Clinical Research Coach

Leanne Woehlke
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The Clinical Research Coach Podcast bridges conversations between industry, thought leaders and patients. We have vulnerable and real conversations with the goal of impacting the industry in meaningful ways.

  1. 3D AGO

    Alen Hadzic- Predictive Enrollment Engineering: Can Clinical Trial Recruitment Become Predictable?

    In this episode of The Clinical Research Coach, host Leanne Woehlke sits down with Alen Hadzic, Founder and CEO of CT Scan, to explore how data, digital advertising, and AI are reshaping the way patients are enrolled into clinical trials. Coming from a background in consulting, marketing strategy, and lead generation, Alen brings a fresh lens to one of the industry’s most persistent challenges—patient recruitment and enrollment. Rather than relying on traditional recruitment models, his company has developed a methodology called Predictive Enrollment Engineering, designed to calculate and optimize cost-per-enrollment using real-world advertising data. Alen shares how CT Scan’s patent-pending AI platform, Dyno AI, analyzes millions of dollars in digital advertising performance across dozens of clinical research projects to model enrollment funnels—from ad engagement and qualification to phone contact, eligibility, and final enrollment. During the conversation, Leanne and Alen discuss: Why traditional patient recruitment models often fail to deliver results The hidden friction points that cause patients to drop out of the enrollment funnel How digital advertising can be used to measure and optimize patient interest The importance of rapid follow-up and human engagement in improving response rates How CT Scan achieves a 65% phone answer rate through immediate outreach and optimized workflows Why focusing on cost per enrollment—not cost per lead—changes the entire recruitment strategy Alen also shares his unconventional journey into the clinical trials industry—from early exposure to research through his physician father to a career in consulting and entrepreneurship that ultimately led him to rethink how clinical trials approach patient enrollment. If clinical trial recruitment has ever felt unpredictable, inefficient, or frustrating, this episode offers a data-driven perspective on how AI, marketing science, and operational discipline could transform enrollment into a measurable and predictable process. Tune in to learn how predictive modeling and digital marketing principles may help bring new optimism to clinical trial enrollment. Alen Hadzic is a healthcare technology entrepreneur focused on bringing predictability and operational rigor to clinical trial enrollment. He is the Founder and CEO of CT SCAN™, a company developing systems to remove uncertainty from patient recruitment by engineering enrollment as a measurable process rather than a marketing outcome. His work centers on Predictive Enrollment Engineering™, a methodology that models each stage of the patient journey, from initial awareness through screening and enrollment, using probability-based performance metrics. The company’s patent-pending enrollment technology, DYNO Ai™, analyzes operational and advertising data to forecast cost-per-enrollment and reduce study timelines. Hadzic holds a graduate degree from Columbia University and completed a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Vlerick Business School, a top-ranked European program in the field. His background combines business strategy, systems thinking, and applied analytics in clinical research operations. Outside of his professional work, he is an active musician who records and performs his own material, playing guitar, drums, and vocals. He approaches both technology and music with a similar philosophy: structured systems can create reliable outcomes, but creativity determines how far those outcomes can be pushed.

    26 min

  2. FEB 15

    Ella Balasa- Cystic Fibrosis Patient Advocate

    In this episode of the Clinical Research Coach, I sit down with Ella Balasa, a cystic fibrosis patient advocate whose lived experience is shaping how our industry understands trust, transparency, and meaningful patient engagement. Diagnosed in infancy with cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic lung disease, Ella has spent her life navigating hospital systems, breakthrough therapies, and clinical trials — not as an abstract participant, but as someone whose health and future depend on research progress. Along the way, she has become a powerful voice for improving how industry partners with patients. In this conversation, Ella shares what sponsors, sites, and biotech leaders often overlook: * Patient experience is never one-size-fits-all — even within the same diagnosis. * Patients learn about trials through trusted networks, not just databases or digital ads. * Transparency builds confidence and drives long-term participation in research. * Dropout affects more than timelines — it influences trust and future enrollment decisions. * Technology should support patients, but never replace human connection. Ella’s perspective challenges us to think beyond enrollment metrics and toward something deeper: relational trust. Because sustainable progress in clinical research depends on listening to patients as individuals, partners, and experts in their own lives. To learn more about Ella: Https:/ellabalasa.com

    48 min

  3. JAN 14

    Dr Rohan Lall- Rewriting Pain Care: A Neurosurgeon’s Mission to Revolutionize Pain Management

