In this episode of The Clinical Research Coach, Leanne Woehlke sits down with Wessam Sonbol, CEO of Delve Health, to explore the evolving world of clinical trials. Wessam shares his personal experience as a clinical trial participant and offers insights on helping people navigate the process—especially those with limited access to technology. They discuss the power of decentralized trials, wearables, strategies for engaging underrepresented populations, concierge services and why truly understanding patients is key to making research more accessible and effective.

Enjoy!

To learn more:

Wessam Sonbol

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wsonbol/

Delve Health:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/delve-health/

https://delvehealth.com/

In this episode ofThe Clinical Research Coach, recorded live at SCOPE, hostLeanne Woehlke sits down withOr Shaked, MD-MPH, Medical Research Lead at Briya, to explore the transformative role ofreal-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE) in clinical trials. They discuss how RWD is reshaping trial design, improving patient recruitment, and enhancing the overall efficiency of research. Or shares insights on the latest advancements, the challenges of integrating real-world evidence, and what the future holds for decentralized trials.

This episode offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of clinical trials. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how data-driven innovation is driving better outcomes in research and patient care!

To connect with Or Shaked, MD-MPH:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/orshakedd/

To learn more about Briya:

https://briya.com/

In this special live episode recorded atSCOPE, hostLeanne Woehlke sits down withKate Shaw, CEO ofInnovative Trials, to explore the evolving landscape of patient recruitment and retention in clinical research. We discuss some of the age old issues in the industry and share insights on the biggest challenges sites and sponsors face today.

Whether you're a clinical research professional, a site leader, or simply passionate about advancing patient-centric trials, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable takeaways.

🎧Tune in now to hear the latest from the frontlines of clinical trial innovation—recorded live at SCOPE!

To connect with Kate Shaw, CEO of Innovative Trials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-shaw-250a8a6/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://innovativetrials.com/

In this episode of The Clinical Research Coach Podcast, recorded live at SCOPE 2025, we welcome Jeff James, CEO of Wilmington Health and CEO and Co-Founder of Innovo Research. Jeff is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare transformation. With a wealth of experience in physician leadership, accountable care, and clinical research integration, Jeff shares insights on how healthcare organizations can align incentives, improve patient outcomes, and drive innovation in clinical trials.

As the leader of Physician Healthcare Collaborative (PHC)—one of the top-performing Medicare ACOs—Jeff has firsthand experience navigating the complexities of value-based care and integrating research into clinical practice. In this episode we discuss:

✅ The role of clinical research in modern healthcare
✅ How value-based care is reshaping patient outcomes
✅ Strategies for aligning providers, payers, and researchers
✅ The future of healthcare innovation and leadership

Enjoy!

To learn more:

Jeff James:

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-james-9a0b9b3/

Innovo Research:

https://www.innovoresearch.com/

Wilmington Health:

https://www.wilmingtonhealth.com/

In this deeply personal episode, Michelle courageously shares her experience participating in a clinical trial to determine if she carries the genetic marker for Alzheimer’s disease. With raw honesty, she walks us through the emotional rollercoaster of making the decision, the testing process, and the weight of knowing—or not knowing—what her future may hold.

Through her story, we explore the power of clinical research, the fears and hopes that come with genetic testing, and the importance of advocacy in Alzheimer’s awareness. Whether you're considering participating in a trial, have a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of resilience, this episode is for you.

Tune in as Michelle opens up about her journey, reminding us that vulnerability is strength—and knowledge is power.

To protect Michelle's privacy, we are not sharing her full name or identifying details.

In this episode, I chat with Rob Freishtat, Co-Founder and President of Uncommon Cures and former emergency physician. Rob shares his journey into the world of rare disease clinical research and his mission to transform the clinical trial landscape.

We discuss the unique challenges of diagnosing and treating rare diseases and the critical role of clinical trials in advancing treatments.

Rob shares howUncommon Cures, works to remove the unnecessary "barnacles" that have accumulated over decades to reduce delays and inefficiencies.

With home-based visits, after hours appointments and family involvement, Rob outlines his approaches to reduce friction and improve the patient experience make clinical trials more accessible.

We also explore the impact of AI in rare disease, strategies to enhance patient recruitment, and the importance of advocating for better regulatory pathways.

