Decentralized: The Decentralized Trials & Research Podcast

2026-07-24 In this episode of TGIF-DTRA, hosts Jane Myles, Craig Lipset, and Dr. Amir Kalali are joined by Donna Parker and Christoph Hornick from Duke University's iCubed to explore Project Loom, an initiative testing how agentic AI can support clinical trial operations.
The conversation covers where AI excelled, drafting protocols, informed consent forms, IRB submissions, and case report forms, and where it struggled, including participant pre-screening. The guests discuss what these findings mean for the future of clinical research, the critical role of human oversight, and how AI could help make trial design and execution more accessible.
The episode also explores cybersecurity, workforce implications, and the growing need for standards to evaluate AI quality and interoperability across clinical research.
You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.

2026-06-12 Hosts Jane Myles and Jean Sposaro were joined by Rachel McGovern (Boehringer Ingelheim) who shared how a simple but powerful “mock trial walkthrough” helped uncover protocol and operational challenges before a clinical trial ever enrolled a patient. By simulating key study visits from both patient and site perspectives, Rachel and her team identified opportunities to reduce burden, improve workflows, and strengthen protocol feasibility.
The conversation explores lessons learned from the simulation, the value of incorporating site and patient insights earlier in protocol development, and how operational testing can improve recruitment, study execution, and overall trial success. Rachel also discusses the challenges and opportunities of scaling this approach across organizations and therapeutic areas, making a compelling case for protocol simulations as a best practice in clinical research.
You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.

2026-05-29 DTRA is entering a new chapter. In this special episode, Craig Lipset, Amir Kalali, and Jane Myles discuss the evolution of DTRA from the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance to the Digital Trials & Research Alliance. Hear why the change reflects the needs of DTRA's membership, how decentralized research remains a cornerstone of the organization's mission, and what's ahead as DTRA expands its work across AI, digital health technologies, real-world data, and other digital innovations shaping the future of clinical research.
You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.

2026-04-10 Hosts Amir Kalali, Craig Lipset, and Jane Myles were joined by Paul Ivsin (First Patient In) for a discussion about the realities of clinical trial patient recruitment.
The conversation explored the disconnect between centralized recruitment success and site-level performance, challenged common industry myths, and highlighted the gap between enrollment projections and real-world results. Paul also shared perspectives on study branding, the limits of recruitment technology and registries, and the role of trust in patient participation.
We also discussed strategies for engaging underrepresented physicians and improving access to clinical research.
You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.

2026-03-20 Hosts Dr. Amir Kalali, Jane Myles, and Jean Stimola-Sposaro were joined by Patrick Lee and Dr. Suna Avcil from Amgen’s Digital Medicine team. They shared how they are bridging innovation and real-world practice across their organization.
They discuss launching decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), including a hands-on workshop with 50+ medical colleagues, and their approach to change management, starting with open-minded teams, securing leadership support, and using real-world examples to drive adoption. The conversation highlights the importance of starting small, maintaining momentum, and enabling success through clear communication, accessible resources, and collaboration with partners like DTRA.
You can join TGIF-DTRA Sessions live on LinkedIn Live on Friday's at 12:00 PM ET by checking out our LinkedIn. Follow the Decentralized Trials & Research Alliance (DTRA) on LinkedIn and X. Learn more about Membership options and our work at www.dtra.org.