Meet Mercedes, Clinical Research Associate II

What does a day in the life of a CRA look like?

The most characteristic aspect of my role is that no two days are ever the same. On any given day, I might find myself working from home or the office, attending meetings, writing reports and supporting sites with issues and doubts. Other days, I'm up at 6 AM, catching a flight to conduct monitoring visits at clinical sites, working together with site staff and reviewing participants critical data.

Why did you choose the Clinical Research industry?

I chose the Clinical Research industry because it offers a unique opportunity to be close to clinical practice without being a direct healthcare provider. This role allows me to bridge the gap between scientific research and patient care, giving me insight into the latest medical advancements while also understanding their real-world impact. It's the perfect blend of science, healthcare, and patient-focused work that keeps me connected to the practical aspects of improving lives through medical innovation.

What skills are needed to be a successful CRA?

First and foremost is the ability to be supportive and understanding of site staff, approaching our interactions as a team. This mindset fosters positive relationships and enhances the quality of our clinical research. Equally important is the capacity to multitask effectively, as we often juggle multiple responsibilities and projects simultaneously. Critical to this is the skill of prioritization – knowing how to assess urgency and importance to manage workload efficiently. Lastly, stress management is crucial in our fast-paced environment. The ability to remain calm and focused under pressure ensures we maintain high standards even during challenging periods, ultimately contributing to the success of our studies and the well-being of patients.

What makes the CRA role so uniquely rewarding?

The role of a Parexel CRA brings together exciting challenges and rewards in perfect balance. Each day presents new puzzles to solve and skills to master, keeping me intellectually engaged and growing professionally. While the position demands dedication and adaptability—especially during complex studies or tight timelines—these moments lead to the most meaningful outcomes. There's an incomparable satisfaction in knowing that my attention to detail and persistence directly contributes to bringing life-changing treatments to patients. When I see a study successfully completed or hear about a treatment reaching approval, I'm reminded that every challenging day was part of something truly important. This sense of purpose transforms even the most demanding aspects of the role into stepping stones toward remarkable achievements.

What part of your job ignites your passion for clinical research?

My role as a CRA allows me to be closer to participant care and witness their improvement firsthand, which is what I'm most passionate about. Through conversations with site staff and reviewing patient feedback in medical records, I get to see the difference our work makes, improving people's health and well-being. On days when I'm faced with a huge amount of documents pending completion, queries, and work, remembering the real-world impact of our efforts helps keep me motivated and focused on the bigger picture.

What has been a fulfilling project you've been involved with?

One particularly rewarding project I've worked on at Parexel involved a drug that proved highly effective during clinical trials and was successfully brought to market. Seeing our hard work directly contribute to making this treatment available to patients worldwide was incredibly fulfilling. This experience reinforced the importance of our work at Parexel and provided a tangible example of how our efforts in clinical research translate into better healthcare outcomes for people globally.

How do you work With Heart™ and what does it mean to you? 

For me working With Heart™ means being conscious that our work directly involves people's well-being and quality of life. It's about recognizing that behind every email, data point and issue there is a real person.

What specific practices have you adopted to ensure the highest standards of quality in your work?

We approach every task with meticulous attention to detail, regular team meetings focused on continuous improvement, where we share best practices and lessons learned.

How do you bring Parexel's values to life in your role as a CRA?

At Parexel, I see our core value of "Respect" in action every day through our collaborative and inclusive work environment. It's evident in how we value diverse perspectives, actively listen to each other's ideas, and treat all team members, regardless of their role or background, with equal consideration.

How has Parexel supported your career growth? 

I have been part of APEX CRA program. Collaborating with fellow APEX CRAs from across EMEA has created a rich learning environment. The opportunity to learn directly from experienced teachers and managers has significantly enhanced my skills and understanding of the CRA role when I was starting on this field.

What do you enjoy outside of work? 

Outside of work, I love to enjoy a mix of social, adventurous, and creative activities. I love spending time with friends, which helps me stay connected. For physical activities, I'm passionate about indoor rock climbing, rafting and nature hikes, which provide both excitement and a great workout. When I need to relax, there's nothing better than losing myself in a good book or painting with some friends.