Our teams are comprised of amazing people of all different backgrounds and strengths. What they have in common is their passion for clinical research, and for making your sites the most successful they can be. This is our first installment in a series of Employee Q&A features, in which we will ask our employees what they enjoy most about what they do, and give them an opportunity to share a bit about who they are outside of the workplace.
First up is Karen Lagasse, Clinical Financial Analyst II on the BSA/Finance team. Karen has been with BTC Network for a year and a half, coming to us with experience in the medical field, working side by side with physicians. Karen is a critical member of our team, because of her intelligence and passionate nature for her clients. She adds positivity and motivation to our office and provides our clients with an incredible financial management service. We are very lucky to have her!
BTC: How did you get into the clinical research industry?
Karen: I had always worked in the medical field. While working as a medical assistant in various specialties (i.e. General Surgery, Occupational Health, and Chiropractic), the healthcare industry was always my first love. Transitioning into the clinical research industry was easy for me, as I have always found research to be an important cause. It is very relatable to me, having had family and friends struck with many illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, etc.
BTC: What is your favorite part of your job?
Karen: I love completing successful budget negotiations for my clients – I enjoy when I have finalized a budget and contract with substantial increases. There is something exciting about closing the deal! I also love when a client calls out of the blue to say, “I sleep better at night knowing that you are on our team.”
BTC: What question (or questions) do you hear most frequently from your sites?
Karen: In my personal experience, I mainly am asked about BTC’s and ClinEdge’s additional services. It seems that we bring more to the table than the site is typically aware of. Once we get started with a client, they are able to see the additional services that are available, and that will complement their site’s infrastructure. They are at times amazed by our final budgets – the finalized budget usually includes study related items that they never thought of requesting in the past. I have encountered sites that did not appear to understand that they have the right to negotiate the budget and contract that is presented to them by the sponsor. Prior to working with us, they would accept what had been initially given and did not consider their direct costs. I would imagine they took a loss during the course of these studies.
BTC: What do you think is the number one best financial practice all research sites should be following?
Karen: Capturing all of the data, and entering subject study visits in order to ensure increased revenues. Sites should track all of their expenses, no matter how small, and request that all expenses be reimbursed. Communicating with PIs and CRCs about this need will keep everyone on track with their entries.
BTC: When you aren’t in the office, what can you be found doing for fun?
Karen: Listening to live bands at the ocean (or anywhere), spending time with family, camping, attending and assisting with management of softball tournaments, and going on trips to Orlando.
BTC: If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Karen: Well, I have one – Empathy! If I had to choose another it would be Time Travel. I have always wanted to experience what it would have been like to live in the 1920’s and 30’s. I love the style of clothing, early jazz music, and the thought of the underground nightclubs during prohibition. I’d like to believe I would have ventured into one of them a time or two!
Would you like to connect with Karen, or another BTC financial representative? Contact us today!
