Open to opportunities

Mercedes Falcon

@mercedesfalcon

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Detail-oriented Clinical Research Coordinator with a passion for patient advocacy.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that allows me to further advocate for patients and improve healthcare access while utilizing my clinical research expertise.

I am a dedicated Clinical Research Professional with extensive experience in coordinating Phase I–IV clinical trials, particularly in the fields of ophthalmology and retina. My expertise lies in ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining data integrity, and advocating for underserved populations. I pride myself on my ability to navigate complex insurance authorizations and streamline workflows to enhance patient access to quality care.

Throughout my career, I have successfully managed over 20 ongoing clinical trials, collaborating closely with Principal Investigators and cross-functional teams to ensure project success. My role as a Care Coordinator allowed me to champion healthcare access for underserved populations, leveraging technology to manage caseloads effectively. I am recognized for my commitment to delivering accurate results while fostering excellent communication with all stakeholders involved in the clinical research process.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Clinical Research Coordinator

Retina Consultants of Orange County

Oct 2024 - Present (1 year 1 month)

Managed and oversaw 20+ ongoing phase I - IV ophthalmology and retina clinical trials in strict adherence to regulatory requirements and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Ensured timely completion of Electronic Data Capture (EDC) to meet critical project deadlines.

Clinical Trials Regulatory Compliance SOPs EDC Cross Functional Collaboration Data Collection Data Analysis Safety Reporting

Dedicated Care Coordinator

Included Health

Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 10 months)

Championed access to quality healthcare for underserved populations by navigating systemic barriers and connecting members to essential services. Leveraged Salesforce and Google Suite to efficiently manage caseloads and track member outcomes.

Salesforce Google Suite Caseload Management Problem Solving Team Collaboration Patient Advocacy Healthcare Navigation

Insurance Eligibility and Authorization Coordinator

Retina Consultants of Orange County

Jul 2021 - Present (4 years 4 months)

Processed insurance authorizations, pre-certifications, and eligibility checks for 120+ patients daily across multiple offices. Audited patient charts for accuracy and completeness as part of the authorization workflow, reducing approval delays by 15%.

Insurance Authorization Medi Cal Medicare Medical

Receptionist

Retina Consultants of Orange County

Dec 2012 - Present (12 years 11 months)

Trained and onboarded new staff on company policies, clinic procedures, and internal systems to ensure smooth integration and consistent workflows. Maintained high standards of accuracy and speed in daily data entry following patient appointments, supporting timely clinical documentation and billing.

Staff Training Data Entry Clinic Operations Communication Confidentiality Calendar Management Customer Service

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Mt San Antonio College

Associate degree, Paralegal Studies

Completed an ABA Approved Paralegal Program, gaining foundational knowledge in legal principles and practices. Focused on developing skills essential for supporting legal professionals.

Portland State University

Bachelor of Science, Speech and Hearing Sciences

Activities and societies: National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) 2016-2017

Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Participated in the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) during the 2016-2017 academic year.