This week, Lilly Skok Bunch , executive director of the non-profit organization Greater Gift joins us to share the unique patient-oriented mission of showing gratitude to clinical trial participants. More than just a feel-good gesture, Lilly explains the tangible benefits for companies including Merck. Emboldened by their impact, Lilly also discusses how the Greater Good is looking to tackle clinical trial diversity, equity and inclusion. "We are expressing gratitude to the medical heroes who cl...
Jul 13, 2022•27 min•Ep. 40
This week on the Totally Clinical podcast we welcome Grayson Scott , clinical research coordinator and site supervisor at Centricity Research . This is a very special episode because we hear first hand from Grayson about how Teckro supports his day job. Grayson explains how Teckro helps him put the patient first with access to essential study content in the palm of his hand and elaborates on why more sponsor-to-site lines of communication are urgently needed… "I'm really excited about the commun...
Jul 06, 2022•12 min•Ep. 39
This week Jenn Weinberg joins us on the podcast. Jenn brings a wealth of experience working at industry giants including Novartis and GSK and now is rolling up her sleeves at Teckro on a mission to simplify oncology clinical trials. In our discussion, Jenn explains how she accidentally ended up working in oncology and recounts a patient conversation that continues to give her purpose. "I'm looking forward to seeing Teckro embedded in earlier stages of oncology trials to simplify the lives of eve...
Jun 30, 2022•11 min•Ep. 38
Taking part in a clinical trial can be a daunting experience - especially for those in underrepresented communities. This week, Steph Anderson , chief people officer at Meridian Clinical Research , joins us to discuss the importance of patient engagement with diverse communities to reduce obstacles and increase participation. Steph also discusses Merdian’s new diversity initiative and explains why other companies shouldn’t let perfection hold them back in tackling diversity, equity and inclusion...
Jun 17, 2022•15 min•Ep. 37
Silvina Baudino , our director of site engagement, is back on the Totally Clinical podcast! We last caught up in December last year – and she’s been very busy since – spreading the word about our exciting new community for sites, Teckro Powered. From Texas to Florida, Silvina relays engaging tales from her travels, explaining how the Teckro Powered program can help support diversity, her big plans for the program’s international expansion – and the popularity of the Teckro Powered blue T-shirt! ...
Jun 09, 2022•16 min•Ep. 36
This week on the Totally Clinical podcast we have a very special guest: Peter Gray , Teckro chairman. In honor of International Clinical Trials Day , Peter shares his industry insights and experiences from being associated with the pharmaceutical services industry for several decades. As the former CEO of ICON, one of the world’s largest CROs, Peter elaborates on why he was inspired to join Teckro and shares what he sees for the future of clinical trials. “When they approached me to ask me to ch...
May 20, 2022•29 min•Ep. 35
Many patients don’t realize that clinical trials are a way to get tomorrow’s treatments today. Joining us on the podcast to discuss this topic further, is Dr. Anne Mette Buhl , senior scientist at the Clearity Foundation , an advocacy group that improves the survival and quality of life of women suffering from ovarian cancer. Anne Mette talks us through the different phases of trials, the benefits of the Clearity clinical trials finder, and what patients need to be aware of when it comes to the ...
May 11, 2022•16 min•Ep. 34
For many sites, retaining staff is difficult. The nature of the industry, trial complexity, costs and regulatory burden can lead to high levels of attrition and even burnout. However, one woman is on a mission to bring cultural change to sites. Nikki Osborn is CEO of Meridian Clinical Research – which she founded in 1999 and built up to a network of more than 30 research sites and 90 principal investigators. From charitable bucket lists to fleur-de-lis tokens, Nikki explains more about her goal ...
May 03, 2022•15 min•Ep. 33
Sustainability maybe isn't a word that you immediately associate with clinical trials. And the reality is that there are inefficiencies throughout the trial process that actually work against creating a greener planet. On World Earth Day, Jeanne Hecht of JTH Consulting and Malia Lewin reflect on what sustainability means in clinical research and the impact of Teckro, including how more streamlined communications leads to less travel, more trial efficiency, and a greener approach. “Wow, this isn'...
Apr 21, 2022•13 min•Ep. 32
Sonia Araujo discusses the incredibly moving blog she wrote about her aunt Lena’s brain tumor diagnosis. From waking up one day with blurred vision to facing the terrible reality of grade 4 gliosarcoma – a rare type of brain cancer – Sonia elaborates on her aunt’s journey. "I find that people shy away from talking about these things and I think the opposite. I think we need to talk about these experiences, so there is more awareness."...
