"To see a family business thrive in this industry is something unique."
ANIMA - FROM THE HEART
Having once started at Anima Research Center as a student, Tine Vanschoonbeek (27) can now call herself Head of Pharmacy. As the person responsible for medication, she sees the well-being of the participants as her most important task. Order and cleanliness in the pharmacy's documentation play a crucial role in this.
What is your role within the clinical trials at Anima?
I am responsible for everything related to the medication, such as receiving, storing, preparing and returning it. In some cases, we also have to "blind" the medication on site, meaning we make sure no one knows what treatment is being given. This helps to ensure that the results of the study are fair and objective. Only my team and I know which participants are receiving which treatment, and this must be kept secret to maintain blinding.
What does a day at Anima look like for you?
In addition to my role as a pharmacist, I also serve as a Study Lead. My days are filled with a mix of pharmacy-related tasks, such as receiving medications, maintaining inventory and blinding medications, along with coordinating other studies. It really is the best of both worlds for me!
Why did you choose to work for Anima?
During my pharmaceutical studies, I became fascinated by clinical research. I wanted to work in a research center and found an option in Limburg, with Dr. Buntinx and his then small team at Anima. Since then, I have witnessed the growth of Anima. Working with and for the Buntinx family is unique. To see a family business flourish in this sector is something unique. That makes my work at Anima extra valuable.
"The interplay of science and human involvement is the essence of clinical research."
What do you think is the most important thing about clinical research?
Clinical research allows us to gather scientific evidence about new drugs, which can ultimately improve medical care and quality of life. Participants play a crucial role in this; their voluntary participation contributes to the advancement of medical research and the development of innovative treatments. Our job is to ensure that participants are at the center of the research process. This dynamic interplay of science and human involvement is the essence of clinical research.
What has been your most memorable experience so far?
The growth that Anima went through in the past three years is unprecedented. The experience I have gained in the process at such a young age is something I will always look back on. It is inspiring to see that hard work really does pay off, as Dr. Buntinx and the team have proven. This exponential growth has been the greatest experience for me so far, but I also look forward to seeing what the future holds. To be continued!
What gives you personal satisfaction in your work?
What gives me real satisfaction is the smile of a satisfied participant when they leave our facility, sometimes even with a small token of appreciation for their experience during the study. Nothing is more valuable than a participant's compliment.
In addition, I am satisfied when a study is successfully completed and my documentation is submitted accurately. During inspections we were praised several times for the clear and well-organized documentation of our pharmacy, which is very important to me.
"Nothing is more valuable than the smile of a satisfied participant upon leaving our facility."