Clinical trials are the backbone of medical progress, but behind every trial is someone who makes participation possible.
At Mercy Health, one such person is Von Roodenburg, Clinical Trial Coordinator and passionate advocate for women’s health research.
Von’s role is pivotal in recruiting patients for national and international studies that aim to improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Among these are the C*STEROID trial, which investigates the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections for women undergoing planned caesarean sections later in pregnancy, and the PROTECT Me trial, exploring whether melatonin supplementation can protect the brains of babies affected by fetal growth restriction.
Recruitment is far from straightforward. It requires empathy, clear communication and respect for every decision. “The hardest thing is explaining concepts like placebos to women who may have limited health literacy,” Von says. Yet she has seen firsthand the altruism of participants, including those facing heartbreaking circumstances. “Often it’s the women who’ve gone through the hardest stuff who are most interested in being in trials.”
Von’s work reflects Mercy Health’s growing commitment to embedding research into clinical culture. By supporting clinicians and patients through the process, she ensures that research is not an afterthought but an integral part of care. Looking ahead, Von is excited about new trials and streamlined ethics processes that will make participation easier.
Read the full story in Mercy Health’s 2024 Research Report
