Segal Trials

Rishi Kakar is a clinical research professional with over 15 years of experience as a principal investigator, specializing in clinical protocol development and execution. At Segal Trials, he plans and implements scientific strategy and leads the center for psychedelic and cannabis research.

In an interview with Pharma Tech Outlook, Kakar shared his insights on patient recruitment and retention strategies, ensuring scientific accuracy in clinical studies and the role of technology in clinical trials.

A Career Shaped by Scientific Rigor and Execution

My extensive experience in clinical research has shaped my perspective on the research process and the evolution of clinical trials. I understood that organizational vision must be anchored in execution, grounded in scientific rigor and real-world practicality. Having worked with trial design, data interpretation and operational execution, I have witnessed firsthand how well-intentioned innovations fall short. Innovations must align with regulatory requirements, patient needs and feasibility to deliver value. Purposeful solutions should be built to streamline processes, improve data reliability and accelerate decision-making without compromising scientific rigor.

Patient Recruitment and Retention Strategies

Successful recruitment and retention begin with operationalizing patient centricity from the outset. This includes simplifying protocol complexity, optimizing visit schedules and refining eligibility criteria to reduce barriers while preserving scientific intent.

Clear and transparent communication is equally critical, as patients are more likely to enroll and engage when they understand the study’s expectations and impact. This is supported by digital tools like patient portals, reminders and virtual check-ins, along with operational strategies like remote data collection and real-time monitoring.

During study initiation, our recruitment, operational and medical teams develop a tailored recruitment and retention plan based on the protocol and duration. This is supported with internal tools that optimize patient logistics, including transportation pathways and IRB-approved micro-reimbursements to reduce participation burden.

We leverage a proprietary data platform to monitor patient engagement and identify early signals of non-compliance or dropout risk. This enables proactive, tailored interventions, facilitating continuous recruitment and retention.

Ensuring Scientific Accuracy in Clinical Studies

Maintaining scientific accuracy and data integrity requires a combination of rigorous process, experienced oversight, disciplined execution and a strong data governance framework.

This includes clearly defined endpoints, standardized procedures, embedded quality control and quality assurance processes and proactive escalation pathways to manage risks upstream. Technology plays a key enabling role through real-time analytics, centralized monitoring and automated data checks that support early risk detection and timely intervention.

Equally important is fostering a culture of shared ownership and accountability across clinical, operational and technical teams to ensure reliable and trustworthy outcomes.

Role of Technology in Clinical Trials

Technology is transforming clinical trials from a linear model to an adaptive, data-driven ecosystem. It is reshaping how trials are designed, conducted and analyzed, driving greater efficiency, better outcomes and a more patient-centric approach.

Digital platforms are enabling decentralized and hybrid trial models, expanding patient access and reducing operational friction. This broadens participation and improves diversity by making trials more convenient for patients and investigators.

Advanced analytics enhance trial operations by supporting predictive enrollment planning, earlier signal detection and real-time optimization. This allows proactive decision-making rather than relying on retrospective analysis after study completion.

Advice for Aspiring Clinical Research Professionals

The clinical research industry is rapidly evolving, with technology driving greater integration and complexity. Aspiring professionals must build a strong foundation in clinical and regulatory principles while developing operational and technological fluency. This includes understanding regulatory frameworks and clinical processes. It also requires the ability to work with digital platforms, interpret complex datasets and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams in a highly vendor-integrated environment.

At the same time, soft skills remain essential. Strong critical thinking, clear communication and sound ethical judgment are indispensable. Professionals must be able to interpret findings, communicate insights effectively and maintain a consistent patient-centric perspective.