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 ..read more

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by WCG clinical science experts as they discuss traditional measurement challenges for PTSD trials and how the use of an electronic CAPS-5 scale is improving administration and scoring errors.  Tune in as we discuss the CAPS-5 scale, the opportunities and benefits of using an electronic version to help standardize scale administration and scoring across clinical research, and the promising results to date.  ..read more

In the most recent episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by three industry experts, Amy Thue and Shelby Ward from WCG, and Russell Lampman from Merck to discuss the topic of optimizing vendor support, and ultimately the success, of clinical trials. Listen in as we dive into feedback and perspectives from both the sponsor and vendor side of the table—for valuable take-aways and insights into how vendor support is best aligned across all stakeholders ..read more

This episode of WCG Talks Trials, hosted by Kelly Fitzgerald, Executive IRB Chair and Vice President of IBC Affairs at WCG, dives into the topic of diversity and inclusion with technology in decentralized clinical trials (DCTs). The episode explores the transformative opportunities that DCTs present for addressing diversity gaps in clinical research. The discussion features a panel of experts, including Otis Johnson, former Chief Diversity, Inclusion, and Sustainability Officer at Clario; Archana Sah, a seasoned clinical development leader with a focus on oncology and healthcare technology; an ..read more

As a global strategist for Intel’s Health and Life Sciences Group, Bryce Olson had an up close view of innovation happening in the lab—especially in terms of genomic sequencing and gene therapy. As a man diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 prostate cancer at 44, he had as well an up close view of how that innovation was not being translated into the clinic.  He was started on a one-size-fits-all standard of care. It didn’t work, and chemo made him ill. In this podcast episode, he talks about how he demanded—and received—DNA sequencing. That data led him to find the right trial and the righ ..read more

LaTasha Lee, PhD, MPH’s path to becoming a sickle cell disease (SCD) researcher and policy advocate began as a child. Because the SCD trait ran in her family, she became a patient advocate while still small. Today, she is Vice President, Social and Clinical Research & Development, at the National Minority Quality Forum. In this wide-ranging interview, she touches on an array of issues affecting the SCD community. Among them: adult patients who end up in the emergency room, the increased number of available therapeutics and the robust pipeline of SCD therapies. Of particular concern is the ..read more

Pharmaceutical executive Peter A. DiBiaso, MHA, a triathlete who has successfully completed the grueling Ironman, learned at age 49 he had early-onset Parkinson’s disease. He shares his experiences—and triumphs—in this episode. What started as a small tremor in his right hand and a stiffness in his right ankle ended up changing his life.  It was a blow, but he knew what to do: The diagnosis brought his personal and professional life full circle. Five years later, he reports minimal disease progression. He is doing well and remains incredibly active. Other than well-managed medication, t ..read more

In this episode, Roslyn Daniels, the founder and president of Black Health Matters, talks about how her organization educates and motivates African-American communities about taking care of one’s own health. Seeing her own grandparents die too soon and recognizing that, in many communities,  people are forced to choose between rent and healthcare, she realized that “access means nothing unless you have an understanding of the fundamentals of good health.”    Using her background in media and direct-to-consumer marketing, Daniels established Black Health Matters. Its online pre ..read more

“Our research population should match our community population.” That’s one of the takeaways from Christopher Gantz’s interview with WCG President of Patient Advocacy Steve Smith. He describes several programs that help connect researchers with minority communities to increase engagement and access enrollment in clinical trials. Gantz is senior director of the Regional Liaison Office at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.  Since 2005, he has worked on multiple clinical trials projects with recruitment goals ranging from 500 to 10,000 parti ..read more

In this episode, WCG’s President of Patient Advocacy, Steve Smith, interviews Dr. Jeffrey Cooper, MD, MMM, Vice President of Process & Strategic Improvement at WCG, expert in the conduct of clinical trials, and Parkinson’s patient himself. During their conversation, Steve and Dr. Cooper highlight the strides clinical research has made for many therapeutic areas and the promise research has for individuals across the globe. With a specific focus on Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Cooper dives into his journey as a clinical trial participant and shares his experience on finding a trial, getting enr ..read more