SCRS Talks

In this episode of SCRS Talks, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Tom Farrand, Co-Founder and CEO of Delfa, to break down what a healthy recruitment funnel looks like from first inquiry to scheduled visit. Tom shares benchmark rates sites can measure themselves against, how to spot where a funnel is leaking, and why both speed to contact and consistent follow-up matter.

They also walk through the three Cs of capacity, cost, and conversion, a simple framework to guide weekly staffing and spend decisions. Whether you’re managing a handful of leads or a large network, you’ll leav...

Technology is consistently one of the top pain points for research sites, and a big reason is that sites often aren't part of the conversation until a solution is already built. In this episode of SCRS Talks, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Ashley O'Brien, Executive Director of Product Management, and David Stecklair, Director of Product Management, both of Signant Health, to talk about what it looks like to develop technology with sites instead of on top of them. They cover where vendors tend to miss the mark, why discovery should come before design, and what surprised them when they...

Site engagement often shows up only after a study is already in trouble. In this episode of SCRS Talks, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Julie Wilhjelm, Senior Director of Site Strategy and Engagement at Novotech, to talk about why it should be built into how studies are planned and run from day one.

They cover what separates real engagement from checkbox outreach, how early feedback during feasibility and protocol design can head off costly amendments, and why trust and responsiveness give CROs a real edge with the sites they work with. Julie also gets honest about the...

Lauren Stockwell sits down with Jennifer Larkin, VP of Business Development at M3 Wake Research, to break down what a modern site BD function actually looks like day to day. Jennifer walks through how data intelligence and AI platforms have reshaped feasibility and pipeline management, why relationships alone aren't predictive of future business, and the tiering framework she used to re-rank client accounts based on pipeline fit rather than tenure.

The conversation also covers what turns a sponsor-site relationship from transactional to genuinely partnered, why sites should be willing to say no, and the specific metrics, from...

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Mike Hutton of Almac Clinical Technologies to talk about where site burden really starts, and what sponsors can do earlier in study design to reduce it. They dig into the difference between protocol complexity and operational complexity, why fragmented systems and workflows quietly pile friction onto site staff, and what a more connected, site-first approach to trial design actually looks like. Mike also shares the one question he wishes more sponsors would ask sites before finalizing a protocol. 

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Megan Richards, Director of Sponsor Operations at CRIO, to talk about how research sites can get more strategic with their data. Megan walks through where to start when identifying the right KPIs, how to build dashboards that actually get used (and the four common pitfalls to avoid), and how benchmarking against industry standards helps sites spot both wins and opportunities for improvement. The conversation wraps with practical advice on turning operational data into a compelling story for sponsors and CROs, strengthening relationships, and winning future study awards. 

Jimmy Bechtel talks with Catherine Gregor, Chief Clinical Trial Officer at Florence Healthcare, about Operation Trialblazer and what it means for sites and sponsors. Drawing on her experience running sites (including at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center) and now working in trial technology, Catherine unpacks why regulatory ambiguity holds both sides back, how CRAs lose major visit time to admin work instead of clinical review, and why data still moves so inefficiently between sites and sponsors. The conversation touches on AI's potential to ease that burden, what rising eTMF pass rates really signal, and what it will take for sites to...

Lauren Stockwell sits down with Rick Greenfield, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of RealTime eClinical Solutions, to talk about three awards making their debut at the 2026 Global Site Solutions Summit Eagle Awards Gala.

Rick and Lauren break down what each award is looking for, from the best exhibit booth in the hall to the person who best embodies the spirit of the summit itself. The bulk of the conversation centers on the Bright Idea Award, which is open to anyone across sites, sponsors, CROs, and vendors who has a solution worth sharing with the industry. Rick also...

