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Organization of Clinical Trials Monitoring Plan Development and Patient Recruitment

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the operational, ethical, and regulatory aspects of clinical trial monitoring and patient recruitment. Participants will gain practical knowledge of monitoring strategies that safeguard data integrity, patient safety, and compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and international regulations.

Through a combination of lectures, case studies, and applied exercises, students will learn how to design and implement effective monitoring plans, assess trial quality, and troubleshoot challenges in site management. The course also emphasizes evidence-based approaches to patient recruitment and retention, exploring barriers to enrollment, strategies for engaging diverse populations, and tools for meeting recruitment timelines.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to integrate scientific, operational, and ethical considerations into monitoring and recruitment strategies to optimize trial outcomes.

Course Summary

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2 Days
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9 AM - 4 PM EST
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$1750 by Early Bird Deadline (lunches & coffee included)
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$1950 after Early Bird Deadline (lunches & coffee included)

Upcoming Courses

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the purpose and scope of trial monitoring
  • Apply risk-based monitoring (RBM) and centralized monitoring techniques to increase efficiency.
  • Develop strategies for patient recruitment and retention
  • Communicate effectively with investigators and sites
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring and recruitment strategies using key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Identify and implement best practices for site initiation, monitoring visits, and closeout procedures.
  • Analyze common barriers to patient recruitment and retention and apply evidence-based strategies to address them.

Who Should Attend

  • CRAs and CRCs
  • Trial Managers and Site Coordinators
  • Principal Investigators
  • Study Managers
  • Research Nurses
  • Clinical Operations staff
  • Anyone pursuing monitoring or recruitment-focused roles

Course Outline

Module 1

The Role of Monitoring in Clinical Trials

Module 2

Monitoring Visits: Pre-study, Site Initiation, Interim, and Closeout

Module 3

Common Monitoring Findings and Corrective Actions

Module 4

Patient Recruitment Strategies

Module 5

Overcoming Recruitment and Retention Challenges

Module 6

Best Practices in Site Communication

Interactive Activities
  • Mock monitoring visit with sample checklists
  • Workshop: Designing a patient recruitment campaign
  • Group discussion: Solving real-world recruitment barriers
Maria Becerra, HBSc, MD
Faculty Director’s Bio:

Maria Becerra, HBSc, MD

Clinical Research Specialist | Educator | Global Oncology Trial Leader | Entrepreneur

Maria Becerra is a distinguished clinical research professional and educator with extensive experience across oncology, rare disease, and high-impact global trials. With a foundation in medical studies and an Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc), she brings both scientific depth and patient-centered perspective to every project she leads.

Her career includes years of hands-on experience in oncology clinical trials across Phases I–IV, including serving as a lead on a global FDA-approved oncology trial, which positioned her as a trusted expert in navigating complex, multinational research programs. Maria has worked in senior roles with international clinical research organizations and sponsor-partners, where she oversaw vendor management, site engagement, regulatory compliance, and operational strategy. She is recognized for her ability to integrate ICH-GCP standards, inspection readiness, and risk management frameworks into streamlined, efficient operations.

Beyond clinical research, Maria is an entrepreneur committed to building and scaling innovative ventures. She has founded and grown companies in both the healthcare and service industries, applying her strategic vision and operational discipline to deliver results. Her start-up leadership demonstrates her ability to bridge science, business, and innovation—driving sustainable growth while creating new opportunities in competitive markets.

She is also passionate about advancing the digital transformation of clinical trials, integrating technology platforms to improve enrollment, strengthen compliance, and enhance site and patient experiences.

As an instructor, Maria is dedicated to preparing the next generation of clinical research professionals. She develops and delivers specialized courses in trial design, monitoring, compliance, and quality systems, ensuring students gain not only the technical foundations but also the adaptive mindset required in today’s evolving research and business landscapes.

Her values, integrity, innovation, collaboration, and mentorship shape her dual path as both a clinical research specialist and entrepreneur. She remains committed to building impactful projects that advance science, empower people, and bring meaningful therapies and solutions to the world.

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Global Pharma companies and CROs employing our graduates

Global Pharma companies and CROs
employing our graduates