This episode features a conversation between host Emma and Rebecca Vermeulen, a VP at Roche Genentech, who clarify that the PEPs community and ISPEP are complementary, non-competing organisations working to raise industry standards.

Moving from pharmacy into medical affairs, Rebecca built key capabilities at Roche—including MSL teams, publications, call centres, and a global patient partnership team. Both she and Emma emphasise choosing purpose-driven roles over linear CV-building.

Navigating large organisations requires resilience and adaptability. Supported by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), Rebecca rejects traditional masculine styles in favour of authentic, emotional leadership.

Finally, they highlight vulnerability and openness regarding neurodiversity as essential tools to build psychological safety, noting that leaders should give teams the space to fail, grow, and lean on industry peers during setbacks.

‘Novo Nordisk has not had any input into the development of the podcasts or the selection of speakers. Novo Nordisk is the sole sponsor of the activity’.

In this Pep Talks episode, Emma and Tiffany Patrick (Amicus Therapeutics) discuss the maturation of patient engagement. Tiffany highlights how Amicus embeds patient perspectives into executive decisions, reflecting a wider industry shift where patients are now treated as co-creation partners and expert evidence generators.

Key takeaways include:

• Strategic Value: The field is professionalising, with a focus on measuring impact and aligning with new FDA guidance on patient preferences.
• Career Advice: Tiffany encourages practitioners to seek non-profit experience and remain intentional about their therapeutic settings.
• Future Outlook: While AI presents new opportunities, it must be managed with empathy. The speakers conclude that patient engagement is nearing a "marathon finish," supported by new academic and certification standards.

‘Novo Nordisk has not had any input into the development of the podcasts or the selection of speakers. Novo Nordisk is the sole sponsor of the activity’.

Helen McNaught, a specialist trial nurse with a rich background in clinical research, shares her journey and insights in the latest edition of PEP Talks, a podcast by the International Society for Patient Engagement Professionals. Sponsored by Novo Nordisk, the episode delves into Helen's career, which began with a personal connection to clinical trials when her brother participated in a lifesaving trial for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Her professional path led her to specialise in haematology oncology at Cambridge University Hospital, where she worked on phase one to phase four clinical studies. Helen also contributed to Blood Cancer UK by starting a clinical trials navigation service, highlighting the need for better patient information and support.

The podcast discusses the challenges and triumphs of patient engagement in clinical trials, emphasising the importance of practical considerations in trial design and the evolving role of patient advisory councils. Helen recounts a poignant story of a patient named Sue, who faced logistical challenges during a clinical trial, underscoring the need for more patient-centric approaches. Helen expresses optimism about the industry's shift towards meaningful patient engagement, noting the increasing receptiveness of pharma companies to patient input and the strategic integration of patient voices in trial design. The episode concludes with a call to action for more diverse perspectives in patient engagement, including insights from regulators and trial managers.