Medidata's Meghan Harrington on SCOPE's importance for those in clinical trials
She has more than 15 years in the life science technology industry significant experience in the investigator grant administration domain having led and provided oversight to the successful technology adoption efforts for clients ranging from top 10 CROs to small and mid-size Sponsor companies.
An early clinical career focused on the psycho-social impact of long-term disease on patients sparked Meghan's interest in research and the need to bring life improving drugs to market.
OSP spoke to her about the 15th annual SCOPE summit taking place next month in Orlando.
Why do you think it is important to attend SCOPE?
Overall, SCOPE provides attendees with the opportunity to learn about topics they care about and connect with peers in this niche space of clinical trial management. For me, I am deeply passionate about the financial management of trials – how trials stay on budget, operate efficiently, and bring life-transforming treatments to market sooner. SCOPE offers a dedicated track on all things clinical trial forecasting, budgeting, contracting, and payments. This is a very rare opportunity as financial management is typically given limited airtime at other conferences!
What do you hope to achieve this year while you are there?
SCOPE’s Summit offers leading insights into what is around the corner for clinical trials. By attending, I want to absorb as much information as possible to bring back to my team and our customers. Understanding the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the clinical trials space is invaluable for an organization like Medidata that wants to innovate and deliver value to sites, sponsors, and ultimately patients.
Do you have an inkling what the buzz theme will be this year?
Across the industry, we have seen a significant focus on AI and how it can transform clinical trials. I imagine this trend will continue at SCOPE as well.
For those who have never attended SCOPE before, what would you say to entice them?
Make the time, book the trip, and attend all the sessions you can fit in your schedule!
What part of it are you looking forward to the most?
I am especially looking forward to the co-presentation with Catee Mullen and Denise Snyder on how a large academic site such as Duke University streamlines their budgeting and payment processes. At Medidata, I work with customers ranging from large contract research organizations to small and mid-size sponsors and understanding how Duke approaches budgeting will be very helpful in my work. I am also looking forward to connecting with our customers in-person and hearing about their experiences with Rave Grants Manager and Rave Site Payments.
