SCRS Talks

 In this episode of SCRS Talks, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Sean Stanton, Founder and CEO of K2 Medical Research, and Christian Burns, Founder and President of Populus Health, to explore how their two organizations are working together to advance CNS drug development. With decades of combined experience across psychiatry, neurology, and neurodegeneration, Sean and Christian discuss what makes CNS trials uniquely challenging, what it takes to earn and maintain trust with sponsors and CROs, and why communication is just as critical as performance metrics. They also share their outlook on the future of the space, from biomarkers and precision health to the growing potential of psychedelics across therapeutic areas, and why CNS research feels less like a job and more like a mission. 

In this episode of SCRS Talks, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Donna Cryer, Chief Patient Officer at Cryer Health and active FDA patient advocate, to explore the critical difference between patient inclusion and patient leadership in drug development. Drawing on her own lifelong experience as a patient, Donna makes the case for why having patients in real positions of authority is not just a values statement but a strategic necessity, especially as AI becomes more embedded in every stage of the research process. From AI governance and model training to the risks of replacing human experience with simulated data, this conversation challenges the industry to stop treating patients as an afterthought and start building their perspectives into the foundation of how research gets done. 

AI is moving fast, and research sites are feeling the pressure to keep up. But before diving in, there are some foundational questions every site should be asking. Jimmy sits down with Marc Wartenberger, VP of Compliance and Security at CRIO, to break down what a defensible AI validation approach actually looks like, why under-documentation is the most common compliance mistake sites are making right now, and what the January 2026 FDA and EMA joint guidance means for day-to-day site operations. If your site is anywhere on the AI journey, this one is worth your time. 

Josh Stent, CEO of Momentum Clinical Research, joins Jimmy Bechtel to share how his 19-site network in Australia and New Zealand is using AI and automation to cut administrative burden, improve data accuracy, and get more time back for patients. From centralized data reporting to automated invoicing and smarter recruitment funnels, this episode breaks down what practical AI adoption actually looks like at the site level. 

The rare disease space is often overlooked, but it may be the most important laboratory we have for the future of medicine. Jimmy sits down with Rob Freishtat, board member of the Foundation for mRNA Medicines, to talk about what is actually driving collaboration between academic institutions and industry, what a changing regulatory landscape means for sites, and why financial viability and patient access are not as opposed as people think. Tune in now. 

What happens when a research site gets so frustrated with disconnected systems that they decide to build their own? In this episode, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Brian Hunter, COO, and Florin Petrutiu, CIO of Site Centric, to hear exactly that story. Born out of CNS Healthcare over 18 years ago, Site Centric has evolved from an internal workaround into a full CTMS platform now available to sites everywhere. Brian and Florin share how their hands-on site experience shaped every corner of the platform, how they're integrating AI tools without adding operational burden, and why becoming an SCRS Global Impact Partner felt like a natural next step. 

What does it actually mean to be a sponsor of choice? In this episode, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Carrie Lewis and Suzy Montanye from Keenova to find out. The two share how the newly formed company, born from the merger of Mallinckrodt and Endo, is building a site partnership model grounded in accountability, transparency, and real feedback. From their site operational advisory board to a dedicated site relationship manager role, Keenova is making the case that mid-sized sponsors can operate like industry leaders. 

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with John Worden, Chief Commercial Officer at Javara, to explore how AI-driven data analysis is moving clinical research and patient care away from one-size-fits-all medicine toward truly personalized treatment pathways. They discuss how embedded research sites inside healthcare systems are uniquely positioned to put these tools to work, what end-to-end data integration means for feasibility, patient identification, and long-term outcomes, and why scaling AI in healthcare is ultimately less of a technology problem and more of a trust and collaboration problem. John also shares a real-world example of how the research process led to a life-changing diagnosis for a patient who almost slipped through the cracks. 

