Robin Newman Joins Pro-ficiency Board of Directors

Durham, North Carolina, June 9th, 2022 – Pro-ficiency continues to expand its thought leadership representation on their Board of Directors with the addition of Robin Newman, RN, MSN, EdD, CPNP. 

“We hit the jackpot when Robin agreed to join our Board. The breadth of her leadership across the clinical trials landscape is astounding, but her doctorate in organizational learning and development means she really understands what we do, how it’s done, and how it impacts clinical trials” said Pro-ficiency President and Founder, Dave Hadden. “Her insights on how to apply our approach for medical devices is going to be a game changer for us too.”

“When you look at the root cause of many of the pervasive issues facing clinical trials, they stem from human understanding” said Dr. Newman. “I’ve been in leadership in clinical trials for decades and Pro-ficiency’s approach is one of the few solutions I’ve seen that I truly believe can move that needle in a meaningful direction, for sponsors, for sites and for patients. Joining the Board of Directors was an easy decision”.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Newman has dedicated her career to building better futures for patients through developing healthcare solutions in the medical device and biopharmaceutical industries. As a leader in business and philanthropy, Dr. Newman has her research roots firmly planted in the healthcare industry, beginning as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner to her current role as Global VP for Clinical Affairs at Beckman Coulter Diagnostics and Life Sciences.  

She holds both Bachelor and Master degrees in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin and Arlington, where she was honored as a Distinguished Alumni, and a doctorate in Human & Organizational Learning and Development from The George Washington University. 

Prior to joining Beckman Coulter, Dr. Newman served as the WW VP for Clinical Affairs  and WW Vice President, Clinical, Preclinical and Medical Strategic R&D at Johnson & Johnson, the Director of the Office of Compliance at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, US Food & Drug Administration, VP Quality, Regulatory, and Clinical Affairs at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, and Founder and CSO of MedTrials, a clinical research and regulatory consulting firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Newman has also served as member and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.

 

About Pro-ficiency

Pro-ficiency is a leading provider of simulation-based training and compliance solutions for clinical trials. The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including turn-key customized, virtual training simulations, training and compliance monitoring tools, and real-time data & predictive analytics. Learn more at proficiency3.wpengine.com.

 

Contact:

Collin Brooks, Marketing Manager

collin.brooks@pro-ficiency.com, +1 919.909.0420

Dr. Jeffrey Kasher Joins Pro-ficiency Board of Directors

Pro-ficiency, a pioneer in the field of simulation-based training in clinical trials, has opened up a select number of seats on the Company’s Board of Directors. Dr. Jeffrey Kasher, a renowned visionary in clinical trials with over 28 years of experience at organizations like Eli Lilly, is the first to join as the newest Director.

Dr. Kasher is known to be a driving force behind innovation in clinical trials. From being an early and consistent advocate of the importance of patient engagement while President of Patients Can’t Wait to serving on the board of – and advisor to – some of the most impactful organizations in clinical research, Kasher is a visionary leader and a change agent.

“Jeff is the King of clinical trial innovation, so saying we are thrilled that he has joined our Board is an understatement. We believe that Pro-ficiency can have one of the most profound impacts on clinical trials by turning decisions into data. With Jeff’s insights and advice, we can finally change what this industry has come to accept from their training,” said Pro-ficiency President and Founder, Dave Hadden. “Jeff only dedicates his time to efforts that move the needle and the fact that he has chosen to hop on this rocket ship of ours speaks volumes.”

“At first, the concept of simulation-based training in clinical trials was interesting, but once I fully understood the power of the solution to de-risk studies, I knew I wanted on board,” said Dr. Kasher. “It is both a unique approach to a ubiquitous element of study start-up but an elegantly simple one as well. It’s rare that I see a solution that solves problems without adding layers of complexity for sites.”

Currently, Jeff serves as the President of Patients Can’t Wait, and is an Advisory Board member for Be the Partner, BlueCloud, and Wake Forest masters in clinical research management program. He advises several multinational Pharmaceutical companies and CROs, and emerging technology companies, and serves on the Board of Catalyst Clinical Research. He has been named one of the CenterWatch “20 Innovators Changing the Face of the Clinical Trials Industry.”

