Irvine, Calif. — In the second half of my internship, I got involved in the marketing department. The expected role of this department is to recruit participants for clinical trials. My task was to set up a database of candidates for the study and update it by gathering information and organizing data. In order to profile the participants’ tendencies, I put in the database as much information as possible such as first and last name, contact number, height, weight, ZIP code, address and referral. I also tried to get information via the Internet. I sometimes went outside directly to get more accurate information. After organizing the database, I analyzed the data statistically and shared the results with the department.

One thing for sure is that the working style here is different from the Japanese one, and it may influence the difference of lifestyle between America and Japan somewhat, too. Since I was in a new environment, I was able to see the world from a variety of angles and come up with so many new ideas that I may not have had in Japan. For example, I realized how important it is to continue to enhance my abilities. Therefore, I took the American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED classes and received certificates for successfully completing them. Even though I have been involved in the medical industry for a long time, I have never done that. To keep training myself is a great concept, so I would like to continue it from now on.

Through this working experience, I learned so many things and got inspired a lot. I also met many fascinating people in the company like I did at UC Irvine Extension. Although they are working in one business unit, each of them has a different background and career plan. I had not met these kinds of people while I was studying at school. I really enjoyed working and talking with them. I got to know more and more of what I cannot see while I am in school.

This summer experience was really fabulous because I have tried so many things that I have not done before. Time flies too fast. I felt I just started this internship a few days ago. I am really satisfied with this summer quarter. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the great staff at UC Irvine Extension. Without their support, I would not have experienced it. I really appreciate them.

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Irvine, Calif. — My challenge has started, and I am both nervous and looking forward to it. My first project was a clinical trial operation. Before I started working, I read the protocol of the study carefully so that I understood what was going to be taking place and was able to perceive the purpose, procedure and background clearly.

Since some of the participants were Japanese, my main task was to translate between Japanese and English. It was really tough because despite my preparation, I did not know all of the medical terminology, such as "organ," "symptom" and "disease." Even though I made a notebook for the task, it does not cover all of them and it is still difficult to respond immediately. Through communication with the Japanese participants, I was able to obtain some tips like their tendencies, needs and wants. These can be utilized for the strategy of recruiting new applicants. But I am finding it harder to translate it into English.

The purpose of this study is to verify the pharmacokinetic difference between ethnicity and examine the influence on absorption of investigational drugs and distinctive foods. To achieve those objectives, all of the data related to health, such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, pharmacokinetics and electrocardiography, have to be gathered accurately and punctually. Therefore, a specific test schedule is made for every member, and I helped them to follow the schedule by giving them proper instruction and timekeeping. I was surprised that the scheme is designed very strictly to measure all the factors. All the procedures are arranged and implemented to the minute.

By means of this clinical study, I became interested in clinical testing itself more and more. Hence, I decided to take Application of Good Clinical Practices in UC Irvine Extension’s Clinical Trials certificate program to enhance my knowledge. It is not easy to catch up since the system of the civil service and administrative authorities are a little different from Japan. However, being able to take this course through UC Irvine Extension’s certificate program for internationals is magnificent because I can study with people from the same industry and the fascinating instructor teaches to the point and answers our questions elaborately.

This clinical trial actually gives me a bunch of knowledge about medical terminology, which is difficult to learn in daily life. I am suffering because I cannot easily put into English what I would like to say, but I have felt a sense of fulfillment in my currently busy life.

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Irvine, Calif. — I am going to be a research intern at West Coast Clinical Trials this summer. Before starting, I feel anxious about my ability to communicate in the office, due to my limited English. I need to be accustomed to both business communication and medical terminology, and I worry that my limited English will be a problem. However, I am really excited and looking forward to starting work here.

I have been studying at UC Irvine Extension since fall quarter 2005. I took an English course the first quarter, and continued in the business administration and marketing certificate programs in winter and spring. Each of these programs includes approximately 200 hours of primarily daytime classroom instruction, so for six months, I had classes every day! These programs are well-organized and have been very useful in improving my language capability. They also helped me to study American economic circumstances and learn basic business skills. Since an internship is an optional part of this program, I decided to participate. Now I am looking forward to my internship, which is the final part of my program. The certificate programs at UCI gave me the opportunity to enhance my comprehension. Now I have the chance to carry out in practice what I learned in class.

I chose West Coast Clinical Trials for my internship because I am highly interested in the medical industry in the United States. I worked for a Japanese pharmaceutical company after I graduated from pharmacy school and got a pharmacist’s license issued by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Now that I have to opportunity to work with a U.S. pharmaceutical company, I am curious if there is a cultural difference in business between American medical situations and Japanese ones.

West Coast Clinical Trials is a clinical research company in Long Beach, which is in the process of developing new medicine and focuses on health and safety. This is very interesting for me because I can get to know the process of developing products, not just distribution of completed products. In the company, I will support the marketing department by assisting the staff with research and helping to conduct clinical testing by translating for Japanese participants. I will also prepare for the research by timekeeping and setting up devices.

It is going to be a fabulous experience.

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