Karen (2nd from right) with (l-r) husband Daniel, daughter Kaitlyn, and son Caleb.
Karen Parks began her career as an operating room nurse at Medical College of Virginia, and has worked at UVA for the past 33 years in a variety of research-related roles. When she joined the Division of Hematology-Oncology in September 2014 in a newly established position as manager of the division’s clinical research program, she brought a wealth of experience and expertise to a task that is critical for building the stature of UVA’s cancer research program.
In supporting Karen’s nomination for DOM employee of the month, Hem-Onc’s division chief Michael Williams, MD, wrote:
Ms. Parks was recruited one year ago to serve as the inaugural supervisor for the division’s clinical research coordinators, in the context of a major reorganization of our clinical research program. She now supervises a total of 15 CRCs, 9 of whom are newly recruited since she arrived. She played an integral role in vetting, interviewing, hiring and training each of these individuals. In addition to her leadership role for this group, she has contributed very importantly to implementation of new clinical trial processes aimed at streamlining the efficiency and productivity for our research studies, including budgetary processes, study pipeline prioritization and review, regulatory processes (including IRB and cancer center Protocol Review Committee), and quality oversight. She has excelled at every step of this effort, with an equanimity and collegiality that is recognized and appreciated by us all. It’s hard to imagine a more effective person in this vital role.
Robert Dreicer, MD, UVA Cancer Center deputy director, also praised Parks’ enormous dedication in helping to build the cancer clinical research program, and said, “Frankly, our program’s growth and emerging success could NOT have happened without her amazing dedication and commitment to excellence.”
Congratulations Karen!
[Editor’s note: Karen received the DOM Employee of the Month award in September 2015; apologies for the belated mention in Medicine Matters.]
Filed Under: News and Notes
Tags: Hematology