Sara Ortiz Email & Phone Number

San Diego, Ca, Us

San Mateo, Ca, Us

Leading the clinical research team to develop and disseminate evidence in support of RapidAI’s mission to empower physicians to make faster decisions for better patient outcomes.

Minneapolis, Mn, Us

Clinical research operations manager for Medtronic’s Surgical business. Utilizing 2 decades of experience to develop a team of highly independent clinical research specialists who are managing both pre- and post-market clinical studies. Overseeing clinical study execution for multiple studies, staff development, process improvements, and study budgeting. Contributing to global clinical study design and organizational needs across our Surgical Clinical Research team. Leading process improvement activities across the Clinical organization using Lean/Six Sigma methodology.

Minneapolis, Mn, Us

Superficial venous Clinical Research Program Manager and therapy Subject Matter Expert for the Peripheral Vascular Health operating unit (formerly APV). Responsible for study design/execution, evidence strategies, and sustaining activities for post-market products (VenaSeal Closure System & ClosureFast System) including EU MDR certification/maintenance, new product development, and review/approval of all business documents requiring Clinical input. Collaborated with Marketing, Reimbursement, and other stakeholders to develop superficial venous business strategy. Partnered with physicians on clinical studies, external research programs, and strategic use of various types of clinical evidence.

Minneapolis, Mn, Us

Continued responsibilities as Clinical Study Manager. Additional responsibilities as superficial venous therapy and Clinical Subject Matter Expert for the VenaSeal Closure System and ClosureFast System including review/approval of marketing materials and risk files, as well as Clinical Evaluation Reports and certification/post-market follow-up plans for EU MDR. Collaborated with cross-functional colleagues to develop evidence strategies to meet business needs for new product development and post-market product updates.

Minneapolis, Mn, Us

Clinical Study Manager (study lead) for the endoVenous business (part of Aortic, Peripheral, & Venous). Designed and executed a global clinical study involving Europe, Asia, Middle East, and North America. Led a study team and the functional activities of Medtronic's internal clinical research organization (MC2) in support of study activities (e.g., Monitoring, Data Management, Safety, Contracting, etc.). Managed budget for study and collaborated with financial analyst on forecasting and variance analysis. Externally, partnered with Global Principal Investigators and Clinical Advisory Board members on study design and evidence strategies. Internally, collaborated with Marketing, Reimbursement, and Health Economics to design innovative, scientifically robust studies and evidence strategies that met post-market business needs.

San Diego, California, Us

Scripps Clinic & Scripps Coastal operational project manager, focused on Epic implementation and process improvements using Lean/Six Sigma practices.

San Diego, California, Us

Staff and operational manager for central Clinical Research Services, supporting Scripps Health system (particularly Scripps Clinic Medical Group). Managed team of ~30 research coordinators and Staff Supervisor overseeing additional ~10 research assistants. Partnered with Staff Supervisor to develop staff policies and overhaul resource allocation model/processes. In collaboration with financial analysts, oversaw budget for department including annual budget forecasting, fiscal year goal planning, and long-term strategic planning. Collaborated with physician leadership to revise operational practices, develop new research programs (e.g. Biorepository), and support expansion of research activities into new hospitals and outpatient centers. Worked with medical system administrators to implement clinical trials, improve research processes (using Lean/Six Sigma practices) and to install Epic medical record system over a multi-year period.

Atlanta, Ga, Us

Spoke publicly about cancer research, prevention, and support available through ACS at community-based health events

La Jolla, Ca, Us

Managed clinical research activities within Ophthalmology and Nephrology/Critical Care, supporting physician scientists with both industry-sponsored clinical trials and investigator-initiated studies. Designed and executed investigator-initiated studies/grants funded by industry, NIH, and other granting agencies. Supervised clinical research coordinators and medical students supporting said studies/grants, responsible for training, development, and oversight. Managed financial forecasts and budget reconciliation needs for clinical studies and grants. In Ophthalmology, reshaped clinical workflow processes to accommodate physician's practice for routine care and research operations.

La Jolla, Ca, Us

Community Programs Manager for the Community Engagement arm of the UCSD Clinical and Translational Research Institute (NIH-funded Clinical & Translational Science Award [CTSA]). Initiated and managed community engagement programs focused on clinical research engagement, spoke at community events, and planned activities for future years of the CTSA award. Supervised team contributing to programs.

La Jolla, Ca, Us

Assistant Center Manager for the NIH P50 Translational Methamphetamine-AIDS Research Center. Organized research activities across a large translational team of researchers, supported grant administrative work including annual progress submissions/renewals, and cleaned/analyzed incoming data from clinical studies conducted at the center. Supported PhD faculty in the design, authoring, and submission of new grants to NIH and other funding agencies.

Evanston, Il, Us

Research & program coordinator for Department of Dermatology Clinical Trials Unit. Functioned as research coordinator on dozens of industry-sponsored trials in addition to designing and executing investigator-initiated studies and NIH, ACS, and other grants in collaboration with department faculty. Worked with MD-level research fellows, residents, and medical students to develop and execute studies to support their training and development.Also served as program coordinator for clinical trials unit, supporting financial projections and analyses, process improvements, organizational changes, etc. Participated in Northwestern University's Advisory Council for Clinical Research.

Evanston, Il, Us

Research coordinator in the Department of Preventive Medicine, working on the long-term CARDIA study in its 20th year of follow-up. Conducted research participant visits, entered and reviewed data, etc.

Chicago, Il, Us

Research assistant in two psychology-based research departments: 1) Amanda Woodward’s developmental psychology lab, focusing on infant understanding of adult behavior and 2) John Cacioppo’s Institute for Mind & Biology social neuroscience lab, focusing on the affects of social relationships on health. Performed research assistant activities under the oversight of PhD or PhD candidate psychology researchers including conducting research participant visits, entering and reviewing data, etc.