The Clinical Research Administration program in the College of Health and Human Services has many reasons to celebrate. First and foremost, the program was recently ranked #1 in the nation among the top twenty-five academic programs. Graduates of the program serve in many different roles within clinical research including those that are integral to the process of new drug and device development. Results of a recent survey completed by 109 CRA program alumni showed an overwhelming satisfaction (91%) with the program’s ability to prepare them for their current role. One respondent wrote “The EMU CRA program provided a solid foundation of clinical research knowledge that I have been able to apply throughout my career.”
Dr. Stephen Sonstein
The Clinical Research Administration graduate program was one of the first academic programs developed in this discipline in the United States. It’s founder and current Program Director, Dr. Stephen Sonstein, recently announced his plans to retire at the end of the Fall 2017 semester. In addition to his work at EMU, Dr. Sonstein also serves as Chair of the CAAHEP Committee on Accreditation of Academic Programs in Clinical Research.
In an effort to provide continued support to his beloved program, Dr. Sonstein is establishing the Stephen A. Sonstein Endowment for Clinical Research Administration Distinguished Lecture Series. This annual lecture brings a nationally renowned speaker to talk directly with EMU Clinical Research Administration students as well as hosts a free lecture for the community. Securing additional funding will only enhance the lecture series and possibilities for our students. Dr. Sonstein encourages graduates, community members and friends to join him in making a contribution to the lectureship.
“The Distinguished Lecturer Series has brought some of the most prominent members of the clinical research enterprise from around the globe to EMU.
This endowment will enable our community and students to continue
to enjoy similar speakers in the future.”-Dr. Stephen Sonstein
Make a gift directly to the Stephen A. Sonstein Endowment for Clinical Research Administration Distinguished Lecture Series today.
Dr. Jean Rowan
The CRA program is also excited to welcome a new faculty colleague. Dr. Jean Rowan will join the faculty in September. A trained physician, Dr. Rowan earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Research Design and Statistical Analysis and has 20+ years of experience in pharmaceutical clinical research and drug development. She has served as an instructor in the program, and will assume the role of Program Director in January 2018.
The mission of EMU’s Clinical Research Administration program is two-fold: a) to provide an academic experience which includes both didactic information and hands-on preceptorships in order to provide qualified new personnel to clinical research, including drug and device development industry and b) to provide an opportunity for professionals currently participating in clinical research studies and the drug/device development process to increase their knowledge base as well as their research/creative skills. Seventy percent of the program’s graduates are currently working in the field and are highly regarded by their peers. The scientific contributions that they have been a part of have helped improve people’s health and make their lives better.
Interested in learning more about our Clinical Research Administration program? The following video provides additional information about the program. An application to the program can be found on the Clinical Research page..