One of Us: Pam Horner
One of Us is a series that provides a glimpse into the working world of USA Health, one employee at a time.
What’s your job title? What does it entail?
Research Compliance Officer / Contract Processor
As the contract processor, I receive all contracts and/or agreements, and prepare them for submission through USA’s contract processing system. This involves obtaining additional documents associated with the contracts and working with prospective vendors to resolve any issues once the document has been reviewed by our legal team.
As the research compliance officer, I assist researchers with the regulatory portion for their Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) submission. When conducting research that involves human or animal subjects, researchers are required to submit their scientific design to these committees for review and approval to ensure that the research procedures follow the mandated regulatory guidelines.
What is the most rewarding part of your position?
I enjoy reading the scientific designs and applying the human subject or animal portion as it relates to the rules that mandate these types of research. It is rewarding to know I have assisted these researchers with their prospective goals in their quest for a cure for cancer.
What originally made you want to join USA Health?
After retiring from campus, I wanted to continue working and decided to switch over to USA Health.
How long have you been with USA Health?
I actually started with USA Health in 1976 when it was USA Medical Center. I moved out of town and, upon return, worked at USA until retirement. At that time, I had the opportunity to continue working for USA through USA Health. I have been at MCI since January 2013.
Do you have any goals that you want to achieve in the health system? What goals have you already achieved?
I feel I have met all goals I set for myself while working with USA. I started as a medical records clerk, using my work benefits to attend South to obtain a degree, and have been promoted based on my achievements.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime outside of work?
Other than spending time with my grandchildren, I loved traveling and cruising. Since COVID, my free time now involves my grandchildren. I spend weekends teaching them how to cook my favorite recipes. I also love having a Sunday family dinner, where we all talk and share our different experiences.
