Featured Alumni

Mohammad Althobity, MBBS
M.A.S. (2015)

Current Position: Dr. Althobity is currently participating in a five-year residency program in Emergency Medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“I participated in two clinical research studies immediately after my graduation because researchers are very important in the medical field as well as in Emergency Medicine. I found that clinical research is advancing my knowledge and will help me to teach medical students and residents as an academic member of Taif University. For this reason, I joined the master program of Clinical Research at University of California San Diego UCSD and chose Trauma as my field of interest in research.”

What did you like best about the program?
“The program gave me a chance to discover the teaching methods employed in North America, and to see how clinical research knowledge can be applied in a practical setting. This program gave me an opportunity to volunteer in organizing orientation sessions for new students.”

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“Currently I am using what I have learned for critical appraisal of papers, writing a proposal, and designing a clinical trial.”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“This program will give you a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of research at one of the best medical schools in the U.S.”

Mohammad’s Independent Study Project:
“Pre-Hospital Airway Management, Using Video Laryngoscope in Trauma Patients.”

Education

• 2015   MAS, Clinical Research
  • University of California, San Diego
• 2008   MBBS, Medicine
  • King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia

 

Maha Alkhuziem, MBBS
M.A.S. (2014)

Current Position: After Maha completed her MAS degree in Clinical Research, she was accepted into a General Surgery Residency program here at UC San Diego. “This is my dream job and I know that earning my master’s degree in clinical research helped me accomplish such an outstanding achievement. I became the first female from Saudi Arabia to be enrolled in the General Surgery residency program.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“I have been always eager for research. I decided to study clinical research in one of the world’s best research centers, University of California, San Diego.”

What did you like best about the program?
“The variety of students’ backgrounds and the variety of discussions we had.”

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“Writing scientific papers, ethics of research, research coordination and management.”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“You will learn A LOT and you will definitely enjoy your time while doing so.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“It was a life changing experience for me that nourished my research skills and prepared me for my career as a scientist.”

Maha’s Independent Study Project:
“Caring for Patients from Saudi Arabia in the United States; Healthcare Staff Experiences and Challenges.”

Education

• 2014   MAS, Clinical Research
  • University of California, San Diego
• 2008   MBBS, Medicine
  • King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

 

Hiral Dave, DGO, MBBS
M.A.S. (2015)

Current Position: Hiral is an intern at the Center for Promotion of Maternal Health and Infant Development, Department of Pediatrics, UC San Diego.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“To connect my passions for and experience in Clinical Medicine and Research, and I wanted to further expand a career in Women’s Health Research to contribute to modern medicine. As a graduate student of the Clinical Research program, I plan to continue to develop my research, written, and clinical skills in order to prepare for a successful career in Women’s Health Research not merely to use an established treatment as a physician, but to help establish new treatment plans. Therefore, the Master’s in Clinical Research proved as an EXCELLENT fit for my career path.”  

What did you like best about the program?
“The clinical research training helped me in extending my knowledge of research approaches and skills related to clinical trials. In addition, the program expanded my scientific writing skills facilitating future participation in grant and manuscript writing as well as critically analyzing scientific literature to support evidence-based medicine. The broad curriculum not only covered conducting clinical trials, but also GCP (Good Clinical Practice), Big-Data as well as Ethics of Clinical Research. I strongly believe that the training environment and expert faculties of this program provided the complete set of skills necessary for the field of clinical research. Also, the cultural and professional diversity of students’ were incomparable.”

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“Starting from developing a research theory and  applying for funding all the way to conducting full-on clinical trials and publishing a scientific paper, I learned a great deal in the program. Simultaneously doing an internship, I could apply all theoretical knowledge directly to a real world scenario. In my opinion, this hands-on experience is the BEST way of learning any new knowledge!”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“This program has my highest recommendation for whomever is considering a career that involves Human subject research whether it is for career advancement or choosing a new career path altogether. Along with core courses to cover the heart and soul of clinical research, there are a wide varieties of elective courses offered which I enjoyed a lot! Additionally, the flexibility of the program lets you fulfill any personal or professional responsibilities alongside it.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“Being part of this program gave me the unique opportunity to participate as a faculty member for the Oncofertility Science Academy of the Department of Reproductive Medicine at UC San Diego. It is a hands-on educational program that trains high-school girls in biology and reproductive medicine. Many of them go on to become the next generation of scientists and physicians. Teaching a day-long session of “Ethics in Reproductive Medicine” while engaging those energetic girls in discussion has been extremely worthwhile, and knowing that I am able to make a difference in the careers of those aspiring young women interested in science and medicine.”

