Amanda McQuillan
Amanda McQuillan is a Senior Clinical Research Associate II who seamlessly bridges the gap between high-acuity clinical excellence and rigorous scientific oversight. With a foundation of over a decade in direct patient care—including several years as a flight nurse providing critical trauma and emergency services—she brings a unique, high-stakes perspective to the clinical research landscape. This clinical rigor serves as her primary tool in managing and monitoring complex clinical research studies, where she acts as the first line of defense for both patient safety and data integrity.
In her current role, Amanda leverages her deep-seated intuition to drive operational success. She excels in the end-to-end management of research sites, from evaluating feasibility to training study teams on protocol and safety compliance. Their work is strategically focused on primary and secondary prevention, aiming to reduce the reliance on tertiary and quaternary care. By prioritizing these early interventions, she is dedicated to improving outcomes for those with a wide range of diseases and illnesses and limited healthcare access, ensuring medical breakthroughs reach those who need them most.
This spirit of advocacy and precision extends well beyond her professional achievements. Driven by a lifelong dedication to service and learning, Amanda is a committed community advocate. She frequently volunteers with Second Harvest in the Lowcountry and is a dedicated supporter of the TEARS Foundation, which assists families navigating the profound loss of SIDS. Through the synthesis of her clinical expertise, research acumen, and personal mission, Amanda remains steadfast in her goal: helping individuals improve their health, achieve better wellness outcomes, and live with dignity.
• Registered Nurse
• Project Management Foundations
• Western Governors University - BS
• Louisiana State University- MBA
• Phi Kappa Phi
• The National Society of Leadership and Success
• Emergency Nurses Association
• Project Management Institute
• The Tears Foundation
• Second Harvest of the Lowcountry (monthly volunteer)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the foundation my parents laid, instilling in me a commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. Inspired by my mother, an educator and lifelong learner, I focus on educating nurses, communities, and policymakers to improve healthcare outcomes.
My mission is to help people improve their wellness, support recovery when possible, and ensure dignity in end-of-life care. Through research, I develop interventions that emphasize primary and secondary prevention, improving long-term health—especially for patients with rare diseases who have limited access to care.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My best advice for young women is to focus on exposure and proximity. Surround yourself with people and spaces aligned with where you want to go. It’s not just who you know—it’s about being seen, recognized for your drive and capabilities, and knowing which rooms you want to enter. Stay open, aware, and intentional about your connections—they will help guide your path.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is the U.S. system’s heavy focus on tertiary and quaternary care. This also presents an opportunity: through research, we can shift attention toward primary and secondary prevention, developing interventions that reduce the need for higher-level care—particularly improving outcomes for patients with rare diseases.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are lifelong learning, excellence, and patient-centered care. I am committed to improving wellness, ensuring dignity in end-of-life care, and serving my community in meaningful ways.