Emilie Douine-Barthelemy, MS, GC, CCRP
Emilie Douine-Barthelemy, MS, GC, CCRP, is a Clinical Research Program Manager at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, specializing in oncology clinical trials and genetic counseling. She earned her Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from Aix Marseille University in 2010 and is certified as a Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) through SOCRA. Her foundational training and early clinical work in Europe established her expertise in cancer genetics, with additional experience in psychiatric genetics during a pioneering role in Switzerland.
She began her career in France, working in oncogenetics and later expanding into psychiatric genetics in Geneva, where she contributed to early European efforts in the field. After relocating to the United States in 2014, she joined UCLA Health, where she transitioned into research genetic counseling and clinical research coordination. Over nearly a decade at UCLA, she held progressively senior roles, including study coordinator, regulatory coordinator, and program manager for the California Center for Rare Disease, collaborating with major initiatives such as the Undiagnosed Diseases Network and precision health programs.
In her current role at Cedars-Sinai, Emilie oversees clinical research operations across hematology-oncology programs, including lymphoma, leukemia, and sarcoma portfolios. She manages teams of study coordinators and works closely with regulatory and finance units to streamline clinical trial execution. Her professional approach emphasizes transparency, interdisciplinary collaboration, and improving patient access to advanced cancer research and therapies through well-coordinated clinical trials.
• Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)
• UCLA HIPAA
• FDA Regulated Research
• Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research OPTIONAL
• Aix-Marseille Université - MS
• Erasmus Mobility Grant
• SOCRA (Society of Clinical Research Associates)
• Bruin Allies For Duchenne
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my resilience. Working in clinical research, everyone knows there are fires every day, so we really need to adapt quickly and think on our feet. Being resilient and flexible has allowed me to navigate challenges and continue growing, even when I couldn't practice what I was originally trained for after immigrating to the United States. Instead of giving up, I found a different path in research and continued to build my career in a new direction. That ability to bounce back and adapt has been the foundation of everything I've accomplished.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I don’t think we talk enough about how pivotal mentorship is—especially in clinical research, where much of what you learn isn’t found in textbooks. Early in my career in Switzerland, while entering psychiatric genetics, I had a mentor who taught me not only the science but how to think—how to navigate uncertainty, ask better questions, and sit with ambiguity when answers weren’t clear. That experience became a lasting foundation, giving me the confidence to adapt across countries and systems, continue learning quickly, and trust my ability to grow into new roles as my career evolved.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be resilient and flexible. In clinical research, challenges arise daily, and the ability to adapt quickly and think on your feet is essential. You also need to be flexible in working with different teams and perspectives, as the field is fast-moving and constantly evolving. Being able to pivot, problem-solve in real time, and stay composed through change will not only help you navigate the challenges but also support your growth in unexpected and meaningful ways.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in clinical research right now is the frequency of operational “fires” that require immediate attention and rapid problem-solving. Trials are highly complex, and issues can emerge at any stage, so the ability to adapt quickly and stay focused under pressure is essential. At the same time, effective coordination across regulatory, finance, and operational teams is critical to keeping studies on track and ensuring compliance. Within that complexity, there is also a strong opportunity to improve how cross-functional teams collaborate and streamline processes, ultimately making clinical trials more efficient and resilient.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency is one of the most important values I bring to my work, and I’ve found that being open and honest builds trust and enables teams to collaborate more effectively. I also place a strong value on using my expertise in genetics and clinical research in a way that directly contributes to patient care and meaningful scientific progress. Equally important to me is the opportunity to inspire and support the next generation in the field, as well as to contribute beyond my immediate organization in ways that can encourage others entering the profession. On a personal level, I strive to maintain balance while managing a demanding career and being a mother to two very active children, and I also make time for interests that keep me grounded, including gaming, nature, and hiking.
Locations
Cedars-Sinai
Los Angeles, CA 90019