Regenstrief Institute Senior Research Manager Laura Holtz, M.S., will be a plenary presenter at the annual conference of the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). Holtz is a national leader in research and is dedicated to educating other research professionals.
Holtz will speak to conference attendees about strategies to include vulnerable subjects with cognitive impairment in research during the closing plenary session of the conference. Her presentation will include information on the importance of including this population in research and review the ethical guidelines surrounding obtaining informed consent.
“Recruiting these patients is critical to achieving accurate and applicable results, especially when studying interventions related to dementia,” said Holtz. “But clinical professionals must be aware of the ethical concerns involving these patients. I hope to share some practical strategies to engage underrepresented populations in the important research happening around the country.”
More than 1,200 research professionals attend the annual SOCRA conference. The meeting provides information, tools, best practices and training to ensure members are up-to-date and compliant in their practice of research. SOCRA is an organization for anyone involved in clinical research, and its mission is to promote quality clinical research, protect the welfare of research participants and improve global health.
Holtz serves on the national board of SOCRA and is co-director of the Indiana chapter. The chapter is ranked number two in the nation in hours of educational programs offered to its members. The chapter also hosts an annual SOCRA certification exam, one of only a few in-person exams offered in the Midwest each year.
The conference is taking place September 27-29 in San Antonio, TX. Holtz’s presentation will be on the final day.
