The researcher
I found my passion for research when I began working for a Rheumatology Research Unit about seven years ago. I worked with pharmaceutical companies searching for treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. It gave me such satisfaction to build wonderful relationships with patients and often watch them improve. I decided this was the career path for me and I’ve never looked back.
I took up my position here at QCGC approximately 3½ years ago. It has given me the opportunity to work with ladies who find themselves in the unfortunate position of having “women’s cancer.” However, even with such a diagnosis, these brave women see through their darkest hours to participate in our trials in order to help others. I guess they feel empowered. Of course they have no choice as to whether they have cancer – but they can take control of how they deal with it and make choices such as partaking in studies. Patients enjoy the additional contact that clinical trials bring, and it gives us fulfilment to be able to provide it.
I genuinely feel humbled and proud to work with them. They are aiding us with discovery and development that has the potential to change lives and the way we treat future patients.
I really do enjoy my research position, but also from a personal standpoint, I have two daughters at the tender ages of one and four, that one day may benefit from your generosity. For that reason alone, I wish to thank all of my patients from the past, present and future from the bottom of my heart.