Heart of the Trial
Welcome to a podcast delving into the personal narratives within the clinical research industry. Through candid interviews, we'll learn about the personal journeys and motivations of individuals who have chosen this profession. What I like to call 'their why'. My aim is to spotlight the often overlooked heroes of clinical trials, showcasing their passion and dedication that extends beyond the spotlight of 'big Pharma.' These conversations will illuminate the heartfelt narratives of those driving advancements in medical research. This podcast is not just for industry insiders; it's for everyone curious about the human side of healthcare. Beyond the industry's negative reputation, we'll shed light on the dedicated professionals behind clinical trials. Join us as we uncover the heart and passion of those working tirelessly behind the scenes in clinical research. Welcome to Heart of the Trial!
Episodes
Training, tattoos, and the truth about burnout in clinical research.
In this season finale of Heart of the Trial, Suzanne sits down with the visionary behind Clinical Research Pro and ClinOps at Sea—Jess Thompson—to talk about building a career with purpose and sustainability in clinical research. From project management tips to mental health
check-ins, Jess shares how her own journey through labs, sites, CROs, and spon...
What’s it really like to join a clinical trial? Amin Jagani takes us step-by-step through the patient experience.
In this episode, Suzanne reconnects with Amin Jagani for a deep dive into the full patient experience in clinical trials—from referral and informed consent to decentralized visits and data collection. Through a hypothetical case study, Amin walks listeners through what it really looks like to participa...
When you've been both behind the system and in the trial yourself, you build solutions with empathy—and urgency.
In this episode, Suzanne chats with Jen Arters, a systems strategist, clinical operations consultant, and three-time clinical trial participant. Jen shares her unique perspective on trial management—from building medical writing macros and managing TMF systems, to sitting on the patient side of the scre...
What if we held naturopathic care to the same evidence-based standards as conventional medicine—and made it easier for patients to access it?
In this episode, Suzanne talks with Dr. Jordan Robertson, founder of The Confident Clinician, about her mission to transform how naturopathic and integrative care is practiced and perceived. From academic research to co-teaching a course with NASA, Dr. Jordan brings a rare m...
TMF Tools, AI Experiments, and the Power of “Why” with Rob Jones
Show Description & Notes
From lab coats to line items, meet the creator of the TMF Pocket app shaking things up in clinical operations.
In this episode, Suzanne chats with Rob Jones, a product manager, TMF innovator, and creator of the TMF Pocket app, about how curiosity—and a little bit of late-night YouTube—led him to build practical tools f...
Biotech, Business, and Brandon: A Conversation with Amin Jagani
Show Description & Notes
What do a licensed pharmacist, biotech entrepreneur, clinical site founder, and professor all have in common? This guy.
In this energizing conversation, Suzanne sits down with pharmaceutical leader Amin Jagani to talk about his 25-year journey across nearly every corner of the drug development world—from CRA to bio...
The Heart of the TMF with Ann Ackley-Fifer
Show Description & Notes
What started in a file room became a 20-year journey of transforming how trials are documented, connected, and inspected.
In this episode, Suzanne sits down with fellow TMF expert Ann Ackley-Fifer to talk about her evolution from paper-based Trial Master Files to digital strategy, system configuration, and end-user empowerment. An...
Building Clinical Research Careers – with Rudy Malle
Show Description & Notes
What if the key to industry growth wasn’t just talent—but career navigation?
In this episode, Suzanne talks with Rudy Malle, founder of YANA Career Consulting and the Clinical Research Accelerator, about how his unconventional path through the clinical research world—from medical assistant to site director to career strategist—is helping ot...
Breaking Barriers in Biotech with Suzanne Vyvoda.
From CRC to clinical exec—how betting on yourself can reshape an industry.
In this episode, Suzanne Turner sits down with biotech executive and clinical trial strategist Suzanne Vyvoda to trace her incredible 20+ year journey through the clinical research world. From learning on the fly as a site coordinator to leading clinical operations at top biotech compani...