Hiral’s Independent Study Project:
“Effectiveness of medio-lateral versus midline episiotomy in vaginal instrumental delivery to prevent anal sphincter injury.”

Education

• 2016   MAS, Clinical Research
  • University of California, San Diego
• 2006   DGO, M.P.Shah Medical College, India
• 2004   MBBS, M.P.Shah Medical College, India

 

Prasanthi Govindarajan, MBBS
M.A.S. (2008)

Current Position: Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, UC San Francisco

Her current job responsibilities:
She works as an attending physician in the emergency department at UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco. she is also a clinical researcher with an interest in health services research and prehospital care.

Please describe your research:
“I received a K08 (career development award) from the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to study differences between stroke systems of care. I am also a co-investigator in the NINDS funded study (PEER- Patient Experiences on Emergency Research) on learning about the ethics of emergency consent from patients who were enrolled in a seizure study conducted by the Neurological Emergency Treatment Trials network ( NETT).

Also, I am currently serving as a co-investigator in the following studies:
Assessing Community Consultation in the context of Exception from Informed Consent (Ethics study)

Emergency Department Assessment of Secondary Brain Insults in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (Funded by EMF/FERNE Directed Neurological Emergencies Grant).”

Have you received any other grants?
“The Hellman Grant for early career faculty to get preliminary data for my K08 grant.”

What do you like to do in your free time?
“Listen to Indian Classical music.”

Education:

• 2008 MAS, Clinical Research, UC San Diego
• 1999 MBBS, Madras Medical College, India
• Some Publications:
  • Ramanujam, K. Guluma, E. Castillo, M.Chacon, M.Jensen, Patel, W.Linnick, J.Dunford. “Accuracy of Stroke Recognition by Emergency Medical Dispatchers and Paramedics–San Diego Experience.” Prehosp Emerg Care. 2008 Jul-Sep;12(3):307-13
  • “Prehospital transport time intervals for acute stroke patients.” Ramanujam P, Castillo E, Patel E, Vilke G, Wilson MP, Dunford JV. J Emerg Med. 2009 Jul;37(1):40-5.
  • Abstracts related to the above publications were presented at national meetings.

 

Nadwa Al-Rowaished Perket, MD
M.A.S. (2013)

Current Position: Nadwa, one of the first Saudi female physicians to graduate from our program, is a Medical Information Specialist and a Clinical referee to evidence based clinical practice liaison services at Envirobiz Ltd.

Past Experience:
Nadwa practiced Pediatrics, and was an Allergy Immunology Fellow at King Faisal Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia before coming to the United States.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“As a Physician and a Medical Information Specialist, I am able to reach an evidence-based opinion to present with confidence. Through MAS, I learned the processes and regulations involved with patient-oriented clinical research, generating convincing grant proposal from hypothesis generation, best-suited methodology and the appropriate analytical tools of generated data.”   

What did you like best about the program?
“The most important feature for a professional is the structure of the program with real world practical experience and hands-on tools of learning.  MAS gave me a solid foundation and scientific edge by learning from professors who are icons in their fields. I am grateful to my mentor, Dr. McCutchan, for setting high expectations and quality for my work.”

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“I am using the skills from every course I have taken throughout the program, particularly the skills from Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Patient-oriented Research courses as well from an important elective course called Comparative Effectiveness Research that I use for my reports on a regular basis.”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“ I recommend those considering the program to take full advantage of this learning experience at UC San Diego. They will gain the right tools required by the bio-pharmaceutical industry to thrive and compete.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“I look forward to enrolling in additional courses that target evolving issues of Clinical Research Design and Administration at UC San Diego.”

Nadwa’s Independent Study Project:
“Efficacy of Miconized zinc oxide compared to micro sized zinc oxide in sunscreens in preventing erythyma formation after solar ultra violet radiation exposure.”

