SCRS Talks

What if patients could participate in clinical trials from their living room instead of driving hours to a site? Tyler Van Horn, CEO of Science 37, explains how their direct-to-patient site model works. With one site covering all 50 states, Science 37 sends research-grade nurses to patients' homes, ships investigational products directly to participants, and uses telemedicine for investigator oversight. Tyler breaks down how they maintain quality (they've passed three FDA inspections with no findings), manage the logistics of home visits, educate sponsors on this approach, and create a high-touch patient experience that leads to better retention rates. If you've been curious...

Clinical trials are innovating fast, but what happens when new tools, models, and processes are layered onto sites without alignment? In this episode, Stacey Davidson, Head of Content and Strategy at Cuttsy+Cuttsy, joins us to unpack The Site Factor, a report built on insights from 100 site staff across the globe. Stacey shares what sites revealed about recruitment challenges, communication gaps with sponsors and CROs, and why 86% of site staff say additional communication training would be valuable. From the operational frictions that quietly drive patient dropout to the feedback loops that don't exist yet, this conversation highlights where small...

Clinical trials need flexibility, but most systems are rigid. Conor Garrett from Scout Clinical explains how they built flexibility into every layer of their patient payment and travel logistics services. From customizable portals that adapt to site preferences to a 24/7 patient liaison team that steps in when flights get canceled or payment issues arise, Scout's approach is people first, technology enabled. Conor shares why technology supports the process but people support the experience, how they listen to site feedback and actually implement changes, and real scenarios where human intervention prevented patient dropouts. Learn why balancing automation with human touch...

Kathy Kohler, Vice President of Customer Success at Suvoda, discusses the strategic merger between Suvoda and Greenphire and what it means for sites and patients. Learn how bringing randomization, trial supply management, and clinical trial payments together on one platform reduces site burden, eliminates fragmented technology, and creates smoother patient journeys. Kathy shares specific capabilities, including automated payments, streamlined workflows, and single sign-on access, while reinforcing Suvoda's ongoing commitment to site advocacy and listening to the voice of the clinical research community. 

Claire Sears of EMS Healthcare and Almenia Garvey of Allucent join us to discuss what makes the European Site Solutions Summit truly unique. As the newly appointed co-chairs, they share what excites them most about leading this site-centric event and why bringing sites, sponsors, and CROs together in one room drives real solutions. From AI implementation and ICH E6(R3) to contract negotiations and site resilience, discover the pressing challenges European sites face and how the summit's agenda equips attendees with practical takeaways they can implement immediately. If you've been wondering whether this investment is worth your time, hear...

Jane Hiatt, Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Merck, shares insights into why sites have recognized Merck as Sponsor of the Year for four consecutive years. Learn how Merck prioritizes site partnerships through active listening, transparent communication, and operational improvements including query simplification, streamlined payments, and technology solutions that address real site needs. Jane discusses specific initiatives that reduce site burden and explores how Merck plans to continue evolving relationships with sites while leveraging emerging technologies like AI and machine learning.

Joshua Carey and Blair Stevens from Emeritus Research, recipients of the 2025 Site Spark Award, share the story behind their custom-built education resource library designed to empower staff, strengthen confidence, and improve knowledge retention. Hear why learner-focused training matters, how creativity can coexist with regulatory rigor, and what other clinical research sites can take away from building training solutions in-house.

Mohammad Millwala, CEO of DM Clinical Research and 2025 Christine K. Pierre Impact Award recipient, joins SCRS Honorary President David Vulcano to unpack the most pressing challenges clinical research sites are navigating today.

New findings from the 2025 SCRS Global Landscape Survey show protocol complexity topping the list, persistent communication gaps affecting most sites, and ongoing difficulty connecting with patient communities. Together, these leaders offer grounded solutions, including using risk scores to evaluate protocols, tapping existing healthcare infrastructure for recruitment, and rethinking assumptions about research-naive investigators.

Listen now for a clear view of what sites are really...

Join Dr. Michael Koren, CEO and Executive Director of MedEvidence, to explore how education and transparency can reshape the public’s understanding of clinical research. Dr. Koren shares his passion for putting patient welfare first and highlights how Med Evidence empowers individuals to make informed decisions about participating in trials. He discusses the importance of building trust, breaking down misconceptions, and helping communities see research as a valuable care option. Tune in to discover how storytelling, visibility, and patient engagement are helping redefine the relationship between the public and clinical research.