Designing Trials that Actually Work—with Dr. Noah Goodson
What happens when you approach clinical research like a scientist, a strategist, and an entrepreneur—all at once?
In this episode, Suzanne sits down with Dr. Noah Goodson, Principal, Strategy & Advisory at THREAD, to talk about how smarter study design and better technology can dramatically improve trial execution, patient experience, and dat...
The history of human research isn’t just in the past—it’s in every consent form, every protocol, every rule we follow today.
In this solo kickoff to Season 2, Suzanne takes us on a powerful and personal journey through some of the most defining—and devastating—events in research history. From the Nazi experiments and Tuskegee study to the story of Henrietta Lacks, this episode confronts the ethical failures that led to...
Today’s episode of Heart of the Trial is all about the true heart of clinical research—the patients. Joining me is the brilliant Pauline Frank, who has spent years bridging the gap between clinical trial teams and patient advocates. If you’ve ever wondered how to improve patient engagement in clinical trials or why it’s so important, this episode is for you!
Highlights of the Episode:
- Meet Pauline Frank: A...
Today we’re talking to Elizabeth Nelson, a powerhouse in the clinical research industry with over 25 years of experience in auditing, consulting, and training. Ms. Nelson has extensive experience in investigating and pursuing suspect clinical data cases and has worked professionally with industry and government representatives to pursue legal actions for severe noncompliance cases.
Her services have been requested by, ...
Today we’re diving into the exciting world where genetics meets pharmacology. Dr. Emily Cicali will uncover the mysteries of pharmacogenomics (PGX) and explain how your DNA influences your response to medications. Get ready for insights, real-world applications, and a touch of scientific magic!
Emily J. Cicali, Pharm.D., earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 2015. She complete...
In today’s episode of Heart of the Trial, we’re turning the spotlight on the hilarious and insightful Christine Kanalis, who boasts over 25 years of experience in data management. Get ready for a fun and enlightening dive into the world of clinical trial data!
Highlights of the Episode:
- Meet Christine Kanalis: With a background in statistics and a knack for humor, Christine takes us through her fascinating journe...
Today we're diving into the fascinating world of clinical trial data management with none other than software expert Sam Rolfe. This episode is a rollercoaster ride through the complexities and innovations in managing the documents and data of clinical trials. Buckle up for an insightful and fun discussion!
In this episode, Sam shares his journey from a sports science degree to becoming a key player in the world o...
Today, we’re diving into the world of clinical operations with the incredible Kristen Perkins. With over 16 years of experience and the founder of the Clinical Trial Manager, Kristen brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our discussion. Get ready for an engaging and enlightening conversation!
Kristen is a clinical operations leader located in Greater Boston with 16+ years of Phase I-IV global leadership and clin...
Today, we dive into the nitty-gritty world of clinical trial compliance with our fabulous guest, Teresa Davis, who brings over 15 years of experience to the table. If you’ve ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps clinical trials running smoothly, this episode is for you!
In this episode, Teresa shares her journey from an English and art background to becoming an Associate Director of Clinical Operat...
Join the always energetic Suzanne Turner as she dives into the intricate world of drug safety with industry veteran Janet Cummins! With over 20 years of experience, Janet shares her journey from a high school vocational tech class to becoming a director in pharmacovigilance. Get ready for a whirlwind tour of what really goes on behind the scenes in clinical trials.
Janet brings a wealth of knowledge and a healthy dose ...
Hello, lovely listeners! In a delightful twist, today’s episode of Heart of the Trial flips the script as Suzanne Turner, your beloved host, becomes the guest! Guest host Phil Pelucha from Billionaires in Boxes takes over to interview Suzanne, revealing the heart and soul behind the podcast.
Highlights of the Episode:
- Role Reversal: Phil Pelucha takes the reins, bringing a fresh perspective to the show as he intervi...
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