Over the weekend, members from Scottish Rite Hospital’s research team attended the 26th annual Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) conference in Orlando, Florida. SOCRA is an internationally recognized organization committed to providing education, certification and networking opportunities for clinical research professionals.

The organization has developed a certification program to bring a standard of education, experience and knowledge to the clinical research community. Several of the hospital’s research coordinators are Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP), which designates them as experts in their respective areas of research. The hospital’s Director of Clinical Orthopedic Research, Adriana De La Rocha, Ph.D., CCRP, sees great value in her staff being a part of this prestigious group. “SOCRA provides continued education and an opportunity for research professionals to learn from colleagues from various backgrounds,” says De La Rocha. “I am proud of our team’s dedication to research and education, which ultimately advances the care given to our patients.”

Research coordinators Terri Beckwith, MPH, CCRP, and Meghan Wassell, CCRP, represented the hospital at the 2017 SOCRA conference. Both were selected to make presentations on their respective research. The submitted poster presentations were evaluated on content, design aesthetic, oral presentation and impact to clinical research. Beckwith won the SOCRA 2017 Special Recognition Award for Clinical Trials for her work on infantile developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Her study highlights patients who have ultrasonic dysplasia, a type of mild DDH, who are treated with a Pavlik harness versus those who were observed.

The various conferences the hospital attends allows staff to not only share their knowledge, but also learn from healthcare professionals from around the world. It is an honor for hospital staff to have the opportunity to present their work on an international stage. Scottish Rite Hospital’s commitment to education and research provides a strong foundation to bring the best care to children with orthopedic conditions.