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Dr. Anastasia Christianson, former senior innovation leader at Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, to talk about what a real AI strategy actually looks like in clinical research. They dig into why isolated pilots fall short, how to think about AI as a process change rather than a tool add-on, and where the biggest missed opportunities are right now. Dr. Christianson also shares her take on navigating evolving regulations and paints a picture of where clinical trials are headed over the next three to five years, including a future where no trial launches without first being simulated end to end. 

Every site absorbs costs that never show up in a budget. Coordinator overtime, screen failures, startup inefficiencies, technology burden — these aren't edge cases, they're everyday realities. And over time, they're what push good investigators out of research for good. Lauren Stockwell sits down with Mike Pierre, Project Manager at SCRS, to talk about the Hidden Costs Workshop, why it was created, and what sites, sponsors, and CROs actually walk away with after four hours in that room together. If you have ever struggled to justify a budget line or wondered why your numbers never seem to add up, this one is for you. 

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Kristen Bosse, VP of Product Development at CRIO, and Samir Jain, VP of Product Management at Medidata, to talk about a collaboration that has been a long time coming. Together they break down why eSource to EDC integration has historically been out of reach for dedicated research sites, what has made it so hard to do at scale, and how their joint solution is changing that. They also get into what sites actually gain when manual data transcription is taken off their plate and what the path to getting started looks like for sites running CRIO on Rave today. 

Cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated, and research sites are not immune. In this episode, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Anders Lindquist, Senior Manager of Research Site Enablement at LabCorp, to break down the most pressing digital security risks facing clinical research sites today. Anders shares how human behavior is at the core of most cyber breaches, what red flags to watch for in emails and text messages, and the practical steps sites can take right now to strengthen their defenses, even with limited resources. From phishing simulations to multi-factor authentication, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to better protect their site and the patients they serve.

In this episode, Jimmy Bechtel sits down with KimberLee Heidmann, Executive Vice President of Quality and Regulatory at Scout, to discuss the financial and administrative challenges clinical research sites face when managing patient payments and reimbursements. They explore how cash flow gaps impact site operations, why sites are adding overhead fees to contracts, and the burden of unexpected participant costs. KimberLee shares practical insights on how service providers like Scout can remove these pressures by handling logistics and payment services directly, allowing sites to focus their time and resources on what they do best: conducting trials and caring for patients. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on streamlining site operations and improving the trial ecosystem for everyone involved. 

Sustainability in clinical research does not have to be overwhelming. In this episode of SCRS Talks, Lauren Stockwell is joined by Paula Underhill of PPD part of Thermo Fisher Scientific and Clare Grace, CEO of EMS Healthcare and the 2025 Excellence in Site Sustainability Award recipient. Claire walks through the concrete changes EMS implemented across its mobile unit model, including solar integration, employee-led sustainability committees, and science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. Paula adds context on what the judging panel found compelling and how CROs can serve as true sustainability partners rather than just cheerleaders. Whether your site is just getting started or well on its way, this conversation will leave you with a clear message: start small, start now.

Jimmy Bechtel sits down with Jeff Zucker, Chief Development Officer, and Brandon Lenfest, Regional Director at Tekton Research, to dig into what makes CNS and neuroscience trials uniquely challenging for sites. They cover why patient identification in this space requires a completely different approach, the often overlooked but critical role caregivers play, and what sites can do to keep patients engaged through the full length of a study. Jeff and Brandon also get into the balancing act of providing empathetic care while managing placebo response, and share practical advice for sites considering making the move into CNS research for the first time. 

Dana Kudrnova from Novotech shares proven strategies to accelerate study startup by overcoming regulatory and administrative bottlenecks. Learn how data-driven KPIs, mandatory templates, and unified technology transform unpredictable timelines into streamlined milestones. Dana emphasizes that while AI provides speed, active ownership and human oversight are what truly prevent document delays. This episode highlights why proactive communication between CRAs and sites is the secret to surfacing issues early and moving from site selection to first patient dosed more efficiently.

