Expert Interviews
Global Perspectives in Clinical Research: An Interview with Dr. Fatima Zohra SEDDIKI
With a solid medical background and diverse clinical training in general medicine, surgery, gynecology, and pediatrics, Fatima Zohra SEDDIKI has built a career that bridges direct patient care and the highly regulated world of clinical research. Having trained and worked across Algeria, Russia, and Europe, she has accumulated valuable experience not only as a physician but also as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and Site Manager in multinational pharmaceutical environments, including Pfizer and Multihealth Groupe.
Her trajectory reflects a unique blend of clinical empathy, operational expertise, and global perspective. From oncology to endocrinology, hematology, and cardiology, Fatima’s exposure to multiple therapeutic areas has strengthened her patient-centered approach to research, while her training at prestigious institutions such as Harvard underscores her commitment to continuous professional development.
In this interview, Fatima shares how her medical foundation continues to shape her work in clinical research, the lessons learned from patient care, and her vision of a more ethical, inclusive, and patient-driven future for the industry.
ABRS: As a trained medical doctor with experience in general medicine, surgery, gynecology, and pediatrics, how has your clinical background influenced the way you approach your current role in clinical research?
Fatima: My medical training has given me a profound understanding of patient needs, disease progression, and the complexity of real-world care. When reviewing protocols or evaluating site feasibility, I naturally consider how practical the procedures are for both investigators and patients. This background also helps me build stronger relationships with investigators, as I speak their language and understand their clinical constraints.
ABRS: You have worked as a medical intern and assistant in various hospital departments across Algeria and Russia. What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from direct patient care that continue to guide your work today?
Fatima: One of the most enduring lessons from my clinical experience is the importance of empathy and active listening. Even in research, behind every data point there is a patient with fears, hopes, and a personal story. This perspective constantly reminds me of the human impact of our work and reinforces my commitment to the highest ethical and quality standards.
ABRS: Having transitioned from hands-on clinical roles to positions as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and monitor at Pfizer and Multihealth Groupe, how do you ensure that a patient-centered perspective remains at the core of the regulatory and operational aspects of clinical trials?
Fatima: I make it a priority to evaluate the potential burden a protocol may place on participants—whether in terms of the number of visits, travel requirements, or invasive procedures. I also advocate for clear, respectful communication in informed consent materials. Even though I now work in a more regulatory and operational context, I never lose sight of the fact that our primary goal is to serve patients ethically and responsibly.
ABRS: With exposure to multiple therapeutic areas—including oncology, endocrinology, hematology, and cardiology—which field has been the most impactful or personally meaningful to you, and why?
Fatima: Oncology has been particularly meaningful to me. The emotional and physical challenges faced by patients, the complexity of the science, and the urgent need for innovative therapies make this field deeply motivating. It is also an area where clinical research can have a transformative impact on patients’ lives within a relatively short timeframe.
ABRS:You have completed training at institutions such as Harvard and contributed to multinational studies across Europe. How has this global exposure shaped your understanding of clinical practice and research ethics?
Fatima: Working across different healthcare systems has shown me how culture, regulation, and access to care shape the conduct of clinical research. It has also sharpened my understanding of ethical nuances, particularly around informed consent and patient autonomy. This global exposure has made me more sensitive to the importance of equity in trial access and more adept at adapting global protocols to local realities—always without compromising scientific or ethical integrity.
We sincerely thank Dr. Fatima Zohra SEDDIKI for sharing her insights and experiences with us. She represents a new generation of clinical research professionals who combine medical expertise, global perspective, and patient-centered ethics. Her career path demonstrates how clinical experience can enrich operational roles in research, ensuring that scientific rigor and human empathy remain inseparable pillars of progress.