NeuroSense featuring the CRA

“A close level of engagement and personal touch sets us apart from larger companies, and makes us unique” – Eidan Lushi, CRA

When I graduated from my master’s program in cell and developmental biology at Tel Aviv University, I started working at Ichilov, the second-largest hospital in Israel. I was excited to gain experience in clinical trials as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) in the hemato-oncology institute. Cancer is a devastating disease, and while working in cancer research, I saw firsthand the importance of the work being done and the hope it brings to people. I realized that while many cancer patients have a chance at recovery, supported by substantial research funding, there are other areas—particularly orphan and neglected diseases—that desperately need more attention. These conditions are often 100% fatal, yet they receive far less focus. This drove me to seek a role where I could make a meaningful impact, dedicating my efforts to helping those who are often overlooked. My passion lies in bringing hope and solutions to people who face these devastating diseases, and that’s what inspired me to enter this field. Ultimately, I sought a meaningful role and found it at NeuroSense. I was inspired by Alon’s dedication to making a difference. Contrary to big pharma companies, small companies like NeuroSense are very enthusiastic about tackling ALS, without settling for  “easier” target diseases.

I have been working at NueroSense for almost two years as a CRA. I monitor and manage all of the clinical trials that the company is doing. I am the middleman between the company and the trial site, conveying information and messages from each side to the other.

My main tool in this role is diplomacy, seeing as my work week is quite dynamic and involves many moving parts. I usually start by visiting hospitals and study sites, where I check medical records and safety reports for trial participants to ensure everything is in order. Midweek, I spend time in the office attending meetings with various teams to discuss how we can advance our clinical trials. After these meetings, I often return to the sites to train staff, engage with them, and identify areas for improvement. This mix of on-site visits and office work keeps my week engaging and diverse.

Building strong personal relationships with site staff is essential. Recognizing and valuing them beyond their work roles fosters a positive environment that supports successful clinical trials. The human connection and personal engagement I maintain with the team make a significant difference. This direct and close relationship not only accelerates actions and improves responses but also enhances communication. I spend much of my time on-site, becoming almost part of their team, which creates a comfortable atmosphere. This level of engagement sets us apart from larger companies and is a key factor in our success. When staff feel valued and understood, they are more receptive to collaboration, feedback, and requests, ultimately leading to greater project success.

To ensure I effectively represent NeuroSense’s goals during site interactions, I avoid being impulsive and always consider my responses with the company’s interest in mind. I stay updated by regularly consulting with senior colleagues. My key strategy is to maintain close communication with my colleagues to accurately convey NeuroSense’s objectives to the sites.

In big companies or hospitals, your responsibilities are strictly limited to your job description, and you stick to what you signed up for on your first day. However, in small biotech startups like NeuroSense, your role and scope of responsibilities is much broader and dynamic- you don’t just say “I’m just a CRA”, because responsibilities are more fluid. This fosters a strong sense of teamwork.

This environment creates a unique, close-knit atmosphere where we are all committed to the same success. We embrace the opportunity to work beyond our defined roles, learning new things and contributing to the company’s mission. This teamwork and dedication make our work much more meaningful compared to larger companies, where roles are rigid, and motivation often revolves around salary and conditions rather than a shared purpose.

At NeuroSense, we have a unique approach where we avoid saying “no” outright. Instead, we focus on collaboration, working together as equals to find solutions. This approach fosters a sense of shared purpose and teamwork, creating an environment where everyone feels like they’re in the same boat, working toward common goals.

Initiating a new clinical trial involves a thorough assessment of a site’s suitability, often starting with limited information from initial meetings. Identifying the ideal site can take several months as I gather insights into its strengths and potential challenges. I then share these insights with my colleagues to ensure a well-prepared site initiation visit, where we present our product and train the staff efficiently.

At NeuroSense, we prioritize staying updated with the latest developments and regulations. Our culture of open communication and regular updates promotes a collaborative environment, allowing me to stay informed, ask questions, and contribute ideas effectively. This approach ensures we remain aligned and poised to achieve our objectives.

Our shared mission at NeuroSense is to succeed in providing treatments for patients, and this collective goal drives us. Unlike larger companies where you might just work from 8 to 5 and then disconnect, here we feel a profound sense of purpose. It’s like a mission for us, and everyone is so supportive and collaborative.

What truly excites me most about working for NeuroSense is the team. It is honestly exceptional, and I love each one of them.

One of my key professional tips is to maintain the mindset that there’s always more to learn. Even if you’re deeply experienced in your field, it’s crucial to acknowledge that there’s always something new to discover. Embrace curiosity, continuously question your own knowledge, and remain committed to ongoing improvement. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also drives innovation and excellence in your work.