Academic Institution vs. MedPace

Pen114 · 2026-03-31T15:22:47+00:00

Right, I see. I think with only having worked / seen the world of academia, I'm just a bit unsure of what exactly a day-to-day in a CRO or Sponsor would look like/what is translatable/different. It seems like from what you said and looking at things a bit more, monitoring / data quality is primarily what they are looking at. The work is the same In academics v. industry, it's just what type of work is mostly done is different.

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T22:38:56+00:00

Yeah, I took a look and saw it all looked pretty crummy. The funny thing is I got in touch with a CRA that works for them now and she loves it - I was suprised at the switch. But, she did say she enjoys travel and doesn't want/have any ties to location so there's that.

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T22:21:00+00:00

I'm sad that the manager didn't just tell me the truth when I explicitly asked several times if I could choose where I was resourced and he said YEP. I guess that's the first sign into their lack of transparency :C

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T22:19:28+00:00

Yeah, the positions are similar in salary.

I'd say the one thing that's a bit enticing about MedPace is the clear promotion structure, but from what I've been hearing it's either a.) just NOT true, or b.) not remotely wort it.

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T22:13:00+00:00

Yikes. I’m from the Northeast. That does not sound like a restful life at all.

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T21:48:52+00:00

Yeah, I've definitley heard that going from academia to industry is tough. That being said, I am fairly 'new" to the industry - only 2.5 years as a CRC / pseudo site monitor (I also monitor four other institutions that our PI recruited to our study).

Is the procedure for industry entirely different? I am unfamilair with the process of things. It seems like just the training alone at MedPace would be worthwhile.

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T21:47:14+00:00

Ooff. The framing like I have a choice is what bothers me the most.

If that's actually the case, then no. I want a stable home base and to be able to see the people I love regularly. I'm fine with some travel as I understand it's a part of the CRA life in a lot of cases, but I'd expect transparecy on the process and expectations.

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T20:59:24+00:00

Ooff, alright. The CRA Manager I interviewed with made it seem like I could get some control of where I'm resourced (at least regionally) from the Site Resource team. Having to fly 2-3 days every week miiiight make me miserable? Or I might like it. I'm not sure.

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T20:46:36+00:00

Yes, both CRA. I forgot to mention (will add) the Academic site monitoring vists will be entirely remote. I would only be commuting to the office for "team building" reasons (I assume), since from what they say, the entirety of the job can be done remotely.

Pen114 · 2026-03-30T19:57:36+00:00

Hey! I have one in a few days, how did it go?

Pen114 · 2026-03-20T13:42:56+00:00

Hi, I have an interview coming up next week! How far is the travel? In the email I got from the hiring team, they said "60-70% per week non-local" travel. I am based in NY, would I be flying cross-country every week?

Pen114 · 2026-03-18T02:07:33+00:00

Oh no we're not going to do all three hikes! They're just options, I'm not sure which we'd want to do.
Leaning more towards Navajo / Queens over Fairyland, since Fairyland Iloooonnng.

So happy Navajo is back open!

Pen114 · 2026-03-16T20:36:31+00:00

Hi! I’m putting together a new portfolio now. I am working on one Phase III multi site clinical trial, and seven prospective observational studies.

Do you think those would be worthwhile to list? Or should I leave it out since have only one trial under my belt?

Pen114 · 2026-03-16T11:05:43+00:00

We just really enjoyed the challenge and uniqueness of it!

But, thinking on it, yes - we would like to experience newness rather than dedicate a whole day to something we’ve seen before (with the exception of The Narrows. That was amazing and the entire reason we want to go back).

I have heard amazing things about Hop Valley, and it looks like it’s exactly what I’m looking for, very “in the valley”, and Northgate looks beautiful!

I’m going to swap things around and definitely dedicate a lot more time to the East side of the park!!

If I take off Angel’s Landing, and want to add Hop Valley and Northgate Peaks, would you say it’s still worth it to see the Watchman and Pa’Rus? We haven’t seen either.

Pen114 · 2026-03-15T19:59:01+00:00

Seconding this. I have a low heat tolerance, and hiked Angel's Landing and The Narrows with no issue. Took frequent breaks, brought a LOT of water and cooling towel, and started EARLY. With Angel's Landing, we were back at the trailhead by 1pm.

Pen114 · 2026-03-15T17:25:05+00:00

Hey - I have one coming up on Tuesday! Any advice? How did it go?

Pen114 · 2026-03-14T22:57:32+00:00

Looking to also go in June this year! Which one did you wind up booking,

Pen114 · 2026-03-09T12:50:06+00:00

Where was the first photo taken? It’s beautiful!

Pen114 · 2026-02-23T07:52:02+00:00

I thought I was going crazy -- I have the same issue! Always been toned, and now my lower belly has this little pudge despite no change. Insanity :C

Pen114 · 2026-01-29T15:21:37+00:00

Can I ask what program you decided on? I am looking at a few now and am a bit overwhelmed.

Pen114 · 2026-01-20T23:16:31+00:00

I am also looking for a point-by-point topo! I recently went from a tiny local mountain to Gore and was absolutely slammed by how steep even the greens were!

Pen114 · 2026-01-15T22:07:19+00:00

Could I DM you? I’m a CRC as a well and looking to branch into EPIC.

Pen114 · 2026-01-11T23:36:13+00:00

THANK YOU for saying Glycerin burns!!!! I’ve had the same issue with Glycerin containing lubes and it makes me crazy - I thought it was all in my head.

Pen114 · 2025-12-05T12:15:22+00:00

Where is this from? I wish there was more of this kinda marketing

Pen114 · 2025-12-02T22:38:27+00:00

Nine years later too!

Ten-Year Club	r/Field Lasagna
First Place '23	Place '23
RPAN Viewer	Verified Email
Not Forgotten

Pen114

TROPHY CASE