SCRS Talks

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.