Welcome to another installment of our featured member interviews in which we introduce you to our members—individuals who work to advance ethical research on a daily basis. Please read on to learn more about their professional experiences, how membership helps connect them to a larger community, and what goes on behind-the-scenes in their lives! 


Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Bresee, program specialist at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in Washington, DC.

When and why did you join the field?

I joined the field in 2010 when I had the opportunity to hold a research assistant position at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. I’ve now moved on to the AAMC to assume a role in human subjects research protections. This position allows me to blend my knowledge of research regulations with my formal training in ethical considerations obtained through an undergraduate philosophy degree.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of this job is the fulfillment. I’m responsible for ensuring that my organization maintains the highest ethical standards in its research practices. At the end of the day, I know that my work is important to the subjects we’re protecting. It’s also an exciting time to be in this field, as the changing policy landscape on research regulations provides an opportunity to share opinions on improving current practices.

What are you reading?

I’m currently trying to get caught up on weekly subscriptions to the New England Journal of Medicine and the interdisciplinary science journal Nature. Although I work on the regulatory side of research, I like to follow the actual content of medical and scientific advances.

Why did you join PRIM&R?

I joined PRIM&R because it’s a great resource for information and updates on human subject research issues.

What is your favorite member benefit?

My favorite member benefit would have to be the monthly Newsletter. It provides a wealth of information that keeps members up to date on the latest happenings in the field.

If you were planning our next conference, who would you select as a keynote speaker?

If I could choose the next keynote speaker for a PRIM&R conference, I would pick Dr. Jerry Menikoff. As the director of OHRP and co-author of the recent ANPRM, I’d love to hear his thoughts on the proposed changes to the “Common Rule” and the likelihood of reform.

Thank you for being part of the membership community and sharing your story, Beth. We hope we can help you keep up with all the new regulations here at PRIM&R! If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member, please visit our website today.