Last month our Chief Operating Officer, LaQuinta Jernigan, was recognised as a PharmaVoice 100 honoree for her incredible contribution to the pharmaceutical industry, along with many inspiring industry professionals and influencers around the world.
In celebration of LaQuinta’s achievement, visibility as a role model for women in STEM, and everything she does to champion diversity and inclusion, we wanted to acknowledge all the inspirational women who work at mdgroup.
Since mdgroup was founded, we’ve been driven by our collective passion for making a difference to patients’ lives. So, we asked some of the women at mdgroup what they’re most passionate about – professionally and personally.
Meet the women who make a difference at mdgroup
Caroline Jackson
Executive Vice President of Patient Services
I joined mdgroup because I wanted a role where I could have more of a direct impact on clinical trial participants and their caregivers. Patient centricity is at the heart of everything mdgroup does and I am proud to be leading the teams dedicated to ensuring participants have choices in how they take part in trials.
Reading the fantastic feedback we get from sites and participants about the impact our services have had on people is incredibly humbling. I am very proud and appreciative of the team here at mdgroup who ensure that every patient has a positive experience when taking part in clinical trials.
“I am proud to be leading the teams dedicated to ensuring patients have choices in how they take part in clinical trials.”
Outside of work, I’m kept busy with family life but I also ensure I make time for my hobbies and interests – including playing field hockey. I restarted the sport four years ago after a gap of over 25 years and I’ve never regretted it (well apart from a brief moment after most games when I can’t walk!)
It’s often difficult for working parents to prioritise themselves, but in my experience, it’s essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Dian Badran
Head of Commercial Finance
Making the patient experience remarkable is so important – without these amazing people, there would be no clinical trials. I am truly proud to be a part of a business that contributes to advancing medical knowledge and patient care.
Combining my technology and finance background, I really enjoy streamlining and automating processes through the use of tech – and this is all part and parcel of making the patient experience a remarkable one.
“Making the patient experience remarkable is so important – without these amazing people, there would be no clinical trials.”
I love keeping fit outside of work and getting involved in different sporting activities. I take part in charity fundraising events and I’m a big advocate for helping the homeless.
I’ve recently decided to combine my love for sports and charity work to help raise money for research organisations. My first adventure will be boxing for Cancer Research UK in November 2022 and there will be many more to come!
Jennifer Kinnebrew
Contracts Administrator
As a parent of a child who is enrolled in several clinical studies, I understand the need to put patients first. I don’t approach my role as simply reviewing paperwork. I take pride in being sure contracting matters are handled accurately and efficiently with the needs and timelines of patients at the forefront.
“As a parent of a child enrolled in several clinical studies, I understand the need to put patients first.”
I advocate for an Exceptional Children’s program for our local schools. As a mother of four, one who has low vision and another who has a Special Learning Disability, navigating special education services can be difficult.
I help other parents navigate the system, know their rights and provide emotional support through several support groups.
Brittany Haltzman-Cassenti
Senior Global Project Manager
I have a huge passion for helping people. At mdgroup, I do lots of little things to help keep patients and their families comfortable while participating in clinical trials – because the small things we do can make such a big impact on a patient’s experience.
At a distance, I keep working alongside patients for the entire time they’re participating in a study to make sure they complete the necessary milestones.
“It’s important to me to find balance so I can spend quality time with my family and work hard in my career. I’m a strong woman in both my personal and professional life.”
I’m a wife and a mom, and while I don’t want to be just that, I get a lot of excitement from being a mom. I had my daughter in December 2020 and was pregnant for almost the entire pandemic. Since having my daughter, I have a newfound sense of importance around my family – I love watching her grow and learn new things and say new words.
As a mom, it’s important to me to find balance so I can spend quality time with my family as well as work hard in my career. This requires flexibility and juggling, but it allows me to be a strong woman in both my personal and professional life.
