Amy Jo Jenkins, M.S., C.C.R.P., C.C.R.A., C.C.R.C., at the UAMS Translational Research Institute (TRI), and Lyndsey Avery, C.C.R.P., R.A.C., in the UAMS Office of Research Regulatory Affairs (ORRA), are the recipients of the international Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) 2015 Chapter Chairperson Recognition Award for their work as co-chairs of the Arkansas SOCRA chapter.
This marks the fourth year in a row – and each year of its existence – that the Arkansas SOCRA chapter has won the award, which recognizes the chapter for offering the most continuing education hours for clinical research professionals of any chapter around the globe. The UAMS chapter offered 29.7 continuing education credit hours from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015. The group’s continued success can be attributed to support from TRI, ORRA, and the UAMS Office of Research Compliance and its members who actively participate in sponsored activities, Jenkins said
“Everyone in our research community is very excited to see Amy Jo and Lyndsey earn this award,” said TRI Director Laura James, M.D. “Their achievement demonstrates a commitment to research quality that is unparalleled.”
The award will be presented at the SOCRA Annual Conference in Denver, Sept. 18.
SOCRA developed a certification program to create an internationally-accepted standard of knowledge, education, and experience by which clinical research professionals are recognized as certified clinical research professionals (CCRP®s) in the clinical research community.
The continuing education hours offered by the Arkansas SOCRA chapter help research staff at UAMS and other sites earn or maintain their Certified Research Specialist (CRS) certification.
The CRS certification program, administered by the UAMS Office of Research Compliance, ensures an understanding of, and respect for, the principles of research integrity and the protection of those who participate in research. Although the certification is not required by all departments, UAMS research employees routinely complete the 26 hours of coursework and the comprehensive CRS proficiency exam.