Championing Diversity in Clinical Trials Insights from Our Director's Journey on MedEvidence Podcast

Check out the podcast here: https://medevidence.com/javonte-maynor-is-making-sure-you-are-represented-in-medicine

Clinical trials shape the future of medicine, yet many communities remain underrepresented in these crucial studies. This gap affects not only the accuracy of trial results but also the safety and trust patients place in new treatments. Our Director of Clinical Operations recently shared his unique journey and insights on the MedEvidence Podcast, highlighting why diversity in clinical trials is essential and how Renew Health Clinical Research LLC is addressing this challenge head-on.

Bringing clinical trials to the community with local engagement

From Basketball Courts to Clinical Research

The path to clinical research is often unexpected. Our Director began as a Division 1 basketball player with a background in biochemistry. His transition from sports to science led him through roles as a clinical research coordinator, clinical research associate, and clinical trial manager. Eventually, he became a full-time site owner at Renew Health Clinical Research.

This journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding both the science and the human side of clinical trials. Early personal experiences with family health losses and witnessing health disparities motivated him to move beyond surface-level awareness. Instead, he focuses on addressing root causes through evidence and community involvement.

The Problem with Representation in Trials

One striking issue discussed on the podcast is the low participation of Black individuals in FDA-approved clinical trials. While Black people make up about 13% of the U.S. population, their participation in some trials hovers around 3%. This discrepancy is not just a number; it represents a design flaw that impacts the safety and effectiveness of treatments for underrepresented groups.

When trials lack diversity, the results may not fully reflect how different populations respond to therapies. This gap can lead to less effective care and erode trust between communities and the healthcare system.

Building Trust Through Community Roots

Trust is the foundation of successful clinical trials. Renew Health Clinical Research addresses this by hiring staff who are deeply connected to the communities they serve. Medical assistants, coordinators, and phlebotomists often come from the same neighborhoods, churches, and local events where potential participants live.

This approach helps bring clinical trials closer to home, making them more accessible and relatable. It also fosters honest communication and builds relationships that encourage participation beyond financial incentives.

Patients as Partners in Research

At Renew Health, patients are seen as co-investigators rather than just participants. This mindset shifts the focus from compensation to collaboration. Even when trials include placebo arms, the safety and well-being of patients remain a priority through rescue medications and ongoing monitoring.

Patient feedback is valued and used to shape which treatments get approved and who benefits from them. This partnership ensures that research stays grounded in real-world needs and experiences.

Clinical research coordinator building patient trust during community outreach

Involving Patient Advocacy Early

Another key insight from the podcast is the importance of involving patient advocacy groups early in drug development. When communities hear from trusted voices before a drug reaches the market, it builds understanding and confidence.

This early engagement helps ensure that trials are designed with patient needs in mind and that information flows transparently. It also counters the perception that pharmaceutical companies operate in isolation.

Collaboration Over Isolation

Renew Health Clinical Research partners with organizations like the Penn Foundation, Acclinate, and BlackDoctors.org to expand education and enrollment efforts. These partnerships focus on reaching patients where they receive care, making trial participation more convenient and culturally sensitive.

By working together, these groups can scale impact and address barriers that individual sites might struggle to overcome alone.

Looking Ahead: Natural Products and Cannabis Research

The podcast also touched on the future of therapeutics, including natural products and cannabis. Renew Health is involved with Vertanical, a company working to create regulated supply chains for cannabis products that meet evidence-based standards.

This work recognizes that many communities already use these products and deserve access to safe, tested options. Bringing regulation and research to natural therapies can improve patient outcomes and expand treatment choices.

Moving Forward Together

The conversation on the MedEvidence Podcast highlights how diversity in clinical trials is not optional but essential for advancing healthcare equity. Renew Health Clinical Research LLC is committed to closing the gap by building trust, partnering with communities, and involving patients as true collaborators.

If you are a clinician, sponsor, CRO, or community leader interested in improving diversity and patient experience in clinical trials, consider connecting with us. Together, we can create research that reflects and serves all communities.