Velocity developed the innovative Principal Investigator Onboarding and Training (PIVOT) Program to address the pressing issue of "one-and-done" PIs in clinical research.
About half of PIs conduct only a single clinical trial in their career. This high turnover rate leads to considerable inefficiencies for Sponsors and CROs, especially when searching for dependable PIs capable of ensuring high-quality trial execution and enrollment in specialized research areas
Velocity's PIVOT program equips new PIs with comprehensive knowledge, tools, infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities.
- Elevates PI engagement, performance, and retention through a novel curriculum
- Equips PIs with experienced mentors and hands-on experiences
- Specific training tracks for full-time PIs and specialist PIs with embedded operations
“Mentorship has been crucial to my development in this role. I value the time I’ve spent with other PIs who have extensive experience in research, and I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge from them as I’ve transitioned from clinical medicine.”
Daniel Williams, DO, Principal Investigator, Anderson, SC
Immersive Bootcamps
- Hands-on deep dives to enhance practical skills and real-world problem solving.
- Core training: regulatory compliance, enrollment strategies, IP management, monitor support, lab processes.
- Direct shadowing with experienced PIs.
- Extensive site and trial oversight training.
1–on-1 Mentorship
- Weekly sessions with seasoned investigators.
- Personalized coaching and feedback.
- Access to Councils to Accelerate Research Excellence (CARE) and world-renowned researchers.
- Structured guidance through complex trial scenarios.
Digital Learning
- Dynamic, interactive modules for self-paced learning, including in-depth exploration
of Velocity’s industry-leading SOPs. - Comprehensive training on: responsibilities, ethics, GCP, CTMS, eReg systems.
- Content from the ACRP, Advarra,
and other trusted partners.
Leadership Review
- Regular strategic progress reviews
and insight sharing sessions. - Performance assessment and goal alignment.
- Integration with Velocity’s culture and values.
- Ongoing professional development.
Connecting experienced investigators with talented physicians
“PIVOT bridges a critical gap: Sponsors need qualified investigators, and talented physicians want to enter research. Through structured mentorship and oversight, we ensure that welcoming new PIs to clinical research isn’t just feasible — it’s advantageous. Sponsors gain engaged sites who consistently deliver quality results.”
Brandon Essink, MD, CPI, Chief Physician Officer
“At the site level, Dr. Hsia has been a great mentor to me, with decades of research experience under his belt. At the organizational level, Dr. Overcash provides regular supervision and feedback with frequent check-ins. With the PIVOT program and the structured curriculum, I was quickly up to speed.”
Dennis Tsang, MD, Principal Investigator, Huntington Park, CA
Beyond training:
What PIVOT delivers to your trials worldwide
An experienced CRC is assigned to support each new PI with day-to-day trial activities, protocol management, and regulatory documentation.
A dedicated regulatory specialist will ensure the new PI understands all regulatory requirements, including protocol amendments, adverse event reporting, and
IRB submissions.
Site managers work closely with new PIs to coordinate staffing, trial logistics, and patient scheduling. The manager will also help track and report on trial progress.
A rigorous training curriculum followed by a systematic, escalating chain of responsibilities — new PIs must meet milestones that exceed industry requirements before progressing to greater oversight.
Experienced Investigators, Specialists, and Research Staff
Therapeutic expertise
- Allergy/Immunology
- Cardiology
- Consumer Health
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology/Metabolic Disorders
- Family Practice
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Disease
- Internal Medicine
- MASH/MASLD
- Medical Devices
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Obesity
- OB-GYN
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
- Plastics, Reconstructives
- Psychiatry
- Pulmonary and Respiratory
- Rheumatology
- Sleep Medicine
- Smoking Cessation; Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Urology
- Vaccine
Specialty populations
- Fetal and Newborn Health
- Elderly
- Healthy Normal Subjects
- Pediatrics, Adolescents
- Women's Health
Specialized trial support
- Biosimilars
- Combination products
- Devices
- Decentralized
- Diagnostics
- Hospital
- Interventional
- Observational
- Overnight
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