Apr 14, 2022•11 min•Ep. 31
This week we’re joined by Silvina and Maria, both Teckro employees, as they compare notes on their past lives working in clinical research and reflect on the pivotal role of clinical research associates (CRAs). Silvina Baudino , Teckro director of site engagement, and Maria Milas , Teckro solutions consultant, talk about how CRAs are the “glue” of trials, overseeing multiple sites and building strong working relationships with research staff. With topics ranging from lifelong friendships made wo...
Apr 07, 2022•21 min•Ep. 30
This week, Cindy Jackson , chief operating officer at the Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials in Children discusses the complex topic of pediatric drug development. From misunderstandings in designing clinical trials to the problem of "lag time" where children don’t get access to treatments as quickly as adults, Cindy explains why the situation is unacceptable. As a champion for children's drug development, she outlines how things can change, starting with clinical trial referrals as an autom...
Mar 24, 2022•23 min•Ep. 29
For some physicians, the intense workload and pressures of clinical trial settings can become overwhelming. This week, Courtney Alexander, site supervisor, contract and budget manager at Centricity Research , explains how community-based research sites support physicians by freeing up time so they can focus on the most important part of clinical trials: the patient. During this podcast, Courtney touches on the crucial role of the coordinator to help physicians with “growing pains,” how Centricit...
Mar 16, 2022•17 min•Ep. 28
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. With a five-year survival rate of just 11%, a diagnosis has long been considered a death sentence. However, there is hope. Cassadie Moravek, a director of clinical trial operations at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network , joins us to explain how genetic testing and biomarkers are changing the game for patients – and elaborates on ambitious plans to increase the survival rate to 20% by 2030. "So many people don't realize the options avai...
Feb 25, 2022•18 min•Ep. 25
We talk to Daré Bioscience President and CEO Sabrina Johnson about her perspective on the advancements women have made in the biotech industry, why good things happen when we're not afraid to take a leap, and how adopting a mindful approach in our professional lives helps us separate legitimate progress from pointless activity. "Diversity can really impact your bottom line and improve your outcomes and results, and so I'm happy to see where the world is heading – and not just with gender diversi...
Feb 16, 2022•10 min•Ep. 26
What started as a slight tremor in her right hand led to a Friday afternoon neurologist consultation and the unwelcome discovery of Parkinson’s disease at just 38 years old. Ten years later, full-time “eternal optimist” and determined advocate Cathy Molohan shares her thoughts on deep brain stimulation, why exercise is so important to manage symptoms and the never-ending quest for a Parkinson's cure. Below are links to more information on Parkinson's disease: Yuvedo Foundation World Parkinson's ...
Feb 09, 2022•30 min•Ep. 25
The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) holds its annual initiative World Cancer Day on February 4. Global health, medicine and clinical research communities unite to raise awareness, improve education around cancer risks and emphasize the need for early diagnosis. Today, over 80% of all countries have a National Cancer Control Plan compared to just 66% in 2013. On World Cancer Day 2022, UICC Campaign Manager Janine Huguenin joins us to discuss the ambitious "Close the Care Gap" campai...
Feb 03, 2022•12 min•Ep. 23
Pharmaceutical executive and consultant Dairine Dempsey urges women not to second-guess their ability, stresses the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, and highlights the need to address the lack of female representation at a senior level. "Women have the ability to be in these roles just as much as their male colleagues. The idea of going forward for promotion is something that I think women think about a little too much of, certainly more than men do."...
Jan 27, 2022•9 min•Ep. 23
With ethnic minorities representing as little as 2% of all clinical trial participants in the US, Van Johnson , VP of business development at Benchmark Research, talks about the pressing issues surrounding underserved communities. He advises on how to increase engagement by addressing fears and speaking the "right language" and shares his optimism for the future in closing the clinical trial gap. “The key to building trust is for the pharmaceutical companies, the CROs, and clinical research site...
Jan 13, 2022•14 min•Ep. 22
In Totally Clinical ’s first podcast of 2022, an all-female star lineup from Teckro’s leadership team discuss what they’re excited about in the year ahead. They talk about encouraging the spirit of collaboration among sites, and the appeal of a hybrid approach to trials. They also delve into the future of personalized medicine and the post-COVID landscape for conferences. Sounds like 2022 will be a bumper year! "I'm interested to see how we define what a hybrid model is. It seems to be emerging ...
