Shannon Savine, is a clinical trials coordinator in the Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic, where she primarily works on diabetes studies. Shannon joined the CUH family in 2012 after completing her A levels. Here she tells us more about her time at CUH.
What is your name and your role in our hospitals?
Hi, I'm Shannon Savine, clinical trials coordinator in the Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic. I work primarily on diabetes studies, but am also involved in metabolic and endocrine research.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working on a different array of studies and meeting new people who volunteer their time to participate in research.
Tell us a bit about your CUH journey.
I joined CUH on the Wednesday 10th October 2012 as an admin apprentice in the Wolfson Diabetes and Endocrine Clinic. I then went on to work as a research admin assistant and then a research administrator and trials assistant within the same team. Then in 2020 I started my current role as a clinical trials coordinator with the same team.
Why you like working at CUH?
I like working for CUH because of the work I do, and the patients I do it for.
How did you come to work at CUH? Did you work elsewhere before joining the CUH team?
Starting at CUH was my first full-time job after finishing my A-Levels. I didn’t want to go to university as I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do. I liked the idea of working at CUH as I knew there would be more opportunities to have a varied career, and to progress based on experience rather than education.
Where did you train?
I didn't have formal training before starting my role, but I have learnt a lot over the last 10 years and along the way I've attended various courses to build my knowledge base.
What does a usual day look like for you?
My days vary greatly as I’m lucky enough to still be in a position to work from home a couple of days a week – this is when I can get my admin done.
When I’m in the office, I get in early and set up for the day ahead. Normally I have a list of patients lined up to see for study visits where I will perform protocol specific procedures. I work side-by-side with clinical nurse specialists and dietitians to run clinical trials efficiently within the Diabetes and Endocrine department.
How do you feel your role benefits our patients?
I think my role helps to benefit patients because it gives them opportunity to participate, and try something new, which might potentially change their life.
Finally, tell us about a case study/experience at CUH that really stands out to you.
I've worked on a variety of studies throughout my career at CUH. From medical devices looking at the efficacy of glucose monitoring devices in people with diabetes, to Investigational Medicinal Products aimed at weight loss in people living with obesity.
Studies I have worked on have gone on to influence the standard practice of healthcare that is provided to patients across the country.