Department of Research & Evaluation News

*Fourth in a series highlighting research nurses during Nurses Week 2025*

Ruchy Maini, LVN, is a research nurse working at the Antelope Valley Medical Offices in Lancaster. She has worked with patients in clinical trials with the Department of Research & Evaluation since 2019.

While she has worked in home health and skilled nursing facility settings since becoming a nurse in 2011, she found her calling in research.

Ruchy believes that nurses are especially valuable in clinical trials. “We understand both the scientific and the human sides of patient care. My experience and compassion help build trust with patients and help make them feel comfortable

Ruchy works closely with principal investigator Jonathan Truong, MD, and the other infectious disease principal investigators in the Antelope Valley. She collaborates with Hema Buddha, MBBS, clinical trials research project manager, for the Expanded Access Program for single-patient,  multi-patient, and emergency use medications for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. Two major studies focus on Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) and urinary tract infections in women caused by E. coli.

“Ruchy feels motivated by the team’s dedication,” said Hema Buddha. “And she enjoys being part of a team that is committed to improving patient care through research. “

“The PI’s motivation is very important in a clinical trial,” Ruchy added. “Dr. Truong’s dedication to his patients — not just for his office patients but also to his clinical trial patients — is inspiring. If he can work that hard, then definitely I can too.”

Seeing patients improve is one of the joys of Ruchy’s job. One UTI patient had constant painful symptoms that were disrupting her life. During the second phase of the trial, the patient had no symptoms and was very thankful for Ruchy’s help. Moments like these make Ruchy feel proud of her work and show the value of having nurses involved in clinical trials.

The combination of scientific knowledge and compassion is what makes nurses so valuable in clinical trials. “It has to come from inside,” Ruchy said. “It can’t be just research oriented — it has to be patient oriented as well.”

“I love working at Kaiser Permanente. It is the greatest opportunity I’ve had.  So, I love working here and giving my 100%.”