Meet Reyad: Associate Clinical Operations Leader

Can you walk me through your career progression at Parexel?

Hi! My name is Reyad Oueijan and I'm an Associate Clinical Operations Leader with Parexel. I started my career at Parexel almost 10 years ago as a Clinical Monitoring Associate I. This entry-level position provided me with a solid foundation in clinical research operations and monitoring practices. Over the next years, I progressed through various Clinical Research Associate roles, gaining expertise in study management, site monitoring, and regulatory compliance. In May 2024, I was promoted to an Associate Clinical Operations Leader, a role overseeing the clinical operations of projects.

What has kept you with the company for nearly 10 years?

Parexel has always offered the best opportunities. I cannot compare work culture between Parexel and other CROs since Parexel was the first, and currently only, place I have worked after graduating from college, but I can say that I have had amazing managers here who have helped me succeed in my career and I could not imagine my career path without them.

How have Parexel line managers supported you?

Parexel and my managers have been incredibly supportive throughout my career journey. My first manager was instrumental in establishing a strong foundation, helping me develop a solid work ethic and understand the expectations of the CRA pathway. As I progressed to CRA II, my second manager demonstrated great trust in my abilities, offering me increased flexibility and autonomy. This approach allowed me to take on more responsibilities and grow professionally. As a Senior CRA, my manager maintained a hands-off approach while remaining accessible for guidance when needed. This balance fosters independence while ensuring support is always available. Each of my managers has contributed uniquely to my growth, teaching me different skill sets that have been crucial for my advancement. Parexel's supportive culture, combined with clear career progression opportunities, has been key to my professional development and success within the company.

Did you take part in any special career advancement programs?

I took part in the Wisdom Circles for Senior CRAs. It's a 9-month leadership program for Senior CRAs, Senior iCRAs, and COLs to enhance personal and professional development through structured, peer-based learning, with a focus on competencies required to drive results. It supports participants to actively engage in individual career development while networking and learning with others in your group.

What's been the most exciting or fulfilling project you've worked on at Parexel?

In May of 2020, I was put on a COVID-19 treatment study. It was unlike any other study I had worked on at the time since everything was still shut down, all the work I was doing was entirely remote, and we wanted to get the study up and running as quickly as possible to meet the changing demands in this unprecedented event. I learned and adapted more than I had previously in the least amount of time, and we pulled it off. There was excitement for this project that was unlike anything I had seen before, and looking back on it, I am so glad I could have been part of that team.

How can a CRA contribute to Parexel's Patients First core value?

I've always maintained a patient-first approach in my work. I achieve this by prioritizing the needs of the Study Coordinators and Principal Investigators (PIs), who are on the front lines of patient care. Recognizing their crucial role, I focus on supporting them in every way possible.

CRA's supporting the Study Coordinators and Principal Investigators takes various forms:

1. Promptly addressing their queries and concerns
2. Providing in-depth explanations of protocol details to ensure accurate implementation
3. Assisting with task completion to streamline their workload
4. Facilitating the procurement of necessary equipment
5. Building and maintaining a strong, positive rapport with site staff

By ensuring the site staff have everything they need to perform their roles effectively, I indirectly contribute to better patient care and study outcomes. This approach allows me to keep the patient at the center of our work.

Ultimately, it's the CRA's goal to create an environment where site staff can focus on providing the best possible care to study participants, knowing they have robust support from the CRA team at Parexel

Do you feel you can be your true self at Parexel?

Yeah, definitely. As a gay man, I've always felt comfortable at Parexel. When I talk with my managers and we discuss work, and sometimes our personal lives, I've never felt I had to shy away from mentioning this or test the waters. I've never worried that it might be dangerous to my career if I outed myself to my manager or a coworker. Everyone has been very supportive and accepting. This open and inclusive environment allows me to focus on my work without the stress of hiding who I am, which I really appreciate about Parexel's culture.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Parexel?

• Come with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic - these are key for success at Parexel, even if you have limited industry experience. I had almost no experience in this field, other than part-time work processing lab samples in college.
• Always keep patients in mind, as they're at the heart of our work. Our ultimate goal is to bring new solutions to patients who may not have had them before, and knowing we all play a part in that is the most rewarding aspect of our job.

I would encourage anyone considering a career here! At the end of the day, our work contributes to improving patients' lives, which makes it truly meaningful.