Speakers

Ambassador Program Country Leads

Latin America Regional Lead

Guillermo Ortiz

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Guillermo Ortiz is the General Manager, President and Founder of Fundación Estudios Clínicos, a non-profit organization with sites all over Argentina. Graduated from Universidad Austral, he has a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Throughout his career, Guillermo has founded various companies from construction to health providers. His true passion began when he founded his first research site in 2012, which quickly led him to focus completely on his vocation, clinical research. With over 300 research protocols carried out and thousands of patients recruited, he has developed one of the largest networks of research sites in Argentina and Latin America.

Guillermo has received numerous awards for his dedication to research and excellence as a top global recruiter. His speaking engagements at prominent research conferences have established him as a global mentor and leader in clinical research.

Brazil Country Lead

Ecuador Country Lead

Argentina Country Lead

Mônica Bortolini

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Pharmacist with a strong foundation in clinical research, which began even before graduating from Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). She started her professional career as a clinical research coordinator in oncology where she developed hands-on experience in clinical study conduction.

Over the past two decades, she has transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, working at different pharmaceutical companies and for the last 18 years, at Sanofi. Her journey has included roles in clinical monitoring, local and regional study management, and for the past 7 years, she has been dedicated to site engagement and partnership as a Site Engagement Lead (SEL) in Clinical Study Unit Brazil.

In her current role, Monica is dedicated to strengthening internal and external relationships, fostering site engagement, enhancing site performance, and supporting operational excellence across all phases of study execution.

Dr. Roberto Aguirre

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Dr. Roberto Aguirre, VP, Founder, and Global Research Director of AGA Clinical Trials since 2007, stands at the forefront of clinical research leadership. His journey is a testament to unwavering commitment, innovation, and transformative impact.

As one of AGA Clinical Trials’ original founders, Dr. Aguirre spearheaded strategic initiatives that transformed the organization into one of South Florida’s premier research centers. He is one of only two physicians worldwide to achieve this distinction—an extraordinary feat that reflects his expertise and devotion.

In 2022, FindATopDoc.com recognized Dr. Aguirre as the US Top Researcher. His 300+ clinical trials collaboration to advancing medical knowledge garnered well-deserved commendations. Part of multiple SCRS Committees since its Inception and Currently an Ambassador for LATAM, CNS Summit Leadership Committee since 2019, Chief Medical Officer (HyperCORE International) from October 2019 to August 2023, Dr. Aguirre led HyperCORE International’s medical strategy. Since January 2024, Dr. Aguirre has lent his expertise to the GCSA Global Advisory Board. His insights shape industry standards, fostering collaboration and driving progress Internationally at a Global Scale, also invited to QCR Network as a partner site to provide support and knowledge representing the Hispanic Community in South East Florida, AGA Clinical Trials whom he represents, stands alone—the only facility in the USA and Latin America with GCSA accreditation to date.

Silvina Baudino

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Silvina Baudino is a site advocate with more than two decades of experience in the clinical trials industry. Commencing her career as a clinical research coordinator at a site in Argentina, she swiftly transitioned to various roles in clinical operations, feasibility, and project management, garnering regional and global responsibilities. Her trajectory led her to the United States, where she honed her focus on fostering site engagement, forging strategic partnerships and promoting technology site enablement. Her roles and advocacy have spanned the health, pharma, CRO and technology sectors.

Beyond her professional endeavors, she passionately advocates for amplifying the voice of research sites, emphasizing their perspective to delineate a unique value proposition for technological solutions and products within the field.

Peru & Colombia Country Lead

Chile Country Lead

Mexico Country Lead

Paul Toralva Caceres

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Paul is the Business Developer at Dr. SOM (Segunda Opinión Medica) and AveSalud, sites located in Barranquilla and Cartagena, Colombia. He is a Dental Surgeon from Universidad San Martín de Porres, Peru, and holds an MBA in Strategic Business Administration from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP).

Throughout his 25-year career in clinical research, Paul has served as a Worldwide Clinical Quality Assurance Auditor for Merck Sharp & Dohme. He has held various key regional positions at IQVIA, including Project Oversight Director for vaccine programs, Director of Operations, and Head of R&D in Peru, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Central America. He was also Head of Quality Management for Latin America. Most recently, he served as the Global Director of Project Delivery for biotech companies at ICON plc.

Paul is a founding member of the Peruvian Association of Contract Clinical Research Organizations of Peru and Colombia. He has also served as President of the Association of Clinical Research Organizations of Peru and was an active member of the Steering Committee of the Health Services Sector (COMSALUD) of the Chamber of Commerce of Lima.

Ximena Chandia

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Ximena Chandia is a registered nurse and midwife, she began her career in clinical pediatrics in combination with academic instruction at the University of Valparaíso. She continued in the surgery area and then embarked on clinical research as a pediatric clinical study coordinator.

She has been working at Sanofi for more than 20 years in different positions: CRA, Local Study Manager, Country Study Champion, Patient Ambassador and currently works as Site Engagement Lead for Chile. From this role, she aims to bring the voice of the sites to clinical research: actively interact with the research sites at all stages of clinical trial development activities, promoting their performance, optimizing their operations and improving their participation in clinical studies and associated activities.

Dr. Juan José Pardo

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I am a Mexican physician dedicated to advancing clinical research with a focus on both scientific excellence and patient well-being. My career spans diverse therapeutic areas, where I have combined medical insight with leadership in site management, regulatory coordination, and cross-functional teamwork. I hold a Master’s degree in Health Institutions Management and a Graduate Specialization in Corporate Health and Wellness Management, enhancing my ability to connect clinical expertise with strategic decision-making.

As Site Director at Panamerican Clinical Research in Querétaro, I oversee initiatives designed to ensure rigorous scientific standards while keeping patient needs at the forefront. My approach emphasizes collaboration with CROs, sponsors, and regulatory bodies alike to deliver studies that are both impactful and ethically grounded. I am especially committed to strengthening healthcare in Latin America, working to close gaps in access and outcomes while contributing to global research efforts that aim to improve health for all.