The Women in Ophthalmology Clinical Trials Training Program aims to increase the number of women ophthalmologists in research. The rationale behind this program is twofold:
- Diversity amongst clinical trial investigators fosters participation of diverse study patient populations.
- There is a paucity of female lead investigators in ophthalmology.
If, as a profession, we truly want to increase diversity in leadership, research is the ideal venue to move the needle. Clinical trial involvement creates an abundance of leadership opportunities with the ability to author scientific publications, present findings at major meetings, and participate in advisory boards.
As we have evaluated topics presented at our annual WIO Summer Symposium, we learned that many female ophthalmologists had an interest in being involved in clinical research but would like further education in understanding how to initiate a clinical trial, recruit patients, handle an audit, manage budget shortfalls, etc.
CLINICAL TRIALS PROGRAM SURVEY
To clearly define educational gaps and provide meaningful educational content, we launched a Clinical Trials Program Survey to the WIO community. The results of this survey aided in structuring a comprehensive training and mentorship program for our members.
The companies listed below have committed to this one of a kind educational program to empower women ophthalmologists in clinical trials research. Please join us in thanking them for their efforts.
Dr. Lisa Nijm
WIO Chief Executive Officer
Director, WIO Clinical Trials Program
CLINICAL TRIALS PROGRAM TRAININGS
Our 2023 series information is below. This one-of-a-kind comprehensive program takes you step-by-step through the process of successfully adding clinical trials to your practice.
CLINICAL TRIALS TRENDS AND INSIGHTS (WEBINAR)
- Moderator: Dr. Lejla Vajzovic
- Tuesday, April 11th at 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET
- FREE for WIO members / $30 for non-members
A panel of experts sharing their thoughts about the important trends, regulations, innovations, and disruptions
Topics to be covered:
- Clinical research trends in 2023
- Band name, biosimilars and interchangeable biosimilars vs generic drugs: approval paths and differences
- Post marketing drug safety
- FDA’s office of orphan products development (OOPD) and orphan product designations: an overview
Dr. Lejla Vajzovic
WIO Board of Directors
Director, WIO Clinical Trials Program
CLINICAL TRIALS 101 (WEBINAR)
- Moderator: Dr. Lejla Vajzovic
- Wednesday, June 7th at 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET
- FREE for WIO members / $30 for non-members
A panel of experts sharing their thoughts and expertise in clinical trial design and conduct
Topics to be covered:
- Design and conduct of clinical trials
- Interpretation of the investigator brochure
- Determining appropriate endpoints in clinical trials and reading center involvement
- Statistical evaluation of clinical trials
- Innovative trial designs (decentralized clinical trials, digital health technologies)
- Efforts to advance diversity in trial populations
- Clinical trial quality
CAREER OPTIONS FOR MDs IN CLINICAL RESEARCH AND BEYOND (IN-PERSON)
- Moderator: Dr. Lejla Vajzovic
- WIO 2023 Summer Symposium Session & Reception (LIVE)
MDs are generally not trained in industry-sponsored clinical research and become a part of or have a career in clinical trials by accident. A panel of clinical trial MD experts will share their thoughts about career options and their paths.
CLINICAL TRIALS 101 AND BEYOND (WEBINAR)
- Moderator: Dr. Lejla Vajzovic
- Wednesday, October 18th at 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET
- FREE for WIO members / $30 for non-members
A panel of experts sharing their thoughts and expertise in clinical trial design and conduct
Topics to be covered:
- Study site and sponsor contract strategies
- Clinical trial budget
- Intro to basic statistics and probability in research
- Workload management in clinical trials
- Data integrity: healthcare’s relationship with AI and machine learning
