13 Dec Team Spotlight: Rebecca Kintner
Rebecca Kintner is the Clinical Research Negotiator and Fiscal Facilitator for the Clinical Trials Institute.
PLEASE SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY. HOW DID YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR CURRENT POSITION?
After graduating from FAU, and living most of my life in Florida, I decided I wanted to move and find a job somewhere cold. So, why not Wisconsin? I started working as a specimen processing tech at the UW Health University Hospital core lab where I learned a lot about labs and processing. I then moved on to doing patient scheduling at the UW Health West Clinic which taught me a lot of the ins and outs of the hospital and clinics as well as a lot of common healthcare procedures. After some big life changes, I decided to start focusing more on a career. A dear friend and colleague urged me to apply for some UW research coordinator positions. I was a research coordinator for three years with OCT/CRO and really enjoyed it. I was able to use my previous working knowledge and expand upon that, but I wanted to branch out and broaden my horizons and learn more about clinical trials from another aspect. That’s how I ended up where I am today. I’ve really been enjoying being more behind-the-scenes, learning the financial side of clinical trials, and negotiating budgets.
WHAT MOTIVATIONS FUELED YOUR CAREER PATH?
My motivations have changed over time. Initially my main motivation out of college was to start working in healthcare but preferably without patient interaction. Then as I switched from working in the lab to patient scheduling, I recognized that I really enjoyed the patient face-to-face interaction and wanted to continue that but on a more meaningful level. That was part of what drew me to being a research coordinator. As I learned more about research and clinical trials, my interest in learning more about the whole process behind the scenes encouraged me to move on to something new. It really has been eye-opening seeing things from a whole different perspective compared to being a coordinator.
WHAT ARE SOME PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TOOLS OR RESOURCES THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND TO OTHERS IN YOUR POSITION/FIELD?
I think networking, going to seminars, and learning from peers and mentors are all really useful tools and resources. I am constantly learning new things, and it’s one of the factors I love about my job.
HOW IS SUCCESS DEFINED IN YOUR FIELD?
I think of success as reaching an agreement with a Sponsor that is mutually beneficial to both parties. Some Sponsors can be particularly firm with their budgets, and it may be at the detriment of the department. So, coming to a joint agreement on those budgets is particularly satisfying, especially knowing that what I’ve done will help move the study into an active status here at our institution.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
As I already mentioned, I love how I’m constantly learning new things. Each Sponsor is different in how they do negotiations, each protocol is different, and each budget is different. No two days are the same.
WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR ROLE?
Emails. So many emails! Just kidding (kind of). The volume of communication back and forth with Sponsors can definitely be challenging at times. Also, as I brought up previously, some Sponsors are really unwavering in their budget negotiations. This is particularly challenging when the trial could operate at a loss, but the study team is trying to reach a start-up deadline, or a PI is really eager.
HAVE ANY MENTORS IMPACTED YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT? HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THESE RELATIONSHIPS?
Oh goodness, yes! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for my mentors. Through them, I’ve learned a lot about clinical trials. They are always there for questions and guidance. I think forming a strong, trusting bond with your mentors by showing that you aren’t afraid to reach out for support when needed and that you’re willing to branch out and try new things really goes a long way.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU HAD KNOWN WHEN YUOU STARTED YOUR CAREER PATH?
I wish I had known more about clinical trials and all the positions and careers within such a broad umbrella. I really was very ignorant of the pathways that you could take in research. I thought the only options were being a PI, a research assistant, or a Sponsor and didn’t see a future in it for myself. But now being involved, I see there are so many different directions to go, and I wish I would’ve started sooner! That being said, I am thankful for the experience I acquired prior to starting in clinical trials as I do feel like it helped me at the beginning.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE PURSUING A SIMILAR CAREER PATH TODAY?
Talk to people and really listen, then absorb as much information as you can because you never know where your career path will lead you. I’ve come to realize that all experience is useful. Any knowledge you gain in one aspect of your career is applicable to the next.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING WITHIN UW’S CLINICAL RESEARCH COMMUNITY?
The people that I work with. I am beyond grateful to have worked with some of the most amazing people who are both great at their job and great people.