Episode Summary

In this episode of "Science with a Twist," host Terri Somers speaks with Dr. Rose Blackburne, MBA, Vice President, Medical Science and Strategy, and Global Head of General Medicine and Women’s Health at the PPD clinical research business at Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Dr. Blackburne, a thought leader in women’s health and clinical trials, emphasizes the critical need for diversity in clinical trials to achieve health equity, highlighting how different populations experience varying symptoms and responses to treatments. She explains that women’s health goes beyond reproductive issues, providing examples of diseases that impact far more women than men. She also explains why, historically, women were excluded from clinical trials and recent measures that are helping to ensure equitable representation.

Dr. Blackburne shares insights into:

• The challenges of recruiting women and minority groups for clinical trials, noting the logistical and societal barriers they face.
• Innovative solutions, such as telemedicine and flexible scheduling, to make trial participation more accessible.
• Recent advances in clinical research, including a groundbreaking preeclampsia test and contributions to COVID-19 vaccine trials, highlighting Thermo Fisher's pivotal role in these developments.

The conversation concludes with a discussion of recent government initiatives to advance women’s health research and the importance of public and private partnerships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of inclusive healthcare and scientific innovation.