    In this episode of Clinical Research Coach, host Leanne Woehlke sits down with Dr. Rohan Lall for a candid, thought-provoking conversation on what it truly takes to modernize clinical research—without losing sight of patients, providers, or purpose. Dr. Lall brings a rare dual perspective as a practicing physician and clinical research leader, offering firsthand insight into the structural, cultural, and operational challenges that slow progress across trials today. Together, Leanne and Dr. Lall explore how clinical research must evolve to better reflect real-world care, rebuild trust with patients, and support sites and investigators who are stretched thin. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why many clinical trials still feel disconnected from everyday clinical care—and how to close that gap The growing tension between protocol complexity and patient participation What physicians actually need to stay engaged in research long-term How trust, communication, and operational empathy impact enrollment and retention Where technology helps—and where human connection remains irreplaceable Dr. Lall’s vision for a more sustainable, clinician-friendly, patient-ready research ecosystem This conversation is a must-listen for sponsors, CROs, sites, and innovators who believe the future of clinical research depends not just on better technology, but on better alignment between medicine, operations, and the lived experience of patients. Rohan Lall, MD M Health FarviewUniversity of Minnesota Medical Center   Spine Surgery / Neurosurgery/ Chief Medical Officer SynerFuse BIO:Dr Rohan R. Lall is a neurosurgeon in Edina, Minnesota and is affiliated withmultiple hospitals in the area, including M Health FairviewUniversity of Minnesota Medical Center and M Health FairviewSouthdale Hospital. He received his medical degree from University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine. He has expertise in treating spinalfusion, spinal stenosis and spondylosis, among other conditions    Dr Lall is a former investigator of the SynerFuse Proof of Concept trial and pioneered the e-TLIF procedure He performed the world’s firstsolo SynerFuse e-TLIF procedure as well as the first 2-level procedure. SynerFuse®e-TLIF™ procedure, a ULE™ Therapy (Ultra Low Energy), is used to addresschronic low back and leg pain for spinal fusion patients.   Dr Lall specializes in robotic and minimally invasive surgery, complex spinal surgery, brain for brain and spinal tumors and skullbase surgery/ pituitary tumor surgery.  He has been a leader in robotic spinal surgery and actively involved in the development of new technologies in spine surgery. The Innovative procedure integrates conventional spinal surgery techniques with targeted nerve stimulation to address chronic back pain at its source. These nerve stimulators fundamentallyalter the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. The innovative implant allows patients to control nerve stimulation via smartphone, with early trial participants reporting significant pain reduction and improved quality of life without opioid dependence.

    34 min

  4. 11/01/2025

    Dr Ruchir Gupta- Rethinking Chronic Pain: Emerging Therapies, Clinical Trials & the Future of Research

    In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Leanne Woehlke sits down with Dr. Ruchir Gupta, a double board-certified pain specialist and founder of Mountain View Headache and Spine Institute, to explore the evolving world of chronic pain treatment and clinical research. Dr. Gupta shares his journey from anesthesiology into chronic pain medicine and research, highlighting why traditional approaches often fail and how emerging therapies like ketamine infusions and stem cell treatments offer new hope. Together, they discuss the importance of changing the language around "experimental" medicine, improving access to clinical trials, and educating patients and physicians about cutting-edge but underutilized treatments. They also tackle: The broken incentives in insurance-driven medicine How to ethically introduce new treatments to patients The power of AI and EMRs in revolutionizing clinical trial recruitment Rebuilding trust in the medical system through transparency and education This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals, clinical researchers, and patients seeking alternatives to outdated treatments and a deeper understanding of how clinical research can drive real change in patient care. Dr Ruchir Gupta: Dr. Ruchir Gupta is a board-certified pain specialist and anesthesiologist with advanced training in chronic pain management from the Mayo Clinic’s Alix School of Medicine in Arizona. A New York native, he completed medical school at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and his anesthesiology residency at New York Medical College – St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan. With over 20 peer-reviewed publications and two medical textbooks to his name, Dr. Gupta blends cutting-edge Western medicine with holistic, nature-based therapies. His areas of expertise include interventional pain management, IV infusion therapy, bone marrow concentrate procedures, and regenerative orthopedics. Dr. Gupta is a member of several leading professional societies, including the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience and the American Headache Society. He currently practices in Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, where he is also part of the elite Regenexx network of interventional orthopedic physicians. To connect with Dr Gupta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchir-gupta-3187326b/ https://mountainviewheadacheandspine.com/

