A colourful thank-you card sits on Sulagna Sarker’s desk. The note inside, from the daughter of a patient, offers appreciation for her kindness over the years.
Since joining Sunnybrook’s Schulich Heart Program in 2014 as a clinical trial coordinator, Sulagna estimates she has met around 400 patients and their family members.
Together with her colleagues Mary Li and Sara Jabeen, the trio are part of the Schulich Clinical Trials unit that runs numerous investigational trials aimed at preventing, detecting and treating some of the most complex cardiac conditions.
It’s no small task. Sunnybrook’s Schulich Heart Centre currently has 32 trials running. From ethics submission, legal contract, budget, recruitment, to consent and enrolment, data entry and management, audit, to follow-up visits, study completion, the role is both critical and, according to Sulagna, very fulfilling.
“There is a lot of trust placed in us, from both patients, their families and the clinical team,” says Sulagna. “Some of these trials can run up to more than ten years, with numerous in-person visits and tests. I really get to know patients and their loved ones.”
Underlying her work, and that of the research team, is the knowledge that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Canada.
From left to right: Sara Jabeen, Sulagna and Mary Li, members of the Schulich Clinical Trials unit.
“It’s gratifying to play a part in the clinical trials process. The entire heart team are so collaborative, with everyone having an open door and willing to hear our feedback. At the back of my mind is the knowledge that these trials will determine if new tests and treatment work and are safe. Lives will be truly be changed,” adds Sulagna.
Clinician-researchers, like Dr. Sheldon Singh, Lead of Clinical Trials Unit in the Schulich Heart Program, say clinical trial coordinators are the backbone of research at Sunnybrook.
“Clinical trial coordinators have a dual role of empowering Sunnybrook’s cardiologists to study cutting-edge technologies and drugs, while also working closely with patient participants to ensure they understand the implications and stay safe. We are lucky to have a team that do a great job fulfilling these very important responsibilities,” says Dr. Singh.
For Sulagna, the highlight of her work has been the relationships she has built. She hears about patients’ milestones, like weddings, births and funerals.
“I’m playing a role within a highly collaborative team, and one that will ultimately help to improve cardiac care for patients. I’m very lucky,” says Sulagna.