Jeff received a B.S. in Chemistry from Franklin & Marshall College, a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the State University of New York, and a Post-Doctoral fellowship in Physiology at Yale University School of Medicine.

 

About Pro-ficiency

Pro-ficiency is a leading provider of simulation-based training and compliance solutions for clinical trials. The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including turn-key customized virtual training simulations, training and compliance monitoring tools, and real-time data & predictive analytics. Learn more at proficiency3.wpengine.com.

 

Contact:

Collin Brooks, Marketing Manager

collin.brooks@pro-ficiency.com, +1 919.909.0420

Pro-ficiency Selected as Participant in DPharm Idol Disrupt

Pro-ficiency was selected as a participant in the DPharm Idol Disrupt program, hosted at the Disruptive Innovations conference September 28-29, 2021.

RALEIGH N.C. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: []

Idol Disrupt, now in its 11th year, aims at featuring companies with a disruptive technology or service that would be a changing force for clinical trials. This year, six companies were charged with producing a five-minute recorded presentation, followed by quick-fire questions from a panel of judges to showcase their innovation. Pro-ficiency highlighted the power and impact of their simulation platform during their session.

Pro-ficiency’s mission to eliminate protocol deviations, one study at a time, through the use of their proprietary simulation-based training methodology targets the single greatest FDA inspection finding year over year – non-adherence to the protocol. Simulation achieves this by allowing study sites to practice critical elements of the protocol in a consequence-free environment, improving understanding and retention of the key protocol content. The resulting behavior-based performance analytics help sponsors and CROs proactively address sites, individuals, or even protocol elements that have the highest risk potential.

“With such an innovative group of finalists, we were honored just to be selected to participate in Idol Disrupt,” said David Hadden, President and Co-Founder of Pro-ficiency. “We have the capability to tangibly help the industry by looking at training differently, and Idol Disrupt is the ideal platform to help companies better understand that we’re not just another twist on traditional training.”

About Pro-ficiency: 

Pro-ficiency is a leading provider of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions for clinical trials. The company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including a turn-key offering of customized, virtual training simulations, training and compliance monitoring tools, and real-time data & predictive analytics. For more information, please visit www.proficiency3.wpengine.com.

 

For further information about Pro-ficiency, schedule a demo: http://proficiency1.wpenginepowered.com/contact-us/

Beth Harper named Chief Learning Officer at Pro-ficiency

Beth Harper named Chief Learning Officer at Pro-ficiency

RALEIGH N.C. Release Date: [For immediate release]- Pro-ficiency is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Harper, BS, MBA as the new Chief Learning Officer. As a well recognized thought-leader in the industry, Harper brings her innovation and vision to the rapidly growing Pro-ficiency executive team. 

Pro-ficiency is incredibly fortunate to add Beth Harper to our leadership team” said Pro-ficiency CEO, Michael Raymer. “Not only will she bring her decades of expertise in clinical trials education to our advancing capabilities, her dedication to driving competency and performance improvement in clinical research blends perfectly with the Pro-ficiency simulation technology. Together, we can drive significant innovation for the profession.”

Beth joins Pro-ficiency from her ongoing role as President of her consulting company, Clinical Performance Partners, and her contribution as Workforce Innovation Officer for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). She has worked as Senior Research Consultant for the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, Adjunct Assistant Professor at George Washington University and many more.

“Over the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to partner with Pro-ficiency on many projects and I’ve had the ability to witness the impact this emerging technology has already had on the clinical research landscape,” says Harper. “The future of a proactive approach to performance management is here, and I jumped at the chance to be a part of that. Pro-ficiency’s solutions are unlike any other on the market and I’m proud to be at the forefront of the revolution in protocol deviation prevention.”

