Maria Gabriela Ycaza-Zurita

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT MARIA GABRIELA YCAZA-ZURITA

I am a physician by training and clinical research operations leader with experience managing complex trials in rare diseases, immunology, and advanced therapeutics at private and major academic medical centers. I specialize in study start-up, regulatory strategy, site activation, patient recruitment, and budget management — monitoring study costs, projecting resource needs, and providing operational input to guide budget planning.I lead cross-functional teams with a focus on practical, scalable solutions — from implementing SOPs and audit systems to refining workflows that improve efficiency, audit readiness, and financial accountability. My approach combines operational detail with strategic oversight, helping research programs meet immediate goals while building sustainable capacity for the future.A published author and conference presenter, I hold the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) credential, earned my Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and am a graduate of Harvard Medical School’s Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program. Trained as a physician, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to clinical research, bridging scientific, operational, and regulatory domains. Fluent in English and Spanish, I also direct Project IMG Ecuador and serve as a Unity Collective Leader, mentoring international medical graduates and fostering global research collaboration.