Jimmy Bechtel talks with Darcy Forman, COO of Lightship, about how hybrid site models can reduce operational risk in clinical trials. They discuss matching visit types to the right setting (clinic, home, or mobile), lessons learned from the pandemic's rapid shift to decentralized trials, and how to maintain strong investigator oversight across different delivery models. Darcy shares practical insights on what it takes to implement flexible approaches successfully, including the importance of investigator buy-in, standardized processes, and building trust-based relationships between sites, sponsors, and CROs. 

Lauren Chazal, Chief Business Development Officer at Headlands Research, shares insights on growing from individual research sites to a 23-center network while preserving local culture and patient focus. Learn how Headlands maintains site identity during expansion, implements strategies for reaching diverse patient populations, and addresses the business realities sponsors often overlook. Lauren offers practical advice for site leaders on sustainable growth, selecting the right network partner, and maintaining a patient-centered mission at the core of operations as the industry continues to evolve and consolidate. 

What makes patient voice sessions the most impactful part of every SCRS summit? Jade Tuttle from Syneos Health breaks down what she learned from featuring patients at four summits in 2025. The recurring theme? There are still massive gaps in our systems, but sites that adapt proactively and deliver emotionally intelligent trials create transformative patient experiences. Jade shares standout stories, explains why regulatory bodies are increasingly mandating patient-centric practices, and reveals the measurable business case for patient-informed trials. She challenges the industry to move beyond reactive approaches and partner with patient advocacy organizations early in trial design. Learn how to turn "patient-centricity" from a buzzword into real, tangible practice. 

What if patients could participate in clinical trials from their living room instead of driving hours to a site? Tyler Van Horn, CEO of Science 37, explains how their direct-to-patient site model works. With one site covering all 50 states, Science 37 sends research-grade nurses to patients' homes, ships investigational products directly to participants, and uses telemedicine for investigator oversight. Tyler breaks down how they maintain quality (they've passed three FDA inspections with no findings), manage the logistics of home visits, educate sponsors on this approach, and create a high-touch patient experience that leads to better retention rates. If you've been curious about how decentralized trials actually work in practice or how to reach patients in research deserts, this conversation is for you. 

Clinical trials are innovating fast, but what happens when new tools, models, and processes are layered onto sites without alignment? In this episode, Stacey Davidson, Head of Content and Strategy at Cuttsy+Cuttsy, joins us to unpack The Site Factor, a report built on insights from 100 site staff across the globe. Stacey shares what sites revealed about recruitment challenges, communication gaps with sponsors and CROs, and why 86% of site staff say additional communication training would be valuable. From the operational frictions that quietly drive patient dropout to the feedback loops that don't exist yet, this conversation highlights where small changes can make a big impact. Because when we protect the site experience, we protect the participant experience too.Download The Site Factor here: https://www.cuttsyandcuttsy.com/the-site-factor-report

Clinical trials need flexibility, but most systems are rigid. Conor Garrett from Scout Clinical explains how they built flexibility into every layer of their patient payment and travel logistics services. From customizable portals that adapt to site preferences to a 24/7 patient liaison team that steps in when flights get canceled or payment issues arise, Scout's approach is people first, technology enabled. Conor shares why technology supports the process but people support the experience, how they listen to site feedback and actually implement changes, and real scenarios where human intervention prevented patient dropouts. Learn why balancing automation with human touch matters and how flexible systems remove friction so sites can focus on what matters most. 

Kathy Kohler, Vice President of Customer Success at Suvoda, discusses the strategic merger between Suvoda and Greenphire and what it means for sites and patients. Learn how bringing randomization, trial supply management, and clinical trial payments together on one platform reduces site burden, eliminates fragmented technology, and creates smoother patient journeys. Kathy shares specific capabilities, including automated payments, streamlined workflows, and single sign-on access, while reinforcing Suvoda's ongoing commitment to site advocacy and listening to the voice of the clinical research community. 