Sit down with Kate Shaw, Founder and CEO of Innovative Trials, to explore how humanized, bespoke approaches are reshaping patient recruitment and retention in clinical research. Kate breaks down the difference between one-to-one, in-country support and automated recruitment systems, showing how local expertise and cultural understanding can dramatically improve trial outcomes. You’ll also hear how the Patient Support Center and dedicated patient navigators guide participants step by step, ensuring they feel informed, respected, and cared for throughout the trial. This episode uncovers how personalized strategies not only boost recruitment success but also lighten the load for sites and cr...

Discover how stronger CRO–site partnerships are reshaping clinical trials with Scott Palmese, Executive Director of Site-Focused Solutions at Worldwide Clinical Trials. He shares why listening to sites, reducing burdens, and building trust are game-changers for successful clinical research. Tune in to learn how rethinking these relationships through transparency and communication empowers sites and fuels faster, more successful trials. 

Join Kevin Cooley and Ashley Patil from Scout to explore how innovative technology is transforming the patient reimbursement process in clinical trials. They discuss the most common administrative challenges sites face, and how tools like the Scout Portal are easing the burden on site staff while improving the patient experience. From automated payments and travel coordination to real-time support and multilingual access, this episode highlights the power of combining tech and service. If your site is looking to save time, reduce friction, and improve retention, this conversation is for you.

Ready to rethink the role of training in clinical research? Joseph Kim, Chief Strategy Officer at ProofPilot explores why traditional training models often miss the mark and how shifting from compliance-based checkboxes to performance-driven guidance can boost site effectiveness. Drawing insights from the recent SCRS West Conference, Joe shares practical strategies—like just-in-time guidance, sandbox simulations, and scenario-based learning—to transform how sites prepare for and conduct trials. If you've ever questioned the value of slide-deck overload, this conversation is a must-listen.

How can clinical research move beyond one-time community outreach to build lasting relationships that advance health equity? Kristin Tolbert of Jumo Health shares how grassroots partnerships and sustained engagement are reshaping patient participation in trials. Drawing from the recent Health Equity Congress, she discusses why this work is more urgent than ever, offering practical strategies to build trust, measure impact, and ensure community voices are meaningfully included in clinical trials.

Jen Stacy, Director of Clinical Operations at Novotech, shares how building trust and alignment with your CRA from the outset leads to smoother study execution and better results.

With a background as a nurse and site coordinator, Jen brings a site-centric perspective to common challenges like delayed payments, protocol deviations, and data quality concerns. Learn actionable best practices that CROs and sites can implement to strengthen collaboration and ensure compliance across the full trial lifecycle.

A powerful new partnership is transforming clinical trial budgeting. Join Medidata’s Tina Mincher and NIHR's Laura Bousfield as they dive into the evolution of the UK’s Interactive Costing Tool (iCT) and its integration into Medidata’s Grant Manager platform—unlocking new levels of standardization, transparency, and efficiency. With growing international interest, they discuss global collaborations like the Global Costing Task Force and how this initiative is setting the stage for data-driven, cross-border harmonization in clinical research operations.

Join Amy Franco, Senior Director of Patient Liaisons at Scout, to explore how prioritizing patient satisfaction can lead to improved clinical trial outcomes. Amy shares Scout’s unique approach to easing the burden on both patients and sites through personalized travel coordination, reimbursements, and around-the-clock support. 

She highlights how arranging transportation or reimbursing for childcare can make trials more accessible and reduce dropout rates. The conversation also dives into how Scout’s global patient liaison team and portal technology streamline administrative tasks for sites. Tune in to learn how a patient- and site-centric approach can transform trial succe...

Veeva's VP of Strategy, Bree Burks, reveals the strategic vision behind their groundbreaking free CTMS platform—a bold move designed to democratize technology access for clinical research sites of all sizes. Discover why Veeva prioritizes site success through standardization and simplicity, and how selecting the right technology partnerships can empower sites to scale operations and thrive.

Early investment in proper training doesn't just benefit new staff—it strengthens your entire organization and the research ecosystem. SCRS is ready to tackle industry-wide training gaps, transforming research assistants, coordinators, and business teams into confident contributors. Learn how this foundational knowledge accelerates success and helps your team navigate challenges with clarity and purpose.

Save your seat today for the hands-on "Back to Basics" workshop at the Global Site Solutions Summit this September in Orlando. This intensive training equips research newcomers with must-have skills to thrive in clinical trials.