Whether you're a patient, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about rare disease advancements, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of clinical research.

Dr. Robert J. Freishtat is a highly regarded physician-executive renowned for his transformative impact on biotechnology ventures, clinical medicine, and international healthcare initiatives. With a storied professional history spanning over two decades, Dr. Freishtat has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead high-stakes organizational transformations, drive clinical solutions to the marketplace, and forge strategic global partnerships.

As the President and Co-Founder of Uncommon Cures, Dr. Freishtat has transformed clinical trials for rare diseases by implementing a unique trial model that eliminated inefficiencies and accelerated drug approval processes. Under his leadership, the company has expanded rapidly and secured key contracts to establish strategic partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. Previously, Dr. Freishtat served as the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Adipomics, where he commercialized groundbreaking obesity-related diagnostics and empowered innovation – securing critical funding for entrepreneurial milestones.

You can connect with Dr Freishtat at: https://uncommoncures.com/contact-us/

Or on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-freishtat/

Colleen Melchiorre is a dynamic strategic leadership executive and a devoted mother. In this compelling episode, Colleen shares an extraordinary story of courage and resilience as she advocates for her son, Paul, diagnosed prenatally with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Fueled by her unwavering maternal instincts, Colleen embraced the role of "Medical Mom," fearlessly navigating the intricate and often overwhelming medical system. With a perfect blend of wit, wisdom, and practical insight, she recounts her journey, offering invaluable advice on managing complex medical information, building effective relationships with care teams, and creating a sense of home even within the hospital walls.

Colleen’s tenacity and compassion make her the ultimate advocate—exactly the ally anyone would want in their corner. Her candid reflections also serve as a powerful lesson for the healthcare industry, providing critical insights into how to engage meaningfully with patients and families. This episode is a masterclass in advocacy, resilience, and the profound strength of a mother’s love

About Colleen:

Colleen Coffey Melchiorre, Ed.D. is a seasoned executive consultant, speaker, and strategist with over 23 years of experience specializing in organizational development and team dynamics. Her expertise spans corporate, non-profit, and higher education sectors, where she has consistently driven business growth and improved team performance for organizations ranging from small non-profits to Fortune 500 companies.

A published researcher and thought leader, Dr. Melchiorre holds degrees from Belmont University (B.S.W.), Eastern Illinois University (M.S.), and Trevecca Nazarene University (Ed.D.). She advocates for organ donation, neurodiversity, and emotional wellness, serving as a parent partner at a leading children's hospital.

Beyond her professional work, she is an adaptive cheer coach, certified Pilates and barre instructor, and dedicated yogi. Active in her church community, Dr. Melchiorre resides near Nashville, TN with her family. From the boardroom to the sidelines, to the mat-her authentic, holistic approach inspires teams, athletes, and organizations alike.

Join host Leanne Woehlke and clinical research professional, Suzanne Kincaid, for a compelling conversation about the unseen demands of family caregiving. With candor and humor, Suzanne shares her journey managing the healthcare of multiple elderly family members, discussing the hurdles of medication management, doctor visits, and technology support. This episode dives deep into the practical and emotional sides of caregiving, exploring why self-care is essential yet often overlooked, and how systemic changes could ease the load on caregivers everywhere. For anyone supporting a loved one through aging or illness, this conversation offers insights, resources, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

Suzanne Kincaid, CCRA, ACRP-PM, FACRP

Owner and Independent Consultant, Responsibility Research

Suzanne has over 25 years of clinical research experience. She has conducted clinical trials from every aspect, from study coordinator to global project manager. She was the Study Delivery Program Leader of AstraZeneca’s Oncology Phase I Team, Director of Operations for Sarah Cannon’s Phase I Drug Development Unit, and Chief Operating Officer of Aperio Clinical Outcomes.

Suzanne’s clinical research passions include process improvement, project management, training clinical research professionals, cultivating high performing teams, and Risk Based Quality Management.

Suzanne is actively involved in the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), serving on the board of the Greater Nashville Chapter since 2011, and is currently Chair of the ACRP Fellows Advisory Panel. In 2020, Suzanne was honored as one of the PharmaVoice 100 Most Inspiring People in Life Sciences.

To connect with Suzanne on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/responsibilityresearch/