Shaunagh Browning

Posted in Staff Spotlight

May 5, 2023

Name: Shaunagh Browning
Title: Senior Director, Office of Human Subject Protections
How long have you worked at Georgetown?: A total of 32 years, separated by just over two years away from Georgetown
What led you to your position here at GUMC?: I have been engaged in clinical research for 30 years as a study coordinator, nurse practitioner and investigator. I am passionate about the implementation and safety of research participants, and running the Office of Human Subject Protections was a natural growth opportunity for me.
In your role, how do you interact with the GUMC community?: The OHSP encompasses Research Quality Assurance and the Institutional Review Board. I encourage a very open-door policy to the larger research community; therefore, I readily provide help with all matters of research quality, regulatory questions, and those related to human subject protections. I enjoy most educating individuals and departments about quality implementation of research and will provide informal and formal educational sessions on a variety of clinical research topics.
What do you enjoy most about your job?: I enjoy guiding and leading individuals to provide quality clinical research care and to grow professionally as individuals.
What is a skill you have that might surprise people?: I co-founded a nonprofit association, The International Association of Clinical Research Nurses, now in its 15th year. Through that association, I assisted in writing the Scope and Standards of Practice, now recognized by the American Nurses Association, and co-created a certification process for clinical research nurses.
What did you learn about yourself as a professional during the pandemic?: I learned I am a servant leader who was able to assist in rapid problem-solving and dissemination of necessary knowledge through community building. I also learned that I am more resilient than I previously recognized.
What do you like to do in your free time?: I am a creative person who enjoys painting, crafting and expressing creativity in cooking. My most recent hobby is learning how to become a beekeeper.
What is your greatest achievement (personal or professional)?: Personally, I am very proud to have raised two beautiful children who are making their own unique contributions in this world. I am also very proud to demonstrate a commitment to continued education, completing my doctorate in nursing practice at the end of 2019. I am grateful that I persevered and am now applying the knowledge gained through the DNP program in my everyday work.
What is the best lesson you have learned from working at GUMC?: Flexibility and autonomy! GUMC has taught me to independently identify and adapt to unique experiences and challenges.