Parker University is proud to recognize its first Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) graduate, Dr. Deborah Wright, DC, MS.
Parker University’s MSCR degree requires an extensive program of study and research experience designed for researchers and health professionals who plan to oversee clinical trials as investigators, study coordinators, and site managers. The Parker University curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of clinical research methodology, biostatistics, research ethics, and regulatory principles.
For Dr. Wright, choosing Parker University was based on the combination of the people and the program. “Being a full-time clinician and having young kids, I wanted a program that could work around my busy schedule,” Dr. Wright says. “The MSCR program at Parker University fit that bill, but it was really the people that locked me in. When I learned who was running the program and who would be teaching and mentoring me, it was an easy choice.”
Dr. Wright was looking to get into doing research but needed to know more about all the things she didn’t know before setting off. She also wanted to collaborate with the researchers at Parker University who were working and researching in fields that interested her. And the Parker University MSCR program provided her with the perfect opportunity to do both.
After more than 20 years in practice and having completed 20 years of advocacy for her profession (most recently as Chair of the Canadian Chiropractic Association), Dr. Wright sought to add something new and challenging to her already rewarding career. “I have always admired researchers and had the opportunity to work closely with them both in my advocacy positions and as a data collector in my practice for several studies. I wanted to start researching to supplement my clinical role and to be able to contribute meaningfully to this profession in the years to come,” Dr. Wright shares.
When it comes to professional goals and research, Dr. Wright strives to work with exceptional people and help contribute to the vast knowledge base of the chiropractic profession. “I want to contribute to changing the conversation about substantial issues in this field,” she says.
Dr. Wright worked with Dr. Katie Pohlman, Director of Parker University’s Research Center, on a patient safety project for the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) as part of her graduation requirements. Drs. Wright and Pohlman’s work was titled “Patient Safety Culture Research within the Chiropractic Profession: A Scoping Review.”
Dr. Wright says that one of the highlights of working on this patient safety project for the WFC was the team she had the opportunity to work with. She recognizes that she was given a great project and was part of a supportive team that helped guide her along the way. “I want to give a big shout-out to Dr. Pohlman, who answered every insane question that I had with patience and grace. Being able to learn through coursework during this degree and then implement those skills seamlessly in my project was invaluable. It resulted in me being set up perfectly to get the job done,” Dr. Wright says.
Dr. Wright admires that Parker University takes research so seriously and has put together a fantastic team that is doing phenomenal work. She is passionate about shifting the conversation around patient safety in chiropractic. “This project has given me the ability to be involved in this process and to learn from people with such expertise in this field,” she says.
A highlight for Dr. Wright was being given the trust and mandate by her team to present this work to the chiropractic profession at the WFC Biennial Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. “That was my first experience being the presenter of research (not the conference attendee), and it didn’t disappoint,” Dr. Wright shares.
To anyone considering Parker University’s MSCR degree, Dr. Wright says the program prepares students to enter the world of research and connects them with the people who can guide them along the way. “I would also say that you get out of it what you put into it. There are numerous opportunities to connect with others, explore ongoing research, and contribute to projects. Take advantage of it all,” she adds.
Will you be the next Parker University student honored for branching out and taking advantage of the incredible opportunities provided by the university? There is no time like the present.
Learn more about Parker University’s online MSCR program here.
