paerkiatwork

Here I Am (1 of 2)

2010-08-13T10:28:00.008-04:00

I’ve been debating on whether or not to write the following, and after careful consideration I’ve decided to go ahead with my first thought, which is to reintroduce former colleagues and potential employers to me, and let all know I am seriously looking to reenter the workforce after a three-year absence.

My goals are simple, to let you know who I am, where I’ve been, what I’ve been doing and what I am looking to do now and in the future. I hope you see a strong and confident candidate who brings with him a diverse background and an eagerness to work. I am confident in my skills, organization and creativity, and I am hopeful I can share all of this with my next employer, and I am hoping that will be you. Thank you for taking the time to read the following. - Paul Eric Kilmon (paerki)

I am one of the many people looking for employment. There are some who are just graduating from school and looking for their first professional job. Others have lost a job due to a troubled economy.

My situation is a bit different. I am someone who is looking to reenter the workforce after three years out of the daily grind. I resigned from a project management position in clinical research in October of 2007. The position I left was one I loved and thrived in.

Prior to this position I was living in Phoenix, Arizona, when I received a call from, Dr. Yataco, who was my coworker at Innovative Medical Research (IMR). He had opened his own clinical research firm, International Research Center (IRC) in early 2000, and was looking for me to come on board as a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, a position I held at IMR prior to my moving to Phoenix.

Regardless of Dr. Yataco knowing and understanding my work ethic (which by the way, centers around organization and knowing that every employee has value and something positive to offer), I had to interview, and he soon discovered nothing had changed in my outlook or how I approached work. Just like my life, I look at work as something I just don’t have to do to survive, but something I want to do. It’s another way for me to connect with people, be creative, learn and more importantly, grow.

My time at IRC came to an end as a result of illness. I have always been a healthy person (a responsible eater and a promoter of exercise). Months prior to leaving IRC I had some serious health challenges that left me exhausted and, sadly, seriously ill. I had been under a doctor's care prior to leaving, but there was little assurance that what I was dealing with would be resolved in the near future.

The position I held at IRC was demanding, intense and required long hours and much travel. I was devoted to my job, giving much more than was needed, and I realized with the health challenges there was no way for me to continue without subjecting my body to even more despair. It was time for me to recover and that, my friends, was a sad day, but nevertheless the right thing to do for both parties involved.

It would take close to two years for me to figure out just what was wrong. After numerous misdiagnoses, inconclusive tests and an often insensitive medical system that I’m convinced doesn’t always favor the patient, I discovered I have celiac disease.

After discovering that gluten was my nemesis, my life changed. By simply avoiding gluten, my horrific symptoms became less and less and eventually disappeared. As the symptoms left, I became stronger. I finally found the way back to me, healthy Paul. I wish this journey on no one, not even my worst enemy (Actually, I have none). Through it all, I learned more than I thought I ever could. I learned about friendship, grace, resilience, the real reason why we need to be organized, and why we need to tap into our creativity from time to time if we want to survive in a world where anything is possible and nothing is guaranteed.

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Here I Am (2 of 2)

2010-08-13T10:15:00.007-04:00

I’ve always known I was a good person, capable and resilient. I don’t believe I needed this test. Maybe someone else did. I have worked in healthcare most of my life, and I have always believed myself to be a great caregiver, nurturing coworker and a strong advocate for those less fortunate, especially those challenged by disease. However, I believe I am even more so now. No one should ever be sick, but I do believe there are some in healthcare (doctors, nurses and others) who need to see how the other half lives, so that they can appreciate their own life and lives of the people they are trying to make better. Many of us have a habit of getting caught up in life without taking time out to breathe and chill. I’m here to tell you to do both, because the consequences can be deadly.

During this past year, as I've avoided gluten and become more aware of everything I eat, I’ve been getting back to the business of my life and looking at the new possibilities that are on the horizon. I do as I’ve always done, taking care of my mind, body and spirit through appropriate foods and daily regimen of exercise. I attend lectures at the local universities, volunteer and commit to my many hobbies and interests that really do keep the total me in perfect balance.

However, the one thing missing that I gain so much energy from is work. After what I’ve been through, it’s almost impossible to tell you how much I am looking forward to returning to a job. That sense of accomplishment, team spirit, even those ups and downs, and making it all work in the end are exciting to me and always have been.

Unlike most people, I am not limiting myself to any particular area or job of interest. I am looking for positions that speak to me, which I hope will allow for some creativity and growth. I’ve attached myself to the motto “no job is too small,” and I’m going to stay with that. I am open to all possibilities, which might mean going back into my area of expertise – clinical research or a related healthcare field -- or maybe trying an entry-level position in a totally new area. With this troubled economy, any job is looking pretty good to me – LOL (but totally serious).

