Enhancing Drug Trials With Leadership Skills Gained From Military Medicine: In Conversation With Bushra Sumra
The success of drug trials in the chaotic field of clinical research is shaped by accuracy, teamwork, and creativity. In this context, the importance of leadership cannot be overstated, especially for experts like Dr. Bushra Sumra, whose unique journey from military medicine to clinical research highlights the transformative role of discipline and leadership in advancing healthcare outcomes.
Dr. Sumra started her career in 2017 when she joined one of Kenya's biggest military medical facilities. She was a young, inexperienced doctor facing the uncertainty of a demanding environment, but the lessons she learned during this period proved invaluable. Under the mentorship of experienced professionals like Col. (Dr.) Ng'undo, she developed an unshakable commitment to discipline and attention to detail.
These principles were not just taught but embodied by every mentor and colleague I worked with," says Dr. Sumra. "The high expectations pushed me to meet standards I didn't think were possible, and those lessons have shaped my approach to medicine and clinical research ever since." This rigorous foundation, honed in the challenging environment of military medicine, prepared Dr. Sumra to tackle the complex and demanding world of clinical trials.
At Sanmora Bespoke Clinical Research Solutions, Dr. Sumra has transformed these military values into practical changes in drug trials. Her contributions have been revolutionary, with successes including a 20% reduction in the time it takes to set up a trial and data verification processes that result in a 98% audit success rate in multiple studies. Through the implementation of patient engagement strategies, she has taken participant retention rates to 90%, a great feat considering the arduous process of follow-up in clinical trials.
Perhaps an outstanding example of leadership and attention to detail is found in her coordinating Phase II clinical trials for ulcerative colitis. Her highest priorities were the safety of participants, regulatory compliance, and accuracy of data. She also demonstrated these same high standards and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in coordinating randomized, double-blind studies on uncontrolled asthma treatments. "My role is not so much managing data or processes but rather building an integrated environment where each team member understands the goal," she observed. Leadership is about direction and clarity to be offered under adaptability according to the needs of the trial.
One of the major challenges she faced was participant retention, which is very common and can stall even the best-planned trial. By just taking an extra five to ten minutes to create rapport with participants, she improved their knowledge of the trial process while making follow-up visit completion rates shoot up to nearly 90 percent from 60-70 percent.
"Small moments of connection go a long way," she explains. "Taking the time to address participant concerns and provide clarity builds trust, which ultimately ensures the success of the trial." Her commitment to meticulous attention to detail has also helped her teams catch preventable errors in areas like patient histories and lab results, safeguarding participants from potential adverse events and preserving the integrity of the data.
She has authored numerous influential papers in her career as a researcher and leader, from studies on omega fatty acids and their impact on health to systematic reviews on autism and ear infections. This spotlights her great support for developing evidence-based research that improves the outcome of patients.
Looking ahead, she sees a future where leadership will continue to play a pivotal role in clinical trials. "At the site level, juggling multiple trials, sponsors, and novel therapies requires a leader who can bring order to complexity," she says. "It's like managing a well-coordinated orchestra—every component must work in harmony to succeed. Furthermore, she has big aspirations for emerging technologies such as AI in streamlining processes and improving trial outcomes. She also wants to establish her own clinical trial site to work more directly in the field.
Dr. Sumra's journey from military medicine to clinical research is a testament to the enduring value of discipline and leadership. Her ability to bring structure, precision, and empathy to drug trials demonstrates how transferable skills can reshape industries and improve lives. Leadership is not about seizing power but elevating the team, rallying the group toward the shared goal. The principle stays the same; from military medicine to clinical trials, attention to detail, discipline, and teamwork lead to victory.
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