Health Innovators: Lori Fletcher and Amber Beimer, Advanced Clinical
Clinical research is full of challenges, from recruitment to data management to global resourcing. Working with a functional service provider (FSP) can be a great option for meeting these needs. But what exactly is an FSP, and what are the advantages to working with one?
In this interview, brought to you by Advanced Clinical, Programme Directors Lori Fletcher and Amber Beimer speak with pharmaphorum editor-in-chief Jonah Comstock and clear up some misconceptions that FSPs are merely staffing agencies.
Fletcher and Beimer describe how FSPs operate as true partners to biopharma companies, helping them articulate their vision and tailoring the services they provide to the company’s needs. This includes whether the offering is temporary or long term and what services the FSP can help with, be it regulatory support, data management, trial safety, or more.
They discuss how FSPs can free up sponsor companies to focus on the things that are important to them, while maintaining control and oversight over the research activities the FSP teams take on.
FSPs can be particularly helpful when it comes to expanding global reach and doing research in a new region or country a company might be less familiar with, and Fletcher and Beimer get into those benefits as well.
Check out the full video for a deep dive and some tips on working with FSPs and creating effective hybrid strategies for clinical research.
About Advanced Clinical
Advanced Clinical is a clinical development and strategic resourcing organization committed to providing a better clinical experience across the drug development journey. Our goal is to improve the lives of all those touched by clinical research – approaching each opportunity with foresight, character, resilience and innovation. Based on decades of experience, we help our clients achieve better outcomes by conducting candid conversations and anticipating potential issues through our customized solutions. Visit our website to learn more: www.advancedclinical.com.
About the interviewees
Lori has worked in the clinical research industry for 24 years progressing in roles from CRA through Study Management, FSP Line Management, and FSP Program Director. Her TA experience includes oncology, device, biologics, immunology, neurology, transplant, pain management, and respiratory. Lori enjoys tackling challenges in a fast paced FSP environment across several FSP Functional Departments. She oversees program resourcing, finances, risk management, program development, and implementing creative resolutions for client needs. She loves serving as the Point of Contact for her client every day!
Amber Beimer has over 18 years of Clinical Research/Operations industry experience and worked in a management capacity for over 10 years and almost entirely in the FSP space. Her project specific work is mostly in Oncology research with some experience in Ophthalmology, Immunology, Rare Disease, and Healthy Volunteer. Some initiatives that she has led include: building Buddy/Mentor programs, creating framework for career pathing, creating a robust process for project specific training knowledge confirmation, and creation and roll out of performance improvement processes and escalation pathways.