I am also looking into going back to school. However, it would be nice to have a job to do this, especially one where my employer can help supplement this endeavor. I’m also considering freelance work or temporary assignments, where an employer and I can try each other on for size, to see if this partnership works for both sides. I was recently thinking, it would be nice to find a few companies in other states who need temporary employees, that are looking to provide travel, housing and wages for brief assignments. That would be cool, and of course a win/win situation for me and the employer. The possibilities are endless...

So here I am, another unemployed person attempting to sell myself, and if you have any interest, please, contact me via email: paerki@aim.com or by phone: 443.739.2518. I look forward to hearing from you.

In closing, I’m a healthy, active person who is ready to work again. I took an unplanned detour to discovery, which became one of the most horrific challenges of my life, but I made it through, and know that if you have a monkey on your back you can do the same. Just like the organization, creativity and ingenuity I’ve applied to all of my jobs in the past, I applied this to my personal challenge. My tried and tested abilities worked for me before, and will certainly work for me in the future. Here’s to the many, who are like me, taking it one day at a time and never giving up, eager for the next chapter to begin.

A Job Seeker's Message

2010-07-01T10:00:00.006-04:00

I am currently looking to reenter the workforce. I resigned from a clinical research position in October of 2007. During my time off I have done personal travel, read, attended lectures, volunteered, worked in my garden and enjoyed other interests that stimulated my mind, body and spirit. Now it is time to get back to work.

The best position for me is one where I can support a company, its leadership and team with what I do best and that is working hard to accomplish goals that lead to a job well done, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a company’s success. In today’s economy it is important for everyone to realize that no job is too small, everyone matters and that all of us must work together for the greater good.

I enjoy working and do it very well. I am very thorough about looking at all aspects of the decision making process. So when I agree to a job or project, I give it my all, and then some. I have never been a fair weathered employee. All of my jobs, regardless of the challenge, have been embraced with hard work, determination, discipline, dedication and devotion.

I have a diverse employment history that can be helpful to any company, performing any job. I am not limiting myself to the medical profession, or to any one area of the healthcare field. While I have spent a great deal of time learning, defining and parlaying clinical research into a career, I am experienced in many areas in and outside of the healthcare industry. At this point in my life I am looking for a job that speaks to me, which might lead me down a new career path. I am looking for full-time employment, but would also like to be considered for part-time positions, as well as volunteer work. I will consider relocating to another state or travel abroad depending on the circumstances.

Some may consider me overqualified for some of the positions for which I am responding. However, I hope you will see a conscientious employee with strong skills, and a proven track record, applying for jobs that he can do well, and do with pride.

I have a friendly personality. I appreciate laughter. Friends, coworkers and supervisors describe me as a team player, outgoing, creative, energetic, kind, considerate, practical, confident and self-motivated. I am highly organized and able to look at situations and determine my role and responsibilities. I work at a pace that is above average. I am a big fan of constructive criticism and encourage this type of conversation, as this leads to personal growth.

You can learn more about me by accessing the links at the top of this blog. Please access my "Main Blog" to learn more about me as it pertains to my creativity, organization and character.

In closing, I hope you will see a person that has a diverse set of skills that can be helpful to anyone in need of a quality employee. You can contact me via phone at 443.739.2518 or by email at paerki@hotmail.com. Thank you. - paerki

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Professional Experience (1 of 4)

2010-07-01T09:30:00.012-04:00

Project Manager / CRC
International Research Center - Towson, MD.
May 2005 to October 2007

I was hired as a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, and promoted to Project Manager after one year. I was responsible for the coordination of several trials; phase I-IV in the areas of Psychiatry (Schizophrenia & Bipolar Disorder in adults and adolescents), Neurology (Alzheimer’s & Dementia), as well as two trials for Hypertension and one for Osteoarthritis of the knee. As a coordinator I performed all required study related procedures beginning with site selection, to the initiation visit, to the visit-to-visit care of each patient/volunteer (consenting, obtaining medical histories, phlebotomy, etc.), and finally trial closeout, which included post query resolution. As a Project Manager, I supervised, educated and followed up with staff on compliance, regulatory and quality assurance directives. My principal focus was quality data management. I set the precedent for internal audits (performing random inspections of charts, drug, etc.) of all staff coordinating trials, and I was lead contact for sponsor-related audits, as well as those conducted by the FDA. I managed a newly opened clinical research unit for 5 months prior to my departure. I exceeded my goals and achieved a high level of quality as demonstrated by my strong organizational skills and my yearly evaluations. (Please select the following link to see a detailed description of my specific abilities: Skills)

Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
Innovative Medical Research / an Advance PCS Company - Towson, MD.
July 1999 to May 2003

I began my employment as a Clinical Research Coordinator and was promoted to Senior Coordinator after 16 months. My primary focus was supervising multiple trials for Hypertension, Diabetes (Neuropathy), Mild Cognitive Impairment, Headache (Menstrual, Tension & Migraine), and Vaccine Research. I fulfilled all the roles and responsibilities required by a CRC, beginning with the site initiation visit, to the visit-to-visit care of each patient/volunteer (consenting, obtaining medical histories, phlebotomy, etc.), and finally the closeout visit, which included post query resolution. I was the primary contact for all in-house audits conducted by the sponsor and those initiated by the FDA. We had a call center that performed recruitment. However, after this area of the company was closed, I created and edited recruitment scripts. In addition, I performed in-house monitoring prior to the CRA visiting the site. I was responsible for training new staff, which resulted in my developing a time management tool to track employee performance. I traveled to most investigator meetings to allow me to fully educate and train staff on all aspects of each study. IMR closed its offices, and I was asked to stay on board to manage site activities, which included seeing the remaining patients/volunteer for their visits. I was also responsible for archiving all past/current study documents (CRFs, regulatory documents, etc.) for greater than 100 studies. (Please select the following link to see a detailed description of my specific abilities: Skills)

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Professional Experience (2 of 4)

2010-07-01T09:29:00.006-04:00

Administrator
Scirex Corporation - Cockeysville, MD.
October 1998 to June 1999

As an Administrator I worked closely with the site director as an assistant supervisor of the clinical research team, which consisted of 12 employees (nurses, laboratory technicians and phlebotomists). My goal was to share the responsibilities of managing the day-to-day operations of a clinical research organization. Much of my time was spent developing and implementing office systems and procedures, as well coordinating communication between our site and the company headquarters in Austin, Texas. I used Excel to create spreadsheets so that I could track budgets and expenses. Other responsibilities included creating print advertisements for clinical research trials. One of my principal goals was creating standardized documents/forms for collecting research data, which also included graphs and flowcharts to monitor overall progress of the center, and of each employee. I, along with the director, created laboratory reference and policy/procedure manuals. To keep up my clinical skills, I would assist staff in all phases of clinical research trials (recruiting, consenting, transcribing data, creating source documents, phlebotomy, insertion of hep-locks for PK studies, etc.).

Laboratory Technician / Phlebotomist
Johns Hopkins Bayview Physicians / AC Laboratory - Baltimore, MD.
January 1996 to October 1998

My primary focus was working as a Laboratory Technician in accessioning, processing specimens for testing, as well as adhering to specific guidelines for preparing samples that were being sent to reference laboratories. I performed simple laboratory test (U/A, RPR, FOBT, etc.). Upon request, I worked as an evening supervisor. Much of my time was spent working with data: processing, editing, reviewing and sharing the results with clients, as well as processing queries. I problem-solved computer software/hardware problems. In addition, I maintained quality control records. As a Phlebotomist I worked in an outpatient blood drawing center collecting samples from seniors, teens and pediatric clients. However, the emphasis was on adults.

Front Desk Manager
St. Paul at Chase Condominium - Baltimore, MD.
November 1992 to December 1995

I was responsible for managing the front desk of a 242-unit condominium tower (216 residential units, with 16 professional offices). I greeted residents and guests, as well as the general public. I monitored 6 surveillance cameras. In addition, I performed clerical duties (typing correspondence, filing and mailings).

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Professional Experience (3 of 4)

2010-07-01T09:26:00.005-04:00

Manager
Midtown Tanning Salon - Baltimore, MD.
July 1994 to December 1995

I was hired as a Retail Sales Clerk, promoting products and selling memberships. Three months into the position I was promoted to Manager of two employees. My main responsibility was supervising and training, and creating spreadsheets for tracking sales and inventory. In addition, I created advertisements and marketing promotions.

Laboratory Technician / Phlebotomist
Northwest Hospital Center - Baltimore, MD.
September 1989 to December 1991

My primary responsibility was phlebotomy, performed on seniors, teens, and pediatric patients. However, clients were predominately adult. I collected blood from patients in the emergency room, ICU, CCU, outpatient clinic and patient floors. Most of the samples collected were for pre-admission and post-op testing (sometimes with specific requirements: blood cultures, clotting/bleeding time tests, etc). My laboratory responsibilities required processing units for in-house testing, as well as for sending to reference laboratories. In addition, I collected and processed large quantities of patient information and performed data entry.

