Moving Medicine Forward

CTI Clinical Trials

CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services presents Moving Medicine Forward, a podcast centered on advancements in healthcare and elevating individual’s stories and expertise. CTI, a global Contract Research organization with associates in 60 countries, has contributed to 10,000+ projects, 200+ drug and device approvals, and 300+ pharmaceutical and emerging biotechnology partners. Our group of innovative thinkers work to change the lives of chronically and critically ill patients.

  1. MMF Rewind | CTI's Next Chapter: A Conversation with Jon Koch and Brian Lawrence

    13h ago

    MMF Rewind | CTI's Next Chapter: A Conversation with Jon Koch and Brian Lawrence

    This week, we're revisiting a previous conversation with Jon Koch, CEO, and Brian Lawrence, CFO and President, as they share their perspective on what’s next for CTI as the organization enters a new phase of growth. They reflect on CTI’s legacy of partnership and execution while outlining how they plan to expand its impact across complex clinical trials. From scaling capabilities and investing in talent to strengthening operational discipline and embracing data-driven decision-making, Jon and Brian offer an inside look at how leadership alignment is shaping strategy. They also explore the evolving demands of the clinical research industry, from the need for predictability and site support to the practical application of technology and AI. At its core, this conversation is about balancing growth with purpose: delivering for sponsors, strengthening teams, and ultimately improving outcomes for patients. 00:36 CTI Rewind: Revisiting CTI's leadership transition and future vision00:58 Expanding CTI's reach in complex and advanced therapy trials02:23 Disciplined growth strategy and sustainable global expansion04:38 CTI's legacy of care, credibility, and partnership06:14 Driving performance through metrics and accountability09:03 Leadership alignment and partnership in action12:13 Talent development, infrastructure, and AI enablement14:14 Positioning CTI for continued growth in complex trials17:12 Key industry trends: predictability, sites, and technology20:40 Sustaining culture and employee experience22:08 Long-term vision: scale, impact, and global presence25:15 Closing takeaways: quality, people, and execution

    26 min
  2. Small Wins, Big Impact: Lessons from Pediatric Oncology

    6d ago

    Small Wins, Big Impact: Lessons from Pediatric Oncology

    What does it take to design clinical trials that truly put patients first—especially when those patients are children? In this episode of Moving Medicine Forward, Dr. Radhika Peddinti, Medical Director at CTI, discusses her journey from pediatric hematology/oncology at the bedside to shaping clinical research at a global scale. Drawing on more than two decades of experience caring for children and their families, Dr. Pennant shares how those deeply human moments continue to influence how she approaches trial design today. From the emotional realities of pediatric oncology to the promise of gene therapies and targeted treatments, this conversation highlights the balance between scientific rigor and compassion—and why both are essential to advancing medicine. Together, they discuss how clinical trials can be designed to reflect real patient lives, the evolving landscape of rare disease research, and the leadership perspective required to make decisions that impact patients far beyond the clinic. If you're interested in the future of pediatric research, patient centered innovation, and what it truly means to move medicine forward, this episode is for you.   00:37 Meet Dr. Peddinti | Background in pediatric hematology/oncology and transition to CTI. 01:17 Finding Her Path | From training in India to a career shaped by patient and family experiences. 03:37 From Bedside to Research | Shifting focus to impact patients at a broader scale. 04:00 The Reality of Pediatric Oncology | Challenges, resilience, and redefining normal for children and families. 05:39 Expanding Impact Through Trials | Sickle cell research and the move into clinical development. 07:33 Designing with Patients in Mind | Bringing real-life patient needs into clinical trial design. 08:58 Balancing Science & Compassion | Why rigor and humanity are both critical to successful trials. 09:30 Leadership Lessons | Showing up with honesty, empathy, and adaptability. 10:47 The Future of Medicine | Breakthroughs in targeted therapies, gene therapy, and cure-focused research. 13:15 Advice for Clinicians | You don’t need to check every box—your experience matters.

    15 min
  3. MMF Rewind | Life After Transplant, Reimagined: Enduring Hearts & Pediatric Research

    May 27

    MMF Rewind | Life After Transplant, Reimagined: Enduring Hearts & Pediatric Research

    In this MMF Rewind, we’re bringing back an important conversation with Lynda Lee Smith—one that shines a light on the ongoing challenges transplant families face and the critical role of research in improving outcomes. Lynda Lee Smith, CEO of Enduring Hearts, is featured on the Moving Medicine Forward Podcast to discuss the mission and impact of the nation’s only nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric heart transplant research. In this conversation, Lynda addresses the challenges transplant families face and how research is improving outcomes and quality of life. Listen now and consider donating to Enduring Hearts here. 00:55 The mission behind the only organization dedicated exclusively to pediatric heart transplant research. 01:19 How Lynda found Enduring Hearts and its mission-driven work. 02:45 The personal story that exposed a major research gap in pediatric heart transplantation. 03:50 Why heart transplants are lifesaving, but not a cure. 04:22 More on home blood tests and their role in reducing invasive biopsies and improving quality of life. 05:39 Why Enduring Hearts focuses on making one transplant last a lifetime. 07:06 How Enduring Hearts supports bold research ideas before larger funders step in. 09:40 The unique challenges teenagers face after transplant and how research helps. 12:05 Addressing the financial, emotional, and logistical burdens families face. 15:21 Programs that connect families navigating life after pediatric transplant. 15:49 Enduring Hearts’ innovative approach to engaging a new generation through gaming. 18:04 The move toward DNA informed, individualized treatment plans. 19:19 What real success looks like for pediatric heart transplant patients. 21:08 Stories of resilience, progress, and hope for the future.

    22 min
  4. CTI’s Next Chapter: A Conversation with Jon Koch and Brian Lawrence

    May 19

    CTI’s Next Chapter: A Conversation with Jon Koch and Brian Lawrence

    In this episode, Jon Koch, CEO, and Brian Lawrence, CFO and President, share their perspective on what’s next for CTI as the organization enters a new phase of growth. They reflect on CTI’s legacy of partnership and execution while outlining how they plan to expand its impact across complex clinical trials. From scaling capabilities and investing in talent to strengthening operational discipline and embracing data driven decision-making, Jon and Brian offer an inside look at how leadership alignment is shaping strategy. They also explore the evolving demands of the clinical research industry, from the need for predictability and site support to the practical application of technology and AI. At its core, this conversation is about balancing growth with purpose: delivering for sponsors, strengthening teams, and ultimately improving outcomes for patients.   00:35 CTI leadership transition and future focus01:23 Expanding reach in complex and advanced therapy trials02:48 Disciplined growth strategy and global expansion05:03 CTI’s legacy of care, credibility, and partnership06:39 Driving performance through metrics and accountability09:28 Leadership alignment and partnership in action12:38 Talent development, infrastructure, and AI enablement14:38 Positioning for growth in complex trials17:37 Key industry trends: predictability, sites, and tech21:05 Sustaining culture and employee experience22:33 Long-term vision: scale, impact, and global presence25:39 Closing takeaways: quality, people, and execution

    26 min
  5. Practicing Medicine, Leading Research: A Physician’s Transition to Clinical Trials

    May 13

    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.

    20 min
4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services presents Moving Medicine Forward, a podcast centered on advancements in healthcare and elevating individual’s stories and expertise. CTI, a global Contract Research organization with associates in 60 countries, has contributed to 10,000+ projects, 200+ drug and device approvals, and 300+ pharmaceutical and emerging biotechnology partners. Our group of innovative thinkers work to change the lives of chronically and critically ill patients.

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