Melodie Pierre is a Clinical Research Coordinator I in Dr. Daniel Chu’s lab, where she supports ongoing clinical and translational studies aimed at advancing outcomes in colorectal surgery. Her role involves coordinating research projects, managing data, and ensuring that patients and study teams alike have the resources they need for successful participation.
Last year, Pierre decided to pursue higher education through UAB’s employee benefits. Currently, she is working through the Master of Science in Health Informatics program in the UAB School of Health Professions and is earning the AI in Medicine Graduate Certificate through the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation.
In a conversation with our communications team, Pierre shared her journey through her career – and continuing education – at UAB.
What are the roles you've had at UAB since you started?
“I started at UAB in 2014. I was a Patient Care Technician in renal transplant services for five years. Then, I was a Patient Encounter Specialist I in the Preoperative Assessment, Consultation, and Treatment (PACT) Clinic for over a year, then a Patient Service Coordinator II in the Department of Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery for four years. And now, I am a Clinical Research Coordinator I with Dr. Chu’s lab.”
Share your journey into the medical field with us. What areas were you most interested in and what do you like about your current role in Surgery?
“I have my bachelor’s degree in history. I initially wanted to be a museum curator but around the time I was looking for a master’s program, the Haitian earthquake happened. Those early days of not knowing who in my family was safe, if they were alive, and in what state would they be, helped change my career trajectory. In that moment, though history needed to be preserved, the priority was people’s health. Before they could enjoy any museums, they needed to be well. So, I embarked on the search for nursing schools. That search led me to UAB. Though I did not become a NP, this journey has led me to explore other possibilities in the medical field.
Through this journey, I have become most interested in data analysis. I am always fascinated by how much one can deduce with just one dataset!
The favorite aspects of my role are managing databases, keeping up with deadlines, and recruiting patients. Albeit it may start from a question or a problem to ending with finding its answer or it originating another question, all aspects of research are important. However, all of that relies on the integrity of the data and adhering to deadlines. In addition, none of that would be possible without research participants. I enjoy recruiting patients. They get to choose to donate their time to contribute to science that one day can help people they will never meet. That truly takes a special caliber of person.”
What made you interested in pursuing a degree related to AI in Medicine?
“Last year, I was accepted to the master’s program in Health Informatics. However, since I was a semester ahead of my cohort because I completed that coursework before I was accepted – I wanted to ensure it was a great fit for me – I was left with a semester free. Instead of taking a semester off, I decided to look for other classes I could take, just to keep the momentum going. I saw an email about the certificate of AI in Medicine. It intrigued me and was curious to learn how AI can enhance medicine. I now see AI as an evolution of the internet, and we already know how the internet revolutionized medicine! I am elated to see how AI will do the same.”
What’s the most interesting course you’ve taken so far and how has it informed how you view the medical field now?
“The most interesting course I have taken has to be the lab portion of Human Anatomy at UAB. It was the toughest class I have ever taken. However, because we were studying on cadavers, I had a chance to see all the muscles, veins, arteries, and organs we were studying. It helped me to remember that at the center the medical field is a human, someone’s loved one. Regardless of skin tone, religion, sexual orientation, political views, and financial backgrounds, we are human first.
Another interesting class I took was Leadership and Ethics for AI in Medicine. It was a short class, just seven weeks, yet I learned so much. We were presented with thought-provoking ideas and scenarios to teach us that though this technology has a lot of positive applications, we have to look at how this will fundamentally change our world and it is our duty to ensure that it ischanged for the better. As a result, the medical field can answer obscure questions faster, and at times we may need to regulate the rate of change to analyze its impact.”
When do you finish your program and what are you excited about in your next steps?
“I finish the AI in Medicine Certification this fall and my master’s next summer. I am most excited to use my skills as a healthcare data analyst to find the answers to questions we have not thought about yet. Then, I plan to continue my education at UAB with the Biomedical and Health Informatics Ph.D. program, which is slated to start with its inaugural cohort next fall.”
What advice would you give to fellow UAB Department of Surgery employees who may be interested in also pursuing a degree?
“Don’t hesitate, just start. If they have been out of school for a while, I would advise warming up with the Business Research Toolkit class that the UAB library offers twice a year. It takes 8 weeks, all online and it may help acclimate them to being a student again as they transition to a program. Also, it is just a fun class!
Rely on your UAB network. UAB is a world-class organization and home to many accomplished employees. Ask around, introduce yourself, and meet new people who may be your future colleages.
Lastly, it is free! Every year, you have a certain number of credits you can take for free. Check with the educational assistance department because those benefits vary depending on if you are a UAB Health System or Health Foundation employee. Also, once you are admitted, you can apply for scholarships to cover any additional expenses.”