In this episode of the Syneos Health Podcast: Site Realities series, Tammy D’Lugin-Monroe, Head of Sites and Patient Solutions at Syneos Health, sits down with Mimi Fenton, MPH, PhD, CEO of Cedar Health Research, to explore what it truly means to operate on the front lines of clinical research. Drawing on her experience across pharma, CRO and site leadership, Mimi offers a candid view into the operational, financial and human realities that shape today’s clinical trial landscape.

The conversation highlights the growing disconnect between protocol design and real-world execution—and how sponsors and CROs can close that gap by engaging sites earlier, simplifying technology integration and prioritizing patient-centered approaches. Mimi also underscores the critical role of trust, emphasizing that sites serve as the face of the sponsor within communities and are essential to improving access, diversity and retention in clinical trials.

From the burden of fragmented technology to the importance of long-term partnerships over transactional relationships, this episode offers practical insights on how the industry can better collaborate to accelerate trial delivery and improve outcomes for patients.

The views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers and do not represent those of their organization.

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