Laboratory Technician
American Red Cross - Baltimore, MD.
June 1989 to September 1989

My principal duties were to perform accessioning of blood samples brought into the laboratory by couriers. This task includes coding, aliquoting and storage. I reviewed data and entered results into multiple databases. I maintained Q/A records. Another primary focus was to prepare reagents for the medical technologist, as well as track inventory.

Clinical Research Assistant
Johns Hopkins University, Center for Immunization Research - Baltimore, MD.
February 1986 to June 1989

My clinical background began at the Johns Hopkins University. I was hired as a Clerk; within six months I was promoted to Research Technician, and shortly after elevated to Clinical Research Assistant. My primary responsibilities were to coordinate clinical research trials funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). I worked on phase I - vaccine research for influenza/rotavirus (in the form of nose drops). I also contributed to a few pharmaceutical studies, as well as hepatitis and AIDS vaccine research. (Please select the following link to see a detailed description of my specific abilities: Skills. Check out the following links to see the publications from the vaccine research: Flu 1, Flu 2 and Rotavirus)

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Professional Experience (4 of 4)

2010-07-01T09:24:00.004-04:00

Clinical Assistant / Phlebotomist
Kimberly Quality Healthcare - Pasadena, MD.
June 1987 to September 1987

My primary responsibility was phlebotomy (processing >100 patients/volunteers daily). Afterwards, I would process the samples: coding, centrifuging, aliquoting, packing and shipping. The samples were collected for a research project conducted with the help of United States Army. As a Clinical Assistant, I complied and performed data entry.

Assistant to Reading Coordinator / Receptionist
Essex Community College - Essex, MD.
June 1984 to December 1986

I assisted the reading coordinator with implementing reading programs for college students. I conducted placement testing for new students entering the college (English: reading & comprehension). I coordinated class schedules, executed lesson plans for professors, created activity packets for students and managed inventory. I worked as a receptionist with the Human Development Division, responding to calls on a multi-line console, which included communicating college course programs and other information to students. In addition, I transcribed counseling sessions for two counselors, as well as typed daily correspondence and filed confidential documents.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Significant experience through on-the-job training, lectures, reading, seminars and conferences:

Management Conference - Innovative Medical Research, Towson, MD. November 1999
Clinical Research Conference - Innovative Medical Research, Towson, MD. November 1999
Management Conference - SCIREX Corporation, Austin, TX. March 1999

ASSOCIATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS

Association of Clinical Research Professionals - No. 87214
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians - No. 681023951068
CPR American Heart Association - Expires: December 2009

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Selected Abilities

2010-07-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

Administrative: reviewing and editing data; writing and editing personal/business documents using Microsoft Word & Excel; performing web searches; data entry; training individuals on a variety of computer software programs/hardware devices; answering calls on a multi-line telephone console; advanced experience using a variety of office equipment; scheduling; retail sales.

Laboratory: collecting, processing, coding, aliquoting and storage of blood specimens from research participants, as well as adult and pediatric phlebotomy in emergency rooms, ICU, CCU, outpatient clinics, and routine patient floors; collection, preparation and testing of throat and nasal cultures, pregnancy test, U/A and Urine cultures, as well as simple lab test: RPRs, Drug Screens, Cholesterol, A1C, CBCs, Glucose; IV insertion/HepLocks for PK studies; reagent preparation; data entry and analysis; maintenance of laboratory (sterilization of instruments, inventory, ordering supplies and equipment); maintenance of Q/A records; review of laboratory results and answering questions relating to tests and results.

Clinical Research: preparation and maintenance of regulatory documents; creating source and CRF documents, performing Q/A; transcription of CRFs (paper/database); performing clinical assessments (cognitive testing – CogFu, ADAS Cog, Mini Mental and computerized cognitive testing); evaluations and testing on research study participants (medical histories, vitals, EKGs, laboratory tests, neurological tests); lead coordinator of phase I – IV trials (beginning with the pre-site visit and ending with the closeout visit), as well as long-term storage of study documents; consenting and educating subjects on all aspects of research trials; writing recruitment scripts, FAQs, advertisements and public service announcements; documenting AEs and SAEs, as well as reporting to Investigators, Sponsors and IRB; tracking enrollment; recruitment; training individuals on take home diaries and medication usage; lead contact for internal, sponsor and FDA audits; tracking and completing queries.

