Practicing Medicine, Leading Research: A Physician’s Transition to Clinical Trials

What does effective medical leadership look like in today’s complex research environment? In this episode of Moving Medicine Forward, Dr. Sliman discusses his path from patient care to clinical research leadership. Drawing on decades of experience, Dr. Sliman shares lessons on staying patient‑centered, navigating regulatory realities, and leading teams within evolving healthcare systems—offering practical insights for physicians and researchers shaping the future of clinical development.00:36 Dr. Sliman’s background spanning clinical care, research, and medical leadership.01:10 Pop culture influences (MASH*, Star Trek) and family roots in healthcare that sparked Dr. Sliman’s interest in becoming a physician.03:42 Early research experiences and witnessing healthcare disparities in developing countries.05:05 Why individual patient journeys still matter—even as studies scale and become more complex.06:55 Leading within financial, regulatory, and operational constraints while staying patient‑centered.08:32 Lessons on navigating rules, expanding boundaries, and achieving outcomes through collaboration.10:36 Building infrastructure, sharing institutional knowledge, and avoiding repeated mistakes in clinical development.11:53 Endpoint strategy, patient population selection, and negotiating within regulatory frameworks.13:19 Understanding evolving regulatory expectations and operating effectively within them.14:26 Why learning the system—regulatory, operational, and corporate—is essential.16:02 Balancing passion for patient care with research experience and real‑world trial exposure.19:27 Reflections on medicine, leadership, and the importance of staying connected to patient impact.