Marina: IS Team Leader
What brought you to Dana-Farber?
I'm an old-timer here at the Dana-Farber. I first came here in 1987 for a short consulting engagement between Information Services and Pharmacy, and we ended up building a system that kept me busy for the next nine years. In 1996, I left to explore working for a for-profit organization, but, in 2003, a former colleague and friend informed me that there was a position available here for a clinical trials team lead. I always enjoyed working for Dana-Farber and missed having that patient/provider connection. I like to feel that my work has some impact on the real world. I started my second round here in July 2003 — it's been about 3 1/2 years — 12 plus years total.
What does your job entail?
I lead a team of software developers who support all the complex and different computer systems that relate to clinical trials. My team uses a mix of home-grown systems we created and developed here, in addition to supporting vendor applications. We take care of implementing, maintaining, enhancing and bringing in new applications to help the organization manage the clinical trials process more efficiently. My job, specifically, is program management. While various projects are in the works, I monitor their status and progress to ensure they move forward, have the necessary resources, are scheduled appropriately and succeed.
Did you always know you would be working in this field?
No, it's something I fell into. I am from Argentina and I studied in Israel, where I received a degree in mathematics and statistics. When I came here, I was looking for a job in statistics but was offered a job as a programmer in a healthcare information systems company. I ended up building a career in computer systems for healthcare. I like knowing that my work has a direct impact on people's lives and that I am part of a greater mission.
What lessons have you learned during your career at Dana-Farber?
I have learned that once a mistake is identified, document it and apply it to the next project. We tend to forget the lessons we learn and repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Also, talking to all of your customers and getting the requirements right is critical in avoiding project delays.
What is the work-related achievement of which you are most proud?
Our project to bring online an application called Inform, the electronic data capture system, was set to go live on October 1, 2005. We set that goal in February 2005 and met the date successfully. We had the study up and running a day earlier than the deadline. It felt great and the whole team was very proud.
What do you like best about your job?
Finally launching a project or going live with an application is definitely what I like best. A lot of hard work yields good results. To see that the system is working and bringing value to the customer and the Institute is a huge sense of achievement.
