Are you interested in learning about career development at UHN? Join the Research Professionals at UHN (RP@UHN) on March 5, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM for an exciting virtual panel discussion!

The hour-long session will feature UHN staff who began their career journeys in clinical research and have taken unique career paths to exciting roles at UHN. The panelists will share their diverse career trajectories and advice on how to build skills and leverage opportunities within UHN to advance your career progression. Gain valuable tips, strategies, and learn firsthand experiences from other members of TeamUHN.

Meet the panel:

• Fraser Amos, Clinical Research Manager, Toronto General Hospital
• Menaka Pulandiran, Compliance & Planning Associate, Clinical Research Support Systems, Research Support Services
• Dawit Yemanebirhan, Clinical Research Supervisor, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

The event is free and open to everyone! Register now to secure your spot.

Speaker Bios:

Fraser Amos, MBA, BSc

• Fraser Amos is a strategic and results-driven clinical research professional with over nine years of experience optimizing operations within world-class medical institutions. Fraser earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Dalhousie University, where he initially pursued bench science research before realizing his passion lies in clinical research and operations. Fraser’s career began in Halifax, where he worked as a patient attendant across multiple hospitals while completing his undergraduate studies. After transitioning into bench science, Fraser discovered that je was more interested in the operational and patient-focused aspects of research. Returning to Toronto, Fraser gained experience by volunteering in inpatient and CICU administrative roles at UHN before securing a research position in the Cardiac Behavioural Research Unit under Dr. Nolan. This experience led to becoming an early founding member of the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Biobank. Now serving as Clinical Research Manager, Fraser has played a pivotal role in expanding the biobank’s operations, implementing innovative digital solutions, and developing sustainability strategies that have positioned it as one of the largest cardiac biobanks globally. Fraser leads strategic initiatives in digital automation, cost recovery, and operational efficiency to enhance biobanking and clinical research at UHN. Fraser holds an MBA in Leadership from Dalhousie University and a Clinical Research Graduate Certificate from the Michener Institute.  He is passionate about integrating research into clinical practice, fostering collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of research professionals.

Menaka Pulandiran, BSc (Hons)

• Menaka Pulandiran is a seasoned clinical research professional with over a decade of experience spanning research operations, project management, and process optimization. She began her career at the Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program at ELLICSR/Princess Margaret Cancer Center, where she played a pivotal role in coordinating research studies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting program operations. This hands-on experience provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges researchers face, from study design and ethics approvals to participant engagement. Currently a Compliance and Planning Associate at UHN, Menaka specializes in bridging the gap between research teams and institutional processes, developing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and collaboration. With a passion for problem-solving and a strategic mindset, Menaka is dedicated to empowering researchers by designing tools and processes that improve the research experience.

Dawit Yemanebirhan, BSc

• Dawit Yemanebirhan is a clinical research professional specializing in regulatory compliance and data management of oncology clinical trials. As a Clinical Research Supervisor at the Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Princess Margaret Cancer Center, he supervises a team of clinical regulatory specialists and assistants managing a portfolio of clinical trials, ensuring adherence to regulatory guidelines, institutional standards, and ethical research practices. He focuses on leading and conducting timely, high-quality clinical trials while ensuring patient safety and confidentiality. Prior to his current role, Dawit held positions as a Patient Flow Coordinator, Clinical Research Intern, Clinical Research Study Assistant, and Clinical Study and Regulatory Specialist. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences (Clinical Research) from The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. He has further enhanced his expertise through specialized training in clinical trial management, biostatistics, and regulatory affairs. Passionate about patient care, leadership, and innovation, Dawit actively mentors future healthcare research professionals.