Claire Sears of EMS Healthcare and Almenia Garvey of Allucent join us to discuss what makes the European Site Solutions Summit truly unique. As the newly appointed co-chairs, they share what excites them most about leading this site-centric event and why bringing sites, sponsors, and CROs together in one room drives real solutions. From AI implementation and ICH E6(R3) to contract negotiations and site resilience, discover the pressing challenges European sites face and how the summit's agenda equips attendees with practical takeaways they can implement immediately. If you've been wondering whether this investment is worth your time, hear directly from two industry leaders about the unfettered access, solution-focused sessions, and networking opportunities that set this conference apart. Join us March 2-3, 2026 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. 

Jane Hiatt, Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Merck, shares insights into why sites have recognized Merck as Sponsor of the Year for four consecutive years. Learn how Merck prioritizes site partnerships through active listening, transparent communication, and operational improvements including query simplification, streamlined payments, and technology solutions that address real site needs. Jane discusses specific initiatives that reduce site burden and explores how Merck plans to continue evolving relationships with sites while leveraging emerging technologies like AI and machine learning.

Joshua Carey and Blair Stevens from Emeritus Research, recipients of the 2025 Site Spark Award, share the story behind their custom-built education resource library designed to empower staff, strengthen confidence, and improve knowledge retention. Hear why learner-focused training matters, how creativity can coexist with regulatory rigor, and what other clinical research sites can take away from building training solutions in-house.

Mohammad Millwala, CEO of DM Clinical Research and 2025 Christine K. Pierre Impact Award recipient, joins SCRS Honorary President David Vulcano to unpack the most pressing challenges clinical research sites are navigating today.New findings from the 2025 SCRS Global Landscape Survey show protocol complexity topping the list, persistent communication gaps affecting most sites, and ongoing difficulty connecting with patient communities. Together, these leaders offer grounded solutions, including using risk scores to evaluate protocols, tapping existing healthcare infrastructure for recruitment, and rethinking assumptions about research-naive investigators.Listen now for a clear view of what sites are really facing and the ideas gaining momentum across the industry.

Join Dr. Michael Koren, CEO and Executive Director of MedEvidence, to explore how education and transparency can reshape the public’s understanding of clinical research. Dr. Koren shares his passion for putting patient welfare first and highlights how Med Evidence empowers individuals to make informed decisions about participating in trials. He discusses the importance of building trust, breaking down misconceptions, and helping communities see research as a valuable care option. Tune in to discover how storytelling, visibility, and patient engagement are helping redefine the relationship between the public and clinical research.

Sit down with Kate Shaw, Founder and CEO of Innovative Trials, to explore how humanized, bespoke approaches are reshaping patient recruitment and retention in clinical research. Kate breaks down the difference between one-to-one, in-country support and automated recruitment systems, showing how local expertise and cultural understanding can dramatically improve trial outcomes. You’ll also hear how the Patient Support Center and dedicated patient navigators guide participants step by step, ensuring they feel informed, respected, and cared for throughout the trial. This episode uncovers how personalized strategies not only boost recruitment success but also lighten the load for sites and create a more meaningful patient experience.

Discover how stronger CRO–site partnerships are reshaping clinical trials with Scott Palmese, Executive Director of Site-Focused Solutions at Worldwide Clinical Trials. He shares why listening to sites, reducing burdens, and building trust are game-changers for successful clinical research. Tune in to learn how rethinking these relationships through transparency and communication empowers sites and fuels faster, more successful trials. 

Join Kevin Cooley and Ashley Patil from Scout to explore how innovative technology is transforming the patient reimbursement process in clinical trials. They discuss the most common administrative challenges sites face, and how tools like the Scout Portal are easing the burden on site staff while improving the patient experience. From automated payments and travel coordination to real-time support and multilingual access, this episode highlights the power of combining tech and service. If your site is looking to save time, reduce friction, and improve retention, this conversation is for you.

