At START, we provide quality data through timely enrollment of study participants. The Clinical Investigations staff is comprised of a variety of different roles including Registered Nurses and Clinical Research Assistants. Staff members are trained in Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and are also highly experienced in the field of oncology. Certifications held within the department include Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
The Director of Phase I Nursing, Leslie Smetzer, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, is an Oncology Certified Nurse and has over 20 years of oncology as well as clinical trial experience.
The START clinic has a designated treatment room for treatment of clinical trial patients. This area includes 21 treatment chairs and 3 bed/gurney areas. The treatment staff consists of 6 Registered Nurses and one EKG tech/Medical Assistant. The treatment staff provides direct patient care, infusions, and oral medications. Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and other specimens required during treatment and observation periods are obtained by the treatment staff.
The clinical triage area includes 10 exam rooms and 4 blood draw stations. The triage staff consists of 2 Registered Nurses, 2 Licensed Vocational Nurses and 2 Medical Assistants. This staff is responsible for phlebotomy, obtaining vital signs, chart preparation, and telephone triage.
The Research Nurse Manager, Margaret Smitley, is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Clinical Research Professional who oversees the Research Nurses and Study Coordinators.
The Research Staff consists of 6 Research Nurses and 2 Study Coordinators that are responsible for the daily management of study protocols and are closely involved with participant screening, enrollment, ongoing patient education and coordination of patient care. They also communicate frequently with trial sponsors to ensure a well-executed clinical trial.
The Lead Clinical Research Assistant, Cally Claiborne, oversees the Clinical Research Assistants. START employees 8 Clinical Research Assistants that are responsible for paper and electronic case report form (CRF) completion, and query resolution. The Clinical Research Assistants coordinate monitoring visits into one of our 8 designated monitoring rooms. As our data entry is held to internal standards we ensure a quality, timely product.
Contact
Leslie Smetzer, BSN, RN, OCN
Director, Phase I Nursing
START 4383 Medical Drive, Suite 3042
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 593-5269
Fax: (210) 615-1074
E-mail: leslie.smetzer@start.stoh.com