It’s popular, especially around this time of year, to write and blog Gratitude Journals. I’ve decided I’m jumping on board. I’m grateful to have such an awesome and interesting job as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Here’s why:
1. My team – I’m grateful for my co-workers who are all caring, professional, forward thinkers;
2. Study volunteers – I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with members of our community whom I otherwise would not encounter;
3. Gaining new knowledge – I’m grateful to have a job that requires me to learn about diseases, treatments, emerging therapies, etc.
Let’s talk a bit more about number 3. The Clinical Research Center was recently selected to participate in a study to evaluate a new drug that might delay or even halt disease progression in patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. Whereas other members of my group have previously participated in Alzheimer’s disease research, I have not; therefore, part of my job each day is to become educated on this disease.
I’d say that at this point my knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease is somewhere just slightly above the “newbie” stage. However, by now I know enough about the disease to be in utter awe of the caregivers. The caregiver interviews I observed as part of my education showed caregivers who were – without fail – patient, innovative, and committed. Even more remarkable is that, until now, these caregivers have been patient, innovative and committed with little hope of halting disease progression.
I learned something else. November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver Month. There are over 15 million Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in the United States, and I think we should be grateful for each and every one. I give my sincere thanks to caregivers for all that they do. Find out more about Alzheimer’s disease and support services for caregivers at www.alz.org.
– Julie Carrico is Associate Coordinator of The Corvallis Clinic Clinical Research Center
