Fiona Peet, a seasoned clinical trial coordinator, has built a reputable career in the medical research field. With an educational background in nursing and oncology, coupled with extensive experience in clinical trial management, Peet has made significant contributions to medical research, particularly in the areas of clinical trials and viral hepatitis research. Her professional journey spans over two decades and showcases a blend of dedication, expertise, and leadership in the healthcare sector.
Early Education and Background
Fiona Peet’s journey into the healthcare industry began with her education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). There, she completed both a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and a Graduate Diploma in Oncology Nursing. During her time at QUT, Peet developed a strong foundation in nursing practice, which laid the groundwork for her future work in clinical research and trial coordination.
Her educational path was complemented by secondary schooling at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School, where she completed her final years of secondary education. The values and discipline she acquired during her school years undoubtedly contributed to her later achievements in her professional career.
Clinical Trial Coordinator Shaping Groundbreaking Research at the University of the Sunshine Coast
Currently, Peet serves as a Head of Clinical Trials Advancing Research at the University of the Sunshine Coast, a position she has held since October 2025. In this role, she oversees the coordination of clinical trials, ensuring they are conducted in accordance with regulatory guidelines and ethical standards. Her responsibilities encompass a range of tasks, from recruiting participants to monitoring the progress of trials and ensuring compliance with institutional and legal regulations.
The University of the Sunshine Coast provides a conducive environment for clinical research, and Peet’s role is instrumental in advancing the university’s research goals. Her work directly contributes to the development of new treatments and therapies, improving the health and wellbeing of the wider community. Given her years of expertise, Peet is well-equipped to handle the complexities of clinical trials and navigate the challenges that arise during research studies.
Extensive Experience in Clinical Research
Peet’s career in clinical research spans over 15 years, with significant contributions made during her tenure at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia. From January 2009 to May 2025, she held multiple roles, including Senior Clinical Research Coordinator and Team Lead for Viral Hepatitis and Gastroenterology. Her work at St Vincent’s Hospital focused primarily on viral hepatitis research, an area where she made a marked impact through her leadership and management of clinical trials.
As a Team Lead in the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, Peet was responsible for overseeing various clinical studies aimed at understanding and treating viral infections. Her work involved not only coordinating trials but also managing a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, and nurses to ensure the effective implementation of research protocols. This role underscored her capacity to lead large-scale research projects and her ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Peet’s dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes was also reflected in her earlier positions at St Vincent’s Hospital, where she worked as a Clinical Trial Coordinator in the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program from 2009 to 2018. In this role, she gained valuable experience in managing clinical trials and coordinating the involvement of participants, all while ensuring the trials adhered to high ethical and scientific standards.
The Importance of Clinical Trial Coordination
Clinical trial coordination is a critical component of the medical research process. Clinical trials serve as the foundation for developing new treatments, therapies, and medical devices that improve patient care. As a Clinical Trial Coordinator, Peet plays an essential role in ensuring that these trials run smoothly, ethically, and efficiently. Her work involves liaising with various stakeholders, including medical researchers, healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and patients, to ensure the trial’s success.
Peet’s expertise in this field enables her to effectively manage multiple trials simultaneously, each with its own set of challenges and complexities. The skills she has developed over the years—such as project management, participant recruitment, and regulatory compliance—are essential to the successful execution of clinical trials. Her work also requires close attention to detail and a deep understanding of clinical research protocols, as any mistake or oversight could lead to delays or inaccuracies that could affect the trial’s results.
A Track Record in Oncology and Viral Hepatitis Research
Throughout her career, Peet has specialized in areas such as oncology nursing and viral hepatitis research, two fields that have significant clinical implications. Her education in oncology nursing laid the foundation for her work in cancer research, where she gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by cancer patients and the importance of advancing therapeutic options.
Peet’s work in viral hepatitis research has been particularly noteworthy. Viral hepatitis, caused by several different viruses, is a major health issue globally, and research into effective treatments for this condition is vital. During her time at St Vincent’s Hospital, Peet worked extensively on studies related to viral hepatitis, which included conducting clinical trials aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of these infections. Her role as a clinical trial coordinator involved managing the logistics of these trials, as well as ensuring that participants received the appropriate care and treatment.
The impact of Peet’s work in these fields extends far beyond her own professional development. The research she coordinated has contributed to the advancement of medical treatments that have the potential to improve the lives of countless patients. Through her efforts, Peet has played a vital role in facilitating groundbreaking research that could one day lead to new treatments or cures for serious diseases like cancer and hepatitis.
Leadership and Team Management
One of Peet’s standout qualities is her leadership ability. Throughout her career, she has led diverse teams of medical professionals, researchers, and coordinators, guiding them through the challenges of managing complex clinical trials. Her role as a Team Lead for the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program at St Vincent’s Hospital is a testament to her leadership skills. Under her guidance, teams were able to collaborate effectively, share knowledge, and deliver results that contributed to the advancement of medical research.
Peet’s ability to manage people and resources efficiently has been key to the success of the projects she has worked on. In addition to her management skills, her excellent communication abilities have allowed her to maintain strong working relationships with all parties involved in clinical trials. Whether working with researchers, patients, or regulatory bodies, Peet has always demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively toward common goals.
A Commitment to Continued Education and Professional Development
Throughout her career, Peet has demonstrated a strong commitment to continued education and professional development. Her early educational background in nursing and oncology laid the foundation for her work in clinical research, and she has continued to build upon this foundation through hands-on experience and additional training. This commitment to lifelong learning has been key to her success and ensures that she remains at the forefront of clinical trial management.
Peet’s ability to stay current with the latest advancements in clinical research and medical treatments has made her a valuable asset to the institutions she has worked with. Her knowledge and experience enable her to navigate the evolving landscape of clinical trials, where new treatments, technologies, and regulations are constantly changing the way research is conducted.
Conclusion
Fiona Peet’s career has been defined by her unwavering dedication to clinical research and her leadership in managing clinical trials. With a solid educational foundation and extensive hands-on experience, Peet has become a respected figure in the field of clinical trial coordination. Her work in oncology and viral hepatitis research, as well as her leadership skills, have made a lasting impact on medical research, improving the lives of countless patients and advancing the field of clinical trials.
As she continues her work at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Peet’s contributions to clinical research will undoubtedly shape the future of medical treatments and patient care. With her expertise, leadership, and passion for advancing science, Fiona Peet remains a driving force in the clinical research community, making meaningful strides toward improving healthcare outcomes for all.
