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Cindy, Sr. Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health, Hematology/Oncology: Advize Career Interview
A senior clinical trial coordinator at UCLA Health, Hematology/Oncology, shares a compelling career journey fueled by a passion for patient care and scientific advancement.
The interview reveals a multifaceted role demanding strong interpersonal skills, meticulous organization, and emotional resilience.
A day involves patient interaction, detailed record-keeping, and collaboration with pharmaceutical companies. Success in this field requires a growth mindset, embracing innovation and adapting to challenges.
The coordinator highlights the importance of self-care, diverse undergraduate experiences, and advocating for oneself, especially as a woman of color.
Entry-level opportunities include clinical research assistant or lab assistant positions, offering a pathway into a rewarding career with significant impact on patients' lives and the development of life-saving treatments.
The interview underscores the flexibility and unexpected opportunities within clinical research, far exceeding initial perceptions.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Cindy Tong
Sr. Clinical Trial Coordinator
UCLA Health, Hematology/Oncology
UCLA, 2017
UCLA FEMBA 2026
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare
Research and Development (R&D)
Took Out Loans
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Career Path Of A Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator At UCLA Health Hematology And Oncology
Cindy's career path, driven by a lifelong aspiration to be a physician, began with consistent volunteer work in hospitals and people-oriented research roles, including "being a lab assistant for cancer patients" and "clinical research assistant for breast cancer patients" during college. After graduation, a period of reflection led to a full-time transition into clinical research, where Cindy steadily advanced to their current senior position.
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health
A Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health juggles three key responsibilities: first, ensuring patient comfort and understanding by making "expectations for the trial...very clear"; second, maintaining strong relationships with pharmaceutical companies, meeting deadlines, and adhering to "very specific criteria"; and third, supporting the clinical team by providing necessary information and resources. This multifaceted role highlights the coordinator's crucial contributions to successful clinical trials.
A Day in the Life of a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health
A senior clinical trial coordinator's day at UCLA Health involves a mix of direct patient care ("seeing patients with a physician, recording side effects") and administrative tasks ("reviewing budgets and treatment plans"). The work is highly detail-oriented, requiring meticulous record-keeping to analyze patient responses to experimental medications, as the coordinator explains, "a very rigorous bookkeeping system...to document everything."
Top Skills For A Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator At UCLA Health
A Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health emphasizes the crucial role of "interpersonal communication, empathy, compassion, and patience" in navigating the emotional complexities of working with seriously ill cancer patients, while also highlighting the need for strong organizational and multitasking skills, proficiency in written and verbal communication, and the ability to "compartmentalize emotions" to maintain focus and effectively manage the administrative demands of the job.
Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health
Cindy, a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role to be "being able to place some meaningful part in somebody's life when they're going through something really scary," contributing to the development of FDA-approved treatments that may help "thousands of people in America internationally." The positive impact on patients' lives, even without a positive treatment outcome, provides deep fulfillment in this career.
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health
Cindy's greatest challenge as a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator is managing the immense pressure and emotional toll of the role, describing it as navigating "the fear of disappointment" because of the significant impact their work has on patients, physicians, and pharmaceutical companies. Maintaining humility and compartmentalizing the emotional demands from various stakeholders is equally crucial yet difficult.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Clinical Research Industry as a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator
Cindy, a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator, finds the most rewarding aspect of her career in oncology clinical research is the strong sense of community among colleagues who share a common goal of alleviating suffering; this "really interesting...niche field" fosters connections with like-minded individuals, creating a supportive network where "it is nice to know that there are other people out there" working towards the same impactful objective.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Clinical Research Industry According To A Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator At UCLA Health
Cindy, a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator, identifies a "huge growth mindset" and an "eye for innovation" as crucial for success in the ever-evolving clinical research industry; individuals who thrive embrace new technologies and challenges, viewing each new trial and platform as an opportunity for growth, rather than becoming "stagnant" in their roles.
What a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health wishes they had known before entering the clinical research industry
Reflecting on their career path, the senior clinical trial coordinator reveals a surprising amount of flexibility and growth opportunities within clinical research, far exceeding initial perceptions of rigid scientific work. The interviewee wishes they had known earlier that clinical research is "a huge field" allowing for diverse career paths and "professional expansion," contrasting with the perceived linearity of traditional scientific careers.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Clinical Research Assistants
For undergraduate students interested in a healthcare career, a common entry-level position is a clinical research assistant, a "super foundational level" role often appealing to those considering medical school or a career pivot. Other entry-level options include lab assistant positions, performing tasks such as "running samples, um, test[ing] tumor tissue," similar to undergraduate STEM work.
Significant Career Lesson From a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health
In a demanding healthcare career, the most significant lesson learned is the importance of self-care alongside professional dedication; finding "the type of balance" needed to avoid burnout and maintain passion, remembering that "you are important too," is key to long-term success and fulfillment.
College Experiences That Helped A Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator At UCLA Health Succeed
To prepare for a career in clinical research, Cindy, a senior clinical trial coordinator, surprisingly recommends a diverse undergraduate education beyond a science focus, suggesting that "variety was so important" in developing well-roundedness and critical thinking skills; this included unconventional classes like "Psychics, aliens and Ghosts," which fostered questioning and independent thought essential to the field. The pursuit of varied extracurriculars and leadership roles, alongside thoughtfully choosing engagements based on genuine interest rather than resume padding, ultimately allowed Cindy to find their unique path within the healthcare field.
How Identity Has Influenced a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health
Initially conforming to the "model minority" stereotype, the senior clinical trial coordinator initially felt the need to "be a TaskRabbit to stand out," but later realized the importance of asserting their own opinions and expertise, even if it meant causing discomfort. This shift involved acknowledging their identity as a woman of color, challenging expectations, and ultimately finding the courage to advocate for what was best for the team and patients, even if it meant "throw[ing] a wrench in everyone's plan."
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