Clinical trials enable faster translation of research to care for patients and requires a highly trained workforce – particularly if Victoria is to expand its clinical trials activity.
The VCCC SKILLED internship program – which focuses on Clinical Trials Assistants and Study Coordinators, key roles in a clinical trials team – helps Victoria build job opportunities for the future and grow Victoria’s clinical trials workforce.
Knarik Tamanyan completed a PhD in breathing disorders at Monash University, she moved to Albury Wodonga to join the Border Medical Oncology clinical trials team. “I really enjoyed my time working in a regional centre, I think the exposure to all kinds of challenges has really helped me to grow,” she said.
Damon Arezzolo began his internship as a Clinical Trials Assistant intern, he progressed to a Study Coordinator internship within a few weeks when a position became available. Damon is keen to stay in the Geelong area to continue working with the clinical trial team at Barwon Health, “I’ve got the support of my unit manager and the department manager to put a business case forward to the hospital, I am excited about my future and am hoping to stay in Geelong.”
The VCCC SKILLED internship program includes a two-week intensive induction, on-the-job training within a competency framework; participants also develop a site improvement project. Interns are required to have either an undergraduate science degree or have completed a science-related PhD.
Candidates for the SKILLED internship program for 2020 will begin in February. The VCCC is building clinical trial expertise, ensuring a workforce pipeline, supporting Victoria’s expanding clinical trial activity, and enabling more clinical trial services to be available to patients across Victoria.