Sit down with Rick Ward, Chief Commercial Officer at CRIO, to discuss the emerging concept of central eSource in clinical research. Rick explains how this model, which builds on the traditional eSource framework, can enhance standardization, streamline data collection, and reduce the burden of manual transcription. The conversation highlights the importance of site-driven technology, the flexibility required for real-world implementation, and the need for strong support infrastructure. Explore how CRIO’s approach is reshaping source documentation and creating new opportunities for both sites and sponsors.

Clinical research in Europe presents unique challenges, from navigating country-specific regulations to addressing language barriers and patient travel logistics. Scout’s Moisha Platto and Courtney Dodge share how tailored solutions are enhancing clinical trial efficiency across Europe and what this means for sites, sponsors, and patients. Hear strategies for improving patient engagement, streamlining reimbursements, and ensuring compliance with regional regulations. 

SCRS’s Karri Venn takes a deep dive into the current state of clinical research coordinator salaries with Stacie Merritt, Director at Ascension St. John Clinical Research Institute. We analyze compensation trends, including salary ranges and bonuses, and how organizations can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. Learn how sites of all sizes and types are compensating their workforce and the key factors influencing coordinator pay. Don’t miss this essential conversation packed with data-driven insights to help your site refine its compensation strategy, improve staff retention, and stay ahead in a competitive workforce landscape. 

Clinical trials must represent the communities they serve—and the SCRS IncluDE Program is equipping research sites to make that a reality. In this episode, SCRS' Kathy Mickel sits down with Kim Ribeiro, IncluDE Program co-chair, to discuss how sites and industry partners can make trials more accessible to all communities. We tackle the importance of staying focused on the science, cutting through the noise, and having real conversations about what’s working (and what’s not). Tune in to hear why the IncluDE Site Solutions Summit is a must-attend event for sites, sponsors, and solution providers—and how you can...

Megan Gross, Associate Director of Clinical Site Services at AiCure, shares how innovative strategies and AI-driven solutions are shaping the future of patient-centric clinical research. We explore common barriers to medication compliance, the role of trust and engagement, and how AI-powered technology can enhance adherence. Hear practical interventions that sites can implement to support participant adherence, engagement and retention.

David Vulcano, SCRS Honorary President, breaks down the recent ICH GCP R6 E3 revisions and explores their practical impact on clinical research sites. He discusses key topics such as the decentralization of trials, updated record retention guidelines, and the rising importance of digital health technologies and cybersecurity. David highlights that, although there’s considerable hype and some uncertainties, the new guidelines generally codify existing practices rather than overhaul them. The episode serves as a practical guide for sites to align their operations with both local regulatory requirements and the updated GCP standards while maintaining an open dialogue with sponsors an...

Mike Stratton, President of CSSi, an Elixia company, discusses best practices for building trust and transparency with clinical trial participants. Mike shares the impact of trust-building initiatives and patient-centric communication on retention, medication adherence, and overall trial success. Tune in to hear how CSSi is reshaping patient engagement—ensuring participants feel valued, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Rani Khetarpal, Executive Lead at TSTrials, discusses their recent collaboration with SCRS as a Global Impact Partner. TSTrials, a South American site management organization, specializes in infectious disease, oncology, and rare disease trials. Rani highlights their success in patient retention through innovative navigation programs and their vision to position South America as a key destination for global clinical trials.

Dr. William (Bill) Smith, CEO of Alliance for Multispecialty Research (AMR) and the 2024 Christine K. Pierre Site Impact Award winner, unpacks the industry's biggest challenges—from investigator shortages to study oversaturation—and why site advocacy is more critical than ever. With over 40 years in clinical trials, he reflects on SCRS Founder Christine K. Pierre’s lasting legacy and how he continues to amplify the site voice in research.

Adam Kinsey, Associate VP of Clinical Operations at Merck, shares the site-focused initiatives that earned Merck the Eagle Award for three years in a row. Discover how Merck stands out through transparency, site support, and initiatives like streamlined site payments and protocol simplification. Tune in for insights on how industry partners can adopt similar strategies to improve site partnerships and clinical trial success.

Scout is on a mission to alleviate logistical and financial burdens for patients globally. Courtney Dodge, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Scout, shares insights on Scout’s recent partnership with SCRS and practical advice for sponsors and sites to strengthen patient-centered strategies and reduce participation barriers. Learn how Scout is driving patient-centric strategies through personalized travel solutions, financial support, and meeting logistics. 

