SCRS Talks, hosted by the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS), is a platform for clinical research industry professionals to hear about valuable information shaping the research industry today. These short interviews will provide new perspectives and insights on pressing topics, current events, and the research community.
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...
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 h...
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 wit...
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 ...
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 epis...
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 huma...
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 cr...
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...
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 stra...
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 f...
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...
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 ...
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 acc...
Rare disease trials come with unique challenges, and independent research sites are well-equipped to tackle them. Hamish Baird and Jennifer Botte of Remington-Davis discuss the role of independent sites in rare disease trials and their logistical and operational challenges when executing complex studies. Tune in to hear about effective strategies for patient recruitment, site-sponsor collaboration, and the benefits of flexible, patient-focused approaches in rare disease research....
As technology drives breakthroughs in clinical research, it's also transforming how clinical trials are managed. Join Clay Williams, Vice President of Mobile Applications at Greenphire , to learn how their platform GreenSpace is simplifying clinical trial participation. From submitting receipts to tracking reimbursements, hear how GreenSpace removes barriers for both participants and sites, and how it’s impacting projects like the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance's patient registry....
Rosie McKellar, CEO of the Pacific Clinical Research Network (PCRN) New Zealand, shares insights from her organization’s innovative network partners model and their deep commitment to patient outcomes. PCRN’s efficient recruitment strategies and speedy trial execution have positioned New Zealand as a key player in global clinical research. Rosie also discusses PCRN’s collaboration with SCRS as a Global Impact Partner and what’s next for clinical research in New Zealand and Australia....
Join us as we welcome new SCRS team member Lauren Stockwell, Content and Engagement Manager, with an insightful conversation about the value of mentorship in the clinical research community. Lauren shares her passion for empowering the next generation of clinical research professionals, highlighting SCRS's newly launched Mentorship Program . Explore how purposeful mentorship can elevate site professionals both personally and professionally, and offer practical tips on how site members can get in...
Leigh Burgess, CEO and founder of Bold Industries Group , reveals how applying design thinking can transform clinical research operations. Learn how radical prioritization and the innovative D90 framework can help organizations cut through complexity, enhance teamwork, and accelerate trial results — delivering more efficient outcomes for patients and stakeholders alike.
Michelle Ray, Director of Customer Success with Greenphire , explores the challenges that delayed payments pose to research site sustainability. Michelle highlights key issues like the burden of delayed payments on site operations and recruitment, the complexity of invoicing, and the role of technology in simplifying payment workflows. Learn how innovating payment systems can streamline financial processes, creating a more sustainable future for sites, patients, and sponsors alike....
Renuka Agarwal, CEO and co-founder of UpTrials , is revolutionizing site workforce challenges. Renuka shares the inspiration behind founding UpTrials, and how the platform is making a significant impact by matching research sites with skilled candidates. Learn how UpTrials is streamlining the hiring process, improving time-to-fill rates, and bringing much-needed innovation to clinical research hiring processes. UpTrials is AI-driven software designed to help clinical research employers hire top ...
