Vistatec Life Sciences — In Focus Episode 17 - Julieta Pacheco
Join us for an insightful conversation with Julieta Pacheco, Clinical Trial Liaison at The Medical Affairs Company (TMAC). With a career that spans hospital labs, contract research organizations, and global sponsors, Julieta has seen clinical research from nearly every angle. But what sets her apart is how she brings personal conviction and practical knowledge to everything she does, from mentoring emerging professionals to improving trial diversity across borders.
From Hospital Hallways to Global Trials
Julieta’s journey into clinical research began in her native Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she studied biochemistry at the University of Buenos Aires. Like many in the field, she didn’t start out aiming for a career in trials. Her transition came while working in a hospital when she shifted into a lab technician role at a clinical research institution. That moment sparked a path that would eventually take her through roles as a Clinical Trial Assistant, Clinical Research Associate, and now Clinical Trial Liaison at TMAC.
Her story is a strong example of how clinical research professionals often find their way into the industry through a combination of curiosity, persistence, and seizing the right opportunity.
What a Clinical Trial Liaison Actually Does
At TMAC, Julieta acts as a bridge between sponsors and principal investigators. Her work involves identifying key opinion leaders, introducing new protocols, and supporting clinical sites throughout trial execution. What makes her effective is the wide lens she brings: having worked on-site, in CROs, and with sponsors, she understands the challenges at each level.
Julieta also emphasizes strategy. Her goal isn’t just to complete tasks but to find smarter ways of working, solve problems at trial sites, and ensure that protocols are designed with real-world challenges in mind.
Navigating Culture in Clinical Trials
One of the standout parts of this episode was Julieta’s take on the cultural nuances of global clinical trials. Professionally, she recommends that anyone working in an international team build strong relationships with experienced colleagues and stay open to asking questions. She says listening is critical when working across languages, customs, and expectations.
On the patient side, Julieta draws attention to an often overlooked challenge: awareness. In Latin America, she explains that many people are unfamiliar with clinical research, creating recruitment barriers. Language, socioeconomic factors, and educational gaps all affect participation. That’s why dissemination and clear, accessible communication about what research is and why it matters is vital. Without trust and understanding, patient engagement suffers.
ECR Academy: Creating Opportunity in Clinical Research
Beyond her role at TMAC, Julieta founded ECR Academy – Embracing Clinical Research, a platform designed to help healthcare professionals leap into the clinical research field. Her motivation is personal. She knows firsthand how hard it can be to transition from hospital-based roles into the corporate side of medicine. ECR Academy was her answer to that gap.
The platform offers three core programs:
- Mentorship to support professionals moving from clinical care into industry, with a focus on both technical and soft skills.
- Personal branding guidance, including LinkedIn optimization and interview preparation, to help candidates stand out.
- A Clinical Trial Monitoring Course provides foundational knowledge for those interested in CRA or CTA roles. Interestingly, translators and localization specialists have even taken the course to better understand trial language and context.
Julieta’s approach blends knowledge with community. For her, it’s not just about skills, it’s about giving people the confidence and support to believe they belong in the space.
Real-World Implications of Cultural Differences
Julieta clarifies the role of Clinical Trial Liaisons, highlights the real-world implications of cultural differences in research, and shows how mentorship can open doors that once seemed closed.
Julieta’s story offers encouragement and insight for anyone navigating a career in life sciences, especially those outside the typical pathway. And for industry leaders looking to build more inclusive, effective trials, her perspective is both practical and urgent.
About Life Sciences – In Focus
Life Sciences – In Focus Podcast by Visatatec, a fascinating conversation with global life sciences experts. The show has multiple hosts and topics. Follow Life Sciences – In Focus on Spotify for all the latest episodes, or subscribe to the show on YouTube and Apple podcasts. Life Sciences – In Focus is available on many other podcast platforms. To learn more about the podcast, please visit: https://vistatec.com/life-sciences-division.
About Vistatec
We have been helping some of the world’s most iconic brands to optimize their global commercial potential since 1997. Vistatec is one of the world’s leading global content solutions providers. HQ in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in Mountain View, California, USA. To learn more about Vistatec, please visit https://www.vistatec.com