Ready to rethink the role of training in clinical research? Joseph Kim, Chief Strategy Officer at ProofPilot explores why traditional training models often miss the mark and how shifting from compliance-based checkboxes to performance-driven guidance can boost site effectiveness. Drawing insights from the recent SCRS West Conference, Joe shares practical strategies—like just-in-time guidance, sandbox simulations, and scenario-based learning—to transform how sites prepare for and conduct trials. If you've ever questioned the value of slide-deck overload, this conversation is a must-listen.

How can clinical research move beyond one-time community outreach to build lasting relationships that advance health equity? Kristin Tolbert of Jumo Health shares how grassroots partnerships and sustained engagement are reshaping patient participation in trials. Drawing from the recent Health Equity Congress, she discusses why this work is more urgent than ever, offering practical strategies to build trust, measure impact, and ensure community voices are meaningfully included in clinical trials.

Jen Stacy, Director of Clinical Operations at Novotech, shares how building trust and alignment with your CRA from the outset leads to smoother study execution and better results.With a background as a nurse and site coordinator, Jen brings a site-centric perspective to common challenges like delayed payments, protocol deviations, and data quality concerns. Learn actionable best practices that CROs and sites can implement to strengthen collaboration and ensure compliance across the full trial lifecycle.

A powerful new partnership is transforming clinical trial budgeting. Join Medidata’s Tina Mincher and NIHR's Laura Bousfield as they dive into the evolution of the UK’s Interactive Costing Tool (iCT) and its integration into Medidata’s Grant Manager platform—unlocking new levels of standardization, transparency, and efficiency. With growing international interest, they discuss global collaborations like the Global Costing Task Force and how this initiative is setting the stage for data-driven, cross-border harmonization in clinical research operations.

Join Amy Franco, Senior Director of Patient Liaisons at Scout, to explore how prioritizing patient satisfaction can lead to improved clinical trial outcomes. Amy shares Scout’s unique approach to easing the burden on both patients and sites through personalized travel coordination, reimbursements, and around-the-clock support. She highlights how arranging transportation or reimbursing for childcare can make trials more accessible and reduce dropout rates. The conversation also dives into how Scout’s global patient liaison team and portal technology streamline administrative tasks for sites. Tune in to learn how a patient- and site-centric approach can transform trial success.

Veeva's VP of Strategy, Bree Burks, reveals the strategic vision behind their groundbreaking free CTMS platform—a bold move designed to democratize technology access for clinical research sites of all sizes. Discover why Veeva prioritizes site success through standardization and simplicity, and how selecting the right technology partnerships can empower sites to scale operations and thrive.

Early investment in proper training doesn't just benefit new staff—it strengthens your entire organization and the research ecosystem. SCRS is ready to tackle industry-wide training gaps, transforming research assistants, coordinators, and business teams into confident contributors. Learn how this foundational knowledge accelerates success and helps your team navigate challenges with clarity and purpose.Save your seat today for the hands-on "Back to Basics" workshop at the Global Site Solutions Summit this September in Orlando. This intensive training equips research newcomers with must-have skills to thrive in clinical trials.

Sit down with Rick Ward, Chief Commercial Officer at CRIO, to discuss the emerging concept of central eSource in clinical research. Rick explains how this model, which builds on the traditional eSource framework, can enhance standardization, streamline data collection, and reduce the burden of manual transcription. The conversation highlights the importance of site-driven technology, the flexibility required for real-world implementation, and the need for strong support infrastructure. Explore how CRIO’s approach is reshaping source documentation and creating new opportunities for both sites and sponsors.

Clinical research in Europe presents unique challenges, from navigating country-specific regulations to addressing language barriers and patient travel logistics. Scout’s Moisha Platto and Courtney Dodge share how tailored solutions are enhancing clinical trial efficiency across Europe and what this means for sites, sponsors, and patients. Hear strategies for improving patient engagement, streamlining reimbursements, and ensuring compliance with regional regulations. 

