At mdgroup, clinical research is more than a profession — it’s personal. Why We Care is a series of real-life stories from our team, sharing how clinical trials have touched their own lives, families, and communities. These experiences drive our passion for delivering remarkable patient-centric solutions and reinforce why we’re dedicated to making clinical trials more accessible, compassionate, and human.
Every story is a reminder that behind every data point is a person, and behind every treatment breakthrough is hope.
For Rebecca Pararajasingam, Executive Vice President of Patient Services at mdgroup, Clinical Trials Day isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s a powerful reminder of why her work matters. With decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and clinical research industry, Rebecca has always championed the importance of clinical trials. But when her husband was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), the mission became personal. This is Rebecca’s story of navigating clinical trials as a caregiver, the life-changing impact of decentralised solutions, and why every trial represents more than just data — it’s a lifeline of hope.
May 20th marks Clinical Trials Day, a moment to reflect on the critical role clinical research plays in bringing hope, innovation, and progress to patients worldwide.
Having spent my entire career in the pharmaceutical and clinical trials space, I’ve always known the importance of research in delivering life-changing treatments. But that understanding became deeply personal when my husband, Anton, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) — a rapidly progressing condition with no cure.
Suddenly, the need for faster, more accessible clinical trials wasn’t just professional — it was our lifeline.
Accessing trials for MND in the UK was incredibly difficult. That’s why we were grateful to enroll into the UK’s first multi-arm trial, a beacon of hope for patients like Anton. One of the core reasons I’m such a passionate advocate for decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) and mobile health services is because I’ve seen firsthand how vital they are and having DCT elements incorporated into the trial and DTP IMP delivery was invaluable in our retention. As Anton’s caregiver, I know how much stress is lifted when mobility issues don’t prevent participation. Home health support not only helps us navigate the terrain of MND, but it also supports mental health and well-being. Without decentralised elements, Anton’s participation would have been impossible. Trials designed around patient needs, through mobile health visits and direct-to-patient delivery, aren’t a luxury; they are essential for those battling progressive conditions like MND.
Although the interim results weren’t what we had hoped for — and the trial arm Anton was on was ended early due to no significant improvement in the rate of change compared to placebo — we would join again in a heartbeat because every trial is a step forward. Every data point matters. And for families like ours, clinical trials are more than science — they are hope.
Across rare and progressive diseases, trial participation is still inaccessible for too many. We must continue to evolve how trials are designed, ensuring no patient is excluded because of where they live or how mobile they are.
It’s experiences like ours that fuel my passion at mdgroup — ensuring clinical research meets patients where they are, giving every family a fighting chance.
To all the researchers, trial coordinators, participants, and caregivers: thank you. Your work matters more than you know.