In its six years since inception, Pro-ficiency has experienced rapid growth in sponsor and CRO appointments on complex Phase 3 global studies, with recent expansion into the Phase 2 study arena and the company’s selection as the exclusive eLearning provider for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

About Pro-ficiency:

Pro-ficiency is a leading provider of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions for clinical trials. The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including customized, virtual training simulations, training and compliance monitoring tools, and real-time data & predictive analytics. For more information, please visit www.proficiency3.wpengine.com

Pro-ficiency Launches New Website and Brand Update

Pro-ficiency Launches New Website and Brand Update

RALEIGH N.C. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [June 22, 2021]

RALEIGH N.C. & DURHAM, N.C. Release Date: [June 22, 2021]- Pro-ficiency, the leading provider of simulation-based performance management for clinical trials, launched a new website and brand after receiving investment from NovaQuest in March 2021. Alongside an updated logo, a new office, studio expansions, and new product offerings, a new website shows off a new focus and vision for the company.

“While many of our clients come to us to train their sites on their study protocol, the magic of working with Pro-ficiency is our ability to partner with clients to tackle areas of greatest risk in their study. When study teams are able to practice decision-making in a risk-free environment, the result is a reduction in amendments and deviations. As a profession we don’t have the time, or the money, to spend on these preventable errors” said Pro-ficiency’s Chief Experience Officer, Jenna Rouse. “Ultimately, this is the contribution we want to make to the industry, and we want our brand to reflect that.” 

The new website features a clear explanation of what Pro-ficiency can offer sponsors or CROs. By applying the right blend of art and science, current and future clients can experience the transformative power of simulations in clinical research from the first moment they enter the website until their teams are engaged in their own custom training programs. 

In its six years since inception, Pro-ficiency has experienced rapid growth in sponsor and CRO appointments on complex Phase 3 global studies, with recent expansion into the Phase 2 study arena and the company’s selection as the exclusive eLearning provider for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

About Pro-ficiency:

Pro-ficiency is a leading provider of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions for clinical trials. The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including a turn-key offering of customized, virtual training simulations, training and compliance monitoring tools, and real-time data & predictive analytics. For more information, please visit www.proficiency3.wpengine.com

Pro-ficiency strengthens executive leadership team

Pro-ficiency strengthens executive leadership team with the appointment of Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Solutions Officer

RALEIGH N.C. Release Date: [May 11th, 2021]- Pro-ficiency, the leading provider of simulation-enabled, virtual training tools for clinical trials, today announced the appointment of Amy Tibbetts to the newly created position of Chief Commercial Officer and Catherine De Castro to the newly created position of Chief Solutions Officer.

Since the major investment from NovaQuest Private Equity in March, Pro-ficiency has been focused on building the strategic leadership team charged with driving the organization forward towards rapid growth and expansion. This has led to the addition of several key roles. Both Tibbetts and Castro have an outstanding work history and are going to be fundamental in ensuring that Pro-ficiency continues to flourish.

“We are excited to welcome Amy and Catherine to the Pro-ficiency team,” said Micheal Raymer, Chief Executive Officer. “these two power-house executives are exactly the leaders we need to drive Pro-ficiency forward as the predominant provider in this space.”

Amy Tibbetts is joining Pro-ficiency as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), with over twenty years of success building strong relationships with key biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, most recently with PPD as VP of Global Business Development.

“Pro-ficiency is one of the few organizations that I’ve seen that is changing the game when it comes to quality, efficiency and intelligence of clinical research and I had to be a part of it. I’m excited to be a part of the evolution of clinical trials”, said Tibbetts.

As Chief Solutions Officer (CSO), de Castro is set to drive the strategy, systems and new service offerings to keep Pro-ficiency operating ahead of the curve.

Catherine De Castro brings fifteen years of executive experience, most recently from Covance and IQVIA, to Pro-ficiency. Her experience in drug development, medical informatics, and AI will be instrumental in finding and implementing solutions.

“I’m excited to apply my combination of experience with merging technology and people to drive results at Pro-ficiency,” said de Castro. “The opportunities for the success of this organization are endless and I’m thrilled to be a part of such an incredible team”.