Jonathan Gardow, VP of Business Development at FOMAT Medical Research, shares insights into the strategies that earned FOMAT recognition for their patient-centric approach to clinical research. Hear about FOMAT’s innovative use of AI-powered tools like their virtual assistant "Lucy," AI-driven voiceovers, and automated text messaging to enhance patient engagement and retention. Learn how these technologies streamline operations, build trust, and boost efficiency while preserving meaningful human connections. Additionally, Jonathan explores the expanding role of AI in clinical trials, offering practical advice for sites looking to adopt emerging solutions.

In this episode, SCRS takes a deep dive into some of the most pressing challenges that clinical trial sites are confronting in 2025. Join us as we explore the current state of site payments, workforce trends, diverse recruitment, and the growing role of technology-enabled trials. We’ll unpack the reasons behind these challenges, from payment terms and reimbursement struggles to the complexities of diversity and technology adoption. Tune in as we discuss how to break through these barriers and create a more inclusive, sustainable and innovative future for clinical trials.

Join Jena Daniels, VP of Customer Value at Medable, as she shares how Medable is transforming clinical trials through patient-centric innovation. Jena shares insights on the value of Medable's Patient Caregiver Network, strategic partnerships with organizations like Rare Patient Voice, and their commitment to supporting research sites.

Tune in to learn how Medable is improving the clinical trial experience for patients, caregivers, and sites alike by incorporating patient and site feedback into their products.

Learn how mobile research units and personalized transportation are transforming access for rural and underserved communities with Dr. Jyoti Angal, Director of Clinical Research at Avera Research Institute (ARI). Dr. Angal discusses the power of intentional recruitment and community outreach to foster inclusion and trust in clinical trials, earning them the 2024 SCRS Excellence in Patient Inclusion Award.  Don't miss expert advice on making clinical research more inclusive and engaging, with strategies to elevate your site's patient recruitment and retention efforts.

In this episode of SCRS Talks, we welcome Rob Hummel, COO and co-founder of Suvoda, to discuss Suvoda’s new role as an SCRS Global Impact Partner. Rob shares insights into Suvoda’s mission to simplify clinical trials for sites and patients through cutting-edge technology. He highlights how Suvoda’s unified platform — featuring core products like eConsent, IRT, eCOA, and ePatient — helps drive greater efficiencies at sites. Rob also offers a look into how artificial intelligence is shaping the future by reducing administrative burdens and allowing sites to focus more on patient care.

Alyssa Boschen, Regional Site Director at IMA Clinical Research, discusses the growing challenge of investigator shortages and how it impacts clinical research studies. Alyssa highlights how advanced practice providers (APPs), such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, are stepping in to help bridge the gap as investigators. Discover how these medical professionals support research site operations and find new career opportunities in clinical research.

Join Dustin Owen, CEO of Elixia, as he discusses the company's unique Clinical Site Organization (CSO) model and its role in successful clinical trials. With a focus on enhancing patient recruitment and delivering quality data, Elixia is reshaping how trials are managed in complex therapeutic areas like nephrology and psychiatry. Discover their innovative strategies for boosting trial efficiency and overcoming common enrollment challenges with agile site management.

According to the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), traveling to a clinical study is the top reason trial participation is disruptive for patients. Learn more about the complexities of patient travel in clinical trials and what the industry is doing about it with Chris Benevides, Director of Patient Travel Services at Elligo Health Research®. Chris offers valuable insights on early planning, risk mitigation, and specialized travel services that can set up sites for success. Discover how travel support can improve patient recruitment and retention, making clinical trials more diverse, accessible, and patient-friendly. 

Discover how patient-finding technology is revolutionizing the way sites identify eligible patients for research studies, streamlining manual processes, and unlocking the potential of electronic health records. Stephen Jasperse from IQVIA and Michal Janota from St. Anne's University Hospital discuss the challenges and breakthroughs with implementing this innovative solution. Explore the benefits of utilizing patient finder technology beyond patient recruitment, including data insights, research support, and improved patient outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Christine Senn, Senior Vice President of Site/Sponsor Innovation at Advarra, explores the challenges of study startup and the risks posed by working in isolation. She emphasizes the power of moving from siloed processes to integrated collaborations between sponsors, CROs, and sites. Through real-world examples, Dr. Senn demonstrates how this collaborative approach is driving results in healthcare — accelerating timelines, reducing costs, and ultimately improving patient access to clinical trials.