SCRS’s Karri Venn takes a deep dive into the current state of clinical research coordinator salaries with Stacie Merritt, Director at Ascension St. John Clinical Research Institute. We analyze compensation trends, including salary ranges and bonuses, and how organizations can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. Learn how sites of all sizes and types are compensating their workforce and the key factors influencing coordinator pay. Don’t miss this essential conversation packed with data-driven insights to help your site refine its compensation strategy, improve staff retention, and stay ahead in a competitive workforce landscape. 

Clinical trials must represent the communities they serve—and the SCRS IncluDE Program is equipping research sites to make that a reality. In this episode, SCRS' Kathy Mickel sits down with Kim Ribeiro, IncluDE Program co-chair, to discuss how sites and industry partners can make trials more accessible to all communities. We tackle the importance of staying focused on the science, cutting through the noise, and having real conversations about what’s working (and what’s not). Tune in to hear why the IncluDE Site Solutions Summit is a must-attend event for sites, sponsors, and solution providers—and how you can be part of the collective shaping the future of representative research.

Megan Gross, Associate Director of Clinical Site Services at AiCure, shares how innovative strategies and AI-driven solutions are shaping the future of patient-centric clinical research. We explore common barriers to medication compliance, the role of trust and engagement, and how AI-powered technology can enhance adherence. Hear practical interventions that sites can implement to support participant adherence, engagement and retention.

David Vulcano, SCRS Honorary President, breaks down the recent ICH GCP R6 E3 revisions and explores their practical impact on clinical research sites. He discusses key topics such as the decentralization of trials, updated record retention guidelines, and the rising importance of digital health technologies and cybersecurity. David highlights that, although there’s considerable hype and some uncertainties, the new guidelines generally codify existing practices rather than overhaul them. The episode serves as a practical guide for sites to align their operations with both local regulatory requirements and the updated GCP standards while maintaining an open dialogue with sponsors and CROs.

Mike Stratton, President of CSSi, an Elixia company, discusses best practices for building trust and transparency with clinical trial participants. Mike shares the impact of trust-building initiatives and patient-centric communication on retention, medication adherence, and overall trial success. Tune in to hear how CSSi is reshaping patient engagement—ensuring participants feel valued, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Rani Khetarpal, Executive Lead at TSTrials, discusses their recent collaboration with SCRS as a Global Impact Partner. TSTrials, a South American site management organization, specializes in infectious disease, oncology, and rare disease trials. Rani highlights their success in patient retention through innovative navigation programs and their vision to position South America as a key destination for global clinical trials.

Dr. William (Bill) Smith, CEO of Alliance for Multispecialty Research (AMR) and the 2024 Christine K. Pierre Site Impact Award winner, unpacks the industry's biggest challenges—from investigator shortages to study oversaturation—and why site advocacy is more critical than ever. With over 40 years in clinical trials, he reflects on SCRS Founder Christine K. Pierre’s lasting legacy and how he continues to amplify the site voice in research.

Adam Kinsey, Associate VP of Clinical Operations at Merck, shares the site-focused initiatives that earned Merck the Eagle Award for three years in a row. Discover how Merck stands out through transparency, site support, and initiatives like streamlined site payments and protocol simplification. Tune in for insights on how industry partners can adopt similar strategies to improve site partnerships and clinical trial success.

Scout is on a mission to alleviate logistical and financial burdens for patients globally. Courtney Dodge, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Scout, shares insights on Scout’s recent partnership with SCRS and practical advice for sponsors and sites to strengthen patient-centered strategies and reduce participation barriers. Learn how Scout is driving patient-centric strategies through personalized travel solutions, financial support, and meeting logistics. 

Jonathan Gardow, VP of Business Development at FOMAT Medical Research, shares insights into the strategies that earned FOMAT recognition for their patient-centric approach to clinical research. Hear about FOMAT’s innovative use of AI-powered tools like their virtual assistant "Lucy," AI-driven voiceovers, and automated text messaging to enhance patient engagement and retention. Learn how these technologies streamline operations, build trust, and boost efficiency while preserving meaningful human connections. Additionally, Jonathan explores the expanding role of AI in clinical trials, offering practical advice for sites looking to adopt emerging solutions.