In its six years since inception, Pro-ficiency has experienced rapid growth in sponsor and CRO appointments on complex Phase 3 global studies, with recent expansion into the Phase 2 study arena and the company’s selection as the exclusive eLearning provider for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).

About Pro-ficiency:

Pro-ficiency is a leading provider of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions for clinical trials. The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including a turn-key offering of customized, virtual training simulations, training and compliance monitoring tools, and real-time data & predictive analytics. For more information, please visit www.proficiency3.wpengine.com

New Standard in GCP Training Announced by ACRP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [March 8, 2021]

CONTACT:
Jeremy Glunt
+ 1.703.258.3506
media@acrpnet.org

New Standard in GCP Training Announced by ACRP

Immediately Available Free of Charge to ACRP Members

Washington, DC – The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) just launched a new Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Simulation training program that sets a new standard for GCP training compliance and competency development.

Developed in partnership with Pro-ficiency, a leading provider of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions for clinical trial investigators and site staff,

this interactive simulation-based program develops real-world GCP competency while making the learning experience more effective, less time consuming, and more enjoyable.

“As the cornerstone of clinical research, quality GCP training is of paramount importance; yet until today, clinical research professionals have been forced to rely on antiquated training programs that fail to engage learners or develop competency,” says ACRP Executive Director Jim Kremidas. “Starting now, professionals and organizations alike have immediate access to a modern training program that engages learners and develops real-world competency.”

What makes ACRP’s GCP Simulation unique is its sharp focus on the application of GCP principles rather than the acquisition of knowledge. By immersing learners in a cutting-edge adaptive learning environment, this program builds strength in the critical thinking and decision making needed to apply GCPs in the real world.

“For years we have seen the positive impact adaptive, simulation-based training has on performance and we are thrilled to partner with ACRP to bring this approach to such a critical and ubiquitous component of clinical research training,” says David D. Hadden, Co-Founder and Chief Game Changer, Pro-ficiency. “Further, ACRP’s bold move to make the program available to all ACRP members, combined with Pro-ficiency’s inclusion of the program with all protocol simulation programs, will both increase site staff performance and reduce bothersome training redundancies for study teams.”

Playing the roles of study coordinator, investigator, sub-investigator, research nurse, and study monitor/CRA in a variety of simulated scenarios, course participants develop a 360-degree understanding of GCP principles while practicing the application of associated competencies in a safe environment – before mistakes are made in real studies.

For experienced professionals, this program is an ideal solution for GCP training compliance. With a solid foundation in GCP knowledge and application, experienced professionals should be able to progress through scenarios quickly and efficiently – and get back to work.

For those new to the field, ACRP’s GCP Simulation offers a fun and engaging way to develop GCP competencies by practicing in a risk-free environment. When course correction is required, coaching is immediately provided – including reference to applicable GCP guidelines and contextualization of associated principles.

For organizations, performance metrics help managers target development needs for their team members and the standard 2-year renewal cycle automates the renewal cycle and ensures teams stay compliant with study requirements.

For more information, including organizational licensing options, please visit acrpnet.org/gcpsim.

*** 

About ACRP
In clinical research, people are everything. ACRP raises clinical research standards and accelerates careers. Better people. Better results. www.acrpnet.org

About Pro-ficiency
Pro-ficiency is a comprehensive human performance improvement system for clinical trials. Initiate trial sites faster and more efficiently and reduce protocol violations with our easy-to-use web-based platform. Learn more at proficiency3.wpengine.com.

Seasoned Healthcare Executive Michael Raymer joins Pro-ficiency as CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [March 2, 2021]

Seasoned Healthcare Executive Michael Raymer joins Pro-ficiency as CEO

RALEIGH N.C. & DURHAM, N.C. Release Date: [March 2, 2021]- Pro-ficiency, the leading provider of simulation-enabled, experiential training for clinical research, is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Raymer to the position of Chief
Executive Officer.

Raymer joins Pro-ficiency with over 25 years of executive experience in the development of healthcare enterprise software, medical devices, diagnostics, and consumer health products including leadership positions at Perspective Diagnostics,
M*Modal, Microsoft, GE Healthcare and Nellcor Puritan Bennett.

