Duke Clinical Research Institute Reviews

It’s never easy receiving negative feedback, but as managers within clinical operations, it is important that we always listen and strive to find productive ways to address the concerns of our staff . Our team prides itself on being able to work independently as well as collaboratively on interesting research that impacts the care of people around the world. We want our employees to be part of an environment where they can learn and grow as they build expertise in their field. In terms of staffing, each trial takes a great deal of planning and focus to structure an effective team that also contributes to staff growth and development. There are times when we need to re-evaluate how projects are staffed to ensure we have the right balance of resources. Factors that might contribute to staff changes on an on-going project include scope of work changes and alignment of staff skillsets to a project’s needs.

I also wanted to make sure that you are aware that we have a robust set of benefits for our employees including a variety of health and wellness plans, an employer-provided retirement contribution, tuition assistance, and a great employee discount program. You can go to Duke’s benefits website to find out more. I think you will find that our benefits package provides significant value to the total compensation.

Thank you for taking the time to provide your perspective. We do hope that you will reach out to either of us or your line manager to discuss how we can make improvements that will benefit both the people and the organization.

Mike Mantell and Stephanie Burgess... MoreLess

As Senior Director of the Clinical Trials Domain, I would like to thank you for providing feedback on your experience—it is always welcome. I’m certainly pleased to hear that the research, remote work options, and training opportunities are fulfilling both your professional growth and work-life balance needs. It is highly motivating knowing that DCRI enables each and every one of us, regardless of our position or title, to be an integral part of amazing research that supports our mission to improve patient care. From a financial perspective, please be assured that we remain stable, continue to make investments, and have a healthy pipeline of business. It is also up to all of us to keep an eye on our operating expenses and to find ways to work efficiently.

Our team is made up of dedicated and talented individuals, however, I am deeply concerned about your comments regarding the workplace negativity you are experiencing. It is of the utmost importance that our leaders, managers, and staff act and behave in ways that create a connected, respectful, and supportive environment. As a matter of fact, I recently conducted a series of small, informal roundtable sessions with groups throughout the Clinical Trials Domain to discuss life at DCRI—what we enjoy most, and what can we do to make it better. These sessions have yielded great feedback and ideas and I look forward to working with our leadership to implement changes that will help improve our day-to-day lives.

I have always actively encouraged staff to reach out directly to me, either in person or via e-mail, if they have any concerns or ideas they wish to share—my door is always open. I do hope that you either speak with me or with HR regarding your concerns so that we can ensure that you are happy and fulfilled working here at DCRI. Thank you again for sharing your feedback.

Sincerely,
Pam Buchholz... MoreLess

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. It’s never easy to receive feedback of this nature, but as the co-directors of Clinical Operations, we want to assure you that we are not only invested in the success of the department and the Institute, but we are fully committed to supporting our staff. We are always striving to find the right balance between the needs of the business and the needs of our people. Every day our dedicated staff devotes their time, talent, and energy to fulfilling our mission to improve patient care. Therefore, understanding their satisfaction with their job or leadership, and finding ways to improve their satisfaction is paramount to our collective success. Please know that we are listening and, hopefully, we will have the opportunity to meet and talk through your concerns. Our doors are open.

Sincerely, Renee Pridgen and Michelle Immelmann... MoreLess