Unifying Research

Unifying Research

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Unifying Research episodes

  • Unifying Research - Women's Health and Patient Mary Elizabeth

    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
    1 hr 41 min
  • Unifying Research - Workforce Crisis and Patient Advocacy

    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
    1 hr 18 min
  • Unifying Research - Evidence Generation and Patient Mike

    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


    1 hr 10 min

About Unifying Research

From the publisher's feed

A podcast about bridging the gap between the business side and patient side of the research industry. 

Each episode will feature two conversations - one with a research professional…