Faculty member recognized for impact and influence in the healthcare field
The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) named faculty member Jessica Fritter, DHSc, MACPR, ACRP-CP, FACRP, as part of its 2026 class of Fellows.
Dr. Fritter, who serves as an associate clinical professor and director of The Ohio State University College of Nursing’s Master of Clinical Research and related certificate programs, said that this honor is a “major milestone that reflects both the incredible journey I’ve taken in this profession and the exciting path that still lies ahead.”
Fritter started her clinical research career in pediatric emergency medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She moved up the leadership ladder as a clinical research administration manager before entering academia. She maintains a leadership presence in the clinical research workforce as co-director of workforce development with Ohio State’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute and faculty director of the Multisite Trail Coordinating Center. At every stop along the way, she has focused on her passion of impacting the clinical research workforce, both current and future.
It is a calling that Fritter said she fell into, not initially realizing how the profession impacts healthcare so dramatically.
“I had a sister who passed away at the age of four due to a brain tumor. I know now that with clinical trials, her type of cancer could have been cured if we had access to the evidence we have now.
“For me, research is about people. It is about ensuring that the care we provide is grounded in evidence and driven by innovation. Every study is an opportunity to transform uncertainty into knowledge and hope into healing.”
Mentorship and influence in the clinical research profession is a consideration for the ACRP fellowship, and Fritter ranks the ability to mentor and be mentored at the top of her list of career accomplishments.
“The thing I am proudest of in my career is having connected with other clinical research professionals and making an impact on their career and lives,” Fritter said. “I was invited to give a talk on effective leadership in clinical research, and afterwards, I was asked to stay on for a few minutes, as a couple of attendees wanted to pick my brain. As we wrapped up, they looked at me through the screen and said, ‘Thank you for being here. You are so valuable and are doing exactly what you were meant to be doing.’
“That sentiment means more to me than any accolade I could receive.”
