Moving Medicine Forward

In this special episode, host Jeremy Schrand sits down with Jill Brinck, Executive Director of CancerFree KIDS, and Dr. Genevieve Kendall, a CancerFree KIDS grant recipient and pediatric cancer researcher at Baylor College of Medicine. 

Together, they explore the power of early-stage research funding, the challenges and breakthroughs in treating childhood cancers, and the inspiring mission behind CancerFree KIDS. Dr. Kendall shares ...

In this episode of Moving Medicine Forward, host Jeremy Schrand welcomes Dr. Rich Curry to discuss how CTI is helping redefine what’s possible in clinical research. From the complexities of cell and gene therapy to the human stories behind the science, Dr. Curry shares how CTI’s expertise in rare diseases and regenerative medicine is accelerating innovation and improving patient outcomes. Discover how CTI’s patient-first approach a...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward,” SavannahDoliboa, Chief Commercial Officer at CTI, shares her career journey and what led her to CTI, a company that combines the strengths of both large and mid-sized CROs. She reflects on the rewards of working with rare disease sponsors, CTI’s diverse client base, and its reputation for flexibility, expertise, and lasting partnerships. Savannah also highlights CTI’s global growth and ...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward,” Audrey Davidow shares how her son’s diagnosis led to her co-founding the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation. She explains the rare genetic disorder, the foundation’s focus on research and family support, and major breakthroughs such as a gene therapy trial. Audrey also reflects on advocacy, leadership challenges, and the hope driving their mission forward. 

Support the Pitt Hopkins Res...

Alaa Assem, Managing Director for CTI in the Europe & MEA regions, joins us to discuss the evolution of clinical trials in the Middle East and Africa. With over a decade of experience in pharma and CROs, Alaa shares how CTI has built a strong regional presence, the impact of COVID-19, and why sponsors should consider the region for future trials.

Topics Covered:

• CTI’s history and expansion in the Middle East & Africa
• Local...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward,” Tara Mink,expert in cell and gene therapy for more than 25 years, joins to discuss the science, promise, and challenges of CAR-T therapy. Tara explains how CAR-T works, its remarkable durability, and the side effects clinicians manage. She also discusses the future of gene therapy, barriers to access, and how the field is expanding into new disease areas.

01:05 Tara explains the CAR-T p...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward,” host Jeremy Strand sits down with Brian Lawrence, Chief Financial Officer at CTI, to explore how strategic financial planning is critical to advancing clinical trials, particularly in rare disease research. Brian shares insights on balancing profitability with purpose in one of the world’s most highly regulated industries, reflecting on early career decisions, global expansion, trial fu...

What makes a clinical trial site successful when managing complex transplant studies? In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward,” host Jeremy Schrand is joined by Shawna Bredek, a 20+ year veteran in clinical trial operations, to explore how feasibility assessments shape the future of life-saving research. Shawna shares how her team evaluates sites, navigates post-COVID challenges, tackles regulatory hurdles, and builds lasting r...

In this episode of Moving Medicine Forward, we sit down with Dr. Helios Tedesco, a globally recognized transplant nephrologist from São Paulo, Brazil, who leads one of the world’s largest kidney transplant programs. Joined by CTI experts Dr. Christopher Boshkos, Senior Medical Director, and Clinical Scientist, Erika Aldag, the conversation explores the challenges and innovations behind managing more than 15,000 transplant patients,...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward” – The Podcast, Jamie Meisenhelder, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at CTI, joins us to reflect on her unique journey from law to leadership and how she oversees CTI’s legal, QA, and administrative functions. She shares how her team supports clinical trials, tackles global regulatory challenges, maintains quality standards, and keeps patient trust as the focus. Plus, we explore the fut...

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Sara Russo and John Mock from Network for Hope, an independent nonprofit organ procurement organization. Together, they explore the life-changing work of organ and tissue donation — from the hospital bedside to the recipient's second chance at life. 

Learn how the organization evolved from a merger between LifeCenter and KODA, now serving 7 million people as one of the largest OPOs in the ...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward” – The Podcast, Monica Rodriguez, Managing Director of Global Laboratory, Pharmacometrics, and Site Services at CTI, and Andy Supp, Vice President of Global Laboratory Services at CTI, join the conversation to discuss the unique structure and capabilities of CTI’s global laboratories. They share insights into their respective backgrounds, the strategic importance of CTI’s labs in Cincinna...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward” – The Podcast, Pat Dearing, Chief Human Resources Officer at CTI, discusses his career journey and the unique challenges of HR in healthcare. He shares insights on recruiting top talent, "people-first leadership," and CTI's DEIB council. Pat also talks about the future of remote work, HR’s role in acquisitions, and emerging trends shaping the future of HR. 

0:23 – Introduction to the pod...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward” – The Podcast, Christine Eby, Director of Clinical Project Management & Therapeutic Strategy Lead at CTI, Anna Sowa, Chief Mission Officer at CurePDE, Curtis R. Coughlin II, PhD, MS, MBE, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Center for Bioethics and Humanities, and Kristy McCay, mom of a two-year-old living with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE), join together to discu...

In this episode of "Moving Medicine Forward" – The Podcast, Jill Black, Validation IT Principal Auditor at CTI, shares the deeply personal story of her daughter, Emma, and their journey navigating this rare disease. She offers valuable insights into the challenges and impact of Rett Syndrome, while discussing her work at CTI and how being part of an organization focused on rare diseases fuels her hope and purpose. Jill re...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward” – The Podcast, Mike Vieth, CTI Board Member and partner at E Gateway Capital, and Tim Schroeder, CTI CEO and Chairman, explore key topics in clinical trial funding. They discuss the role of venture capital in overcoming funding challenges, balancing high-risk investments, and supporting clinical research beyond financial backing. They also dive into how data analytics and AI are shaping ...

In this episode of #MovingMedicineForward – The Podcast, CTI experts Chad Jones & Eric Clayton discuss challenges in clinical research surrounding Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) & Multiple Myeloma (MM). They explore the complexities of designing & conducting clinical trials, the importance of site selection, & how CTI’s expertise enhances trial outcomes. Additionally, they touch on key advancements to watch at the 66t...

In this episode of “Moving Medicine Forward” – The Podcast, Lily McNally and Heidi Shenk from the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) share their personal connections to brain tumors and discuss the ABTA’s resources, research initiatives, and community partnerships. They also discuss ABTA’s “Meet Hope Head On” campaign to triple research funding and expand patient outreach. Tune in to learn how the ABTA is advancing brain tumor...

In this episode of "Moving Medicine Forward" - The Podcast, Greg Ruf, Founder & Executive Director of the DCM Foundation, and Bret Marshall, Senior Director of Business Development & Client Management at CTI, discuss the vital role of patient advocacy groups and the partnership between CTI and the DCM Foundation. Greg shares his journey in founding the DCM Foundation, and they explore key projects, achievements, and strateg...