MERIT Executive Spotlight is a series featuring executive team members introducing themselves and explaining why they chose to work in the clinical trials industry and at MERIT.
What is your role at MERIT?
In my role as Director of Medical Affairs, Anterior Segment/Safety, I provide medical expertise for anterior segment clinical trials, including oversight of safety reviews. In addition, I contribute to the development of imaging charters and key study documents—such as PSEPs—to support clear, effective reader training. I also do some grading as a senior reader. Finally, I work closely with sponsors throughout all phases of clinical research, ensuring the highest standards of data integrity and patient safety are consistently upheld.
What is your background and why did you get into clinical research?
I worked as a comprehensive ophthalmologist in a large private practice in the Cleveland area for over 20 years, but it was bought out by private equity and the work changed dramatically. I still wanted to work in my chosen field of ophthalmology, so I decided to make the switch to clinical research. I began performing grading for clinical trials on a part-time basis, and I also worked for a time as a medical director for a large CRO. Once I joined MERIT in my current role, it confirmed for me how exciting it is to see new treatments before they get into clinical practice. It’s very rewarding to be part of work that helps patients maintain and improve their vision.
What do you like about working at MERIT?
I love the community here at MERIT. When you ask a question on a Teams chat or an email, the whole group will contribute to get the needed answer—everyone pitches in. The company also sponsors great team-building activities like the Winter Step Challenge, and now March Madness brackets. They’re fun and competitive and keep us all connected as we work remotely. I also love to see the growth in our anterior segment studies; it’s very exciting.
What do you do in your free time?
I live in Cleveland with my husband and youngest daughter who is in high school. Our older son lives in LA, and our older daughter is a senior at Ohio State. I love to run and I have coached track for many years. Now my youngest daughter is running track, and I get to coach her. My husband and I are trying to travel more now that our kids are older, and we recently explored my Irish heritage with a visit to Ireland and Scotland. My husband’s a huge Metallica fan and we have a trip planned to see them in Vegas.
Connect with Dr. Zielinski on LinkedIn