Meet Jawanda Thacker: Helping Connect Today's Volunteers to Tomorrow's Medical Breakthroughs

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  • AdventHealth Research Institute
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Care People

When Jawanda Thacker began her career at AdventHealth, she never imagined she'd end up working in clinical research.

With a background in marketing and communications, she spent years helping tell healthcare stories. Research was just one of the many departments she supported. But the more she learned about the discoveries happening behind the scenes, the more she realized she had found something that truly inspired her.

"I was surprised by how passionate I became about research," Jawanda says. "I think in another life I would have been an inventor. I love the innovation and the discoveries."

Today, as Clinical Trials Recruitment Manager for the AdventHealth Research Institute, Jawanda leads the team that serves as the first point of contact for people interested in participating in research studies. They answer questions, explain what to expect, and help determine whether a study might be the right fit. "People want to know, 'What will I have to do?' and, just as importantly, 'Why should I participate?'" she says.

Ask her what motivates her most, and the answer comes quickly.

"Many of the medications, treatments, and medical devices we have today exist because someone before us chose to participate in a clinical study," she says. "Now we have the opportunity to help create better options for future generations."

She also wants the community to know that world-class clinical research is happening right here in Central Florida. Many people are surprised to learn they don't have to travel far to participate in a study, and that opportunities are available right here through AdventHealth Research Institute.

For Jawanda, every volunteer matters.

"There is no research without volunteers," she says. "Every person who chooses to participate helps move medicine forward and may improve care for generations to come."

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