“Michael is exactly who we need for this next phase of growth at Pro-ficiency” says JoAnne Schaberick, Co-Founder and Chief Awesomeness Officer. “He has the vision, strategic leadership, and experience to continue building Pro-ficiency as the premier
provider in clinical research training and compliance.”

“Pro-ficiency is in a truly unique position to meet an urgent market need, and to do so in a way that improves clinical trial conduct long term. Simulation-based training has been the standard in so many mission-critical professions for years. The pandemic has been the tipping-point for clinical trials to adopt new training approaches that will likely remain the standard in the future,” said Raymer. “I am excited to join the Pro-ficiency team as we drive this important change for how study training is conducted and managed, now and for years to come.”

“When we started Pro-ficiency in 2013, it was with a vision of transforming the way our industry thinks about human performance management. Michael shares this vision,” says Co-Founder and Chief Game Changer Dave Hadden. “The world needs engaged and informed investigators more than ever and I couldn’t be more excited to have Michael helping us lead this charge.”

Raymer’s appointment follows the recent announcement of a strategic growth equity investment by NovaQuest Private Equity. In its six years since inception, Pro-ficiency has experienced rapid growth in sponsor and CRO appointments on complex Phase 3
global studies, with recent expansion into the Phase 2 study arena and the company’s selection as the exclusive eLearning provider for the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). As CEO, Raymer is positioned to expedite Pro-ficiency’s growth trajectory and position the organization as a leader in the study start-up and clinical
trials training space.

Dave Hadden and JoAnne Schaberick will continue in their roles as Chief Game Changer and Chief Awesomeness Officer, leading continued innovation, growth and exceptional client relations at Pro-ficiency.

About Pro-ficiency:
Pro-ficiency is a leading provider of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions for clinical trials. The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including a turn-key offering of customized, virtual training simulations, training and compliance monitoring tools, and real-time data &; predictive analytics. For more information, please visit www.proficiency3.wpengine.com.

About NovaQuest Private Equity:
NovaQuest Private Equity is a leading investor in technology and services companies in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. NovaQuest was formed in 2000 with the vision of building an investment platform to provide strategic capital and operational leverage in partnership with strong management teams. The investment team consists of highly seasoned operational and investment professionals with significant investment experience and deep life science and healthcare expertise. Furthermore, NovaQuest benefits from an extensive network of industry experts and relationships that assist in identifying, analyzing, and growing NovaQuest portfolio companies and investments. For more information, please visit www.novaquest.com.

Pro-ficiency to Accelerate Growth with Major Investment from NovaQuest Private Equity

Pro-ficiency to Accelerate Growth with Major Investment from NovaQuest Private Equity
NovaQuest acquires majority interest in leading, simulation-based clinical trial training innovator
For immediate release: 23 February 2021

RALEIGH; DURHAM, NC –(BUSINESS WIRE)– February 23, 2021 — NovaQuest Private Equity (“NovaQuest”) today announced its strategic growth equity investment in Pro-ficiency, LLC (“Pro-ficiency”), a leading provider of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions for clinical trial investigators and site staff.

Based in Durham, NC, Pro-ficiency provides innovative, virtual simulation training and HR compliance solutions for clinical trials, supported by original content creation and analytics services. Leading pharmaceutical companies engage Pro-ficiency to deploy customized, study-specific training solutions that improve learning retention and strengthen compliance among investigators and site staff. The company’s platform also provides sponsors and CROs with real-time analytics that help to predict and avoid study errors and protocol violations, ultimately reducing the time, cost, and failure points of clinical trials. This integrated suite of services provides a compelling value proposition to its pharmaceutical customers.

“Pro-ficiency is excited to partner with NovaQuest, a firm with unparalleled global pharma and life sciences relationships and a proven track record of successfully supporting market-leading businesses in their next phase of growth,” said David Hadden, Co-Founder of Pro-ficiency. “With NovaQuest’s growth equity investment, Pro-ficiency is well-funded to continue changing the paradigm of clinical trial training.”

