WCG Talks Trials

Clinical trial complexity is rising with more procedures, endpoints, and technology, yet sites are turning these pressures into pathways for improvement. In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, host Jenna Goeller sits down with Trevor Cole to unpack practical ways research sites sustain readiness, build resilience, and spark innovation amid frequent protocol amendments and technology overload. Together, they explore what’s changing on the ground and how sites are responding with stronger feasibi...

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Sandy Smith, Sylvia Baedorf Kassis, and Dr. Donna Snyder discuss the critical role of health literacy in clinical research. They explore how clear communication can enhance patient understanding and engagement, the importance of a common language in research, and the introduction of the MRCT Center’s Clinical Research Glossary as a tool to facilitate better communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistent terminology and the integration o...

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, Silvio Galea, chief data and analytics officer, and Bryan Wayne, vice president of imaging operations, both of WCG, explore the critical role of imaging in clinical trials. Together, they break down industry acronyms, unpack the process of independent image review, and discuss how WCG is contributing to the validation and implementation of AI-driven radiology solutions. Listen in as they share behind-the-scenes insights into core lab operations, the signif...

Dive into the world of generative AI with Silvio Galea, chief data analytics officer, WCG, and Kyle Miller, lead data scientist, WCG. In this compelling episode of WCG Talks Trials, we explore how Generative AI can improve clinical research workflows from meticulous data entry to efficient data validation. Uncover the technology behind AI’s ability to assist in document updates, highlight transcription biases, and digitize complex data for predictive analytics. Understand the importance of hu...

Join us for "Breaking Down Site Complexities and Start-Up Barriers in Clinical Trials" as we uncover the complexities of site management and the barriers to effective study start-ups. Discover the top issues impacting research sites and strategies to overcome them, including trial complexity, start-up hurdles, and long initiation timelines. Learn how effective communication, teamwork, and clear processes can drive success, and the importance of human connections and inclusivity in clin...

In this episode of "WCG Talks Trials," host Geoffrey Schick, director of strategic site partnerships, WCG, is joined by fellow MAGI@home 2024 speakers Sandy Smith, Jess Thompson, and Wesley Warren. They share their unique perspectives and key takeaways from this year's virtual conference, including discussions on contract negotiations, the evolving role of advanced practice practitioners, and the collaborative panels featuring both site and sponsor/CRO insights. The episode also recaps the im...

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, host Kelly FitzGerald sits down with Dr. Currien MacDonald, Medical Chair Director at WCG, and Sara Reed, a participant in two psychedelic clinical trials, to explore the evolving landscape of psychedelics research. Dr. MacDonald shares his expertise on the growing acceptance of psychedelics in clinical settings, recent FDA updates, and the inner workings of ongoing trials. Later, Sara provides a firsthand account of her experiences as a trial participant,...

Join Desiree Underwood-Williams, director of project management organization at WCG and guest Steve Smith, CEO of SteveSmithPlans LLC and facilitator of the WCG Patient Forum, as they recap the latest Patient Forum Focus Session on breakthrough science and community engagement. Discussion highlights include: The impact of medical diagnoses on families with Sickle cell disease and melanoma.New research in cell and gene therapy that’s directly impacting Sickle cell disease and melanoma pa...

This episode of WCG Talks Trials addresses site feasibility challenges impacting the clinical trials industry. Join Michelle Yu, associate director of clinical strategy at WCG, and our guest Trevor Cole, director of client delivery, site and strategic operations for WCG, as we discuss approaches to adopt innovative feasibility and site start-up solutions. Here are links to documents referenced in this episode: Recommendations to Streamline and Standardize Clinical Trial Site Feasibility As...

In this episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by WCG clinical science experts as they discuss traditional measurement challenges for PTSD trials and how the use of an electronic CAPS-5 scale is improving administration and scoring errors. Tune in as we discuss the CAPS-5 scale, the opportunities and benefits of using an electronic version to help standardize scale administration and scoring across clinical research, and the promising results to date.

In the most recent episode of WCG Talks Trials, we are joined by three industry experts, Amy Thue and Shelby Ward from WCG, and Russell Lampman from Merck to discuss the topic of optimizing vendor support, and ultimately the success, of clinical trials. Listen in as we dive into feedback and perspectives from both the sponsor and vendor side of the table—for valuable take-aways and insights into how vendor support is best aligned across all stakeholders.

In Part 1 of this discussion, Currien MacDonald, MD, CIP Medical Chair Director for WCG's IRB, discusses a policy change that is going into effect for WCG IRB with Lindsay Abrahams, Regulatory Chair Director. Lindsay and Currien discuss the concise summary and its application to consent forms, especially for WCG.