Zhiyi Guo

Where are you located? What geographical region(s) do you cover? 
I am based in Wenzhou, China. 

How long have you been working in the area of clinical research? 
I began my career in clinical research in 2016 and have spent nearly a decade supporting clinical development and healthcare innovation. During that time, I have witnessed remarkable changes across China's clinical research landscape, from increasingly complex studies and higher quality expectations to faster innovation and evolving regulatory standards. I joined Covance in 2018 and have had the opportunity to grow alongside the organization through its transition from Covance to Labcorp Drug Development and now Fortrea. Looking back, I feel grateful to have developed both professionally and personally throughout this journey. 

What is the best part of your job? 
What I enjoy most about my role is the people. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside talented colleagues who are always willing to share knowledge, offer support and learn from one another. I have benefited from the guidance of experienced teammates and managers who have supported not only my professional development but also my well-being outside of work. As my life evolved from a young professional starting out in the industry to becoming a wife and mother, I have greatly appreciated the flexibility, understanding and encouragement I have received. Those experiences have made Fortrea feel like more than just a workplace. 

What has been interesting about your work in clinical research? Did anything surprise you about the patient population? 
One of the most rewarding aspects of clinical research is the opportunity to learn from people with different perspectives. Every day, I collaborate with a diverse range of professionals, including CRAs, Clinical Research Coordinators, Clinical Team Leads, Project Managers, sponsors, site staff and data management teams. What fascinates me is how each person approaches challenges in a unique way. These conversations often help me see situations from new angles, deepen my understanding of clinical trial operations and inspire creative solutions to complex problems. Continuous learning through collaboration is one of the reasons I remain so passionate about this field. 

What are you most proud of in your work? 
What I am most proud of is being part of a culture that truly values collaboration, growth and people. Throughout my journey I have experienced a strong sense of teamwork and a genuine commitment to helping one another succeed. I particularly appreciate the supportive relationships I have built along the way and the opportunities I have had to continue developing my skills through programmes such as the SCRA Development Program and CQCV Observation. These experiences have broadened my perspective and contributed significantly to my growth as a clinical research professional. 
As I approach my tenth year in clinical research, I remain inspired by the impact our work can have on advancing medicine and improving patient outcomes. I am proud of the journey so far, grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and excited to continue learning, growing, and contributing alongside my colleagues in the years ahead.