“Our customers are developing innovative products that require rigorous compliance across increasingly complex and global trials,” said JoAnne Schaberick, Co-Founder of Pro-ficiency. “NovaQuest’s expertise in life sciences and clinical trials will be invaluable as we continue to expand our team and offering to consistently surpass expectations and meet the needs of our valued customers.” “Dave and JoAnne are pioneers in the use of simulation-based training to improve healthcare. They have done an outstanding job developing a platform that addresses a critical, unmet need for better clinical trial training solutions,” said Michael Sorensen, Partner at NovaQuest. “We look forward to supporting the Pro-ficiency team as it meets unprecedented demand for its mission-critical clinical trial training solutions.”

Wyrick Robbins served as legal advisor to Pro-ficiency, and Smith Anderson served as legal advisor to NovaQuest. Deal terms were not announced.

About Pro-ficiency:
Pro-ficiency is a leading provider of tech-enabled training and compliance solutions for clinical trials. The Company provides a comprehensive suite of services, including a turn-key offering of customized, virtual training simulations, training and compliance monitoring tools, and real-time data; predictive analytics.
For more information, please visit www.proficiency3.wpengine.com.

About NovaQuest Private Equity:
NovaQuest Private Equity is a leading investor in technology and services companies in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. NovaQuest was formed in 2000 with the vision of building an investment platform to provide strategic capital and operational leverage in partnership with strong management teams. The investment team consists of highly seasoned operational and investment professionals with significant investment experience and deep life science and healthcare expertise. Furthermore, NovaQuest benefits from an extensive network of industry experts and relationships that assist in identifying, analyzing, and growing NovaQuest portfolio companies and investments. For more information, please visit www.novaquest.com.

For further information about Pro-ficiency, please contact:

David Hadden, Co-Founder
(919) 904-0035, dave@pro-ficiency.com

JoAnne Schaberick, Co-Founder
(619) 840-0875, joanne@pro-ficiency.com

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jeremy Milner, BackBay Communications
(401) 862-9422, jeremy.milner@backbaycommunications.com

Pro-ficiency Appoints Jenna Rouse As VP of Client Success

PRO-FICIENCY APPOINTS JENNA ROUSE AS VP OF CLIENT SUCCESS
This year’s most exciting news! Jenna Rouse has joined the team at Pro-ficiency as the VP of Client Success.

Durham, NC — December 1, 2020

Jenna Rouse has been turning heads and lighting up minds in the training industry since she joined the Association for Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) 16 years ago. Her expertise in building partnerships and new business opportunities for ACRP quickly led to her development of a strong understanding of the training gaps and needs among CROs, Sponsors and sites within the clinical research enterprise. Her move to Pro-ficiency is a testament to the growth and exciting future of our organization.

“Our company has grown to where it became clear we needed to expand our team to ensure continued outstanding customer support and innovative solutions. I have known Jenna professionally for several years, and when the opportunity arose to bring her onto the Pro-ficiency team, we knew it was a win for the organization, and for our valued clients” –JoAnne Schaberick, Co-CEO at Pro-ficiency.

“I loved working with Pro-ficiency as their client” says Rouse. “The Pro-ficiency platform and simulation programs are truly ground-breaking in the clinical research space and I knew I needed to be a part of a company with that kind of vision”.

Jenna will work with the Executive Sales Team to manage mature, existing and new business accounts, and generate additional business opportunities within that client base. Her attention to high standards and superior client relationships is sure to add to our continual success.

About Pro-ficiency

Pro-ficiency utilizes simulation-training, eMentoring, and analytics to train researchers to the highest performance standards possible. Leading the virtual revolution in remote site support, we provide remote site training, compliance and communication tools to 60,000+ clinical researchers globally.  Our virtual toolkit helps study teams meet the challenge of training and communicating with sites.

Initiate trial sites faster and more efficiently and reduce protocol violations with our easy-to-use web-based platform. Learn more at proficiency3.wpengine.com.

Source: Pro-ficiency LLC