In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, join Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, WCG, and Melissa Hutchens, vice president of research and benchmarking, WCG, as they discuss the transformative role of AI in clinical trials. Discover how generative AI and other AI technologies are enhancing the quality of clinical trials, reducing cycle times, and cutting costs. The episode covers the benefits, barriers, and concerns associated with AI, and explores its applications in drug discovery, participant recruitment, trial design, and more. Tune in to learn about the latest advancements in AI and how they are shaping the future of clinical trials.  

Guests: 

• Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, WCG 
• Melissa Hutchens, vice president of research and benchmarking, WCG 

Join us for "Breaking Down Site Complexities and Start-Up Barriers in Clinical Trials" as we uncover the complexities of site management and the barriers to effective study start-ups. Discover the top issues impacting research sites and strategies to overcome them, including trial complexity, start-up hurdles, and long initiation timelines.  

Learn how effective communication, teamwork, and clear processes can drive success, and the importance of human connections and inclusivity in clinical research. Get practical advice for improving site readiness and trial efficiency from our expert guests.  

Don't miss this essential episode on navigating the evolving clinical trial landscape at sites. 

Guests:

Jessica Thurmond, program director, WCG 

Pat Harrington, senior vice president, Clinical Solutions & Strategic Partnering, WCG 

Brad Gruener, vice president, Site Services, WCG 

Join us for a compelling episode of WCG Talks Trials where we take a look into the rewarding world of clinical trials and clinical development. In this episode, George Cokenakes, director of clinical services, review solutions, WCG, speaks with Dr. James Januzzi, a renowned cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and chief scientific officer at Baim Institute for Clinical Research. Dr. Januzzi shares his inspiring journey, highlighting the significance of clinical trial participation and the diverse opportunities that can shape a medical career. 

Learn from Dr. Januzzi's extensive experience in clinical research, including his work on cardiac biomarkers, drug therapy development, and involvement in various therapeutic areas. Discover how career decisions and active engagement in clinical trials can open doors to numerous possibilities and significantly impact patient care. 

Tune in for this insightful conversation and gain valuable advice for budding clinicians and researchers. 

Speakers: 

George Cokenakes, PMP, director of clinical services, review solutions, WCG 

James Januzzi, MD, FACC, cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital and chief scientific officer, Baim Institute for Clinical Research 

In this episode of "WCG Talks Trials," host Geoffrey Schick, director of strategic site partnerships, WCG, is joined by fellow MAGI@home 2024 speakers Sandy Smith, Jess Thompson, and Wesley Warren. They share their unique perspectives and key takeaways from this year's virtual conference, including discussions on contract negotiations, the evolving role of advanced practice practitioners, and the collaborative panels featuring both site and sponsor/CRO insights. The episode also recaps the impactful session on the FDA's Diversity Action Plan and what it means for the future of clinical trials. Tune in to hear about the dynamic energy, valuable connections, and innovative challenges that make MAGI and MAGI@home standout events in clinical research. Don't miss out on the exciting plans for MAGI 2025 in Boston, where trends will continue to evolve and new opportunities will emerge. 

Guests: 

• Geoffrey Schick, MBA, CHRC, Director of Strategic Site Partnerships, WCG  
• Sandy Smith, RN, MSN, AOCN, Senior Vice President, Clinical Solutions & Strategic Partnerships, WCG 
• Jess Thompson, MS, MBA, PMP, Founder, ACRPM.org 
• Wesley Warren, J.D., Executive Director, Research Strategy & Partnerships, City of Hope 

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, host Sandy Smith, senior vice president of clinical solutions and strategic partnering at WCG, dives into the highlights of the Florence Healthcare Research Revolution event. Sandy is joined by industry experts Andrea Bastek, vice president of innovation at Florence, and Lauren Sobocinski, senior vice president of strategic alliances at WCG, to discuss transformative insights from the event. Discover the latest trends shaping clinical research, including site engagement, protocol complexity, and effective sponsor-site relationships. Tune in for a compelling discussion on how collaborative efforts and innovative technologies are driving positive change in the clinical trial landscape. 

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, host Kelly FitzGerald sits down with Dr. Currien MacDonald, Medical Chair Director at WCG, and Sara Reed, a participant in two psychedelic clinical trials, to explore the evolving landscape of psychedelics research. Dr. MacDonald shares his expertise on the growing acceptance of psychedelics in clinical settings, recent FDA updates, and the inner workings of ongoing trials. Later, Sara provides a firsthand account of her experiences as a trial participant, offering unique insights into how psychedelics are being tested as potential therapeutic options. Tune in to learn more about aligning clinical practice with patient experience in this emerging field.

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Geoff Schick, director of strategic site partnerships, joins our host Sandy Smith, senior vice president of clinical solutions and strategic partnering, to discuss the expansion of research site cancer portfolios.

Join Desiree Underwood-Williams, director of project management organization at WCG and guest Steve Smith, CEO of SteveSmithPlans LLC and facilitator of the WCG Patient Forum, as they recap the latest Patient Forum Focus Session on breakthrough science and community engagement. Discussion highlights include:

• The impact of medical diagnoses on families with Sickle cell disease and melanoma.
• New research in cell and gene therapy that’s directly impacting Sickle cell  disease and melanoma patients.
• New diversity laws shaping the future of drug development.
• Community engagement and how patients can get involved in their care.
• And more insights into the WCG Patient Forum, now in its fifth year.

Tune in to learn more about clinical research, community engagement, and the latest developments in patient care.

 In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by host Joanne Thomas, clinical reviewer and patient advocate at WCG, along with our guest Currien MacDonald, medical chair director at WCG. This episode covers the roles of IRB in ethical clinical research, frequently asked questions, and a general overview of the IRB’s role in clinical trials.

This episode of WCG Talks Trials addresses site feasibility challenges impacting the clinical trials industry. Join Michelle Yu, associate director of clinical strategy at WCG, and our guest Trevor Cole, director of client delivery, site and strategic operations for WCG, as we discuss approaches to adopt innovative feasibility and site start-up solutions.

Here are links to documents referenced in this episode:


Recommendations to Streamline and Standardize Clinical Trial Site Feasibility Assessments: An ASCO Research Statement

• Main Article: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.20.00821  
• PDF Data Supplement: https://society.asco.org/sites/new-www.asco.org/files/content-files/about-asco/documents/2020-ASCO-Site-Feasibility-Assessment-Statement-Data-Supplement-for-JCO-OP.pdf