Welcome to another featured member interview in which we continue to introduce you to PRIM&R members, a group of dedicated individuals working to advance ethical research on a daily basis. Please read on to learn more about Brenda Hayes, instructor and director, grant and proposal development at Morehouse School of Medicine and director, Community Partnership Development (COEHD).

When and why did you join the field?

I have been in health care for several decades and first served on a hospital IRB in 1985 to represent mental health programs and issues.

What is your favorite part of the job?

I enjoy the educational aspect, which allows me to participate in training a variety of individuals who are unfamiliar with requirements to participate in human subjects research activities.

Which living person do you most admire?

President Obama is at the top of my list due to his leadership qualities and his extraordinary grasp of complex issues, daring solutions, and tenacity in the face of unbelievable challenges.

Why did you join PRIM&R?

PRIM&R offers remarkable educational opportunities that continue to provide contemporary information about innovative and challenging ethical issues.

What is your favorite member benefit?

I enjoy all of the updated and frequent educational offerings using a variety of media.

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

Dr. William “Bill” Jenkins would be a riveting speaker. Dr. Jenkins was one of the plenary speakers at last year’s American Public Health Association Annual Meeting in Denver. He is an epidemiologist, a former researcher with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and was involved in managing the benefits for the US Public Health Service Syphilis Study and President Clinton’s formal apology.

What do you believe is a key challenge facing the field of research ethics?

We live in a world of rapidly advancing technological innovations; however, we do not have all of the ethical tools to protect all of the confidential information that is delivered through social media and other avenues. The advent of handheld mobile devices, Facebook, and electronic medical records provide tremendous opportunities to breach confidentiality. Currently, we are playing catch-up with the technology and must become more proactive in anticipating how we protect information collected during research activities.

Thank you for being part of the membership community and sharing your story, Brenda!

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a member, please visit our website today.