    33 min

  5. 10/03/2025

    The Borderless Healthcare Revolution with Dr. Sarah Matt

    In this episode of The Clinical Research Coach, host Leanne Woehlke sits down with Dr. Sarah Matt, MD, MBA, a surgeon, health technologist, and author who is redefining what it means to deliver care without borders. From the operating room to advising health tech startups, Dr. Matt brings a rare dual perspective, grounded in both clinical compassion and digital innovation. Together, Leanne and Sarah explore how technology can expand access, reduce friction, and humanize care across communities, from urban hospitals to rural nursing homes. Dr. Matt also shares insights from her upcoming book, The Borderless Healthcare Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Breaking Geographic Barriers Through Technology, launching December 11, 2025. The book offers real-world playbooks, “next-shift wins,” and frameworks for healthcare leaders, clinicians, and researchers to design systems that truly work for everyone. In this conversation, they discuss: Why technology must serve real people, not just innovation for its own sake How to align incentives across hospitals, CROs, and trial sponsors to improve access and retention The five pillars of healthcare access: geographic, digital, financial, cultural, and trust How empathy, design thinking, and AI can restore the human side of medicine Why solving burnout requires fixing systems, not just supporting individuals The future of robotics, decentralized trials, and telemedicine as tools for equity Through real stories and practical insights, Dr. Matt reminds us that the next wave of healthcare transformation will not be about new tools, but about how we use them to rebuild trust, equity, and connection. Tune in to discover how Dr. Sarah Matt is leading a movement where care travels at the speed of need and healthcare knows no borders. To learn more about Dr. Sarah Matt: https://www.drsarahmatt.com/ To pre-order The Borderless Healthcare Revolution: https://www.drsarahmatt.com/book#OrderBook

    51 min

  6. 07/15/2025

    Julio Martinez-Clark- Bringing Cutting Edge Treatments to New Populations and Continents

    What does it take to bring cutting-edge research to new populations—and new continents? In this episode of The Clinical Research Coach, Leanne sits down with Julio Martinez-Clark, CEO of bioaccess®, to talk about why Latin America—especially Colombia—is becoming a prime destination for clinical trials. Julio shares insights into navigating regulatory pathways, building trusted networks, and designing trials that are both scientifically rigorous and locally relevant. Whether you're exploring new geographies or simply curious about how patient-centric research is evolving globally, this conversation will broaden your perspective. To Learn More: Julio Martinez Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliomartinezclark/ bioaccess https://www.bioaccessla.com/

    36 min

  7. 05/26/2025

    Disrupting Drug Development – Nasha Fitter’s Mission to Transform Rare Disease Research

    In this episode of The Clinical Research Coach, host Leanne Woehlke sits down with trailblazer Nasha Fitter—tech entrepreneur, rare disease advocate, and co-founder of both the FOXG1 Research Foundation and Citizen Health. After Nasha’s daughter was diagnosed with FOXG1 syndrome, an ultra-rare neurological disorder, her world shifted. Instead of accepting the limitations of the current research landscape, she took action- building a foundation, galvanizing the scientific community, and redefining what’s possible for families facing rare disease. What began as a grassroots foundation now drives innovative drug development, redefines data collection, and challenges the status quo in drug development. In this conversation, Nasha shares: How a small, determined parent community raised $10M and launched a gene therapy programWhy traditional research models fail rare disease patients—and how to fix themThe power of patient-owned data and how platforms like Citizen Health are transforming access and insightsHow to build empathy for families navigating special needsWhat pharma gets wrong (and right) in working with advocacy groupsHer vision for a precision medicine future—starting with ultra-rareThis is a story about courage, creativity, and a more inclusive, patient-driven future of medicine. Nasha’s bold vision and action oriented approach will leave you inspired and hopeful. To Find Out More: Nasha Fitter https://www.linkedin.com/in/nashafitter/ FOXG1 Research Foundation: https://www.foxg1research.org/ Citizen Health: https://www.citizen.health/

    44 min

  8. 05/15/2025

    Hope, Loss and Legacy: Katie Diaz on Family, ALS and the Power of Purpose

    In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Katie Diaz, Managing Partner of the Dan Diaz Biotech Breakfast Club. Katie shares the deeply personal story of her father, Dan Diaz, whose ALS diagnosis changed the course of her life- and inspired her to continue the work he started. Together we explore the importance of empathy, the emotional layers of navigating a rare disease and how Katie transformed grief into advocacy, mission and action. Enjoy! To Learn More: Katherine (Diaz) Harakel  The Dan Diaz Biotech Breakfast Club: https://thedandiazbiotechbreakfastclub.godaddysites.com/

    25 min
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Clinical Research Coach Podcast bridges conversations between industry, thought leaders and patients. We have vulnerable and real conversations with the goal of impacting the industry in meaningful ways.

Information

  • Creator
    Leanne Woehlke
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Leanne Woehlke
  • Show Website
    Clinical Research Coach