Rosamond Rohde

BSc Nursing, 2006

Tell me more about the MD Anderson Cancer Centre?

MD Anderson is one of the world’s most respected centres devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It is located in the Texas Medical Centre here in Houston, the largest medical complex in the world. Everything is bigger here in Texas as they say!

Clinical trials at MD Anderson offer patients access to new and cutting edge treatments, often years before they’re available to the public. Clinical trial helps to find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Combined with other initiatives in prevention, research and education, MD Anderson’s outreach enables millions of local, domestic and international patients to have greater access to its expertise, experience and innovative treatment.

The goal of MD Anderson Cancer Centre is to make cancer history and I am honored to be part of the team.

Tell me more about your job and what it involves?

I’m the Financial Clearance Coordinator for the Thoracic and Orthopedic center at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre here in Houston, Texas.

My current job is to financially clear patients to participate in clinical trials. This involves using clinical knowledge to facilitate obtaining pre-authorization from the insurance company and also peer to peer engagement, if needed.

For patients participating in a clinical trial, I financially counsel the patients, review the services being covered by the clinical trial sponsor and those designated for coverage under the patient’s insurance.

How did you end up in that role?

I’ve always been interested in clinical research because without clinical trials we would not be able to explore treatments that work best for certain diseases.

Before I moved to Houston, I knew that I wanted to work at MD Anderson because it’s one of the best and well-renowned cancer research hospitals in the world.

I started as a research nurse in the Leukemia department. In that role, I was responsible for the effective operation of research protocols in collaboration with the principal investigator and study sponsor.

With the research experience, I wanted to use that knowledge to be an advocate for the patients and to ensure that they are financially cleared to participate in clinical trials.

Play hard and work harder. Always remember that your main focus should be to attain a higher education. Be the best you and never compare yourself to others.

Rosamond Rohde | MD Anderson Cancer Centre | Financial Clearance Coordinator

How did your time at Abertay help you get to where you are now?

My time at Abertay has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. My nursing degree and clinical experience from Abertay set the foundation to further my nursing degree and also employment when I relocated to USA. I was also able to obtain my medical and surgical certificates.

The nursing program at Abertay was outstanding and also my clinical rotation at Ninewells Hospital provided a great evidence based clinical experience. I relocated from London to attend nursing school in Scotland.

After my management rotation, I was offered a staff nurse position at Ward 19 (orthopedic surgery) at Ninewells. That was my first nursing job.

What are your lasting memories of Abertay/Dundee?

I have a lot of fond memories! To name a few; going to classes at Dudhope castle, going to Fat Sam’s on Sundays, hanging out at the Overgate and Wellgate malls, meeting new friends and being able to explore Scotland.

Did anyone or anything at the university have a particular impact on you?

All my lecturers at Abertay were exceptional. They were also very supportive and helpful during my clinical placements at the hospital. After I moved to USA, one of the lecturers, Linda Wood wrote a letter of recommendation for acceptance to the graduate school, which enabled me to pursue my Master’s degree in Nursing here in the USA.

What advice do you have for our current students?

Play hard and work harder. Always remember that your main focus should be to attain a higher education. Be the best you and never compare yourself to others. Meet lifelong friends and enjoy the student experience at Abertay.