In this episode of SCRS Talks, Lauren Stockwell sits down with Dave Damrau, VP of Global Clinical Operations for the Americas, and Amy Cramer, Global Head of eSource Data Acquisition, both from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, to unpack J&J's EHR to Sponsor initiative. They discuss why duplicative data entry remains one of the biggest burdens on site staff, what the data shows about the time and error costs of manual transcription, and how eSource solutions are already improving data accuracy. Dave and Amy walk through why oncology became the starting point for this work, what site-driven collaboration has...

What happens to unused medical supplies when a clinical trial ends? For years the answer was simple: destroy them. Josh Kravitz (MedSurplus Alliance) and Greg Folz (Kits4Life) join Jimmy Bechtel to tell the story of how a stack of boxes, a looming Site Tank deadline, and a crisis in the Congo turned into a program that has now impacted over 6 million lives worldwide. Greg walks through the moment his research staff refused to keep destroying usable supplies, and how that frustration became an idea that won on stage and grew into an industry wide movement. Josh breaks down...

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Dr. Tia Warrick, CEO of Lesous Consulting, to talk about what actually drives clinical trial failures and what the industry can do about it. With nearly a decade of experience spanning coordinator to CEO, Dr. Warrick brings a ground-level perspective to a problem that costs the industry billions.

The conversation covers why so many trials struggle before enrollment even begins, the difference between foundational certifications and true skills-based competency, and what it means that roughly a third of clinical trial failures trace back to workforce gaps we actually have the power to...

In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Brian Burkhardt of the Oliver Patch Project and Andy Shepherd of Project Outrun to talk about the Patchwork Collective, a growing coalition of pediatric oncology advocacy organizations working to bridge the gap between families battling childhood cancer and the clinical trial world. From a "Pharma at the Table" activation at SCOPE to the upcoming Patches & Pairs launch at Give Kids The World, Brian and Andy share how relationship-building and education are the keys to advancing pediatric representation in clinical research. 

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Kimberly Staeck, Head of Global Site Partnerships and Trial Enablement Solutions at Syneos Health, to dig into what it really means to treat sites as partners rather than execution engines.

Kimberly brings two decades of operational and partnership experience to a conversation that gets honest about where the industry falls short. They cover why sites have learned to tell the difference between being heard and actually listened to, what closing the feedback loop looks like in practice, and why early site involvement in protocol development is a risk mitigation strategy, not a...

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Brooklyn Montgomery, Business Development Director at Deep Intelligent Pharma (DIP), to explore how agentic AI is reshaping the way clinical research sites operate. Brooklyn breaks down where AI delivers real value for physician-led research, what meaningful adoption actually looks like at the site level, and the three questions every site should answer before spending a dollar on AI tools. The conversation also covers how mentorship and technology work together to close the gap between academic research and clinical execution, and where sites are headed as they move from execution partners to upstream contributors in...

Kathy Cox and Ryan Johnsen of Interspond discuss how their platform CROWN is reshaping the study feasibility process for clinical research sites. Rather than sites waiting to be contacted, CROWN puts the power in their hands with a web-based marketplace where they can browse opportunities, manage their profile, and respond to time-sensitive requests all in one place. The result is a smarter, less disruptive feasibility experience built with sites at the center. 

 In this episode of SCRS Talks, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Sean Stanton, Founder and CEO of K2 Medical Research, and Christian Burns, Founder and President of Populus Health, to explore how their two organizations are working together to advance CNS drug development. With decades of combined experience across psychiatry, neurology, and neurodegeneration, Sean and Christian discuss what makes CNS trials uniquely challenging, what it takes to earn and maintain trust with sponsors and CROs, and why communication is just as critical as performance metrics. They also share their outlook on the future of the space, from biomarkers and p...

In this episode of SCRS Talks, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Donna Cryer, Chief Patient Officer at Cryer Health and active FDA patient advocate, to explore the critical difference between patient inclusion and patient leadership in drug development. Drawing on her own lifelong experience as a patient, Donna makes the case for why having patients in real positions of authority is not just a values statement but a strategic necessity, especially as AI becomes more embedded in every stage of the research process. From AI governance and model training to the risks of replacing human experience with simulated data...

