Posted by Emily Hayden, program coordinator

We’ve all had an experience where putting in that extra bit of effort made all the difference: The early-morning study group that brought that B up to an A. The extra hour after practice that earned you a spot on the team. Volunteering on Saturdays to ease the burden for someone less fortunate.

I’ve found that the most fulfilling activities usually require a little extra time and effort, but are worth it in the end because I can look back and be satisfied, knowing that I maximized my available resources.

The same idea applies to professional development. We all know it is important, but our busy schedules and multiple commitments prevent us from taking advantage of these opportunities. At PRIM&R, we want to make it easy to make the most of your time and energy—that’s why we’re hosting a full day of 10 pre-conference programs as a lead-in to the 2009 Advancing Ethical Research (AER) Conference!

These full-day programs will be held on November 13 and are designed to meet the needs of those who are involved in the field of human subjects research, such as IRB members, chairs, and staff; researchers and investigators; institutional officials; and community members and community research advisory board members.

Not only will these programs provide information that will keep you current in the high-stakes and ever-changing field of research ethics and compliance, but these smaller sessions will provide you with valuable networking opportunities and advice from peers who face the same challenges that you do.

Some things require extra effort, but not registration! You can register for a pre-conference program at the same time as the 2009 AER Conference. Or, if you have already registered for the conference and would like to extend your stay in Nashville, please call us at 617.423.4112, ext. 0 and we will gladly assist you.

If you have questions regarding the pre-conference programs, please contact me via e-mail, or at 617.423.4112, ext. 26.