Education

• 2013   MAS, Clinical Research
  • University of California, San Diego
•  1992   Pediatrics, Fellow Allergy/Immunology
  • King Faisal Hospital and Research Center Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• 1987   MD
  • King Saud University Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

 

Robert T. Saiz
M.A.S. (2011)

Current Position: Robert is currently working as a self-employed consultant. He serves as a technical lead who is selectively available for strategic consulting specific to Assay/Product Development, conducting single and multi-site Clinical Trials, and regulatory submission of CE-Marking/ 510(k)/ PMA of in-vitro diagnostics for infectious disease.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“My decision to get the MAS degree in Clinical Research was driven by my desire to migrate away from being a Molecular Biology “wet bench” laboratory scientist and move into a position focusing on Clinical Research. My experience, prior to entering the MAS program, focused on developing commercial clinical diagnostic assays for infectious disease detection. It was this exposure to Pre-Clinical/Phase I Studies that further interested me in pursuing a career transition into Clinical Research.”

Why did you like best about the program?
“There were many aspects of the MAS program that I liked; however, I really enjoyed the course series on Epidemiology and Biostatistics. The second quarter epidemiology course was great as it covered a wide variety of topics in applied epidemiology. The Biostatistics courses were also excellent and the data sets analyzed throughout each of the courses come from real-life data generated from previously conducted clinical studies.”

What skills are you applying in your job that you learned in the program?
“There are several skills from the program I have applied to my current job as well as the previous job I had while in the MAS program. The most common skill used was focused on statistical analysis of pre-clinical and clinical data. Additionally, I have been responsible for co-creating clinical protocols for single and multi-site clinical studies.”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“My comments to anyone who is considering the program would be that this is definitely a program worth pursuing. There are many courses in the program that will teach you skills that are not only applicable to Clinical Research but other disciplines as well, such as Biotech. I sincerely believe that the skills I learned in the MAS program have helped my professional growth tremendously.”

Additional Comments:
“The individuals that coordinate and run the MAS program in Clinical Research were great. They were always helpful, available, encouraging, and demonstrated a very high level of professionalism throughout the entire time I was enrolled in the program. One added bonus to the program was the professional and personal connections I made with the staff and students of the program.”

What do you like to do in your free time?
“In my free time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, working out at the gym, and learning/reading about a wide variety of topics I am unfamiliar with.”

Robert’s Independent Study Project:
“A Retrospective Case-Control Study Assessing Chosen Occupation and Risk of Developing Non-Cancer Related Chronic Lymphedema of the Extremities”

Education:

• 2011  MAS, Clinical Research, UC San Diego
• 1999   BS, Biology San Diego State University
• Other work experience:
  • 2011 – 2012 Sr. Scientist (R & D Product Development)
  • Enigma Diagnostics, San Diego, CA
  • 2010 – 2011 Scientist II (R&D Assay Lead)
  • Roka Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, CA
  • 2008 – 2010 Staff Scientist (R & D)
  • Nanogen, Inc., San Diego, CA
  • 2000 – 2008 Sr. Scientist (Analytical Services)
  • Althea Technologies, Inc., San Diego, CA
  • 1999 – 2000 Research Scientist (Nucleic Acid Analysis Enzymes)
  • Statagene, San Diego, CA
  • 1994 – 1999 Senior Research Associate
  • AxyS Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA

 

Christine Totri
M.A.S. (2014)

Current Position: Christine is currently completing an Internship at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“My desire to pursue a career in academic dermatology meant that a solid background in clinical research was essential. The MAS program was appealing as it provided a comprehensive overview of clinical research. It covered topics such as epidemiology, bio-statistics, patient-oriented research, data management, applied quantitative analysis, and outcomes research.”

What did you like best about the program?
“The MAS program at UC San Diego provided me with a unique opportunity to comprehensively study clinical research methodology and protocol while simultaneously allowing me to conduct clinic research. Such a balance allowed me to directly implement what I learned in the classroom to my research on a daily basis, maximizing my experience. “

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“There are so many skills that I have learned through the program that I utilize on a daily basis, both in a clinical and a research setting. With the program, my ability to critically analyze the literature in my field has been maximized, which directly benefits the patients I care for. In a research setting, I know the details and intricacies involved in conducting research from design to statistical analysis to writing the manuscript, all of which were covered in the program.”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in learning the principles of clinical research as he/she will be provided with the tools necessary to conduct sound clinical research. Classes are taught by world class faculty who truly care about their students’ progress.  Furthermore, the program is flexible enough to allow one to pursue other projects (i.e. research, clinic, work).”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“My interest in collaborative research has provided me the unique opportunity to work alongside international colleagues from Cuba, England, Greece, and France.”

