iHealthClinical Site Network is a group of collaborating clinical research sites comprised of diverse, forward-thinking investigators/physicians and health care professionals.  Each site is dedicated to diversity, patient education, engagement, and quality in clinical trials.   

LaShoun Sanders is the founder of iHealthClinical Site Network.  Ms. Sanders is an experienced Sr. Clinical Research Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. She is skilled in Project Management, Clinical Operations, Vendor Management, Clinical Research Education and much more.  She is a strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Science focused in Healthcare Management.   

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Sanders about iHealthClinical Site Network

St. Petersburg, FL has been known for beautiful beaches and lots of sunshine.  When it comes to businesses, Sunshine City is known for even more.  It is home to the headquarters for iHealthClinical Site Network.   

Tell me about the investigators at iHealthClinical 

We have a diverse provider population with over 30+ years of combined experience in healthcare and more than 15+ years in clinical research, spanning specialties such as Women’s Health, Internal Medicine, General Medicine, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Podiatry, and Pain Management. Our team reflects the diversity of both our staff and patient population, embodying a community-focused approach. We are committed to continuously educating and engaging the community about clinical trials and advancing treatments for tomorrow’s medicine. 

Tell me about the site staff  

Our site staff network is composed of men and women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including African American, Haitian Creole, Latin American, and Indian American, who serve in key roles as Investigators, Sub-Investigators, and Clinical Research Coordinators. Our team includes Medical Doctors, Physician Assistants, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Assistants, and Foreign Medical Doctors. Together, they work across multiple specialties with a shared passion for integrating research as a care option through our Physician Private Practice Research Embed model. 

What type of trials does the site conduct? 

Well to name a few we have conducted, and in some cases are conducting trials in the following therapeutic areas- 

• Dermatology-Atopic Dermatitis 

• Respiratory- Asthma/COPD 

• Women’s Health- Contraception; Endometriosis; Vaginal Atrophy (dryness); Female Sexual Arousal Disorder; Female Stress Urinary Incontinence; Heavy Menstrual Bleeding; Hot Flashes 

• Nutrition- Baby Formula 

• Neurology- Chronic Migraine 

• Infectious Disease- Chronic Hepatitis; Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV; Covid-19; Vaccine (Adult/Adolescent/Pediatric) 
• Gastroenterology- Crohn’s/Ulcerative Colitis 
• Endocrinology- Type 1/Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

How do the sites go about recruiting for clinical trials? 

Our sites within the iHealthClinical Site Network, operating under the Physician Private Practice Research Embed model, utilize the clinic patient’s electronic medical records (EMR) and our research software/Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) database for over 85% of recruitment efforts. The remaining 15% comes from referring providers, advertisements, social media, and community outreach. This integrated approach enhances retention and compliance, particularly with study protocols and ePROs (electronic patient-reported outcomes). 

How do you encourage patient retention?

An integrated approach enhances retention and compliance, particularly with study protocols and ePROs (electronic patient-reported outcomes). Other strategies include personalized patient engagement, frequent communication via phone and digital platforms, flexible scheduling, and transportation assistance. We also focus on building trust through community outreach and education, ensuring patients know that they are supported and informed throughout their participation in any and all clinical trials we conduct.

Tell me about any types of community engagement (health fairs/screenings, education, etc) 

We actively engage with the community through health fairs, screenings, educational events, and partnerships with associations that align with our clinical trials. These collaborations help us reach specific patient populations, such as those with diabetes, infectious diseases, and women’s health concerns, ensuring better access to the individuals most suited for our studies. By fostering strong community ties, we enhance patient awareness and participation, contributing to more successful trial outcomes 

What are your future goals? 

1. Expand Geographic Reach: increase the number of embedded research sites across new regions to diversify patient populations and broaden clinical trial access. Enhancing the network’s ability to serve diverse communities while growing the range of therapeutic areas. 

2. Increase Trial Diversity: Increase Trial Diversity: Partner with sponsors focused on diverse therapeutic areas, including underrepresented diseases or populations (e.g., rare diseases, underserved ethnic groups). Strengthen the network’s reputation as a leader in inclusive research and attract more diverse study opportunities. 

3. Leverage Technology and Data Integration: Further integrate electronic medical records (EMR) and clinical trial management systems (CTMS) with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools. Streamline recruitment, enhance data quality, and improve study efficiency, enabling faster and more accurate patient matching. 

4. Increase Patient-Centricity: Implement patient-centric solutions such as decentralized trials, at-home visits, and digital health tools (telemedicine, ePROs). Boost patient retention and satisfaction by offering flexible trial participation options and reducing barriers to enrollment. 

5. Strengthen Community Engagement: Deepen community engagement through partnerships with local health organizations, participation in health fairs, and educational events. Build trust within communities, increase patient awareness of clinical trials, and improve recruitment efforts, particularly for hard-to-reach populations. 

6. 6. Establish Strategic Partnerships: Form strategic alliances with major healthcare institutions, specialty associations, and pharmaceutical companies to secure more diverse trials. Position iHealthClinical as a preferred partner for cutting-edge clinical research and expand its portfolio of trial offerings. 

7. Foster Innovation in Patient Recruitment and Retention: Innovate recruitment and retention strategies using personalized digital marketing, patient education programs, and enhanced trial communication platforms/ Ensure sustainable recruitment pipelines and high retention rates, contributing to the overall success of clinical studies within our Site Network. 

8. Commit to Sustainable Growth: Focus on sustainable growth by continuously refining operational efficiencies, training staff, and adopting new research technologies. Build a robust, scalable site network capable of supporting more complex and larger-scale clinical trials. 

Ms. Sanders summed up our interview by stating “As a Sr. CRA/CTL turned Founder of iHealthClinical Site Network Organization, the journey from where it started continues to unfold. The inspiration to share this voyage and the valuable lessons learned along the way are immeasurable.  
 
The iHealthClinical initiatives and collaborations are pivotal in fostering diversity and inclusion within clinical trials and communities. It’s evident that building a thriving and enduring clinical research site demands not only sweat equity but also impactful partnerships with our partnered clinical research sites.  
Together, we are shaping the landscape of clinical trials and empowering clinical researchers to make a difference. The dedication to creating a more inclusive and innovative future in healthcare is what drives us forward each day.” 

It’s evident that dedication, sweat equity and partnerships are working for Ms. Sanders, iHealthClinical and communities around the country.  What began as a single research site has blossomed into a network of 12 sites.  Sites are currently located in Florida, Georgia, Texas,  Louisianna, Pennsylvania, California, Arkansas and Tennessee.  Though each site works independently, they all operate under the tutelage and guidance of LaShoun Sanders.  By working with physicians who are already known within minority and underserved communities, and embedding research sites within those practices, iHealthClinical is cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion in clinical Research. 

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Myra Fonville

Myra Fonville is the Executive Editor of Interim Visits magazine.  Myra is a former pharmacist who has worked in the clinical research industry for the past 28 years.  She brings a wealth of knowledge about pharmacy, pharmaceuticals and clinical research.  Myra is very passionate about diversity and health equity which is one of the primary reasons Interim Visits is educating the public about the importance of clinical trials.