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Clinical Research (Background)

2010-07-01T08:30:00.001-04:00

My background in healthcare is very broad, beginning as a Clinical Research Assistant and reaching the level of Project Manager. I have managed multiple research trials, as well as people. My professional experience includes working with academic, government and medical institutions, as well as national private research firms.

My interests in research began at The Johns Hopkins University, assisting in the development of an immunization clinic. I later worked on a National Institutes of Health (NIH) - funded program at the Center for Immunization Research (CIR), coordinating phase I in-patient Influenza trials with a nasal- administered vaccine. I also worked on phase II and III drug studies. I acquired significant knowledge of regulatory procedures while working with multiple IRBs.

My focus on clinical experience and business included positions as a Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomist, and Clinical Assistant, as well as general business and sales/service opportunities, which provided valuable leadership and managerial skills.

While at The Johns Hopkins Bayview Ambulatory Care Laboratory, I began to center my career focus on research, while working on a two-month research grant, developing marketing plans and advertisements, forms and other administrative/clinical materials. I was soon hired by Scirex Corporation as an Administrator, where administrative and clinical areas coalesced, leading to an opportunity to join Innovative Medical Research (IMR) as a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator. I began by working on only one research trial, but the position soon grew to include coordination of multiple trials in several different disease areas, as well as management of the clinical research team.

A few years later I joined the International Research Center (IRC) as a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator. Shortly, after I was promoted to Project Manager. I was responsible for multiple projects (Phase I-IV). My main focus was Psychiatric Research.

I have had yearly training on HIPAA, OSHA and GCP guidelines, policies and procedures. I have served as the lead contact on 4 FDA audits and 12 internal sponsor audits, successfully responding to all inquiries.

I am a team player, recognized for superior organizations skills. I have coordinated multiple projects in a variety of different disease areas. I am a creative thinker, dependable with an energetic personality. I am successful at evaluating challenges, formulating solutions and implementing effective change.

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Clinical Research: Trials Coordinated (1 of 2)

2010-07-01T08:00:00.005-04:00

A double blind, placebo-controlled, pilot investigation of an anti-seizure medication in the treatment of psychosis in subjects with dementia. 2005

A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, active controlled, multi-center trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel dual PPAR alpha/gamma agonist compared to a TSD in subjects with type 2 diabetes who have inadequate glycemic control. 2005

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study to explore the efficacy and safety of a atypical antipsychotic, long acting intra-muscular injectible in the prevention of mood episodes in bipolar I disorder, with open-label extension. 2005

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, dose-response study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3 fixed doses of a novel atypical antipsychotic agent in subjects with schizophrenia. 2005

An open-label, parallel, randomized study to explore the in vitro / in vivo correlation of a novel atypical antipsychotic long-acting formulations and the comparability of two different formulations of varying particle size in subjects with schizophrenia. 2005

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a triptan nasal spray in patients with moderate to severe migraine headache. 2002

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a glutamate receptor antagonist in patients with mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer’s Type. 2002

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study to evaluate acetaminophen in the acute and pre-emptive treatment of headaches associated with aggrenox. 2002

A 20-week, multi-center, randomized, double-blind placebo controlled, preliminary study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two fixed doses of a cholinesterase inhibitor in migraine prophylaxis. 2002

A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a cholinesterase inhibitor in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) clinically at risk for development of probable Alzheimer’s disease. 2001

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Clinical Research: Trials Coordinated (2 of 2)

2010-07-01T07:59:00.006-04:00

A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group trial to assess the efficacy and safety of an anti-epileptic in the prophylaxis of migraine. 2001

A multi-center, randomized, double blind placebo controlled parallel group trial to assess the efficacy of a triptan in the acute treatment of a migraine during the mild intensity phase of an attack in patients highly disabled by migraine. 2001

A double blind, placebo controlled, two attack cross-over study to assess the efficacy of a triptan in the acute treatment for mild migraine headache. 2001

An open-label evaluation of the long-term safety of a 5HT, receptor agonist as short-term prophylactic treatment for menstrually associated migraine. 2001

A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled single, crossover study to compare effects of two medications used to treat overactive bladder and placebo on cognitive function in healthy elderly subjects. 2001

A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, single dose, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of a combination medication in subjects with acute migraine attacks. 2001

An OTC plus sinus medication vs. OTC vs. triptan in migraine headache study. 2001

A double blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of Amantadine in the prevention and treatment of Influenza A. 1988

A four-year study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health on the safety and efficacy of an influenza vaccine in the form on Nose Drops in Children and Adults. 1987 –1989

A four-year study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health on the safety and efficacy of a rotavirus vaccine in children and adults. 1987 –1989

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