We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Scott Conger, who joins the Citruslabs team as our new Director of Clinical Research. Scott brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence in the field of clinical research, making him an invaluable addition to our team.
We sat down with Scott to ask him some fun and thought-provoking questions so you can learn more about the person behind the professional title. Let's jump right in and get to know Scott!
What inspired you to pursue a career in clinical research, and how did your journey lead you to Citruslabs?
I first became interested in clinical research during my first semester as a master's degree student when I started working with my thesis advisor. His guidance through the thesis process opened the world of clinical research to me. I learned a lot during this process and found that I particularly enjoyed the study design, data collection, and analysis aspects. Because of the background that I had in research as a Master’s student, I was able to secure positions as the laboratory manager in clinical research laboratories at the University of Michigan and University of Arkansas medical schools.
After five years of working in clinical research, I decided to return to graduate school to pursue a PhD. Following the completion of my PhD, I went back into a lab manager position in a clinical research lab working with military personnel. I then transitioned into academic positions and progressed through the ranks to Professor. My research experience also resulted in being elected as a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
After working in academic positions at universities for 12 years, I was ready for a new challenge where I could utilize my expertise and experience in research to help a different and broader audience. This position at Citruslabs is exactly what I was looking for in my next role.
What is one thing you wish wellness brands knew about clinical trials?
Clinical research can be a great tool to assist with product marketing. But it can also be a little confusing for the consumer. By working with a CRO, your customers can be assured that evidence-based information provided to them about your product was conducted from start to finish by an impartial group who follow good clinical practice guidelines.
In your opinion, what's the most exciting trend or development in the field of clinical trials right now, and why?
I am very intrigued by the development of technology in the healthcare field. There are two tools that most of us already own that are particularly interesting: smartphones and smart toilets! Smartphones can track many different behaviors that lead to improved health. And smart toilets will soon be able to track health changes through analysis of urine and stool samples. In ten years, healthcare will look very different than it did just a decade ago!
If you could work on a clinical trial for any wellness product in the world, what would it be, and why?
Throughout my career, my research has primarily focused on using different types of monitors to track our physical activity behaviors. I would love to work on clinical trials using software applications or hardware devices that would encourage increased physical activity. In my opinion, physical activity is the most important health behavior that we can directly control. Any product that increases physical activity is of particular interest to me.
Outside of your professional life, what are some hobbies or interests that you're passionate about?
When I have free time, you will usually find me practicing what I preach by doing some type of physical activity. While my knees and ankles no longer like running, I enjoy cycling (both for exercise and for transportation) and hiking. I also enjoy reading (authors such as Malcolm Gladwell and Stephen King…his less scary books) and historical documentaries (especially topics on sports, World War II, or anything by Ken Burns).
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We are confident that Scott's vision, dedication, and expertise will play a pivotal role in helping your brand reach new heights in clinical research excellence. Please join us in welcoming Scott to the team. We look forward to the exceptional contributions he will bring to our community and the positive impact his work will have on wellness brands and the future of the industry. Welcome aboard, Scott!