In this team member spotlight, we explore Dmitry’s career path with PSI, what he finds most rewarding about his role and career, and the advice he would give those wishing to join our team.
How did you become interested in clinical research, and what motivated you to pursue a career in this field?
Upon completing my medical academy training in 2009 as an MD, I started working in an outpatient clinic. In 2011, the clinic initiated clinical trials, and I played a pivotal role in establishing our study site as a Clinical Trial Coordinator. Engaging in phase II-IV studies across diverse medical disciplines such as infectious diseases, pulmonology, endocrinology, urology, and cardiology, I undertook a wide array of on-site responsibilities.
Simultaneously, my passion for programming blossomed, leading me to attain a Master’s degree in Mathematical Support and Administration of Information Systems in 2019. That was the point when I decided to move to a sphere where all my knowledge – medicine, clinical trials, and computer science, could be combined. Consequently, I made the decision to transition to the industry, specifically exploring roles with Clinical Research Organizations (CROs). My choice was guided by the positive experiences with PSI CRO, a company with whom our clinic had collaborated on a trial, appreciating their exceptional communication, monitoring, and overall support.
Describe your role within PSI, the responsibilities you handle on a day-to-day basis, and how your role impacts a clinical trial?
As an Associate Director, Database Development, my primary responsibility is to effectively organize the work of the team of database developers, focusing on meeting the timelines, high-quality requirements for our outputs, and strict industry regulations at the same time, which is sometimes challenging. My team aims to ensure the integrity and accuracy of data collected throughout clinical trials. Recognizing that the success of any trial hinges on the quality of its data, we encompass various tasks aimed at meticulously managing and organizing this vital information. This involves adhering to industry standards and regulations while devising strategies for efficient data collection, review, cleaning, reporting, and transformation.
Additionally, I oversee the development of databases that comply with industry standards, ensuring seamless analysis and submission to regulatory bodies. Collaborating closely with database developers, I facilitate Electronic Data Capture (EDC) setups, negotiate data transfer specifications with vendors, and program reports essential for expediting the data review process.
Moreover, I am deeply involved in programming data transformations to produce final databases that conform to industry standards. These tasks demand not only technical expertise but also a comprehensive understanding of study protocols and processes. Given the substantial level of responsibility involved, I draw upon my medical background and prior experience in clinical trials to excel in this role. By leveraging my unique skill set, I contribute to the success of clinical trials and ultimately benefit our clients.
How have you grown in your career at PSI?
Since joining PSI’s Data Management Department as a Database Developer in 2019, my career has experienced significant growth. The exceptional training provided by the dynamic database development team has been instrumental in my professional development. Their approachability and willingness to share their wealth of experience fostered a collaborative and friendly atmosphere. As a result of our collective achievements, I was promoted to Senior Database Developer in 2021 and later in 2024 to Associate Director, Database Development. This new role involves line management and task management in our expanding team, presenting me with exciting new challenges.
What aspects of PSI’s culture do you appreciate the most, and how do they contribute to your overall job satisfaction?
One of the aspects of PSI’s culture that I greatly appreciate is the sense of being part of a larger family. This fosters an environment of openness, motivation, and drive within our team, comprised of high-level professionals dedicated to achieving goals for our clients and internal users, ultimately benefiting our patients. Despite being a sizable organization, PSI isn’t so large that individuals get lost or feel invisible; each employee’s contribution matters and is valued. This sense of belonging and recognition significantly contributes to my overall job satisfaction.
What do you find most rewarding about your career at PSI and what advice would you give to someone looking to join our team?
What I find most rewarding about my career at PSI is the exceptional corporate culture that prioritizes collaboration and teamwork. The abundance of opportunities for professional growth is remarkable, allowing individuals to continually expand their knowledge in a vast and boundless field.
For those considering joining our team, PSI offers an excellent platform for starting and advancing your career in the industry. While you may encounter challenges, rest assured that a supportive network is readily available to help. Though the journey may be demanding, the rewards are undeniably fulfilling, making your experience at PSI a valuable and enriching chapter in your professional development.
Interested in taking the next step in your career? Discover what makes PSI so unique and explore our open job opportunities.
