Role at ICON:

I am one of three principal investigators (PIs) at the newly acquired Phase 1 Unit (Healthcare Discoveries) in San Antonio, Texas. As PIs we review protocols and work with sponsors to determine their practicality and feasibility. Once a contract has been signed, we tackle the recruitment and screening to find the appropriate patients. Finally we dose the subjects, assess their response, and follow them until completion of the study.

 

Background:

I am a native of San Antonio and completed my undergraduate and medical school here. Following my residency in Family Practice at Baylor in Houston, I returned to San Antonio and served in the US Air Force for three years. I began my years in private practice with a small group that eventually became the largest group practice in San Antonio. During this time I worked to develop new clinics in Houston, Dallas and Indiana. I discovered clinical research (Phase III-IV) in 1996 and over time I found it to be more rewarding than private practice.

 

Career challenges:

The most challenging (and perhaps the most enjoyable) part of my position is taking on projects that require new procedures and/or assessments. Working to figure out the nuts and bolts of a protocol and delivering results, then pulling it off in the unit takes the focus and contribution of the whole team. “Coaching” the team and making it happen to a high standard is always stimulating.

 

Career highlights:

I am proud of my time in the Air Force, contributions to my former multi-clinic group and the development of my own Phase II-IV research company. However, I would have to say that the emotion and appreciation expressed by my patients when I closed my private practice after fourteen years was my most memorable experience.

Working at ICON:

With four months under my belt, I am still working on first impressions. So far, these impressions are all positive. I am delighted to be working in an organization that values personal relationships and strives for excellence.

 

On your own time:

My non-work time is rarely my “own” time. Two college kids and a junior in high school keep my wife and I on the road most weekends. Between visits and basketball games, I try to do a little fishing, hunting and recreational shooting.

“Working to figure out the nuts and bolts of a protocol and delivering results, then pulling it off in the unit takes the focus and contribution of the whole team. ‘Coaching’ the team … is always stimulating.”