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

    3 DAYS AGO

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

    13 MAY

    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
  3. From Entry Point to Impact: CTI’s Research Associate Program

    1 MAY

    From Entry Point to Impact: CTI’s Research Associate Program

    Halle Raicevich, Research Associates Manager; Rick Renko, Project Manager, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs; and Alexa Kehoe, Senior Clinical Project Coordinator, are featured on this episode of the Moving Medicine Forward podcast to discuss CTI’s Research Associate (RA) Program. This pathway is designed to help emerging talent gain real‑world experience while exploring opportunities across the industry. Tune in to explore the value of mentorship and early exposure for professionals beginning their careers and learn how CTI’s people‑first culture supports growth at every stage. 00:51 Meet the guests: Halle Raicevich, Ricky Renko, and Alexa Kehoe01:23 Overview of the RA program and its role as an entry point into clinical research03:00 Why CTI invests in early‑career development and hands‑on learning04:08 How cross‑department exposure builds confidence and strengthens collaboration04:49 A typical day for a Research Associate05:57 Skills gained through the RA role07:06 The importance of flexibility and mentorship08:20 How the RA program supports long‑term career growth across functions09:18 Expanding the RA program internationally and lessons learned from global implementation10:56 Developing future leaders through mentorship12:23 Advice for those considering the RA program or a career in clinical research14:27 Community involvement and CTI’s people‑first culture16:37 Why the program is a powerful career foundation

    19 min
  4. Central Labs in Focus: Supporting Strategy, Growth, & Innovation Across Clinical Research

    22 APR

    Central Labs in Focus: Supporting Strategy, Growth, & Innovation Across Clinical Research

    Vincent Drouillon, Vice President of Global Central Lab Strategy and Growth at CTI, discusses how central laboratory services support clinical trials. He shares his path into laboratory medicine, explains why early collaboration and partnership are key to trial success, and outlines how global alignment and integrated lab solutions help sponsors move medicine forward.   00:36 Overview of Vincent’s role and background in laboratory medicine and clinical research. 01:18 Vincent’s career path and what drew him to central laboratory services. 02:37 The global impact of central labs and their role in developing new medicines. 03:44 Why global collaboration and diverse perspectives matter in central lab work. 04:28 Recognizing laboratory professionals and the importance of Lab Week. 05:26 Leading growth, scalability, and strategy for CTI’s central lab services. 06:55 How CTI’s quality-focused, flexible, and holistic approach differentiates its lab services. 07:54 Supporting complex and integrated clinical trials across specialized therapeutic areas. 09:29 Why lab planning and logistics are often underestimated in trial design. 11:19 The value of early engagement to reduce risk and prevent downstream delays. 14:39 Emerging capabilities shaping the future of laboratory services, including AI, analytics, and personalized medicine. 17:12 Closing reflections on partnership, patient impact, and the role of laboratories in moving medicine forward.

    18 min
  5. Life After Transplant, Reimagined: Enduring Hearts & Pediatric Research

    8 APR

    Life After Transplant, Reimagined: Enduring Hearts & Pediatric Research

    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. 00:00:55 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
  6. Inside CTI’s Clinical Research Center: A Site‑Level Look at Trial Operations

    2 APR

    Inside CTI’s Clinical Research Center: A Site‑Level Look at Trial Operations

    What drives success at a clinical research site? Adam Roth, VP of Research Site Services, and Nick Finan, Director of Business Development and Client Management, share insights on site operations at CTI’s Clinical Research Center. They discuss feasibility, patient experience, trust based partnerships, and why operational realism is key to delivering high-quality clinical trials. Throughout the conversation, Adam and Nick also explain how strong collaboration among sites, sponsors, and CROs ultimately drives better outcomes for patients.     01:00 Adam Roth and Nick Finan share their roles supporting site operations and sponsor partnerships at CTI. 02:30 An overview of day-to-day site operations and resourcing throughout all phases of clinical trials. 04:00 How feasibility, therapeutic expertise, and operational readiness guide trial selection. 06:00 Why understanding patient and staff realities leads to better‑designed, better‑executed studies. 09:30 Building long‑term relationships through honest conversations about consistency and delivery. 11:00 How CTI preserves ethical boundaries while supporting productive collaboration. 13:00 Using site experience to improve CRA training and organizational best practices. 16:00 Why the strongest sponsor, CRO, and site relationships are built on shared goals. 20:45 Reflections on teamwork, trust, and moving medicine forward together.

    22 min

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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