Every few weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from an OrthoCarolina Research Institute (OCRI) team member. The work our staff does on a daily basis is what moves research forward and ultimately improves patient care. We are grateful for their hard work and excited for you to get to know the people that run this research institute. Last time, you met Registry Manager, James Lastra. Now, this week we’d like to introduce you to one of our invaluable research coordinators…
Meet Lauren Bower, one of our Spine Clinical Research Coordinators.
Lauren facilitates orthopedic clinical trials and investigator-initiated studies related to spine pathologies. Her work helps advance healthcare and provides patients with the newest treatment options for the best surgical outcomes possible. Through her work as a clinical research coordinator, Lauren meets with patients for research screening and follow up appointments as it relates to ongoing spine research studies.
Let’s get to know Lauren outside of the clinic walls…
Q: How long have you been with OCRI?
A: Just over 1.5 years
Q: What’s something you’re currently working on that particularly excites or interests you?
A: One study I’ve been working on is for a basivertebral nerve ablation procedure for patients with chronic low back pain. This study has been particularly rewarding because patients who had undergone several conservative treatment options for their pain were presented with a new therapy. Most of these patients had been in chronic pain for several years and had given up on finding long-term relief.
Not only did the nerve ablation procedure help relieve symptoms for these patients enrolled in the study, but it is also now available and being performed outside of the research study as a treatment option for all eligible OrthoCarolina patients.
Q: What do you do for fun outside of work?
A: My number one hobby right now is playing with my 9 month old son. I love watching him learn and grow each day and seeing his face light up when he achieves something new.
Back