Jan 07, 2022•13 min•Ep. 21
We speak with Hillary Theakston , Executive Director of The Clearity Foundation. Hillary talks about her career motivations and reflects on the impact of her mentors. She also describes The Clearity Foundation and its role in guiding women with ovarian cancer to better clinical outcomes. "What I hope to see is that women don't have that hesitation of, 'I'm not ready,' but are more confident or more willing to step into roles that may feel like a stretch, but that they can develop into."...
Dec 28, 2021•11 min•Ep. 20
We talk with Teckro CEO and Co-Founder Gary Hughes about his vision to engage every physician in clinical research, the 10 core principles that inspired Teckro's emphatic approach to platform design, and where he thinks the future lies for clinical trial technology. Gary explains why aiming for 10% better, faster or cheaper clinical trials is not the way forward, and the three core issues that need to be addressed to make any real impact on outcomes. “To support bringing new medicines to parts o...
Dec 23, 2021•16 min•Ep. 19
We talked with Andrea Parish about her latest blog How Teckro Unlocks Site Engagement for More Efficient Clinical Trials . In this podcast, she explains why real-time communication is a game-changer for clinical trials and some tips for how sponsors can keep their sites happy. “With site engagement it’s all about targeted communication to specific roles within a clinical trial. What we know is that’s what makes site engagement successful.”...
Dec 21, 2021•12 min•Ep. 18
Silvina Baudino , Teckro’s director of site strategy, returns to the podcast to update us on her vital work with sites, gaining key feedback on how they are using technology and their main pain points. Silvina touches on the differing needs of sites, collaborations with clinical research organizations and how sites are finally getting a seat at the table. “We want to keep a channel of communication open with sites. Hear what they have to say and get feedback and input to make sure we are taking ...
Dec 17, 2021•10 min•Ep. 17
This week, healthcare project manager Chelsea McCabe joins the Totally Clinical podcast to discuss the specific challenges of Phase I oncology trials for sites. From managing sponsor expectations, keeping on top of amendments, and remembering dozens of portal passwords, she gives us an insider view of research site challenges. Chelsea also explains why she’s optimistic for the future of oncology trials and the role of site staff in the protocol development process. “We’re starting to have a voic...
Dec 14, 2021•21 min•Ep. 16
We speak with Ovarian Cancer Canada CEO Elisabeth Baugh about what the future holds for women in leadership, how to tackle the gender gap at the top, and her work with AboutFace to enhance the emotional and mental well-being of individuals with facial differences. "I'd love to see really confirmation that there's equal pay for work of equal value across all sectors, and I think more professional development opportunities that will lead to greater gender parity and diversity in leadership."...
Dec 09, 2021•9 min•Ep. 15
This week, Teckro’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Buckley joins us to discuss learnings from the Prosper clinical trial of the 1990s. Radical for the time, the trial – which looked at the effect of statins on a patient population over 70 years of age – was balanced so the number of women in the trial represented the number of women in the population in that age group. Brendan, principal investigator of the Prosper study, reflects on the unique, decentralized nature of the trial as it was run fro...
Dec 06, 2021•13 min•Ep. 14
This week, our CEO Gary Hughes returns to the podcast to reflect on Teckro’s journey from a single product to a platform for content, communication and insights . He explains why building credibility with all clinical trial stakeholders is key to creating trust. And Gary reveals how Teckro is creating its own network effect. "It takes a lot of buy-in from all of the stakeholders involved. You can’t just sell to one stakeholder and expect everyone else to buy into it. You’ve got to bring everyone...
Dec 02, 2021•12 min•Ep. 13
This week, Silvina Baudino, director, site strategy at Teckro, discusses the launch of the novel Teckro Powered program. A game-changer when it comes to addressing challenges that are holding sites back from fully embracing modern site practices, Teckro Powered is all about building community and supporting Teckro’s core mission – to have every physician engaged in trials – so sites can thrive and reach their full potential. “When we expand physician participation we expand patient outreach, whi...
Nov 30, 2021•11 min•Ep. 12
Nick Bruggeman talks us through his intriguing journey from an intern at his father’s clinical research company, to his present-day mission using a data-driven approach to develop treatments for Central Nervous System diseases at CCT Research. “If a patient or a resident is in our study, they could go down the hall and knock on our door and talk to the coordinator. And that was the idea that we had because a lot of times Alzheimer's and dementia research is not accessible to patients.”...
Nov 24, 2021•19 min•Ep. 11
