In this episode of The PQI Podcast, John Burke, MD (Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers), shares his perspective on bringing clinical trials into the community oncology setting—where most patients are treated, but research isn’t always built in.

He walks through why expanding research beyond academic centers matters, especially when it comes to improving access, increasing diversity in trial participation, and ensuring results better reflect real-world care.

Dr. Burke also gets into what it takes to build and sustain a research program in practice, including the time, staffing, and infrastructure required, as well as the day-to-day challenges of patient eligibility, scheduling, and trial logistics. He also touches on common barriers, from time commitment and travel to patient trust.

The conversation offers a grounded look at how practices are working through these challenges, along with the role of multidisciplinary care—physicians, APPs, nurses, pharmacists, and research staff—in supporting and sustaining these programs over time.