In the forth episode of Unifying Research, I sit down with a clinical research coordinator to discuss what it means to be a research coordinator. The job of a coordinator is one of the most important in our industry, yet most people don't fully understand or appreciate everything on a coordinator's plate. Then, I had the privilege of speaking with the President of a non-profit that provides flights to children in need of care. 

My research expert guest is Jen Powers, a research coordinator at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute at the University of Cincinnati. Jen has nearly 20 years of clinical care experience, with almost half of that being in a research coordinator role. Jen explains what a coordinator does as well as some of the major challenges of the role. 

The patient-side guest for this episode is Pat Nelli, the President and CEO of Children's Flight of Hope, a non-profit providing flights to essential, life-changing, and life-saving medical care for children in need. The work they do is extraordinary and it's refreshing to hear such passion coming from the president of a company doing this kind of work. 

Additional resources:

• "A Legacy of Care: Mother-Daughter Duo Making a Difference at UC Health" - an article about Jen Powers
• Connect with Pat Nelli on LinkedIn
• Check out Children's Flight of Hope website
• Connect with Univo to learn more about our mission and services
  
  
• Learn more about Univo's partners working together to bring the patient's voice to research:
  • Clinical Trials For All
  • Savvy Cooperative
  • Inspire
  • Children's Flight of Hope
  • AAHRPP

In the third episode of Unifying Research, I sit down with a research expert to discuss the current state of Women's Health in research. It's a growing area of interest across all communities, and an important conversation. Then, I had the privilege of speaking with a research participant who shares her incredible journey through cancer research and life-saving treatments.

My research expert guest is Yasmeen Long, a nationally recognized expert in biomedical research, health outcomes and patient advocacy. Yasmeen has managed research programs at Johns Hopkins, Mass General and Harvard, as well as being the former director of FasterCures with the Milken Institute. Yasmeen helps explain the scope of Women's Health in research and why this topic is so important.

The patient-side guest for this episode is Mary Elizabeth Williams. Mary Elizabeth is an award-winning journalist, storyteller, consultant, speaker, author of two books, and currently a doctoral student of Medical Humanities. Mary Elizabeth shares her amazing journey through life-saving treatments in an oncology clinical trial. She also shares some thought-provoking insights into the problematic areas of research, from a participant's perspective. 

Additional resources:

• Connect with Yasmeen on Linkedin
• Yasmeen Long's article for Diplomatic Courier
• Learn more about Mary Elizabeth Williams
• Check out MEW's substack
• A Series of Catastrophes & Miracles - Book by Mary Elizabeth Williams
• Connect with Univo to learn more about our mission and services
  
  
• Learn more about Univo's partners working together to bring the patient's voice to research:
  • Clinical Trials For All
  • Savvy Cooperative
  • Inspire
  • Children's Flight of Hope
  • AAHRPP

In the second episode of Unifying Research, I sit down with a research expert to discuss our current workforce crisis in clinical research. It's a complex and very timely problem that deserves our attention. Then, I had the privilege of speaking with a research patient advocate, who explains what patient advocacy is and why it's so important.

My research expert guest is R'Kes Starling, an executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the field. Not only does R'Kes shine a light on the current state of the clinical research workforce crisis, he also shares his opinions, wisdom and advice for those looking to break into our industry and those looking for a change. 

The patient-side guest for this episode is Ella Balasa. Ella was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 18 months old. She has used her personal healthcare experiences to drive change in patient empowerment, research, and healthcare strategies. Ella is inspiring and it was exciting to hear the important work she's helping to drive forward.

Additional resources:

• Connect with R'Kes Starling - (1) R'Kes Starling, RPh, MBA | LinkedIn 
• Learn more about the work Ella Balasa is doing - Ella Balasa | Patient Advocate and Consultant
• Connect with Univo to learn more about our mission and services
  
  
• Learn more about Univo's partners working together to bring the patient's voice to research:
  • Clinical Trials For All
  • Savvy Cooperative
  • Inspire
  • Children's Flight of Hope
  • AAHRPP

In the first episode of Unifying Research, we discuss how evidence generation in research is evolving and what that means for the future of healthcare. Then, I have the privilege of speaking with a research participant to hear first-hand experience of someone who has been in a study for 15 years.

My research expert guest is Brad Hirsch, the founder of Highlander Health and a driving force in the movement to reimagine evidence generation in research. 

The second conversation is with Mike Farrow, an incredibly brave and encouraging man, who shares his experience, opinions and wisdom with a vulnerability that will leave you feeling hopeful for the future. 

Additional resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Brad Hirsch - Brad Hirsch, MD | Highlander Health
• Connect with Univo to learn more about our mission and services
• Learn more about Univo's partners working together to bring the patient's voice to research:
  • Clinical Trials For All
  • Savvy Cooperative
  • Inspire
  • AAHRPP