Surgery Office of Clinical Research's (SOCR) Jerry Turner, Clinical Research Coordinator, has been working with OrganOx on their CAP and PAS studies as an ambassador for Duke Surgery. Turner's dedication and enthusiasm towards his work have garnered recognition from the OrganOx team where they highlighted him on their online newsletter.
Below is the CRC Spotlight from OrganOx's newsletter:
"Jerry began working in clinical research approximately 1.5 years ago. Previously, Jerry was a preK–12 public school teacher for 30 years in MD. Jerry was an experienced teacher of AP and International Baccalaureate Chemistry, pre-K to grade 12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, and worked at the Board of Education training teachers.
Jerry earned a BS in Chemistry-Secondary Education at the University of Pittsburgh, and obtained two graduate degrees, MEd in Deaf Education and MS in School Administration and Supervision. Jerry currently lives in Bull City: Durham, NC, and is originally from Philipsburg, PA.
Jerry retired from teaching in August 2022 and began working at Duke the same month. So much for retirement, right? Regarding the transition to clinical research, Jerry thinks both careers share the purpose of helping people. He is rewarded by the thought of keeping people alive longer and living healthier so they can be with their loved ones.
Jerry works on the Abdominal Transplant team in the Department of Surgery, Office of Clinical Research. Jerry is the lead CRC for 7 studies and is the backup of CRC for 3 studies. He works with an amazing team of CRCs and CRNCs. One of the keys to their success is meeting every day to discuss issues with the studies, learn from each other, and support each other. Another key to the team's success is the support they receive from leadership who model continuous learning and improvement.
Jerry enjoys working on the OrganOx study because it is a deep dive into transplant data and has helped him develop a more comprehensive understanding of liver transplant surgery. Jerry's goal is to be the best CRC that he can be. He feels very lucky for the role at Duke and to work with the people on his team, including Dr. Debra Sudan and the study sponsors who inspire him to grow professionally.
Jerry loves to spend time with his partner Tom and to hike with their chocolate labs, who occupy most of their time, all the space in their hearts, and all the space in the kitchen."