In May, mdgroup was pleased to attend and sponsor ACRP 2025 in New Orleans, USA. This annual conference brings together clinical research professionals from across the globe to share expertise, explore innovations and discuss emerging trends in the industry.
The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is a global organisation dedicated to supporting those involved in clinical research through education, professional certification and community building. ACRP plays a vital role in maintaining high standards within the clinical trial sector by providing training and resources that help research professionals develop their skills, stay current with regulatory requirements, and foster best practices. Through its events, certification programmes and local chapters, ACRP empowers its members to improve the quality, efficiency and ethics of clinical research worldwide.
As a proud sponsor of ACRP 2025, mdgroup was honoured to support this important work and contribute to the shared goal of advancing clinical research for the benefit of patients everywhere.
Building connections and fostering collaboration at mdgroup ACRP meetup
The mdgroup team had an excellent experience at ACRP 2025, engaging with peers and industry leaders in New Orleans. The conference provided a valuable platform to build new relationships, exchange ideas and explore both the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of clinical research.
In addition to attending sessions and exhibiting, we partnered with the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of ACRP to host a relaxed and welcoming meetup designed to encourage connection and collaboration among clinical staff and research professionals. Attendees enjoyed complimentary refreshments and the chance to participate in thoughtful conversations around the evolving research landscape, best practices and shared challenges.
This informal event fostered meaningful dialogue and helped strengthen the sense of community that is so vital to advancing our industry. It was a powerful reminder of how much value lies in creating inclusive spaces where professionals can connect, share knowledge and support one another.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us – whether at our booth or our meetup event – and to ACRP for organising a truly memorable conference that combined professional insight with the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. Events like this continue to highlight the importance of collaboration and we look forward to building on these conversations in the months ahead.
Session spotlight: Addressing health inequities in clinical research
One of the most impactful sessions our mdgroup team attended at ACRP 2025 was “Addressing Health Inequities in Clinical Research”, led by Rochelle Williams-Belizaire, Director of Clinical Research Collaborations at Mirati Therapeutics.
With over two decades of experience in biomedical research, particularly within academic-affiliated, NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centres, Rochelle brings a wealth of knowledge to the field. Her expertise as a board-certified public health subject matter expert is deeply informed by her personal experiences as an immigrant, woman, minority, and caregiver to a child with a haematological condition. This unique perspective fuels her commitment to addressing institutional racism and promoting health equity in clinical research.
The session delved into the persistent disparities in clinical trial access and outcomes, particularly in oncology. Despite advancements in precision medicine, significant gaps remain in who benefits from these treatments. A striking statistic highlighted was that 80% of genomic research is based on individuals of European descent, underscoring the lack of diversity in clinical trials and the consequent limitations in treatment applicability for underrepresented populations.
Rochelle emphasised that addressing social determinants of health, while crucial, does not automatically lead to health equity. Achieving true equity requires confronting the underlying patterns of conscious and unconscious bias that result in poor outcomes for marginalised groups.
A central theme of the session was the implementation of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). This approach fosters equitable partnerships between researchers and communities, ensuring that research is co-designed, culturally relevant, and action-oriented. CBPR is not just about listening to communities but actively involving them in the research process, integrating their local knowledge, and developing sustainable solutions.
Key strategies discussed included:
Creating inclusive environments: Recognising that individuals may have different comfort levels, it’s essential to offer varied opportunities for participation- Utilising mixed-methods research: Combining qualitative and quantitative data provides a more comprehensive understanding of community needs
- Transparent data sharing: Ensuring that findings are communicated back to the communities in accessible and meaningful ways
- Addressing root causes: Focusing on systemic issues rather than surface-level fixes to drive long-term impact
The session concluded with a powerful message: “When you come together, you can go further.” For mdgroup, this session was a reaffirmation of the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in clinical research. It reinforced our belief that by working in partnership with patients, carers, sponsors and sites, we can play a meaningful role in driving equitable outcomes and building a more inclusive research community.
Looking ahead – where to meet the mdgroup team next?
At mdgroup, we are passionate about delivering remarkable, patient-centred experiences that keep patients engaged, informed and supported throughout every stage of their clinical trial journey. With decades of experience across global clinical research, our work is guided by one simple belief: happy patients result in efficient clinical trials.
We’re a unique all-in-one partner, offering a suite of services designed to reduce the burden of participation on patients and caregivers, improve retention and ultimately enhance trial outcomes. Our approach combines personalisation with practical support – from safe, reliable concierge services and accommodation management to mobilehealth visits and flexible in-home trial procedures. Whatever your trial needs, we’re here to make it happen.
With dedicated expertise, we support sponsors and sites in delivering flexible, patient-first trials around the world – always grounded in empathy, efficiency, and precision.
Recently, we launched Why We Care series – a collection of personal stories from our team that reveal what drives their passion for patient-centric solutions and improving trial experiences. For our Director of Business Development, Eliana Rivera Burke, clinical research had been close to her heart from a professional perspective, but a few years ago, it became more than that. An unexpected health battle led her to her own clinical trial journey – this time, as a patient. Read Eliana’s story of Hope and Healing here.
Conferences like ACRP 2025 are a key part of how we stay connected to our peers, partners, and the wider clinical research community. They offer the opportunity to exchange ideas, share what we’ve learned, and collaborate on the pressing issues facing our industry.
We’re looking forward to attending and exhibiting at a number of upcoming events, where we’ll continue to engage with industry leaders and share insights on building more patient-focused clinical trials. To find out where we’ll be next, visit our Conference & Event Calendar.
If you weren’t able to connect with us at ACRP 2025 – or if you’d like to continue the conversation – we’d love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