AI is moving fast, and research sites are feeling the pressure to keep up. But before diving in, there are some foundational questions every site should be asking. Jimmy sits down with Marc Wartenberger, VP of Compliance and Security at CRIO, to break down what a defensible AI validation approach actually looks like, why under-documentation is the most common compliance mistake sites are making right now, and what the January 2026 FDA and EMA joint guidance means for day-to-day site operations. If your site is anywhere on the AI journey, this one is worth your time. 

Josh Stent, CEO of Momentum Clinical Research, joins Jimmy Bechtel to share how his 19-site network in Australia and New Zealand is using AI and automation to cut administrative burden, improve data accuracy, and get more time back for patients. From centralized data reporting to automated invoicing and smarter recruitment funnels, this episode breaks down what practical AI adoption actually looks like at the site level. 

The rare disease space is often overlooked, but it may be the most important laboratory we have for the future of medicine. Jimmy sits down with Rob Freishtat, board member of the Foundation for mRNA Medicines, to talk about what is actually driving collaboration between academic institutions and industry, what a changing regulatory landscape means for sites, and why financial viability and patient access are not as opposed as people think. Tune in now. 

What happens when a research site gets so frustrated with disconnected systems that they decide to build their own? In this episode, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Brian Hunter, COO, and Florin Petrutiu, CIO of Site Centric, to hear exactly that story. Born out of CNS Healthcare over 18 years ago, Site Centric has evolved from an internal workaround into a full CTMS platform now available to sites everywhere. Brian and Florin share how their hands-on site experience shaped every corner of the platform, how they're integrating AI tools without adding operational burden, and why becoming an SCRS Global Impact...

What does it actually mean to be a sponsor of choice? In this episode, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Carrie Lewis and Suzy Montanye from Keenova to find out. The two share how the newly formed company, born from the merger of Mallinckrodt and Endo, is building a site partnership model grounded in accountability, transparency, and real feedback. From their site operational advisory board to a dedicated site relationship manager role, Keenova is making the case that mid-sized sponsors can operate like industry leaders. 

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with John Worden, Chief Commercial Officer at Javara, to explore how AI-driven data analysis is moving clinical research and patient care away from one-size-fits-all medicine toward truly personalized treatment pathways. They discuss how embedded research sites inside healthcare systems are uniquely positioned to put these tools to work, what end-to-end data integration means for feasibility, patient identification, and long-term outcomes, and why scaling AI in healthcare is ultimately less of a technology problem and more of a trust and collaboration problem. John also shares a real-world example of how the research process led to a...

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Dr. Anastasia Christianson, former senior innovation leader at Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, to talk about what a real AI strategy actually looks like in clinical research. They dig into why isolated pilots fall short, how to think about AI as a process change rather than a tool add-on, and where the biggest missed opportunities are right now. Dr. Christianson also shares her take on navigating evolving regulations and paints a picture of where clinical trials are headed over the next three to five years, including a future where no trial launches without first being...

Every site absorbs costs that never show up in a budget. Coordinator overtime, screen failures, startup inefficiencies, technology burden — these aren't edge cases, they're everyday realities. And over time, they're what push good investigators out of research for good. Lauren Stockwell sits down with Mike Pierre, Project Manager at SCRS, to talk about the Hidden Costs Workshop, why it was created, and what sites, sponsors, and CROs actually walk away with after four hours in that room together. If you have ever struggled to justify a budget line or wondered why your numbers never seem to add up, this on...

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Kristen Bosse, VP of Product Development at CRIO, and Samir Jain, VP of Product Management at Medidata, to talk about a collaboration that has been a long time coming. Together they break down why eSource to EDC integration has historically been out of reach for dedicated research sites, what has made it so hard to do at scale, and how their joint solution is changing that. They also get into what sites actually gain when manual data transcription is taken off their plate and what the path to getting started looks like for sites...

Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated, and research sites are not immune. In this episode, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Anders Lindquist, Senior Manager of Research Site Enablement at LabCorp, to break down the most pressing digital security risks facing clinical research sites today. Anders shares how human behavior is at the core of most cyber breaches, what red flags to watch for in emails and text messages, and the practical steps sites can take right now to strengthen their defenses, even with limited resources. From phishing simulations to multi-factor authentication, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking...

In this episode, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with KimberLee Heidmann, Executive Vice President of Quality and Regulatory at Scout, to discuss the financial and administrative challenges clinical research sites face when managing patient payments and reimbursements. They explore how cash flow gaps impact site operations, why sites are adding overhead fees to contracts, and the burden of unexpected participant costs. KimberLee shares practical insights on how service providers like Scout can remove these pressures by handling logistics and payment services directly, allowing sites to focus their time and resources on what they do best: conducting trials and caring for...

Sustainability in clinical research does not have to be overwhelming. In this episode of SCRS Talks, Lauren Stockwell is joined by Paula Underhill of PPD part of Thermo Fisher Scientific and Clare Grace, CEO of EMS Healthcare and the 2025 Excellence in Site Sustainability Award recipient. Claire walks through the concrete changes EMS implemented across its mobile unit model, including solar integration, employee-led sustainability committees, and science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Paula adds context on what the judging panel found compelling and how CROs can serve as true sustainability partners rather than just cheerleaders. Whether your site is...

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Jeff Zucker, Chief Development Officer, and Brandon Lenfest, Regional Director at Tekton Research, to dig into what makes CNS and neuroscience trials uniquely challenging for sites. They cover why patient identification in this space requires a completely different approach, the often overlooked but critical role caregivers play, and what sites can do to keep patients engaged through the full length of a study. Jeff and Brandon also get into the balancing act of providing empathetic care while managing placebo response, and share practical advice for sites considering making the move into CNS research for...

Dana Kudrnova from Novotech shares proven strategies to accelerate study startup by overcoming regulatory and administrative bottlenecks. Learn how data-driven KPIs, mandatory templates, and unified technology transform unpredictable timelines into streamlined milestones. Dana emphasizes that while AI provides speed, active ownership and human oversight are what truly prevent document delays. This episode highlights why proactive communication between CRAs and sites is the secret to surfacing issues early and moving from site selection to first patient dosed more efficiently.

Jimmy Bechtel talks with Darcy Forman, COO of Lightship, about how hybrid site models can reduce operational risk in clinical trials. They discuss matching visit types to the right setting (clinic, home, or mobile), lessons learned from the pandemic's rapid shift to decentralized trials, and how to maintain strong investigator oversight across different delivery models. Darcy shares practical insights on what it takes to implement flexible approaches successfully, including the importance of investigator buy-in, standardized processes, and building trust-based relationships between sites, sponsors, and CROs. 

Lauren Chazal, Chief Business Development Officer at Headlands Research, shares insights on growing from individual research sites to a 23-center network while preserving local culture and patient focus. Learn how Headlands maintains site identity during expansion, implements strategies for reaching diverse patient populations, and addresses the business realities sponsors often overlook. Lauren offers practical advice for site leaders on sustainable growth, selecting the right network partner, and maintaining a patient-centered mission at the core of operations as the industry continues to evolve and consolidate. 

What makes patient voice sessions the most impactful part of every SCRS summit? Jade Tuttle from Syneos Health breaks down what she learned from featuring patients at four summits in 2025. The recurring theme? There are still massive gaps in our systems, but sites that adapt proactively and deliver emotionally intelligent trials create transformative patient experiences. Jade shares standout stories, explains why regulatory bodies are increasingly mandating patient-centric practices, and reveals the measurable business case for patient-informed trials. She challenges the industry to move beyond reactive approaches and partner with patient advocacy organizations early in trial design. Learn how to...

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.