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Unifying Research

Unifying Research

By: Justin Osborne
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About this listen

A podcast about bridging the gap between the business side and patient side of the research industry.

Each episode will feature two conversations - one with a research professional sharing their expertise, and the other with a patient or patient advocate diving into the patient's experience in research.

Our hope is that these conversations will spark further discussion and be an encouraging voice as we work to better connect patients with research.

© 2025 Unifying Research Economics Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Unifying Research - Workforce Crisis and Patient Advocacy

    Unifying Research - Workforce Crisis and Patient Advocacy
    Aug 18 2025

    In the second episode of Unifying Research, I sit down with a research expert to discuss our current workforce crisis in clinical research. It's a complex and very timely problem that deserves our attention. Then, I had the privilege of speaking with a research patient advocate, who explains what patient advocacy is and why it's so important.

    My research expert guest is R'Kes Starling, an executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the field. Not only does R'Kes shine a light on the current state of the clinical research workforce crisis, he also shares his opinions, wisdom and advice for those looking to break into our industry and those looking for a change.

    The patient-side guest for this episode is Ella Balasa. Ella was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 18 months old. She has used her personal healthcare experiences to drive change in patient empowerment, research, and healthcare strategies. Ella is inspiring and it was exciting to hear the important work she's helping to drive forward.

    Additional resources:

    • Connect with R'Kes Starling - (1) R'Kes Starling, RPh, MBA | LinkedIn
    • Learn more about the work Ella Balasa is doing - Ella Balasa | Patient Advocate and Consultant
    • Connect with Univo to learn more about our mission and services

    • Learn more about Univo's partners working together to bring the patient's voice to research:
      • Clinical Trials For All
      • Savvy Cooperative
      • Inspire
      • Children's Flight of Hope
      • AAHRPP
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Unifying Research - Evidence Generation and Patient Mike

    Unifying Research - Evidence Generation and Patient Mike
    Jul 22 2025

    In the first episode of Unifying Research, we discuss how evidence generation in research is evolving and what that means for the future of healthcare. Then, I have the privilege of speaking with a research participant to hear first-hand experience of someone who has been in a study for 15 years.


    My research expert guest is Brad Hirsch, the founder of Highlander Health and a driving force in the movement to reimagine evidence generation in research.


    The second conversation is with Mike Farrow, an incredibly brave and encouraging man, who shares his experience, opinions and wisdom with a vulnerability that will leave you feeling hopeful for the future.


    Additional resources:

    • Learn more about Dr. Brad Hirsch - Brad Hirsch, MD | Highlander Health
    • Connect with Univo to learn more about our mission and services
    • Learn more about Univo's partners working together to bring the patient's voice to research:
      • Clinical Trials For All
      • Savvy Cooperative
      • Inspire
      • AAHRPP
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 10 mins
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