get to know new people and see how we can collaborate. You never know where it will take you. What do you have to lose? I only see gains.