You may know the Department of Human Oncology is comprised of Radiation Oncologists and Medical Physicists but there are so many other people contributing to our success and we’d like to introduce you to them. Our hope is that through this series you learn a bit about the position, the face behind the title, and that it helps you to grasp the breadth of the field of Radiation Medicine.
Our faculty and staff cover topics from residency program applications to clinical trial enrollment, to proper radiation dosing, to nursing. Please meet Belinda Buehl, a regulatory specialist and our July Expert!
1. What is your title and which areas of the Department of Human Oncology do you work within? (clinical, research and/or medical education)?
I am the Regulatory Specialist for the Radiation Oncology Research group within the Department of Human Oncology. I have been the regulatory specialist for this group for 11 years. As a Regulatory Specialist I handle the behind-the-scenes life cycle of a research protocol. I assist with writing the documents, submitting them to the appropriate review boards for approval, and the continued maintenance of the studies.
2. What drew you to the field?
I have a background as a certified vet tech and laboratory animal tech and I have worked in many different areas of research, such as in a BSL3 Lab with the USGS studying the plague in prairie dogs and black footed ferrets. It was a natural next step forward to work in the field of human medical research.
3. What is something you look forward to in your job every day, week, month or year? What’s your favorite part?
I work with an amazing team of research professionals who truly care about others. I look forward to problem solving and helping to keep our research studies running smoothly on a daily basis.
4. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy hiking, kayaking, bird watching, anything related to nature – like sky watching such as comet hunting, searching for the best spot to see the Northern Lights, and storm chasing. I also love spending time at home with my cats, Paka, Pickle, and Yeti. We also have an African Dwarf Frog named Hopper and some fish and snails.
5. What is your favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
I’m not sure I have a favorite piece of advice. I think what I’ve learned from the people in my life that I admire most is no matter what life throws at you, keep moving forward and doing your best. Don’t be afraid to take that leap and never lose hope, you never know what the next chapter is going to bring.
