Interested in research? Check out the links below to get started!

The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program): The Trusted Standard in Research, Ethics, Compliance, and Safety Training

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Online Training Courses

Human Subjects Research Courses

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step into the mysterious world of clinical research with Leigh Shermer, a Physician Assistant and Doctor of Medical Science who's breaking barriers in an area traditionally dominated by physicians. With over 18 years of healthcare experience across cardiology, critical care, and cardiothoracic surgery, Leigh now leads clinical trials that develop the medical treatments of tomorrow.
What exactly happens during a clinical trial? Leigh pulls back the curtain on this fascinating process, walking us through the careful protocols, patient safety measures, and day-to-day operations of a clinical research site that might be running 40 different studies simultaneously. Far from the stereotype of researchers working in isolated labs, she describes hands-on patient interactions, thorough safety monitoring, and the delicate balance of following strict scientific protocols while providing compassionate care.
Perhaps most compelling is Leigh's insight into why patients choose to participate in clinical research. Some join from altruism, wanting to advance medical knowledge. Others seek access to treatments for conditions they couldn't otherwise afford. And yes, some participate for financial compensation – a practical acknowledgment of the time commitment these studies require. In all cases, Leigh emphasizes that patient safety remains the absolute priority, dismantling the misconception that participants are treated as "guinea pigs."
Leigh's career journey itself tells a powerful story about the evolving healthcare landscape. Her transition from cardiothoracic surgery to critical care to cardiology and finally to clinical research demonstrates the remarkable versatility of PA careers. Interestingly, it was the COVID-19 pandemic and her curiosity about vaccine development that sparked her interest in clinical research, eventually leading her to earn her doctorate and pioneer new roles for PAs as principal investigators.
Subscribe to Shadow Me Next for more fascinating conversations that take you behind the scenes of healthcare careers you might never have considered!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Virtual shadowing is an important tool to use when planning your medical career. At Shadow Me Next! we want to provide you with the resources you need to find your role in healthcare and secure your place in medicine.
Check out our pre-health resources. Great for pre-med, pre-PA, pre-nursing, pre-therapy students or anyone else with an upcoming interview!
Mock Interviews: shadowmenext.com/mock-interviews
Personal Statement Review: shadowmenext.com/personal-statement
Free Downloads: shadowmenext.com/free-downloads
Want to request a guest? Shoot me an email: [email protected]