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Lund, S.E., August 30, 2024 – TFS HealthScience (TFS), a leading global Contract Research Organization (CRO), announces the appointment of Kris O’Brien as the new Vice President, Head of Oncology & Rare Diseases. O’Brien will be based out of TFS’s regional U.S. headquarters in Durham, North Carolina, where she will lead and manage a global team of specialists dedicated to advancing clinical trials in these complex therapeutic areas. 

 O’Brien brings nearly 40 years of clinical research experience to this critical role. Her extensive career includes leadership roles across the CRO, pharmaceutical, and academic sectors, with more than half of her professional journey focused on oncology and rare diseases. In past roles, she served in positions such as Vice President of Operations, Executive Director of Strategy, and Head of Project Management. Throughout her career, she has focused on her strategic vision and deep commitment to improving the patient journey, especially for those in need of life-altering and life-saving therapies. 

 In her new role, O’Brien will oversee all oncology and rare disease programs at TFS, ensuring that projects are delivered with the highest standards of quality and operational excellence. Her expertise in patient recruitment, retention, and study visit design will be instrumental in guiding her team and supporting sponsors, driving superior outcomes in some of the most challenging therapeutic areas. 

 “Kris’s depth of experience and passion for patient-centric clinical trials make her an exceptional leader for our Oncology & Rare Diseases teams, partners, and clients,” said Bassem Saleh, CEO of TFS. “Her proven track record of operational excellence and her dedication to improving patient care align perfectly with TFS’s mission and values. We are confident that Kris will make a significant impact on our work and the clients and patients we serve.” 

 Reflecting on her new role, O’Brien shared, “I am honored to join TFS, an organization that shares my commitment to advancing clinical research and improving the lives of patients around the world. I am eager to collaborate with this talented team to drive innovation and deliver high-quality results for our clients and their patients.” 

 O’Brien’s appointment is expected to significantly benefit TFS’s clients in the oncology and rare diseases therapeutic areas by enhancing service quality, communication across channels, and collaboration with clients and clinics. With O’Brien’s leadership, TFS expects to execute more efficient, higher-quality clinical trials, ensuring a more patient-centric approach that aligns with the needs of both clients and patients. Her experience will be instrumental in bridging any gaps within these areas of the organization, fostering excellence across the board and reinforcing TFS’s commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes in these critical therapeutic domains. 

 About TFS HealthScience 

TFS HealthScience is a full-service, global Contract Research Organization (CRO) that supports biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies throughout their entire clinical development journey. In partnership with customers, we build solution-driven teams working towards a healthier future. Bringing together nearly 800+ professionals, TFS delivers tailored clinical research services in more than 40 countries with flexible clinical development and strategic resourcing solutions across key therapeutic areas, including DermatologyNeuroscience, Oncology, and Ophthalmology. 

Detailed information about TFS and its business offerings can be obtained through www.tfscro.com.