Christine’s Independent Study Project:
“Therapeutic Patient Education for Atopic Dermatitis in Pediatric Patients”

Education

• 2015   M.D., University of California, San Diego
• 2014   M.A.S., Clinical Research
  • University of California, San Diego
• 2010   B.A., Molecular and Cellular Biology and Political Science
  • University of California, Berkeley

 

Aria Vazirnia
M.A.S. (2014)

Current Position: Aria  is currently a Resident in Dermatology at UC San Diego (2016-2019).

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“I decided to spend a year to get my MAS degree in order to attain the skill set for a future in academics and clinical research.”

What did you like best about the program?
“The program was great since it not only gave me a better understanding of bio-statistics, epidemiology, and clinical research design, but also allowed me to work with other MAS students on manuscripts for publication.”

What skills are you currently using that you learned in the program?
“The program has taught me to properly design and conduct clinical research studies as well as to analyze data using appropriate statistical tests, such as regression analyses. In addition, the program has allowed me to become more proficient in critically analyzing the scientific literature and in using several different statistical software, such as SPSS and R.” 

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“This is a remarkable program for someone considering a future in academics and/or clinical or translational research.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?
“The program allows individuals from different backgrounds, professions, and levels of research experience to work together and learn from one another.”

Aria’s other talent:
Aria is an accomplished pianist. Here is a YouTube clip of his piano piece “Raindrops” set to a picture slideshow.

Aria’s Independent Study Project:
“Dysbiosis of the skin’s microbiome in patients with atopic dermatitis”

Education

• 2015   M.D., University of California, San Diego
• 2014   M.A.S., Clinical Research
  • University of California, San Diego
• 2010   B.S., Psychobiology
  • Summa Cum Laude
  • University of California, Los Angeles

 

Julia Noel Witton
M.A.S. (2010)

Current Position: Project Manager, Agility Clinical, Inc.

Her current job responsibilities:
Julia is the primary interface with pharmaceutical/biotechnology client representatives, as well as internal personnel, with the responsibility of ensuring the timely initiation and completion of clinical trials.

She manages the project timeline, budget, resourcing, and issues/risks throughout the duration of a clinical trial.

Agility Clinical is a unique consulting and contract research organization dedicated to working with virtual, small biopharma, and device companies with a lean infrastructure.  They put their expertise and passion to work helping small companies – particularly those involved with orphan drug development – to move forward and bring important new treatments to patients.

Why did you decide to get this MAS degree?
“Shortly after graduating college while on a backpacking trip in Costa Rica, I realized I wasn’t quite done with school yet. I started working part-time for a Contract Research Organization (CRO) in college in clinical data management and I liked the clinical research field. Once I got back from my trip, I researched various programs, and the program at UC San Diego was a great fit. I was also able to work in industry during the day while attending classes in the evening.”

What did you like best about the program?
“What I liked most was the diversity in the classroom. My peers included MDs, PhDs, PharmDs, nurses, clinical research coordinators, bench scientists and local biotech industry experts, to name a few. In every single class, I was learning very effective communication skills simply by attending and interacting with my peers. I didn’t realize this at the time, but I am now very thankful for it. The majority of my professors were faculty at the UC San Diego School of Medicine involved in cutting-edge research, so I felt very fortunate to be learning from the pros.”

What skills are you applying in your job that you learned in the program?
“I use the scientific thinking, writing and communication/presentation skills I learned in the program on a daily basis. I had to think outside the box in every single class I took, which I think got me in the habit of thinking strategically, which I do every day at work.”

What would you like to tell someone who is considering the program?
“It is possible to finish the program in a year or so, but it is OK to go at your own pace and take the time you need to complete the program in order to ensure a healthy work-life balance.” 

What do you like to do in your free time?
“Running, soccer, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.”

Julia’s Capstone Project:
“Entericept: A 12-week, double-blind, randomized study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Entericept in subjects with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Education:

• 2010  MAS, Clinical Research, UC San Diego
• 2006  BS, Biopsychology
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
• Other work experience:
  • 1/2008 – 10/2016 Consultant, Drug Development
  • PAREXEL International, San Diego, CA
  • 3/2007 – 1/2008 Clinical Project Assistant
  • Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Aliso Viejo, CA
  • 12/2006 – 2/2007 Clinical Project Management Assistant
  • 6/2004 – 11/2006 Clinical Data Processor
  • Synteract Incorporated, Carlsbad, CA