At mdgroup, clinical research is more than a profession — it’s personal. Why We Care is a series of real-life stories from our team, sharing how clinical trials have touched their own lives, families, and communities. These experiences drive our passion for delivering remarkable patient-centric solutions and reinforce why we’re dedicated to making clinical trials more accessible, compassionate, and human.
Every story is a reminder that behind every data point is a person, and behind every treatment breakthrough is hope.
For Brittany Haltzman-Cassenti, Senior Global Project Manager at mdgroup, clinical research offered the perfect balance of science, healthcare, and helping others. What started as a college internship grew into a career dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge. Today, she plays a role in helping patients access clinical trials and the support they need throughout their research journey. This is Brittany’s story and why she cares.
“When I attended college at Cedar Crest College, a small women’s college in Allentown, Pennsylvania, I initially planned to study criminal justice and genetic engineering with the goal of working in a crime lab—much like the CSI technicians I had seen on television. As I learned more about those career paths and the realities of the field, I realized my interests were evolving and decided to change direction.
I pursued a degree in Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology, while also taking Anatomy and Physiology alongside nursing students and enrolling in several biology courses. At one point, I considered a pre-med track, but chemistry had never been my strongest subject. Rather than forcing a path that didn’t align with my strengths, I began exploring careers adjacent to medicine. This exploration introduced me to research through coursework and internships. At the time, I did not realize it would ultimately lead to a career in clinical research, but I was intrigued by the opportunity to learn more about science, contribute to meaningful work, and build professional connections.
During my senior year of college, I completed an internship with the Department of Family Medicine at Lehigh Valley Hospital. This experience gave me firsthand exposure to clinical research and allowed me to see its impact on patient care. For the first time, I began to consider clinical research as a long-term career. However, I was still interested in psychology and wanted to better understand where my passions truly lay. To explore that interest, I also worked part-time as a crisis counselor.
Through these experiences, I discovered that I was most fulfilled helping patients through the advancement of medical knowledge and treatment options rather than through direct therapeutic practice. I found that clinical research combined my interests in science, healthcare, and problem-solving while allowing me to contribute to improving patient outcomes. That realization shaped my professional path and remained a driving force as I continued my education through two master’s degree programs and built my career in clinical research also becoming a certified clinical research coordinator.
For the past seven years, I have had the opportunity to do exactly that at mdgroup—solving complex challenges, supporting patient-centered outcomes, and partnering with clients, research sites, and patients to ensure critical study milestones are achieved and clinical trials remain on track.
What we do at mdgroup has the potential to be life-changing for patients and their families. By helping patients access clinical trials, supporting them in their homes, and ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need throughout their study journey, we help remove barriers to participation and make research more accessible. Knowing that our work contributes to advancing treatments and improving lives is incredibly rewarding and continues to reinforce why I chose a career in clinical research.
Additionally, through organizations such as the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), I maintain a strong connection to the clinical research community through networking, professional development, and mentorship opportunities. ACRP provides an invaluable network of professionals who share a common commitment to advancing clinical research and improving patient outcomes through innovation. This connection fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continued growth while strengthening our collective ability to make a meaningful impact in the field.
At its core, clinical research is about people. Every solution we provide, every challenge we overcome, and every patient we support brings us one step closer to developing therapies that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need them most.”
