At Profound Research, we are dedicated to delivering clinical trials and advanced therapies to diverse communities across the nation. Today, we are thrilled to feature insights from Susana Wallace, a Patient Recruitment Specialist in Southern California. As a Native American and lifelong San Diegan, Susana’s passion, dedication, and alignment with our core values play a crucial role in connecting cutting-edge medical advancements with the communities that need them most, making her an invaluable asset to our team. 

What is your role at Profound research and how long have you been doing it? 

For the better part of the last year, I have served as a Patient Recruitment Specialist at Profound Research for the Neurology Center of Southern California (NCSC), Dermatology Medical Group of North County (DMG) and Arthritis Consultants of North County (ACNC).  

Before coming to Profound, I was a research coordinator for University of Southern California at San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. I have also worked for the County of San Diego Public Health Department, as well as the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), doing surveillance, epidemiology, and communicable disease investigations. 

Please tell us a little about you personally. 

Born and raised, I am a Native San Diegan- I grew up in Valley Center, spending time between La Jolla Indian Reservation and Rincon Indian Reservation. I am married (19 years) and have two kids. We spend a lot of time outdoors hiking and going to the beach. I personally love running, gardening, and spending time with my family. 

What is your favorite part of your role at Profound Research? 

My favorite part of my role is connecting with the patients; listening to their stories and finding out what brings them to Profound. Most of all, getting them scheduled for a visit for one of our clinical studies is extremely rewarding. 

What is one thing all people should know about clinical research with Profound Research?  

People should know that when they choose to come to Profound, they will be well taken care of. 

Of our values - Compassion, Efficiency, Progress, and Integrity, what is one that resonates with you in your current role and tell us a time it applied to an interaction with a patient or co-worker? 

While compassion comes to mind, I still would have to say it is integrity. Integrity strongly resonates with me. Coming from a culture that is deeply affected by our healthcare system, public health programs, and past research practices, my community is suspicious. Integrity is a personal responsibility and obligation I have to all our patients, and especially those who may not have access to appropriate care. Some examples would be patients under-represented in research, uninsured and unable to access care, and under- served populations that do not know how to navigate the healthcare system. Although integrity comes in all forms, for me, it comes in the way we offer and extend services to patients. I want to do all I can to remove any fears or suspicions they may have. 

From working in academia and government, I have learned one thing - when doing research, it is so important to have a diverse team. Patients want to see someone that looks like them, can relate to them and most importantly, understand them. Profound Research offers that to the communities we are currently trying to reach and that is a form of INTEGRITY. Having a research team that looks like the population they are serving is so special. 

I am so fortunate to have found a space at Profound Research where I am at peace with the work I am doing. 

To learn more about clinical trials at Profound Research by click here.