Perron Institute Clinical Trials Administrator Krys Hiscock switched from lab science to nursing at university after recognising she enjoys interacting with people.
“Every day I meet wonderful people from various backgrounds,” she said. “Work is always interesting and no two days are the same.
“It is rewarding to see improvement in a patient’s quality of life on a day-to-day basis and realise that it is directly related to the care we give.”
Krys also works as a Project Manager at Affinity Clinical Research Services since 2016.
Before joining the Institute, Krys worked at the Perth Blood Institute as a Senior Clinical Research Coordinator, and at Linear and Royal Perth Hospital as a Clinical Research Nurse. She has spent time nursing in London, UK at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, and as a Clinical Trials Coordinator in Houston, Texas.
“Working in the Perron Institute clinic has allowed me to share my knowledge and experience with new research professionals, and work with some great and very smart people.
“Providing a clinical trials unit as part of the clinical service enables us to better assess the research that could impact our patients most.
“The clinical trials team at the Perron Institute is full of first-rate people, which is a direct result of our manager, Sue Walters. Sue leads by example and genuinely wants everyone in her team to be their best. She provides many opportunities for growth and shares her knowledge willingly.
“The whole team has been very welcoming and supportive. It’s great to be part of a team that helps each other to succeed.
“One of the highlights of my career so far is the first time I saw a drug prescribed in clinical practice after being involved in the clinical trials that led to it being marketed and available for people.
“Seeing research translated into clinical practice makes the hard work worthwhile.
“My advice for students, young researchers and clinical staff is to remember your ‘why’. It can be easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day complexities, which can turn into negativity. Remembering why you are doing what you are doing helps you get through the tough times.”
In her spare time, Krys loves reading, hiking, swimming and travelling. “I recently spent time in Egypt which has been on my bucket list for years. We met some amazing people and tried lots of delicious food. Floating down the Nile and seeing pyramids built thousands of years ago helped put life in perspective.”